Advice on new purchase

[Popeye]

Need some advice on my speedbag equipment. I have purchased the book and dvd (The Speed Bag Bible). Now as the old saying goes all dressed up and no where to go. I need hardware, I have considered the iBox platform but would like to upgrade the swivel, I don't thing I want to drill holes in the braces, but maybe. I also saw this setup. http://store.titleboxing.com/psbp.html (I don't think I pasted this link properly) which would allow changing swivels easily. They also have a extra large 11x8 bag, which I believe would be good for a beginner. Thanks for any advice and have really enjoyed this forum.

[Chris M]

I don't think there's anything wrong with either purchase but there is one thing to know about the setup at the link you gave http://store.titleboxing.com/psbp.html

The type of setups that slide on tubes tend to rattle a little more unless you really tighten down on the knobs that are designed to keep the outer tubes from banging on the inner tubes.

I have the I-Box, and even though I drilled all the way through the platform, there's no reason why you couldn't countersink the screws in the top of the board, then have the bolts protrude through the bottom for your swivel. This would not be difficult at all, and as a matter of fact, I'm seriously considering doing just that so I can have the option of using a metal ball hook swivel if I want to.

If/when I do that I'll post pictures.

Based purely on my experience and satisfaction with the I-Box, I can't imagine being more satisfied with any other unit regardless of price.

[Tim]

Another good looking platform, although it's not height adjustable, is the ringside SBPLAT-3 (http://www.ringside.com/detail.aspx?ID=25645)
http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/sbplat-3.jpg

It's on sale for $129.99 right now if you call in your order and use catalog code YA ( I just got the ringside holidays catalog in the mail today). That price is NOT listed on the website, I think they are clearing out inventory of this item - as it's no longer linked from the home page. Here's the page from the catalog (http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00078.jpg), and here (http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00078.jpg)

I haven't used this particular model, but it's got a 2" thick drum that is 30" in diameter, it also comes with a free ringside speed bag #RPSB (http://www.ringside.com/DETAIL.ASPX?ID=25256) (althought it's mexcian design, which doesn't have the classic teardrop shape most of us love). The free speed bag isn't mentioned on the web site, as mentioned before, this is good on phone in orders only.

Sounds like a good deal, if I don't get an I-Box, I may get this one.

[monkaboy]

Thanks Tim for the tip on the ringside platform, just ordered one today. (Great value). I'm thinking of mounting it on plate steel thats been slotted to make it adjustable. If its a success I'll post a picture. Thanks to all those who post on this site (I read it daily).

[Popeye]

Yeah, Thanks Tim, for spending my money too, I ordered mine a couple of days ago after your post. I believe I can make it adjustable with some "unistrut" material. I believe that with the little knowledge (actually zero) I have, that getting the right height is helpful. Even when changing to a different bag, height could make all the difference even-though it's only a couple of inches.
I would also like to thank Chris for his insight on vibration. The ibox was probably going to be my second choice. May still be? Should be here here 11-21 according to ups if I can figure out how to post pictures I will and will also post after installation. Thank you everybody!

[Chris M]

Yeah, Thanks Tim, for spending my money too, I ordered mine a couple of days ago after your post. I believe I can make it adjustable with some "unistrut" material. I believe that with the little knowledge (actually zero) I have, that getting the right height is helpful. Even when changing to a different bag, height could make all the difference even-though it's only a couple of inches.
I would also like to thank Chris for his insight on vibration. The ibox was probably going to be my second choice. May still be? Should be here here 11-21 according to ups if I can figure out how to post pictures I will and will also post after installation. Thank you everybody!

I think having the right height makes a difference no matter what your skill level is. I switch bags frequently and I do change heights of my ibox when I go from a 6x9 to an 8x11.

However, what you can do if you have a non-adjustable platform is to mount it at the proper height with the largest bag you use, maybe an 8x11 if you think you're ever going to use one. If you're new, I'd highly suggest you start on a bag this size. It made a huge difference when I started finally got a bigger bag. My first set up came with the vinyl everlast bag and it was getting somewhat frustrating. Moving to the bigger bag per Alan's suggestion made it easier for me to go slower. Anyway, when you move to a 6x9 or 5x8 you can put down pieces of foam (like the kind that is made for a shop or workout area) and/or even a couple of pieces of plywood to bring yourself up to the proper height. Just a suggestion...

