How To Assembly Instructions - Balazs i-Box

[ericdanderson]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum and new to the speed bag. Based on recommendations here (thank you), I decided to buy the i-Box Speed Bag Platform. It arrived Thursday (2/9/12) (I ordered it Monday - 2/6/12). I had read someplace (keep in mind, this may have been in reference to a different platform, I can't recall) that the instructions were not good and it did not give advice on how high to mount it.

The purpose of this post is to let anyone that is considering the i-Box Platfrom know that a) the instructions were great - it was easy to set the height, you measure to the bottom of your chin and add 27 inches - simple) b) mounting the platform was easy and this is coming from someone that does not do home improvement projects. I am not Mr. Fix It. Just make sure you use a level so you get the platform square.

I am attaching the instructions that come with the unit and a picture of the installed unit. You will notice that I ran 2x4's across the studs. I saw that idea somewhere and it made mounting the platform easier - plus I could "pick my spot".

Anyway, I have gotten so much useful info from this forum, just posting to give back - hope this is useful information for someone.

Update - 2/18/11: I overtightened the adjuster on the platform stripping the rubber away from the metal insert - so - learn from my mistake and do not do that - I spoke with Brian at Balazs, he said he gets about 2 calls a year from guys that do the same thing. Since I just bought it, he is going to send me two replacement parts for free. It was nice of him to do it considering it was my fault and not a product defect.

[Speedbag]

Great job and very helpful.

thanks

[Dutchman]

You bought the adjustable version, which is a good move. It will allow you to set the height according which size bag you are using. Balaz also offers a version that isn't adjustable, which can be a little more difficult to dial in.

[Tim]

Anyway, I have gotten so much useful info from this forum, just posting to give back - hope this is useful information for someone.

Thanks for taking the time to write it up and welcome to the forum. Red is my favorite color for the i-Box. Very nice piece of equipment!

Tim

[ericdanderson]

ventanakaz:

I definitely have vibration issues - going to try a 50 lb sand bag and see if that works.

Regarding adjusting - it is easy to adjust by yourself. At the risk of stating the obvious, make sure you securely tighten the adjustment screws. I had a bit of excitement last night, I failed to tighten them securely (or maybe it was the lack of a sand bag on top to reduce vibration), anyway, the unit slid down while I was hitting the bag. While it certainly got my attention (didn't expect vertical movement :-), it was no big deal, it stopped at the bottom of the track.

I used a pipe wrench to tighten them down after that - I think a sand bag to stop the vibration will also help.

Eric

[Amoore061]

Eric,
Is that the original swivel that came with i-box?

[ericdanderson]

Yes, it's right out of the box. It's metal seems very sturdy.

[Tim]

Eric,
Is that the original swivel that came with i-box?

Yes, it's right out of the box. It's metal seems very sturdy.

The iBox comes with the Everlast u-bolt now. It's decent, but a u-bolt.

[ericdanderson]

Tim -

It seems the u-bolt is good for a begginer - just hitting back and forth. You certainly can't hit it the way I've seen folks like you hit it. My questions:
1) do you believe a U Bolt is good for beginners?
2) what would you upgrade to next?

Thanks,
Eric

[Tim]

Tim -

It seems the u-bolt is good for a begginer - just hitting back and forth. You certainly can't hit it the way I've seen folks like you hit it. My questions:
1) do you believe a U Bolt is good for beginners?
2) what would you upgrade to next?

Thanks,
Eric

Where do you want to go with this? Do you want to hit amazing side punch combos and "all around the bag".i.e. "Bible style".. if so, don't go the easy route and even bother starting with a u-bolt... get a Powermill or Deville A-51 right from the start. Yes ball hook is harder to hit, it requires greater precision and control. It WILL make you a better bagger though. You will feel like an idjit for the first 2 weeks on a ball hook, but with enough practice you will do amazing stuff.

If you don't care about side punches and you are more in to boxing style punching (front only and maybe front/back), get a u-bolt, it will be easier to go faster and you can concentrate on sheer power vs precise control.

[ericdanderson]

I'm a novice, so this is very helpful. My takeaway is I could learn some bad habits with the u bolt and so should go with Powermill or Deville A-51.

'preciate the feedback.

[Speedbag]

I'm a novice, so this is very helpful. My takeaway is I could learn some bad habits with the u bolt and so should go with Powermill or Deville A-51.

'preciate the feedback.

For 100% total baggin from all around, Ballhook. All roads for advanced skills and combinations lead to a Ballhook.

'nuff said.

[ericdanderson]

Thank you Gentlemen, I have been in contact with Ms Deville and am in the process of ordering the A-51. Thanks also, Tim for setting my expectations, I've felt like an idjit in the past, so it won't be a new experience for me