When it comes to MMA or boxing training, there’s really only a fwe pieces of equipment that are absolutely vital, for examples gloves and hand wraps.
The padding from the gloves provide of shock absorption, reducing the impact felt on your hands. Where as hand wraps are designed to provide much needed support to your hand and wrist.
With that in mind, it’s incredibly important to wear both, especially if you’re training on a heavy bag or sparring.
Considering the importance of high quality wraps, finding some that are durable, comfortable and protective can sometime be a challenge, especially if you’ve never bought them before.
With that in mind, we’re going to take a look at some of the best hand wraps for MMA and boxing, providing you with all the information needed to buy the right pair.
Let’s get to it.
Our Top Picks
Boxing & MMA Hand Wraps Reviews
Sanabul Essentials
One of the best aspects of hand wraps is that they’re relatively inexpensive. That said, Sanabul have taken things to the extreme, offering some of the lowest priced hand wraps out there.
Typically, a low price tag is often associated with low quality, however that’s definitely not the case here. Sanabul have made a business out of delivering top notch fight gear for exceptionally low prices, which is exactly what they’ve done with their hand wraps.
These 180” hand wraps come in 9 different color variations and are constructed out of a moisture wicking polyester material. This helps to reduce the amount of sweat that is absorbed into the wraps, which in turn prevents them from building up any unwanted odours.
In terms of their length, 180” is very much standard and the most recommended length for all experience levels. Even if you’ve got small hands, more material is always a good thing as it can help in a number of different ways.
Firstly, if your hands are small, it helps to pad out the gloves, providing a better fit. Secondly, more material means more padding and more support, which is of course, is the whole point of wearing hand wraps.
Sanabul have made their hand wraps semi-elastic, based of the Mexican style of hand wraps. This in turn allows the wraps to form to your hand, whilst still providing a tight, supporting fit.
For the price, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better pair of MMA hand wraps anywhere.
Pro Impact 180” Hand Wraps
Up next, we’ve got another set of 180” hand wraps, this time coming from Pro Impact, which is another brand with a very respected reputation. Although costing slightly more, you’ve got the option of 16 different colors and designs.
As with boxing gloves, hands wraps can build up some pretty nasty smells incredibly quickly. While boxing gloves are often stuck smelling that way, some brands allow for their hand wraps to be machine washed, which is the case here with the Pro Impacts.
This in turn allows you to keep your wraps hygienic and smell free, which will benefit both you and your buddies down the gym.
When it comes to the material, Pro Impact have constructed their wraps out of elasticated material, which can stretch and move with your hands. As you can imagine, this provides a very comfortable fit, much more so than wraps that are not elasticated and won’t breath with the movement of your hand.
Pro Impact have also used a Velco hook and loop closure system alongside a thumb strap to provide a tight fitting wrap that can with stand long training periods without being adjusted.
I’m sure you’ve noticed, there’s always at least one guy down the gym constantly fixing his wraps. Fortunately, with the Pro Impacts, you don’t need to worry about being that guy.
Meister MMA 180” Hand Wraps
If you’re training on a regular basis, one pair of hand wraps just may not cut it. After one session down the gym, the chances are they’re going to need a wash, could have blood on them or just may not be in the best of shape for training the next day.
With that in mind, most MMA practitioners or boxers who train multiple times a week will usually have a few pairs of hand wraps to their name. While wraps tend to be relatively cheap, buying three pairs individually can end up costing an unwanted amount.
Fortunately, Meister MMA offer a set of three hand wraps for a very reasonable price. In this set, you get a pair of red, black and white 180” hand wraps.
The wraps themselves are made out of a blend of cotton and spandex, which provides a bit of elasticity in the material. As I mentioned earlier, hand wraps that are elasticated tend to be the best option, as they’re the most comfortable and provide a ton of support.
As with all the best MMA hand wraps, they feature a Velco strap alongside a thumb loop. This provides a secure fit that can more than last a few hours down the gym. What’s more, a thumb loop make the wraps easier to get on, especially if you’re a beginner.
