Needing help finding the right bag :(

I'm 25, female, 5'7". I'm not huge into boxing or sports, but I've discovered that I love the bag they used to have at my gym. It helps me work out, and relieve stress by punching and kicking the crap out of something. I don't like the super hard bags though. The one they used to have was a taebo style I think. Adjustable top so you can punch, elbow, and kick. The base was small. It moved some when I hit it but that's ok. I just want to make sure I get one I can punch hard (I'm not a wimpy gal, but I'm also not that physically fit). Anyone have recommendations? I really want to find one under $200 if possible...I am having the hardest time finding one I like :(

No one can help me? That's sad :(

Have you looked at craigslist or ebay? That's where I'd look first, otherwise you can take a look for sales at your local sporting goods stores, or boxing gear websites (ringside.com everlast or titleboxing.com).

Chris knows far more about boxing than I do so listen to him but here are my thoughts from the perspective of an older guy who likes to hit the bag hard but who also doesn't want to mess up my (arthritic) shoulders:

Water bags are pretty cool, as long as they are hard enough not to feel like a water balloon or just an air bag.

You need enough resistance in the bag to "stop your punch" so that you are free to let it go, relaxed, and deep into the bag rather than just punching off the surface or having to stop it by muscular power.

Hard bags (filled with sand/sawdust or whatever) can put a lot of jolt back into your shoulder and can train some people to just "hit the surface".

A good punch has to penetrate. Fortunately, this also feels good when you are just hitting the bag for stress relief and exercise.

Worst case, go tour a couple of gyms, take a "first lesson free" if possible and pay attention to what bags you like and dislike.

Then follow up on the eBay, Craigslist, or Amazon to find one you can afford (and can host properly.)

Craigslist has the advantage that you usually buy local, so you can likely see or even try out the equipment before handing over your money.

eBay and Amazon (New & Used) have great prices and the seller with large numbers of high quality feedback are motivated to get things right so you won't give them bad feedback.

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HerbM