[Speedbag]

I think having the right height makes a difference no matter what your skill level is. I switch bags frequently and I do change heights of my ibox when I go from a 6x9 to an 8x11.

.... Anyway, when you move to a 6x9 or 5x8 you can put down pieces of foam (like the kind that is made for a shop or workout area) and/or even a couple of pieces of plywood to bring yourself up to the proper height. Just a suggestion...

A great suggestion. It is always easier to raise yourself up a bit to use a smaller bag. For many years I kept a 4 ft square of plywood close to my board, which was set for my 11x8 (Everlast 4210). Then when I changed I could simply stand on the plywood platform. When I moved to a much smaller bag, 8x5 or 7x4, I put the plywood on either 1x4 or 2x4 runners, making a little platform. That was a lot easier than try to adjust the board with wrenches.

[Tim]

Yeah, Thanks Tim, for spending my money too, I ordered mine a couple of days ago after your post.

You're welcome, my order just went in :)

[Tim]

I'm thinking of mounting it on plate steel thats been slotted to make it adjustable. If its a success I'll post a picture.

Neat idea, please do post pictures if it works.

[yallknowho]

I ordered an i-box 1 week ago. I should have waited a couple days, I would have bought that discounted one posted.

[Chris M]

I ordered an i-box 1 week ago. I should have waited a couple days, I would have bought that discounted one posted.


The discount one is not adjustable. Don't regret your decision, the I-box is very nice and well worth the money. I don't regret getting mine for a second.

[monkaboy]

Ringside platform has arrived and it is actually a lot nicer than the picture in the catalog. The 30" drum is very solid and heavy nicely finished too. The support is also massive and heavy finished in a grayish stippled enamel with the ringside logos on the sides( a very good looking unit) The drum ships without swivel holes so you have to drill your own. The swivel is the PS3 that Chris M has pictured on his unit(extremely smooth action out of the box). All in all very pleased. The cost of this unit is just a little more than a centry entry level unit, and has a top notch bag throw in (they give you your choice of size). Two thumbs up on this one. I must say the the boxes arrived pretty banged up but everything inside was unharmed. If your thinking about his platform I hope this helped.

[Popeye]

I received mine yesterday, it is heavy duty, the holes are on 16 inch centers, the platform (drum) on mine has some damage on the edge but when mounted it will be on the top portion should not be any problem, I don't want to try and send it back, if I had paid the regular amount I would send it back.
I ordered a large bag with mine but it measures a little small so I purchased a 11x8 everlast professional from title boxing. I have gathered all my unistrut, screws, lag bolts and I will construct and install this weekend.

[Chris M]

I'd very much like to see some pictures from both of you when you get them mounted. They sound really nice!

[monkaboy]

I have gathered all my unistrut, screws, lag bolts and I will construct and install this weekend.[/QUOTE]
if the unistrut works I'll do mine the same way, Please keep us posted.

[Popeye]

I started today on drilling holes, I couldn't drill a straight hole if my life depended on it! Hope these pictures give you an idea of what I'm trying to do. The bottom hole in the "V" maybe a problem installing a nut I might have to go from bottom with an allen head screw (smaller round head). I will probabaly install tomorrow after paint dries, and new pictures.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag011.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag008.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag013.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag014.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag007.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag016.jpg

[Chris M]

I started today on drilling holes, I couldn't drill a straight hole if my life depended on it! Hope these pictures give you an idea of what I'm trying to do. The bottom hole in the "V" maybe a problem installing a nut I might have to go from bottom with an allen head screw (smaller round head). I will probabaly install tomorrow after paint dries, and new pictures.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag011.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag008.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag013.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag014.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag007.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag016.jpg


I know this may not help you now, but to keep the drill bit from wandering, I found the easiest thing to do is to make a mark with a Sharpie or other permanent marker where you want your hole to be, then use a punch to make a little dent where you want the hole to be. This will make it very easy to start a hole in metal or hard woods.

