Boxing Gear FAQ

Answers to the most common questions from Australian boxers — covering gear selection, sizing, sparring requirements, and how to take care of your kit. If you can't find what you're looking for, call us on 0477 111 600 or visit us at Killa Boxing Marrickville.

Getting Started

What gear do I need to start boxing?

The three non-negotiables for your first session are: training gloves, hand wraps, and somewhere to put them (a gym bag). That's it. You don't need sparring gear, head guards, or body shields until you're ready to spar — which typically takes several weeks of skill development first.

Our Boxing Starter Kit has everything you need in one place: training gloves, 4.5m hand wraps, and the Killa Boxing 35L backpack.

How long before I'm ready to spar?

Most coaches recommend 6–12 weeks of pad work, bag work, and technique development before stepping into a sparring round. When you're ready to spar, you'll need sparring gloves (16oz minimum), a head guard, and wraps. See our complete sparring gear guide.

Is boxing good for fitness even if I don't want to fight?

Absolutely. The majority of people who train boxing never compete. Boxing training builds full-body cardiovascular fitness, coordination, core strength, and mental focus — without requiring anyone to take a punch. Pad work and bag rounds are some of the most effective conditioning sessions available.

Boxing Gloves

What size boxing gloves should I buy?

Glove weight depends on your body weight and training purpose:

• 10oz — Speed work and competition for fighters under 63kg
• 12oz — General bag and pad training for fighters 63–75kg
• 14oz — Heavy bag and moderate contact for fighters 75–85kg
• 16oz — Sparring standard for all weight classes; also recommended for beginners of any weight

If in doubt, go 12oz for training under 75kg and 14oz over. For sparring, always use 16oz minimum. Browse our full glove range.

What is the difference between training gloves and sparring gloves?

Training gloves are built for bag work, pad rounds, and general skill training — firm, responsive, and built to withstand repetitive impact. Sparring gloves are built for contact with another person — they have extra padding density to protect your partner, a heavier feel, and are usually 16oz minimum. Never spar in training gloves — the padding is not designed to protect your partner. Read our full training gloves vs sparring gloves guide.

How long do boxing gloves last?

A quality leather boxing glove should last 2–5 years of regular training with proper care. Synthetic gloves typically last 6–18 months before the material degrades. Signs it's time to replace: padding has flattened, wrist support is compromised, leather is cracking or peeling, or the glove is holding a smell that won't wash out.

How do I clean and deodorise my boxing gloves?

After each session: wipe the exterior with a damp cloth, open the cuffs, and let them air dry at room temperature — never in a bag, never near direct heat. Cedar wood inserts, tea tree spray, or crumpled newspaper left inside overnight absorbs moisture and reduces odour. Never machine wash leather boxing gloves.

Hand Wraps

Do I really need hand wraps if I have gloves?

Yes. Gloves protect the outside of your hand from impact. Wraps protect the inside — compressing and stabilising the bones, joints, and tendons of the hand and wrist under striking force. Without wraps, you increase the risk of wrist rolls, knuckle injury, and long-term joint damage. Wraps go on before every session, every time.

What length hand wraps should I use?

4.5m is the standard for most adults — enough for proper knuckle coverage, multiple wrist passes, and full thumb wrap. 4m suits smaller hands or those who prefer a quicker wrap. We use and recommend 4.5m as the standard. See our Killa Elite Pro 4.5m Hand Wraps.

How do I wash hand wraps?

Machine wash in cold water on a gentle cycle. Put them in a mesh laundry bag first to prevent tangling. Air dry — tumble drying breaks down the elasticity over time. Stock two pairs so one is always clean and ready to go.

How do I wrap my hands for boxing?

Start with the thumb loop, wrap around the wrist 3 times for support, cross the back of the hand, loop around each finger from pinky to index, wrap across the knuckles 3–4 times, then secure the velcro strap at the wrist. Read the full step-by-step in our hand wrapping guide.

Head Guards

Open face vs closed guard head guard — which should I buy?

Open face: Full forward vision, natural head movement, protects temples, cheeks, and crown. Best for intermediate to advanced fighters who want to develop defensive skills through full visibility. Closed guard: Face bar and chin protection plus all the coverage of an open face guard. Best for beginners, anyone returning from injury, and any session where maximum facial protection is the priority.

When in doubt, beginners should start with a closed guard for maximum protection while developing their defence.

What size head guard do I need?

Measure your head circumference with a soft tape at the widest point (just above the eyebrows). S/M: 53–57cm. L/XL: 57–62cm. When between sizes, size up for comfort during full rounds. See our full size guide.

Sparring Equipment

What do I need before my first sparring session?

The minimum required for safe sparring: 16oz sparring gloves, a head guard (open or closed face), hand wraps, and a mouthguard. Most gyms also require a groin guard for male fighters. Ask your coach before your first contact session. Read our complete sparring gear guide.

Why do sparring gloves need to be 16oz?

The heavier weight provides more padding surface area, spreading each punch across a larger, more cushioned surface. This protects your sparring partner's head and allows both fighters to work at higher intensities safely. 16oz is the global standard for amateur boxing clubs and professional gyms.

Coaching Equipment

What equipment does a boxing coach need?

A working boxing coach needs: focus pads (punch mitts) for combination work, a body shield for body shot drilling, and optionally a punch vest for hands-free precision work and movement coaching. Read our full boxing coach equipment guide.

What is the difference between a body shield and a punch vest?

A body shield is held by the coach — designed for heavy power combinations covering the full torso. A punch vest is worn by the coach, leaving both hands free — designed for precision body shot accuracy drills and movement coaching. See our Body Shield and Punch Vest.

Orders and Shipping

Do you offer free shipping?

Yes. Free standard shipping on all Australian orders over $150. Orders under $150 incur a flat-rate shipping fee. We ship Australia-wide including metro and regional areas. See our full delivery information.

Can I get a discount on my first order?

Yes — use code KILLA10 at checkout for 10% off your first order. Save more with bundle codes: KILLA2PACK (5% off 2+ items) and KILLA3PACK (10% off 3+ items). See all bundle deals on our Bundle & Save page.

What is your return policy?

30-day money-back guarantee. If you're not satisfied for any reason, contact us within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or exchange. See our full refund policy.

How do I contact Killa Boxing?

Phone: 0477 111 600 | Visit us in person: Killa Boxing, 80 Maude Ln, Marrickville NSW 2204. We're on-site most days and happy to help you find the right gear for your training.