All in all, a great deal for any of you guys looking to get a few pairs of hand wraps for a decent price.
Everlast Professional Hand Wraps
I think it’s safe to say that pretty much everyone has heard of Everlast at some point in their life. Their name has become synonymous with the sport of boxing, and for good reason. Their gear is good quality, lasts a long time and is incredibly affordable.
Everlast offer their hand wraps in two sizes; 120” and 180”. Again, I’d recommend the 180” as you really can’t go wrong with more fabric.
The wraps themselves are made using a polyester and nylon blend. This material is especially breathable, allowing for your hands to stay cool whilst training, and therefor sweat less.
This in turn means they don’t need to be washed as frequently, however that wouldn’t really matter as they’re completely machine washable. It’s also worth noting that this material is very flexible, allowing the wraps to conform to your hands movements, whilst still providing an ample amount of support.
What’s more, Everlast have made us of anti-microbial treatment with their hand wraps, which helps to fight over off bacteria and prevent the wraps from building up any unwanted smell. Not many other brands do this, so it’s nice to see Everlast going above and beyond to keep their gear hygienic and pleasurable to wear.
In terms of value for money, the Everlast wraps are surprisingly one of the cheapest on our list. Considering the overall quality and added features Everlast have implemented, you’ll struggle to get better bang for your buck anywhere else.
Hayabusa Hand Wraps
There’s no denying that these are some of the best looking hand wraps to feature on this list. That said, these definitely aren’t style over substance though, as Hayabusa are known to produce the very best fight gear when it comes to quality.
In terms of design and construction, Hayabusa have created hand wraps that are somewhat of a hybrid between Mexican style and traditional hand wraps. I’ll explain what this actually means later on in the article, however just know that their hand wraps are made out of a flexible blend of nylon and cotton.
This allows for the durability of traditional hand wraps alongside the flexibility and comfort of the Mexican style, which tend to be the more popular option. They’ve also implemented an extra large thumb loop with a handy “this side up” sign, which will help beginners getting to terms with wrapping their hands.
You can both wash and tumble dry these wraps, which is particularly handy if you need to get them clean and fresh for training the next day, as you don’t need to wait for them to air dry.
The only downside to their 180” hand wraps is the price. That said, when you take into account their overall quality and design, you really can’t argue with Hayabusa’s decision to charge slightly more than other brands.
Fairtex Cotton Hand Wraps
Fairtex are one of, if not the most respected brand in Muay Thai. Their gear is all hand made in Thailand, the home of Muay Thai and is as durable as you can get.
You’re able to get your hands on their hand wraps in both 120” and 180” length variations, as well as 13 different color options.
As with most of the best hand wraps for MMA, Fairtex have utilised an elasticated cotton material. This cotton is soft, flexible and durable, which are probably the three most important factors when considering a pair of wraps. This allows them to fit tightly around your hand, however be able to flex and adjust to your hand as you clench your fist.
Unfortunately, they are somewhat expensive, especially when compared to some of the other cheaper brands on our list. That said, with a brand such as Fairtex, you know you’re investing in quality gear that lasts a very long time.
Plus, even the most expensive hand wraps are comparatively cheap when compared to other gear such as gloves or headgear, so it really isn’t a deal breaker.
RDX Boxing Hand Wraps
Up next we’ve got the first of two RDX options to feature on our list, this time with their conventional hand wraps.
They’re constructed using a blend of Polyester and cotton, and come in a length of 4.5 meters, which measured in at around 177”, slightly shorter than the usual length of 180”.
What I particularly like about these is their thickness. The material itself is woven in a way that makes the hand wraps slightly thicker than other brands, which in turn allows them to provide additional padding as well as support to your hands and wrist.
I also quite like the design of the RDXs. The angular end of the wrap looks awesome and definitely stands out against the usually bland branding patch sewn onto the material that other brands opt for.
You can also pick these up in 6 color variations, so you should be able to find one that matches your style.
