Century Bob punching bag stand has to be one of the most famous and well recognized punch bags around, mainly due to the human like nature to help mimic a human opponent. Having trained myself with the Century Bob XL, I have to admit, it does definitely help give you a far more authentic experience when training.
In this review I’ll give you an overview of the Century Bob products, their features, how it can help you in your training and setting them up.
Who are Century?
First off it’s important to identify who created Bob and this is of course the well renowned Mixed Martial Art equipment company Century. Here is a quick overview of the company in their own words:
“Century was founded in 1976. Although we were on the small side then – just one man working out of his garage – we’ve since grown into the worldwide leader in martial arts equipment. Along the way, Century has been responsible for some major innovations within the industry.
We were one of the first martial arts companies to create a website, allowing our customers to easily place orders and access digital resources. Century has also designed some of the best known and most iconic pieces of martial arts gear, like the Wavemaster®, the original freestanding training bag, and the BOB® body opponent bag”
Century Bob History
In 1998, Century introduced the punch bag game-changer in the original – BOB® the Body Opponent Bag. The BOB punch bag was the first freestanding training manikin of its kind and has since evolved into a line of his own, with the BOB® XL, Bobby Bully and VS. BOB®.
Some of the biggest fighters have been seen to use Century Bob over the years including the likes of former undisputed crusierweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and even UFC star Conor McGregor has been seen to use this in his training.
Why Train with the Century Bob Punch Bag?
First off, the Century Bob is a fantastic and quality option to go with if you are looking for a punch bag for your boxing training experience. As you can see from the above design, ‘Bob’ is created to be human like, this is to give you a far more authentic experience while you practice your punching combinations or kicking.
Having trained with Century Bob XL before, it makes it so much easier to visualize your opponent and helps you target the head or the body more accurately. It probably the next-closest thing to striking an actual human target in my opinion!
Most of the Bob products also comes with a fully adjustable stand depending on your height which also makes you able to adapt to different opponent sizes.
In terms of training you can use the Century Bob for traditional striking for Boxing or even use for practicing kicking techniques.
Check out this brilliant video by Century who show some moves you can try out.
Bob vs Normal Punch Bags
So how does Century Bob punch bags compare with traditional punch bags?
Authentic
First off its clear that using the Century Bob is a much more realistic experience compared to a standard hanging heavy bag or normal freestanding punch bag.
This makes a standard punch bag much harder to visualize your opponent especially if you are beginner. Whereas with a Bob, you can feel like you are up against an opponent to an extent.
My only negative is that you can’t circle around the Bob when practicing unlike other free standing bags. You can check out my Century freestanding punch bag review here for more options.
Size and Height
The great thing as well about the Century Bob is it does have a decent frame and punch area for you to practice on. The other positive is that they have an adjustable frame to make it shorter or higher. (Dimension for the Bob XL range roughly from 5ft – 6ft 5″).
This makes it a fantastic option if you are preparing to fight against a smaller or taller opponent so you can get used to height difference of your opposition.
Set up and Storage
Setting up the Century Bob XL is also a straight forward process and doesn’t require too much effort or tools to get it punch ready!
Another bonus is that it come in the form or a free stranding bag which means you can easily move out the way later after your workout. Unlike with a hanging heavy bag which requires you to keep it in place after use in most cases.
Check out this great video by Fusion Kidd unboxing and setting up the original Century Bob to give you a better idea:
Century Bob Options
Currently Century have created 4 different versions of the Bob:
- Century Bob – original Bob products
- Century Bob XL – larger surface area than original
- Century Bobby Bully – for youth
- Versys VS.Bob – best for multiple martial art styles
Check out an overview of each Century Bob product further below. All Bob products are currently available for delivery by Century in USA, Canada and Europe. If you plan on ordering from Century?
(Make sure to use the coupon code ‘15OFF50‘ to get 15% off when you spend over $50)
1. Original Century Bob
A great partner for sparring techniques or target work, the original BOB – Body Opponent Bag is a life-like mannequin with a vinyl “skin” for more realistic self-defense training. BOB features seven height adjustments from 60 inches to 78 inches tall. BOB is ideal for punching and strikes. Made for home use.
Learn more on Century’s website here
Learn more on Amazon here
2. Century Bob XL
Get realistic training with BOB, the Body Opponent Bag. BOB XL has a longer torso than the original BOB, giving you more striking surface for body shots and kicks. Base fills with water or sand and is rounded for easy relocation.
Learn more on Century’s website here
Learn more on Amazon here
Bobby Bully is Century’s child-sized Body Opponent Bag, featuring a realistic “skin” shell. Ideal for youth training, it can be used with or without gloves. Adjusts from 50 to 55 inches tall, with a round base for easy roll relocation.
Learn more on Century’s website here
Learn more on Amazon here
The VS.BOB is the most versatile body opponent bag in the industry. Ideal for multiple martial art styles including taekwondo, karate, wing chun and kung fu. Perfect for offensive strikes including inside/outside leg kicks, groin strikes as well as targeted punches, kicks, elbows and knees. Fully functional BOB torso and head with simulated arms. Practice defensive blocking, deflecting and redirecting punches. Sand weighted base provides additional stability.
Learn more on Century’s website here
Learn more on Amazon here
Final thoughts
Whether you are boxer or MMA fighter or just trying to get in shape, the Century Bob products will give you a brilliant and authentic workout session.
The Bob punch bags are best for those preparing for fight, to practice sticking and kicking technique, to lose weight or for general fitness. It will without a doubt vary your workouts by keeping them fun and interesting!
Let us know in comments which options you are thing of going with.
Thanks for reading!
You can check out more boxing equipment reviews here or why not consider my top related articles below:
- Best Century Free Standing Punching Bags | Review
- Sparbar Boxing Review
- FightMaster vs BoxMaster Boxing Punch Stand Review
- Top 10 Best Hanging Heavy Bags – Reviewed & Rated
- Top 10 Best Free Standing Punch Bags Review
- Amazing Home Gym Boxing Equipment And Ideas
