Dec 24, 2011 - 9:00:10 PM

By Alvin Benjamin Carter III, MMA Torch Specialist

This is the first installment of what will be weekly combat sports product reviews.

Product Review: Fighting Sports Pro Lace-up Training Gloves
Price: $89.00 (Suggested Retail)
Colors: Black, White
Sizes: 12, 14, 16 oz.


Fighting Sports Pro Training Lace-up Gloves are the first Fighting Sports branded item that I have owned, and right off the bat the gloves reminded me of their sister brand Title. Fighting Sports is positioned as a slightly more "luxurious" version of the general Title brand. The differences between the brands are subtle, but noticeable after months of use.

I have been using the Fighting Sports Pro Training Lace-up Gloves for about three months for sparring and some light bag and pad work. The high quality full grain leather still looks great after all of the rounds that I have put on them. My Title Eternal Professional Training Gloves, on the other hand, started to deteriorate and fade after the first 20 rounds.

Now, buying gloves is not based on how awesome they look after you put some work in with them, but it is an added bonus if they hold up well. The Fighting Sports Pro Training Lace-up gloves really shine where it matters - in the hand and wrist padding. The 16 oz. gloves have a great mix of high and low density foams that absorb impact. The logo clad wrist padding is thick and good for blocking kicks. These gloves are pre-molded which can be beneficial, but I have long fingers - yet somewhat small hands - so the "broken in" feel was a bit off for me. However, after three months, they have molded better to my actual hand shape.

Since the laces do not relax, they allow the glove to slide on and off without having to make major lace adjustments or asking for help. Still, it is important to have someone tie you up properly when you are doing serious rounds. If you do multiple rounds with out taking the gloves off, the satin nylon hand compartment wicks sweat away keeping the hand somewhat dry. The truth of the matter is a hot glove is a hot glove, and hands will feel HOT in there after awhile.

Over all these are quality gloves that have protected my hands pretty well. The wrist padding serves as support. The gloves are not cheap, but they are worth the money if you are looking for quality gloves that can take a beating. There are not any flames, dragons, or snakes on these. I guess Fighting Sports leaves all the excitement up to you and your training partners.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Gloves

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