The icing on the cake though is the price. Despite the numerous features we just discussed, you can pick these up for a pretty damn good price.Venum Boxing Hand Wraps
Anyone who has been doing MMA, or most other martial arts for the matter, have probably heard of Venum. Their gear tends to be top notch in terms of quality, whilst also carrying a fairly high price tag.
Venum offer their wraps in two sizes:
- 2.5 Metres = 98.4”
- 4 Metres = 157.4”
To be honest, I would only recommend the 4-meter option, as 2.5 metre doesn’t provide a lot of material, and therefore would not provide as much padding or support. That said, if you’re going to be wearing MMA gloves, then the shorter option may be better as there’s a lot less room.
In terms of material, Venum have gone for an elasticated cotton, which isn’t quite as stretchy as other brands out there. Still though, it does fit nicely to your hand and is able to stretch a bit to the movement of your hands.
Venum have also used Velcro straps to secure the wraps in place as well as feature a dedicated thumb loop, both of which are a sign of a top notch pair of hand wraps.
While somewhat expensive compared to some of the other options on our list, there’s no denying that these are some of the best boxing wraps for MMA currently available.
Elite Sports Boxing Hand Wraps
RDX Inner Glove Hand Wraps
Last up we’ve got something slightly different, a pair of inner gloves. As you can probably tell, these are vey different to your typical hand wraps, but are designed to serve pretty much the same purpose.
It’s worth noting that these don’t provide quite as much support, due to the fact they’re not tightly wrapped around your hand and woven between your fingers. Still though, they’re made out of compression material, so they do fit tightly and provide some support to the hand and wrist.
What’s more, RDX have implemented a 75cm wrap around hook and loop closure system that somewhat mimics the design of traditional hand wraps. This in turn does provide some support to the wrist area, however not quite as much as normal wrist wraps.
When it comes to inner gloves, there are two main benefits. First, is the additional padding. RDX have used shock absorbing padding to the knuckle area, which when paired with a pair of boxing gloves, massively reduce the chances of sustaining injury to your knuckle or fingers.
The second main benefit from wearing this type of glove is that you don’t need to know how to wrap your hand, or don’t need to spend the the time wrapping up your hands before you start your training.
If you’re new to wrapping your hands and don’t know how to do it properly (we’ll actually show you how to later on), then this style could be a great option. They’re priced pretty much the same as regular wraps, so it’s really comes down to personal preference.
How to Choose the Best MMA Hand Wraps?
Ok, now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best MMA wrist wraps, let’s discuss how to go about choosing the right pair.
Type & Material
When it comes to finding a pair of good quality wraps, one of the key factors to take into consideration is the type of wrap, which is usually dictated by its’ material.
Reusable Cloth/ Cotton
While reusable cotton has become a lot less popular these days, a lot of boxing purists will swear by it. Typically, you can find cotton wraps in lengths anywhere between 180”-210”, with the longer options often providing more protection and support.
Both cloth and cotton naturally have very little flexibility and elasticity, meaning that they can sometimes be uncomfortable. This is due to the fact that they are unable to stretch when you clench your fists, which can cause discomfort to your hands.
Still though, there’s nothing wrong with this style of wrap and it really comes down to personal preference. If possible, try out different styles and materials to see which one suits you best.
Elasticated/ Mexican Style
You’re probably wondering “what are Mexican style hand wraps”, and before you say it, no they don’t have to be made in Mexico.
Mexican style hand wraps are typically created using some form of blend material. One of the materials used in the blend will posses’ elastic qualities, which in turn allows the wraps to be able to flex and conform to your hand, even when clenched.
These days, most brands manufacture their wraps with some form of elastic material, as there really is no down side to the added comfort.
In terms of length, you can get these as short as 120” and usually as long as 180”. There are some brands out there that have a length longer than 180”, however these are pretty uncommon and usually involve importing them from abroad somewhere.
Inner Gloves
While we only included one pair of inner gloves on our list, it’s definitely worth touching on them again. There aren’t too many brands that offer these, with RDX (who’s we discussed today) probably offering the best option out there.
