Re: Question on punching bags
Hey, if you want to work on hand speed and what not, weighted gloves and shadow boxing are good for this.
With regards to gloves, I don't think you need to worry too much about oz just for a bag. Hand wraps are essential in my opinion. I have four five different gloves I use, depends on the type of workout I am doing. Sparring, 2x fingerless (for grappling), MMA bag gloves (no thumb cover) and 8oz gloves which haven't seen action in a while. I've also used bare knuckles for punching, but I don't recommend it, very good chance of breaking your hand. Something I used to do when I was younger.
For bags, you need to know if someone will be there to help you, because a lighter one will swing away from you. This would be good for footwork, but not that great for combinations. I'm currently using a double angled bag which are really good for knees and uppercuts. I personally would recommend a heavy bag. As heavy as possible and a speedball or strapball aswell as shadowboxing for speed.
I have another punchbag which I own just for working the clinch, with knees and what not and lifting it and slamming it around. I didn't buy it for that purpose, just started using it that way. I'm 6ft2 and the is 5ft which is a nice size for slamming and low kicks, it has a nice weight on it too. I'd prefer a 6ft now though.
But I just want to mention, if you do use gloves, try and use handwraps as well, they may take a bit of time, but are worth it for protection. I'd rather have a good pair of wrapped hands than some cheap gloves.
ps, sorry I've gone on a bit!