Introduction
Everlast may be the most recognizable boxing brand in the world, but in recent years, they’ve been earning the nickname Neverlast…
So, does the Powerlock 2 live up to expectations or fall into the same name trap?
For my first Everlast review, I wanted to go for a budget-friendly and accessible pair of boxing gloves. Naturally, I chose the Everlast Powerlock 2 Boxing Gloves—one of their most recognized models, retailing between $69-$99 AUD.
But does affordability mean quality? Let’s find out.
Aesthetics & Build
At first glance, the Powerlock 2’s have a sleek look. With seven available colorways, I went with the two-tone neon orange & black combo. The Everlast logo sits boldly on the backhand, while the Powerlock branding appears subtly on the thumb.
The overall profile is generic but functional:
- Standard-length wrist compartment
- Flat punching surface
- Sewn-in thumb with a weak nylon connection (which I’m not a fan of—it frays easily!)
- Mesh palm section that runs from the hand capsule down to the wrist
💡 Mesh in boxing gloves is always a toss-up. It improves breathability but compromises durability, especially if exposed to Velcro in sparring or clinch work.
The synthetic outer casing feels soft and flexible, but it’s too thin and loose, making the glove feel lower quality than I’d like.
Weight & Balance
I bought these in 16oz, and the top-heavy weight distribution was immediately noticeable.
Balanced gloves generally provide better craftsmanship and an overall superior training experience, but the Powerlock 2’s lack that balanced feel—most of the weight sits in the hand rather than being evenly distributed.
Hand Fit & Comfort
Handfit Pros:
✅ Plush tricot inner lining—soft and comfortable on the skin.
✅ Spacious enough for larger hands.
✅ Thumb placement is decent, sitting behind the padding.
Handfit Cons:
❌ Liner feels loose, swimming inside the glove rather than fitting snugly.
❌ Mesh palm restricts hand opening, limiting flexibility for Muay Thai practitioners.
❌ Long fingers may push into the glove’s ends, causing discomfort.
💡 If you have larger hands, you’ll probably find the fit decent. But if your fingers run long, expect a tight squeeze.
Padding & Protection
Everlast claims the Powerlock 2’s feature four layers of foam, but the padding feels medium-to-hard density with no noticeable spring back. This raises questions about the actual composition of these layers.
✅ Provides decent protection for sparring and pad work.
❌ Not ideal for bag work—feels too firm and lacks feedback.
❌ Mesh palm prevents full hand extension, limiting flexibility for Muay Thai clinching.
Palm-side features include:
- 10mm thick foam bar for grip.
- Minimal foam on the wrist, useful for parrying and catching kicks.
Wrist Support – Powerlock Strap System
The Powerlock wrist wrap is Everlast’s take on a pull-back wrist support system, similar to Hayabusa’s T3 design.
Pros:
✅ Locks your wrist in better than traditional Velcro wraps.
✅ Uses a metal loop, reinforced under synthetic leather.
Cons:
❌ Flimsy wrist strap, which could be improved in future versions.
❌ Wrist wrap sits over the glove rather than sitting level, making it easier to knock and more prone to wear and tear over time.
Overall, the wrist support is functional but not outstanding—good enough for basic protection, but not elite-level.
My Experience – 12 Months Later
🔹 Sparring: Reasonable protection for both hands and opponents. However, mesh risks tearing from Velcro exposure. 🔹 Bag Work & Pads: Lacks pop and feedback—not satisfying for heavy bag sessions. 🔹 Durability: Synthetic leather feels too thin to last beyond a year with regular use.
💡 Ideal as a first sparring glove for beginners but lacks longevity for serious training.
Final Verdict – Who Should Buy These?
✅ Good for:
- Beginners testing out boxing, Muay Thai, or MMA.
- Budget-conscious fighters who don’t want to spend big on their first gloves.
- Casual users who only train a few times a week.
❌ Avoid if:
- You want high-end, long-lasting gloves.
- You prefer balanced gloves for better training performance.
- You need high wrist support—the strap isn’t strong enough for heavy hitters.
Recommendations
If you’re serious about combat sports, you may want to skip these and invest in better gloves:
- For Muay Thai: Fairtex, Boon Sport, Primo.
- For Boxing: Rival, Powrbox, Phenom, Fly.
The Powerlock 2’s aren’t bad, but they’re just OK—suitable for beginners, but not ideal for long-term training.