Boxing Gear's® Speed bag Swivel - precision ball Swivel (Steel)

[Speedbag]

Boxing Gear's® Speed bag Swivel (http://www.fitness-equipment.com/acatalog/Fitness_Equipment_Speed_bag_Hanging_Systems_30.htm l) - Triple chrome plated, precision ball Swivel all Steel Construction (NO PLASTIC)(Reference #WAtkins-Swivel02) Speed bag swivel: Triple chrome plated, precision ball swivel construction with hook device, extra heavy duty flange mounts securely to platform, easy fastening. No Plastic, all steel - chrome construction. Weights 1.5 pounds, and the mounting plate is thick. Suitable for heavy use areas. (scroll down the link to see the swivel)
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Most of us know the above link. As curiosity was killing my cat, I had to give this a try. I contacted the company to see if they were in stock, and they said they would ship the same day. A few days later they contacted me inquiring if I would like a "sample" to try out and review for them. Sure! I always appreciate trying before buying....

So, here it is Below. The picture on the left compares the size and hook shape of the last model of Everlast BH to the new Boxing Gear® BH. Notice the everlast on the left is a much smaller Hook, and a shorter construction then the Boxing Gear's®. To be honest, there is room on the Boxing Gear® to move the metal shank up deeper into the ball (about 1/8 inch) and make it shorter, but I did not have the correct size allen hex wrench to loosen the set screw in the ball.
The hook is very large. Their website picture obscures the ball shape, so I was surprised to see this when it arrived. My past experience with this size and hook shape is not the best, (the bag can slide along the bar) but I will withold judgement until I give a full workout.

The picture on the right has three swivels, and I added it to show the variation in Hook shapes. The older everlast on the left, is more of a true "S" hook, which dominated for many many years. It was great for the older bags with the more narrow strap attachments. The center Everlast (the same one as the picture on the left) is the last version of the Hook before they went to plastic. Notice it is a broader, flat "S" bottom, with a very narrow attachment clearance. Very difficult to get a thick strap bag on this.. On both of these Everlast BH, I have moved the shank as far up into the ball as possible. I always do that, to shorten the rebound arc. (faster)
The Boxing Gear® is on the right. Big wide Hook and longer than the others.

Lastly, notice the base, or board attachment piece. The Boxing Gear® is round, and the holes line up with the evelast base, BUT, the holes are smaller, and require thinner or smaller size bolts - and that is why I haven't hit it yet. I will take it to Home Depot tomorrow or saturday to get the correct bolts, hang it up, punch it up and let you know how it works.

[Kyle]

thank you very much for the info
________
Glass Weed Pipe (http://glasspipes.net/)

[SupergeZ]

how on earth will the bag stay on with that huge gap :eek: watch the windows when ur hitting it ;)

[Chris M]

how on earth will the bag stay on with that huge gap :eek: watch the windows when ur hitting it ;)

No kidding, I'm thinking you're going to have to use some electrical tape to hold the ball on there.

[Speedbag]

how on earth will the bag stay on with that huge gap :eek: watch the windows when ur hitting it ;)


yea, that was a problem in the past. The simple fix is to tape the bag attachment loop, especially the newer bags with long bag loops. I take a piece of regular duct tape, strip it in half to make it 1/2 or 3/8 wide, then wrap it around the loop a few times. I do that whenever I am forced to use the u-bolt speed swivels.

Since the upturned "S" on this swivel is so short, it may be easier to send the bag down the bar and off the end. Just have to see how it works.

I do notice that older everlast "ball" sits deeper in the housing then this one, and also the plastic ball hook. I guess it is a wider hole and more of the ball sticks out.

[jaguiler]

Alan,

Didn't your curious cat tell you too spin the bottom part with the ball and hook onto the Everlast base ? the threads look about the same and no doubt you have an everlast base already on the board..... it is the chrome plating on the ball that should make this faster.... as long as the chrome holds up - I have my doubts that chrome is hard enough -

[Speedbag]

Alan,

Didn't your curious cat tell you too spin the bottom part with the ball and hook onto the Everlast base ? the threads look about the same and no doubt you have an everlast base already on the board..... it is the chrome plating on the ball that should make this faster.... as long as the chrome holds up - I have my doubts that chrome is hard enough -

Actually, I did try that and the base does not match up. It has to be threaded to it's own base. I did get the right size Allen wrench, and I could take the ball and shank apart and re-set it in an everlast housing. But I'll try it first on its own base.

[Speedbag]

I finally got to "punch it up" and I have to admit, I liked it. Nice smooth ball action, Pleasant rebound "clink" and good reaction when hitting from all around. I do wish the hook length was a little shorter, making a shorter rebound arc. It is a bit slower than the "normal" Everlast ballhook metal because Everlast has a noticeably shorter hook.

