cc scrap. couldn't agree more. the motto at our gym is, you pay your dues, you get free mitts. granted, if you compete for the club, you get first priority, but you will get your turn.

like i said in the other thread, screw gleasons. find a little gym where they'll work with you because they want to..for the love of the game. especially at this point, you're a novice. all you'll need to start and for a while yet is three rounds per session. that's plenty to get you going.