Introduction
The T3 Boxing Gloves from Hayabusa are some of the best boxing gloves in the world today, thanks to their splinted wrist wrap system, which is one of the finest innovations in fight gear. But do their smaller bag glove counterparts live up to the same standard?
Bag gloves, if you’re unaware, are lighter and more compact than standard boxing gloves. They help fighters hone their technique by giving a better feel of how punches are landing. These gloves are excellent for cardio-based boxing workouts and serious combat sports training alike.
When crafted well, bag gloves make hitting the bag, pads, and clinching a much more enjoyable experience. The thin layer of padding should provide just enough protection while still offering that satisfying POP upon impact.
So, do the T3 Bag Gloves match up to their older sibling? Let’s dive in.
Product Overview
Aesthetics
Visually, the T3 Bag Gloves look incredibly modern compared to most bag gloves on the market. While many brands stick to the classic bag glove design, Hayabusa has pushed for a sleeker, Batman-esque look.
- Fully black synthetic Vylar leather
- Subtle yet striking Hayabusa branding
- Well-stitched, premium feel
- Only available in one colorway (a downside for those who love variety)
For a first release, the single color option is understandable, but I’d love to see more colors in future iterations.
Sizing & Fit
The T3 Bag Gloves come in Small, Medium, Large, and XL. Unlike boxing gloves, bag gloves aren’t weight-based—they are sized according to hand fit.
I purchased mine in Large (I’ll provide my hand measurements for reference). The gloves feature a short yet sturdy elastic wrist wrap combined with a solid Vylar strap and soft Velcro closure. The Velcro is well-designed—not too rough, which prevents scratching or irritation.
The elastic and Vylar strap combo offers a secure, snug fit, giving great wrist support for a bag glove. However, unlike the T3 Boxing Gloves, these lack the renowned splinted wrist support system.
For a bag glove retailing at $180 AUD, I expected at least some form of enhanced wrist support. Considering that similar high-quality bag gloves are available for slightly less, this is a slight letdown.
Splint System & Wrist Support
Technically, the T3 Bag Gloves feature a light splint system, but it’s softer and thinner than the one in the T3 Boxing Gloves. As a result, my wrist doesn’t feel nearly as supported.
That said, I’ve experienced little to no wrist pain using these gloves, even during intense bag and pad sessions. However, for $180 AUD, I would have expected better wrist reinforcement.
Profile & Padding
The T3 Bag Gloves have a slimmer profile than traditional bag gloves, with a flat knuckle surface for precise striking.
- 10mm soft-medium density padding
- Flush fist positioning for optimal impact
- Great hand feedback (but minimal protection for improper punches)
These gloves offer a true striking experience, but if you hit the bag incorrectly or too hard, you may feel it in your knuckles.
Inner Lining & Comfort
Unfortunately, the T3 Bag Gloves feature a standard grey nylon lining, which is the same material found in many budget gloves. This is a disappointment, considering the T3 Boxing Gloves use XT2 antimicrobial lining, which is much more comfortable and premium.
The nylon liner can sometimes bunch up, especially near the fingers, which slightly affects comfort. For a high-priced bag glove, I would have preferred a higher-end lining material.
Thumb Design & Hand Fit
The open thumb design is a great choice for a bag glove. It allows for a natural fist formation and keeps the thumb tucked behind the knuckles. However, there is some tension between the thumb and fingers, and I feel it could be positioned a few millimeters closer for a more relaxed fit.
Opening and closing my hand is effortless, making these very ergonomic gloves. Most bag gloves feel broken in from the start, but these feel especially well-formed.
Training Experience
Despite my criticisms, the T3 Bag Gloves are an absolute joy to use in my Muay Thai training.
I use them once a week to reduce injury risk, as bag gloves don’t offer the same level of protection as boxing gloves. However, the crack of these gloves against Thai pads is incredibly satisfying.
I’ve tested several other bag gloves, and many have caused hand pain. The T3s, however, have not, even after 3-6 months of use.
Final Recommendations
Who Should Buy These?
✔️ Boxers & Muay Thai practitioners looking to improve hand speed & accuracy
✔️ Those seeking a high-quality bag glove for cardio training (budget allowing)
✔️ Those who enjoy a minimalist, high-performance design
Who Should Avoid These?
❌ Beginners (if you’re new, get 12oz gloves for better protection)
❌ Those prone to hand injuries (these gloves have minimal padding)
❌ Budget-conscious buyers (cheaper options with similar quality exist)
Final Verdict: Needs More T3!
While the T3 Bag Gloves are well-made, stylish, and effective, they lack many of the features that make the T3 Boxing Gloves legendary. For the $180 AUD price, I expected better wrist support and a higher-quality inner lining.
To truly deserve the T3 name, Hayabusa should consider:
- Adding a stiffer splint for improved wrist support
- Upgrading the inner liner for a more premium feel
That said, they’re still one of the best bag gloves I’ve used, and I’d recommend them to dedicated strikers who want speed, feedback, and precision in their training.
Have you tried the Hayabusa T3 Bag Gloves? Let me know in the comments!