The length of the Boxing Gear hook (flat, wide) didn't really interfere that I could tell.

of course, I videotaped it, and will post it after editing several takes together.

[Speedbag]

For those that are interested, here is a "live" demo Video Clip (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Xrfwf43mxY) of the Boxing Gear® (Watkins) swivel.

[ninja420]

WOW! Im in aww.. looks like a good swivel:)

[Speedbag]

WOW! Im in aww.. looks like a good swivel:)

Actually, about 30 minutes later, the metal eyehook shank blew out of the ball. But that was probably my fault because I had loosened the set screw to move the shank up about 1/4 inch deeper into the ball.

Just for fun, I took the big eyehook off, and I'm going to play with a few ways to connect the bag. maybe another eye hook or a carabiner.

[Steven]

Thank you for the great review. Would getting a 1" shorter speedbag compensate for the longer swivel?

[Speedbag]

Thank you for the great review. Would getting a 1" shorter speedbag compensate for the longer swivel?

That's a great question. My answer is: Yes and No.

Yes, in that an 8x5 bag would have a shorter rebound arc than a 10x7, so it should be a bit faster. If you normally train on a 10x7 or 9x6 you probably would get a speed bump by using a smaller bag.

NO in that an 8x5 on this swivel would have a longer rebound arc than an 8x5 on some other swivels. AND it takes more control to get more speed out of smaller bags.

[juanantoniomartin]

I recieved my swivel today having ordered it wednesday. Its smooth and has better sound than the plastic one. The gaping S hook also has a bit of roll in it making it really easy to swap out bags. Me and my boy hit it and no bags went flying.

[Speedbag]

I just received a newer update version of the Watkins Ballhook - with a smaller hook.

need to give this one a try...

[Speedbag]

...I do notice that older everlast "ball" sits deeper in the housing then this one, and also the plastic ball hook. I guess it is a wider hole and more of the ball sticks out.

When you look at the specific details closer, the Everast metal ball (left) had a flat bottom. The Watkins ball (center) clearly has a flared bottom. (they have sent me several - and they are all flared) and the plastic ball is more perfectly round, so it flares out just a bit at the bottom.

Maybe that is why the watkins has a little different sound to it, (nice actually, not a loud "chank" sound). On the everlast, there has to be a momentary empty space between the non-flared bottom, when only the eyebolt is going to the swivel housing. And I used the original watkins (long hook) for a while without tape, and I had no problem with the bag flying off.

For the record, Watkins is really working on their design to try and develop the best swivel of this type. I have their next generation, and the hook is redesigned to be a bit shorter. stay tuned....

[osit]

does this swivel fit into the everlast mounting plate?

[Speedbag]

does this swivel fit into the everlast mounting plate?


NO. I have found that only everlast products fit together. This swivel comes with it's own base attachment to the board, and the bag attachment part which screws into that base.

[firemanjer]

The screw holes line up the same, you don't have to re-drill your board.

[Speedbag]

The screw holes line up the same, you don't have to re-drill your board.

Correct, but the threads won't match. :mad:

[firemanjer]

Speedbag,
Do you have a picture of the newer shorter hook the company sent you? How much shorter is it? Do you know if they are selling that version yet. Their website doesn't have an updated picture or description.

[Speedbag]

Speedbag,
Do you have a picture of the newer shorter hook the company sent you? How much shorter is it? Do you know if they are selling that version yet. Their website doesn't have an updated picture or description.

Yes, I have a few pictures that I attached below. It is still in modification. The shorter version is on the right in both pictures below.

The have a lot of the other ones in stock, and won't have the other until the first stock is gone. I would still use the first model, for the size really doesn't interfer with the action. It is just feels a bit slower. not a big deal, though.

[juanantoniomartin]

Me and my boy both love it, Great action and sound. Despite the big opening on the hook it stays on fine and is super easy to swap out bags.

[Speedbag]

Me and my boy both love it, Great action and sound. Despite the big opening on the hook it stays on fine and is super easy to swap out bags.

Good to hear. I'll pass the feedback along to them.

[toolboxdiver]

NO. I have found that only everlast products fit together. This swivel comes with it's own base attachment to the board, and the bag attachment part which screws into that base.

Would it fit into the Title Pro Swivel base? I use those but would like to try a ball swivel but into changing the base on my platform

[whiptats]

Looks like that swivel works just fine for you. None of them work like that for me. More work,I think.

[whiptats]

For what it's worth the parts do interchange on my Everlast and Watkins ball hooks.

[fingers]

Its a shame this swivel is not available in the UK i might yet be converted to the ball hook!!:(

[TJ_MaTee]

Hi Alan, I just ordered "Boxing Gears" swivel you tested. Available also (whick I ordered $6.99) is an extra steel ball that comes with a shorter hook included. They must have been getting feedback regarding that "longer hook". Anyway, thanks for all the great info! I'll let you know how my swivel works out.