Still though, they are a very handy alternative if you’re not keen on wrapping your hands the old fashioned way, and pretty much cost the same.
Gauze & Tape
I’m just going to briefly discuss gauze & tape as the only time people use this is for competing. In terms of protection and support, this is by far the best option, however tends to be way more time consuming and typically requires someone else to help.
With that in mind, the only time that it’s worth (and most likely required) that you utilise gauze and tape is when you’re competing.
What Size Hand Wraps Should I Get?
When it comes to hand wrap length, you’ll usually come across two different options:
- 120” – Suitable if you’ve got large hands and not a lot of room inside your gloves. Also suitable if you’re training in MMA gloves and are unable to fit 180” wraps.
- 180” – If have enough room to use 180” wraps, then this is definitely the best bet. The more material there is, the more padding and support you will have.
Closure System
Most brands these days will utilise some form of Velcro strap to fasten the wrap tightly to the wrist. This is important as it’s this tight fitting wrist wrap that provides your hand (and wrist) with the support needed.
Without this, you run the risk of your hand buckling upon impact, which can result in injuries such as a sprained or even broken wrist.
For added tightness, many MMA and boxing practitioners will tape up their wraps to ensure that they stay fastened throughout their training session. While this isn’t necessary, it definitely does help, especially fi you’re training for over a couple of hours and sweating excessively.
Thumb Loop
A thumb loop is a handy feature that makes the process of wrapping a lot easier, especially if you a beginner. If your wraps don’t have a thumb loop, it makes starting the wrap harder, which isn’t ideal if you’ve never done it before.
With that in mind, make sure your first set of wraps have a thumb loop on them. With these, you can try out the countless different ways to wrap your hands and find the way that feels best from here.
Price & Brand
It’s definitely true that with some brands, you’re going to be paying an inflated price, just to be able to say that you have that particular brand. That said, I would try and avoid the random, unknown brands that offer their gear for suspiciously cheap.
I’d recommend sticking with one of the brands we’ve listed today, or a brand that you’re recommended by someone that knows what they’re talking about.
How to Wraps Your Hands for MMA & Boxing?
Ok, you’ve got your wraps, you’re ready to try them out, but how the F*&@ do you get these things on?
Each person you meet will have their own way, or certain method that they swear is the best way to do it.
While there really is no “best way”, as it comes down to personal preference (as long as you’ve got sufficient support that is), the video below should get you started in the right direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Wash Hand Wraps?
This will vary from brand to brand. That said, most brands these days allow for their hand wraps to be both washed and tumble dried. Make sure you check the label or the company’s website before you stick them in the wash.
If they are not machine washable, soak them in warm water with a small amount of washing powder. Then air/ hang dry (not on a radiator or heater). This should do the trick, but it’s worth contacting the company before you do this, just to make sure it’s ok.
How Often Should I Wash my Hand Wraps?
This depends on how often you train, however I would say as regularly as you can. I find it’s best to have more than one set of hand wraps, as that way you’re not constantly worried about washing them, or them stinking when you pull them out of your gym bag.
If you’re whole heartedly against getting more than one pair, I’d recommend washing them once or twice a week depending on how regularly you train.
Do I Have to Wear Hand Wraps?
I don’t think anyone is going to force you to wear hand wraps at training, however if you want to protect your hands and reduce the risk of breaking your wrist, I’d highly recommend it.
Also, if you’re going to compete, then you’ll be required to wear wraps. With that in mind, you may as well get used to wearing them, as you want to be as comfortable as possible when you’re competing.
Where to Buy Hand Wraps for Boxing and MMA?
I find Amazon the best place to buy this kind of gear. There’s a ton of different brands on their and their shipping tends to be extremely fast, especially if you’ve got Amazon Prime.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully now you’ve found the right wraps for your needs and if not, are equipped with the knowledge to find them.
Thanks for taking the time to read our list of the best MMA hand wraps, if you’d like to ask any questions, or have any suggestions, please feel free to comment in the section below.