One thing you could do is to get a longer bolt that will extend out to the top of the "V" beams and put a flat washer and lock washer on it. Get a big washer about the size of a quarter or larger, and as thick as you can find so you can torque it down well.

It looks great though! I'm anxious to see pictures of it mounted!

[monkaboy]

Thanks for the pics Popeye, looks just great, after you give it a trial run give me the thumbs up and I'll do mine the same way.

[Goods]

Tim,

Your the man, I have been searching far and wide for a solid speed bag platform that wasn't $800. Even though this one isn't adjustable it will be fine for me considering I have stopped growing.

I almost went with the Balazs i-box but, I was turned off by the platform only being 24".

Great find, I registerd for this forum to personally thank you.

Joe

[yallknowho]

The discount one is not adjustable. Don't regret your decision, the I-box is very nice and well worth the money. I don't regret getting mine for a second.

once I got the I-box I was very pleased, its a nice unit. Unfortunately it makes a huge racket, im gonna attach some horizontal 2x4s and mount it on them.

[Chris M]

once I got the I-box I was very pleased, its a nice unit. Unfortunately it makes a huge racket, im gonna attach some horizontal 2x4s and mount it on them.

That's a lot of work. Try putting a sandbag on top first, it really works!

[Popeye]

Well, fasten your seatbelts I finished my installation and wanted to post pictures. I will compile my thoughts on how and what I might of done different also some kind of parts list, I will also try and convert a drawing to a jpg image and upload of some of my dimensions. The bag pictured is a large which came with unit kind of funky I have a different one on the way. Now for you viewing pleasure.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag017.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag018.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag019.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag020.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag022.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag024.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag027.jpg

[Popeye]

PS, I wanted to thank Chris for his suggestion on extending the bolt all the way to the top.

"One thing you could do is to get a longer bolt that will extend out to the top of the "V" beams and put a flat washer and lock washer on it. Get a big washer about the size of a quarter or larger, and as thick as you can find so you can torque it down well."
Thanks again.

[Speedbag]

It looks really solid and a very nice job on your part! Bet it has a nice sound.

[monkaboy]

Top rate job! Hats off to popeye.

[Chris M]

PS, I wanted to thank Chris for his suggestion on extending the bolt all the way to the top.

"One thing you could do is to get a longer bolt that will extend out to the top of the "V" beams and put a flat washer and lock washer on it. Get a big washer about the size of a quarter or larger, and as thick as you can find so you can torque it down well."
Thanks again.

You're welcome, I'm always glad to help!

[yallknowho]

Well, fasten your seatbelts I finished my installation and wanted to post pictures. I will compile my thoughts on how and what I might of done different also some kind of parts list, I will also try and convert a drawing to a jpg image and upload of some of my dimensions. The bag pictured is a large which came with unit kind of funky I have a different one on the way. Now for you viewing pleasure.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag017.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag018.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag019.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag020.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag022.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag024.jpg
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/Speedbag027.jpg

what kind of swivel is that? that thing looks bombproof.

[Popeye]

It's the one that came with it, Ringside model #PS-3 and yes it is smooth and swivels very freely. The complete package is extremely solid and well made.

[Tim]

Great find, I registerd for this forum to personally thank you.


Glad I could help a fellow enthusiast out :)

The UPS man brought mine today:

http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00086.jpg

Very nice. I'll agree that the catalog photo doesn't do it justice. The metal v brace is top notch, nice welds, nice finish - very sturdy. Weighs in at 18 pounds. The drum (actual dimensions 29.5" x 1 7/8" thick) weighs in at a hefty 32 pounds. The catalog claimed it was a 30" x 2" drum, I measured carefully several times... it's definitely 29.5" x 1 7/8". Not that it matters much. As you can see from the bottom most photo, it's complete overkill for the size of bags I prefer.