[goju]

Its a shame this swivel is not available in the UK i might yet be converted to the ball hook!!:(

we get bumped royaly here in the Uk fingers.. iv'e been using a modified swivel.. Everlast chain link housing with a plastic ball.. seems to work quite well.. but i would love to have metal housing / metal ball combo :(

[ukspeedbag]

Its a shame this swivel is not available in the UK i might yet be converted to the ball hook!!:(
You won't regret it fingers! Remember I had the same swivel as you, kind of restricts the combos a little. The ball hooks are a bit of a challenge after using the 'U' bar type, but well worth the perseverance.
we get bumped royaly here in the Uk fingers.. iv'e been using a modified swivel.. Everlast chain link housing with a plastic ball.. seems to work quite well.. but i would love to have metal housing / metal ball combo :(

Goju, Have you tried searching the internet for a metal ball? I don't think the plastic ball in a metal housing would last too long, unless your keeping it well lubricated.

[goju]

yea i have searched the net mate.. only thing that i can find is the one AK suggested which is from the U.S. And they want stupid money for shipping.. and im not paying that. It's a shame sugar rays are not stocking any, the setup i have is the one skunk showed on youtube. Im sure the ball will wear out sooner or later, but i hope by then i might have got a metal one. I have a full plastic ball hook to fall back on, but the plastic ball and metal housing is faster. i guess ill have to keep searching.

[ukspeedbag]

yea i have searched the net mate.. only thing that i can find is the one AK suggested which is from the U.S. And they want stupid money for shipping.. and im not paying that. It's a shame sugar rays are not stocking any, the setup i have is the one skunk showed on youtube. Im sure the ball will wear out sooner or later, but i hope by then i might have got a metal one. I have a full plastic ball hook to fall back on, but the plastic ball and metal housing is faster. i guess ill have to keep searching.

http://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/Loose+Ball+Bearings/c23/p35510/25mm+Diameter+Hardened+Chrome+Steel+Ball+Bearings+ (Pack+of+1)+Grade+100/product_info.html

You would need someone with a pillar drill and a 5mm cobalt drill as it's hardened.
Drill right through, the thread size is 6/1.25mm. Now, I couldn't find one of these at hand so I used a 1/4 / 20 UNC tap. A bit of thread lock and away you go! The thread sizes are for the 'S' hook screwed into the plastic ball.;)

[goju]

Thanks alot for the link vin, much appreciated mate. I think i have someone who could do the drilling for me, so that could be the way to go. oh, have you made a vid yet with your new custom swivel ?

[ukspeedbag]

Thanks alot for the link vin, much appreciated mate. I think i have someone who could do the drilling for me, so that could be the way to go. oh, have you made a vid yet with your new custom swivel ?

I haven't yet. I'm going to wait for my new Everlast 4x6 to arrive, so I'll do both in one.;)

[goju]

ok mate, look forward to it :D

[fingers]

we get bumped royaly here in the Uk fingers.. iv'e been using a modified swivel.. Everlast chain link housing with a plastic ball.. seems to work quite well.. but i would love to have metal housing / metal ball combo :(Goju!! i have an old housing also! i was thinking of buying this http://www.sugarrays.co.uk/shop/pro-box-hook-swivel.html from Sugar rays and taking the ball out and cobbling the two into a ball hook job!;) you never know it might work mate.:D

[goju]

Im not sure there is a ball in that swivel mate... i think its some form of plate thing .. not sure what it would be called, but it looks like the very 1st swivel i used, which was mounted on one of those mutligym platforms. BUT.. i have even thought of trying to find that old swivel and putting it in my housing.. if i cant get someone to drill a ball bearing for me ill give it a try,.. i could be wrong though mate.. maybe AK can tell us whats inside that swivel.

[fingers]

Im not sure there is a ball in that swivel mate... i think its some form of plate thing .. not sure what it would be called, but it looks like the very 1st swivel i used, which was mounted on one of those mutligym platforms. BUT.. i have even thought of trying to find that old swivel and putting it in my housing.. if i cant get someone to drill a ball bearing for me ill give it a try,.. i could be wrong though mate.. maybe AK can tell us whats inside that swivel.I see what you mean!! oh well!! i will just have to stick with my title pro! its fast and smooth and quiet so i dont mind, i may e mail sugar rays and tell them there is a market for the metal ball hook in the UK:) well i know they would sell 2 at least!!:D

[goju]

well i think im going to get some of those ball bearings that vini posted.. if i can get them drilled ill send you a couple. A mate of my old man is a grease monkey so he has all the bits to do it.. ill keep you posted fingers.

[fingers]

Goju thanks for that anything you need just ask!!:)

[goju]

No problem mate.. not sure how long it will take but i will get it sorted. And thanks too ;)