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I now own all three of these platforms. Here is how they stack up:
Everlast Adjustable
The everlast adjustable is a good beginner's platform for a decent price (can usually be had for around $100 or less). It's adjustability is a plus. But it's design provides too much flex for long term satisfaction, in my opinion. I expect the Balasz i-box would be a tremendous upgrade, albeit for twice as much money.
Ringside Heavy Duty platform
The Ringside Heavy Duty platform is non-adjustable, and is a again a very decent platform for the price. I got it on sale for $160. Everlast makes an identical platform for about the same price (in fact, this one may just be a re-branded everlast). At any rate, it exhibits less flex than the Everlast Adjustable, but still more than you would expect from a non-adjustable platform. The metal V-brace is not near as thick as it should be. The platform is a nice thick and heavy 30" diameter MDF board, which provides a good rebound. But there are no pre-drilled swivel holes, so you must be very careful to mount your swivel properly.
If you don't need adjustability and you want a solid platform at a reasonable price, this one is a good value for the money. At the same time, I expect the Balasz i-box is probably still a better value for the money.
Balazs Non-Adjustable
The Balazs Non-Adjustable Speed Bag Platform (with the 30" drum) is a true professional grade platform. The metal on the V-brace is over twice as thick (no exaggeration) as that on the Ringside "Heavy Duty" mentioned above. The V-brace alone probably weighs thirty or forty pounds. The hardwood platform is a thing of beauty. It is heavy and solid. Almost no perceivable flex in this platform. It costs twice as much as the other two platforms combined . . . and is worth every penny. If you are serious about your baggin', and you don't need an adjustable, then you owe it to yourself to invest in this platform. You will not be disappointed. This platform comes with an Everlast chain link swivel already attached, but it is easy enough to change out for the Swivel of your choice. I use a Powermill evil swivel on mine.
One last note regarding swivels. The Powermill (from Jumpcannon) is the best swivel available for serious baggers, in my humble opinion. But if you prefer a u-bolt style swivel, I can heartily recommend the Ringside Super Swivel. It is the best-constructed U-bolt swivel I have found. There is absolutely no play in the main connectors, making for a very smooth and incredibly fast swivel. Like most u-bolts, it is pretty useless for side punching, but it provides some of the fastest front/back punching available and a very smooth action. One warning though: the holes don't match up with the everlast swivel holes, so you will need to make new holes if you are switching from an everlast.
Everlast Adjustable
The everlast adjustable is a good beginner's platform for a decent price (can usually be had for around $100 or less). It's adjustability is a plus. But it's design provides too much flex for long term satisfaction, in my opinion. I expect the Balasz i-box would be a tremendous upgrade, albeit for twice as much money.
Ringside Heavy Duty platform
The Ringside Heavy Duty platform is non-adjustable, and is a again a very decent platform for the price. I got it on sale for $160. Everlast makes an identical platform for about the same price (in fact, this one may just be a re-branded everlast). At any rate, it exhibits less flex than the Everlast Adjustable, but still more than you would expect from a non-adjustable platform. The metal V-brace is not near as thick as it should be. The platform is a nice thick and heavy 30" diameter MDF board, which provides a good rebound. But there are no pre-drilled swivel holes, so you must be very careful to mount your swivel properly.
If you don't need adjustability and you want a solid platform at a reasonable price, this one is a good value for the money. At the same time, I expect the Balasz i-box is probably still a better value for the money.
Balazs Non-Adjustable
The Balazs Non-Adjustable Speed Bag Platform (with the 30" drum) is a true professional grade platform. The metal on the V-brace is over twice as thick (no exaggeration) as that on the Ringside "Heavy Duty" mentioned above. The V-brace alone probably weighs thirty or forty pounds. The hardwood platform is a thing of beauty. It is heavy and solid. Almost no perceivable flex in this platform. It costs twice as much as the other two platforms combined . . . and is worth every penny. If you are serious about your baggin', and you don't need an adjustable, then you owe it to yourself to invest in this platform. You will not be disappointed. This platform comes with an Everlast chain link swivel already attached, but it is easy enough to change out for the Swivel of your choice. I use a Powermill evil swivel on mine.
One last note regarding swivels. The Powermill (from Jumpcannon) is the best swivel available for serious baggers, in my humble opinion. But if you prefer a u-bolt style swivel, I can heartily recommend the Ringside Super Swivel. It is the best-constructed U-bolt swivel I have found. There is absolutely no play in the main connectors, making for a very smooth and incredibly fast swivel. Like most u-bolts, it is pretty useless for side punching, but it provides some of the fastest front/back punching available and a very smooth action. One warning though: the holes don't match up with the everlast swivel holes, so you will need to make new holes if you are switching from an everlast.
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