do i need an air pressure gauge to inflate my bags

[bag junkie]

I've read that you can go by touch, but is it important to get a good gauge, and if so which one is good?

[Tim]

I've read that you can go by touch, but is it important to get a good gauge, and if so which one is good?

I've never used a gauge, touch is fine.

If you really, really want a gauge though, see the pocket pressure gauge on this page: http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/...triking%20bags

Somebody won this item at SPEED B.A.G. 2010, but I don't remember who. Maybe they can chime in and comment on how well it works.

[Speedbag]

No, Tim said it all. Use your fingers. Blow it up until all the creases are out of the leather and it "looks full". Hold it and press in with moderate force. it should have a bit of give and your fingers can move the leather in. When punching you should feel a bit of give when you make contact. If you don't it is too hard or perhaps overinflated.

[jumpcannon]

i am a newer bagger. i thought putting lots of air in it will make it super fast! NO! hurts the hell out of my hands and fast is not nearly as impressive as "control". so i let out air and control is my priority. I hit my bag little on the softer side actually.

[sparrky37]

Ditto

[MsDeville]

I agree with Tim and Alan. They know their "stuff."

It's more by "feel" than by "recommended air pressure." You'll know when you've over-inflated your bag. It will go all catty-wampus (is this a word?) if you're not dead-on with your punch. And, it will make your hands sore, for sure.

You don't mention what bag you're using. Not that it makes a difference in bag pressure. But, I have found that each bag has a different rebound quality to it. The one I started out on was an Everlast (red leather) Ta:M, I believe. In my opinion, it was a good one to start out on – good rebounding qualities. AND, it helped me build up the muscles/stamina needed to keep the bag going. I got a little over-anxious in the beginning and progressed (too soon) to a smaller bag. Due to my skill-level at the time, I got frustrated and went back to Big "Red."

If you're a true beginner, and starting out on the little Black and Yellow bag (by Everlast), you'll be in for some sore knuckles (not to mention frustration in keeping it going – this has been my observation, at least). I would suggest wrapping your hands* with something (non-woven material is highly recommended, as you will feel the weave of fabric and/or stitching when using gloves or that woven hand-wrap that is sold).

(*I like to take a mechanic's blue paper towel – they're tough – fold it in thirds, then taking it and wrapping it around just my knuckle area. Then follow it up with 1-2 layers of either light-weight masking tape, or duct tape. Flex your hand a bit while doing this, so that you can remove them afterwards without a struggle. I wouldn't over-wrap your hands... the less "stuff" there is between your hands and the bag, the better "feel" you'll have, which in turn speeds up your ability to control the bag when hitting it. Remember, it's not so much about speed in the beginning as it is in control. Hope this makes sense... )

Welcome to the Forum, bag junkie! I look forward to your first video post!

[TJ_MaTee]

Yeah, Since I started baggin', I used to overinflate my bags, you'll get much better rebound, and less wear and tear on your hands and knuckles, if they're not overinflated.
As Alan mentioned, blow it up, then apply a moderate pressure with your thumbs, it should indent a good half inch. The more you punch and get used to it, the better you'll know. Experiment, I think that it's better if the bag's a bit under-inflated than overinflated. Hope this helped. Bag ON!

[PIEFURZ]

It was I.

I've never used a gauge, touch is fine.

If you really, really want a gauge though, see the pocket pressure gauge on this page: http://www.balazsboxing.com/cgi-bin/...triking%20bags

Somebody won this item at SPEED B.A.G. 2010, but I don't remember who. Maybe they can chime in and comment on how well it works.

I won the gauge. Thanks Tim, I'm taking, who supplied it. I work out at gyms where they use motorized pumps on the bags which is bad since they over inflate fast. One guy says he has popped a bag, what a waste even if not a good one. I use my had pump and gauge to keep their bags aired up when I'm there so they won't be inclined to do it. The guys and guyetts (sorry Ms. D, I don't think that's a word) are right, 4 psi is a little hard and I find that 3 psi is way low so maybe 3.5 - 4 would be good. Look on the internet, there is a pump that has a bulb, gauge and needle all in one. I believe it also has a bleeder valve to let air out to the level you want. This is good so you only have to stick the bag once to get it the way you want. Also if you get used to the squeeze test you won't be sticking the bag every time to check it. The less times you insert a needle the longer the valve will last without developing a leak. Hope you're not getting bored with my rambling but better to learn from others experience. Alan advises to not let the air out of a bag, for good reason, I have one where the valve pushed in since there wasn't enough air pressure to hold it in place. Also if the bladder has been glued to the bag, letting air out will make it pull against the bag which may tare a weak spot when it otherwise wouldn't. Bags may loose air over time, don't be temped to keep them always fully inflated, that's just more times in with the needle. Although because of the glue thing it might be best to not let them go to low. I think they glue the valve in place but some of it appears to get around the bladder and stick it to the bag. With the one that has the valve pushed in I've learned to squeeze the bag tight when inserting the needle, this should help keep the valve from pushing in on any bag. I haven't tried these yet but you can get lube for the needle and a product called Ball Doctor. I'm thinking the lube may also keep the valve softer and better at sealing and the Ball Doctor (works like fix a flat for tires) if it stays liquefied may automatically seal leaks that develop. I wouldn't use too much, it may slosh around like a bowl full of jello, HO HO HO. I guess the gauge I have is accurate, I trust it better than a cheap ink pen shaped one that came with a pump. Maybe I'll take them to a PMEL (Precision Measurement Equipment Lab) on an Air Force base to get them tested. Hope this helps keep you bags healthy.