KO Fight Gear 16oz Sparring Gloves Review

It seems sometimes that (if you can't afford Twins/Windy/Fairtex gloves) we are always looking for that training/sparring glove that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I came across these KO fightgear gloves by Peak Athletics in New Jersey. They are very reasonably priced (under $40 shipped as of 3/08). I said to myself that if they didn't turn out to be great sparring gloves, they could always be my next pair of bag gloves...always a way to justify buying new gear. Well, I unboxed them today and let me tell you, I was pretty impressed.

First off let me talk about the padding. It seems that this is something that varies vastly between gloves and was the most interested in. I had a pair of cheap everlast training gloves that were hard as stone...I felt bad sparring with them and in the end I think it affected the way I approached sparring. I was definetly more tentative as I didn't want to score and break my partners nose. I was looking for a softer glove so I could free up a bit. Well these gloves do have more padding at the knuckle area, albiet not by much. Still a bit on the hard side, but hey, training isn't a pillow fight. The padding is cell foam so you can be sure that your gloves will resist compacting for a long time. Also, the thumb is attached very securely by a gigantic thick leather piece so there will probably never be any thumb separation.

The fit on these gloves run on the small side. I have medium hands and can barely palm a basketball so that should give you an idea of the size of the gloves by my hand in the photo. I haven't had a chance to put the gloves on with Evergel wraps, but I think it would be pretty tight until the leather stretches. Best to use cotton wraps. The profile is pretty slim as well, it should be good for slipping your punches in between your opponents guard...sweet. The leather is thick and the stitching is really impressive on this glove (especially at this price). These gloves look like they will last a long time and take a beating.

At this price, I think that these are the best gloves you can get. While a little on the hard side you can use these for light sparring or heavier sparring with headgear. The KO Fightgear gloves gets my vote for the budget minded fighter.