The board had several dings on it. Can't say I'd be happy if I had shelled out $300, but it's nothing that will impede the functionality. It ended up being about $158 shipped to my door. I think it was a good find.

Here's the PS-3 swivel it came with. A $34.99 value. I'm really, really glad they don't pre-drill the swivel holes. The PS-3 feels solid and smooth and would probably be my next choice AFTER a metal or plastic ball and hook, but it won't be attached to this board... I'm going with one of the metal ball and hooks I alread have.
http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00087.jpg

http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00088.jpg

http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00089.jpg

Close up
http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00090.jpg


As you can see here, it's crazy large for a 4x7 and 9x6 bag. The tape measure is crooked in this picture, but I did measure several times, it's 29.5" diameter, 1 7/8" thick. (At this point you may think I'm a bit obsessed about it, but that comes from being a computer science major and programmer... If it's 29.5" call it 29.5" , not 30"!) The drum is "melamine", which is some sort of coated particle or chip board, I guess.
http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00096.jpg

I wish I could say I'll have it hung up this weekend, but due to a variety of reasons, it will be awhile before I actually get to try this thing out :(

And here's the ringside banana bag that came with it (size Extra-Small 8x5). I would have preferred one of their Top Contender bags. They are cheaper but better in my opinion (better shape, softer suede type feel to the leather)
http://www.speedbagforum.com/images/dsc00084.jpg

Overall, I'd say it's a great bargain. I think the sale continues until 12/31, if anyone else is interested in picking one up. I suspect it's some sort of closeout sale, as they've pulled this item from the web site.

[Popeye]

Tim, mine too had a ding in it, I checked the shipping box it looked alright must have happened at the factory, I am very pleased with it. Also my Everlast bag should be here tomorrow (11x8) course it's yellow/black to match my unistrut.

[monkaboy]

Hello, how is the unistrut working out is it stable frontways and sideways? I'll be installing mine this weekend. Just a note when ups delivered my unit the boxes were in terrible shape all four corners smashed and torn, the drum box looked round! This most likely happened at the warehouse because I only live 60 miles away. I was expecting the worse but everything was ok when I opened the boxes. Maybe ringside was having a scratch and dent sale and didn't tell us about the scratch and dent part? This is a very dangerous buissness practice in the day of the internet and forums such as this. Still one heck of a deal regardless but they should have mentioned it in the ad. I want to thank everyone who posted pictures they sure are a great help. If I can figure out how to do it I'll post some when I finish putting it up.

[Popeye]

The unistrut worked out fantastic and everything is very sturdy, no vibration or what you might call "hollow" sound. I will gather my material list and post soon if that might help you decide how to mount yours.

[Popeye]

Just wanted to post a parts list if interested.
2- unistrut L=18 W=1 5/8 D= 3/4(your length may vary depending on how much adjustment you need).
6- 3"x3/8 lag bolts
4- spring nuts for 1/2" bolts (to fit inside unistrut)
4- 1"x1/2 bolts w/lock washers and flat washers
mounting bracket need to be drilled out to accomodate 1/2" bolts
3- 3 1/2 x 5/16 bolts (3 1/4 would be perfect length) for swivel
1- 7 x 5/16 bolt and nuts
If you have a tap the bracket could be tapped for a clean look and some locktite. I was a little off thats why I had to use a 7" bolt to clear "V" in bracket. As far as being adjustable, thats why I went with unistrut it works fine, not as easy as one already built to be adjustable, but I don't expect to adjust often and I like the option to be able to do it. The whole unit is very solid and stable, can't think of anything I would change.
This jpg is kind of a simplified drawing to help me get the height close according to my height. I think some of my other pictures show most of the information, if anybody needs other views let me know.
http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q119/Carson_City/Speedbag/BAG_HEIGHT.jpg

[monkaboy]

Thanks Popeye, you must have engineering in your blood, your pics and diagrams are always appreciated. Scrounged up two 22" x 1 1/2" square pieces of unistrut and all the hardware. Will be installing on a concrete basement wall with 1/4"x 2 1/4" tap con screws(hate to hang anything that heavy on 1/4"screws but that seems to be the standard) Will start today(God willing)