Introduction
If you’re tired of spending hundreds of dollars on boxing gloves that barely last a few months, then you’re in for a treat. In my opinion, PowrBox has created the best value boxing gloves on the market with their Exile Series Gloves. Let’s dive into the review and find out why!
About PowrBox Boxing
PowrBox Boxing is a relatively new Australian-based boxing brand, having launched in 2019. Despite being in its early years, PowrBox is already standing out in the competitive fight gear market.
With sleek, street-inspired designs, stylish colorways, and well-crafted products, PowrBox has created a unique identity that appeals to both boxing purists and casual users. The brand offers affordable pricing without compromising quality, making it a standout option for budget-conscious fighters.
While I can’t speak for their entire range, my experience with the Exile Series Boxing Gloves and their Animal Heavy Hands Boxing Mitts (review coming soon) has been exceptional. Based on this, I wouldn’t hesitate to purchase more from them in the future.
Exile Series Boxing Gloves: First Impressions
The Exile Series Gloves come in a range of 10 colorways, but I opted for the Matte Purple and Yellow “Kobe Edition” in 12oz. Right out of the box, they made a strong impression with their bold design and modern aesthetic.
Weight & Quality Control
- The gloves weighed in at 13.5oz, which is slightly heavier than the labeled 12oz.
- While a small weight difference isn’t a major concern, it’s something to keep in mind when considering quality control.
- Heavier gloves can sometimes indicate better durability and more protective padding, so this isn’t necessarily a downside.
Aesthetics & Design
- The Exile Series Gloves are visually striking. The combination of a matte finish, sleek logo placement, and glossy white palm creates a contemporary, stylish look.
- The PowrBox logo is subtle yet unique, making it a standout feature.
- One of my favorite design elements is the debossed wrist logo, which eliminates the risk of cuts from plastic labels and prevents wear-and-tear over time.
- The 12oz marking on the palm side is minimal and doesn’t clutter the design.
- The gloves have a medium width and standard length, reaching halfway down the forearm, making them a great fit for most users.
Material & Casing Quality
One of the most intriguing aspects of these gloves is the material choice. PowrBox has combined synthetic microfiber leather with genuine cowhide leather in an unconventional way:
- Cowhide leather on the palm side
- Microfiber synthetic leather on the backhand, thumb, and outer casing
Most brands use genuine leather for durability, but microfiber leather has several advantages, including better moisture resistance and a sleeker look.
In my opinion, more brands should consider using microfiber synthetic leather in their gloves, as it provides impressive durability without the imperfections of natural leather.
Stitching & Construction
- The stitching quality is very symmetrical, which suggests machine-made precision.
- One concern is the double stitching on the wrist strap, which could wear out if pulled at an angle too frequently.
- The elastic wrist support is a good addition, but it sits on the outside, which may lead to fraying over time. Moving it inside the wrist compartment could improve durability and aesthetics.
Wrist Support & Velcro Strap
- The 4.3-inch wrist length and 3-inch Velcro strap provide excellent wrist stability.
- The Velcro quality is unlike anything I’ve felt before—it’s soft yet secure, reducing the risk of scratching during sparring.
- The 15mm sponge padding on the back of the wrist adds comfort and helps absorb impact when blocking or parrying punches.
- The palm side padding (10mm) feels like it could be made from gel, as it has a firm yet responsive feel.
Inner Lining & Comfort
- PowrBox uses a tricot inner lining, which is my favorite type of glove lining due to its soft feel.
- Potential downside: Tricot lining absorbs sweat faster than polyester, so proper glove care (wearing wraps and airing them out) is essential.
- Overall, the gloves feel exceptionally comfortable, with no material bunching or tight spots.
Padding & Hand Fit
- The 20mm grip bar is soft and easy to grip.
- The 5-layered padding system provides fantastic protection while still offering great feedback and knuckle exposure.
- The ergonomic shape ensures the thumb stays tucked in safely, reducing injury risk.
- The padding extends and rolls over the grip bar, allowing more space for longer fingers and making it easier to open and close the hand.
- No break-in period required—these gloves felt perfect from the first use.
Durability & Longevity
- After several rounds of bag and pad work, the gloves still look brand new.
- No signs of deterioration, which is impressive considering their price point.
Price & Value
At $129.99 AUD, the PowrBox Exile Series Gloves offer exceptional value. Considering the materials, craftsmanship, protection, and aesthetics, they outperform many gloves in the same price range.
Who Are These Gloves Best For?
✔️ Great for: Boxers, Muay Thai practitioners, beginners, and professionals looking for affordable, high-quality gloves.
❌ Not ideal for: Heavy Muay Thai or Kickboxing sparring due to the glove design being more suited for traditional boxing.
Final Verdict
PowrBox has truly impressed me with the Exile Series Gloves. From the thoughtful design choices to the high-quality materials, these gloves punch well above their price point. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye on PowrBox and trying more of their products in the future.
If you’re looking for a pair of high-performance boxing gloves under $130 AUD, the Exile Series should be at the top of your list.
Where to Buy
You can check out PowrBox’s full range of boxing equipment on their official website and Instagram.