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16 oz. vs. 14 oz. vs. 12 oz. Sparring Gloves: Which Weight Fits Your Game?

Glove fit affects every aspect of boxing, from knuckle protection to punch speed. 

The question is, how much weight do you put into them?

The Hayabusa collection offers a range of sizes, each engineered for different training goals and fight levels.

This glove weight guide breaks down the best sparring gloves for bag work, mitt drills, and partner sparring, and helps you decide which size(s) will serve your specific goals.

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Why Glove Weight Matters

Securing proper glove protection is an integral part of boxing. The heavier the gloves, the more padding they offer. 

Hayabusa’s boxing gloves are crafted with multi-layer foam technology, which amplifies impact absorption and equally distributes the force of every punch for greater comfort. 

Additionally, the higher the ounces, the more stamina and strength boxing gloves build after long training sessions or multiple rounds of competition.

Hayabusa Boxing Gloves: Protection, Comfort & Performance

Glove Weight for Beginners vs. Pros

While beginners often opt for a lighter weight as they work on their speed and form, boxing pros eventually move up to a higher-weighted glove once they’ve built up their endurance.

Boxing Glove Regulations for Competition 

For boxers entering competition, each organization has different boxing glove regulations. 

For example, amateur sparring guidelines typically mandate boxing sparring gloves 16 oz. for fighters weighing 175 lbs. or more. 

Always check the rules to ensure your gloves meet the requirements.

Here’s a look at what each size is best for, ranging from 12-14 oz. sparring gloves, in terms of training and building the kind of boxing power necessary to dominate in the ring.

12-oz. Gloves — Speed & Conditioning

A lighter weight is optimal when working on speed and conditioning. 12 oz. gloves are often used for high-rep bag rounds and HIIT sessions to build stamina, strength, and agility. 

They provide premium knuckle protection and unmatched wrist support to support technique and form refinement, which is particularly beneficial for beginners.

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Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
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Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
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Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa T3 Boxing Gloves
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Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves

Hayabusa S4 Boxing Gloves
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14-oz. Sparring Gloves — The All‑Rounder

A slightly heavier glove provides a balanced padding ratio. This keeps bulkiness at bay while amping up the shock absorption factor. 

14-oz. sparring gloves are ideal for alternating between bag work and light sparring during prolonged training sessions.  

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16-oz. Gloves — Sparring Gold Standard

The ultra-thick foam padding of boxing sparring gloves 16 oz. and greater protects strikers and their partners during intense sparring sessions. 

The added weight builds shoulder endurance and amplifies cardio output, adding strength and power.

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Quick Size‑Selection Table by Body Weight and Use

Quick Size‑Selection Table by Body Weight and Use

Premium Hayabusa Boxing Glove Picks

  • T3 Boxing Gloves — These award-winning boxing gloves are the ultimate choice for every boxer level with sizes ranging from 10 oz. to 18 oz. The protective multi-layer technology foam composition mixed with Hayabusa’s signature wrist support makes for a top-tier boxing experience whether working with the bag or sparring with a partner.
  • S4 Leather Gloves — For an elite experience that’s still budget‑friendly, the genuine leather construction boosts the level of luxury for lighter-weight glove users. Available in 10 oz., up to 16 oz., the durability of the S4 Leather gloves is built for intense, repetitive bag work.

Long-Term Care Tips to Keep Gloves in Peak Condition 

  • Wipe down the boxing glove exterior after every session. 
  • Air-dry gloves in a cool, shaded spot to avoid cracking from sun damage.
  •  Use a glove deodorizer to absorb excess moisture and prevent bacteria buildup.
  • Rotate between pairs to allow for foam rebound, especially for everyday, high-volume hitters.
  • Apply leather conditioner, as needed, to preserve the lifespan of the boxing gloves.

Slip on Your Perfect Size

Choosing the right weight of boxing gloves helps to prevent injuries while providing comfortable padding, security, and protection to fight with confidence. 

Protect yourself and potential sparring partners while also meeting the requirements of gym and competition rules and regulations. 

Reference this glove weight guide, measure your hand size and body weight, and consider your boxing goals before gearing up with the best sparring gloves available.

Shop the Hayabusa Boxing Gloves Collection today.