Fitness Tips

Century Wavemaster XXL Training Bag Review – My Thoughts After 4 Years of Use

Century Martial Arts is well-known for being one of the most reliable companies when it comes to putting high-quality martial arts gear out onto the market.

While they focus on a whole plethora of different training gear - their Wavemaster XXL training bag is one of the hottest pieces of equipment.

And that's to no surprise.

After all, it's one of the best free-standing training bags that is currently available.

Currently this bag is the most popular and the highest rated.

I mean just look at all of the positive reviews on amazon

However, with more competitors entering the market year after year, many people are getting stuck choosing between the Wavemaster XXL and some other option, like the Century Bob XL.

That's why, to give you a helping hand, I decided to write this detailed in-depth review! 

I have owned this punching bag for 4 years now and have put it through its paces.

my century wavemaster xxl punching bag review

Mine after 4 years of abuse

This is what mine looks like after 4 years of use and abuse. It's holding up extremely well.

Keep reading to get my personal insights that come after using this bag for years on end, as well as a thorough review of everything that it's got to offer.


Century Wavemaster XXL Review

IF you are like me and would rather not be drilling holes in your wall or ceiling and hanging a punching bag from it - or you also would really prefer to not buy a heavy bag stand, then a free standing bag is going to be the best type of punching bag to get.

And when it comes to freestanding bags, it's hard to find one as renowned as the Wavemaster XXL. This whopping 270-lb beast of a bag is rugged, tough, durable, and impressively versatile.

I might add that the Wavemaster XXL is the most popular free standing bag that is sold today with nothing but positive reviews.


The Key Features

Before we dive into the things I like and the things I don't about owning this bag, let's take a quick peek "under the hood." 

Who and what exactly is the Wavemaster XXL training bag good for?

  • Extremely Large Striking Surface - Makes this bag extremely useable for all types of training from beginners to professionals
  • Highest Rated & Most Popular Free Standing Bag - Right now this is the most sought after punching bag currently sold. Not only is it the most popular but it is also the highest rated
  • Best Bang For Buck Bag & Comparatively Affordable- When compared with a hanging heavy bag this bag is comparatively cheaper and offers a better bang for your buck
  • My Personal Choice - This should go without saying but after the hours of research and hours of looking through customer reviews this the bag that I picked and that I would still pick today if I wanted the best most cost effective bang for buck bag.

Below, I'm going to give you a general walk-through of the features that the Wavemaster XXL boats.


Material & Build Quality:

wavemaster xxl features review

When it comes to the build quality, Century definitely didn't cut any corners. They used a high-density foam as a filler, which is incredibly tough and long-lasting, yet gentle enough on your hands and feet.  

So much so, that even a complete newbie can use this bag without gloves or boxing shoes

The training bag itself is wrapped up in a nice and rugged vinyl cover.

And after years of intense training and nothing short of abuse to the bag that I've got standing in my home gym - I can safely attest to just how stunningly durable this vinyl cover is.


Weight & Base:

wavemaster xxl base

One of the main worries that people have with free-standing bags is that they'll move around or tip over during training. And while I'd be worried about some of the bags out on the market today - this is not one of them.

Once you fill it up with either sand or water, this bag sits at a nice and solid 270 pounds. This puts it on the heavier side, allowing you to enjoy the peace of mind in the fact that you won't send it flying across the room with one hard kick.


General Dimensions:

The bag, once assembled, stands at a nice and comfortable 69 inches, with the base spanning around 18 inches in diameter.

These dimensions make it perfect for somebody who is building an apartment home gym, a low-ceiling basement gym or for those who are limited on their workout space.

century wavemaster xxl punching bag in home gym

If you're not that apt at visualizing these measurements - that's about as tall as a grown man. This puts it into the upper range of the height bracket when compared to other popular heavy bags.


Assembly:

There is none - just fill the bag

Unlike heavy bags that you have to install on the ceiling, or have to get a heavy bag stand, there's next to no assembly required to start using this bag.

Just fill the base with sand or water and attach the bag - that's it. 


The Warranty:

Obviously enough, when you're putting a nice sum of money into a training bag, you would prefer that it lasts you as long as possible. And thankfully, Century Martial Arts definitely understands this well.

The Wavemaster XXL punching bag comes with a comprehensive one-year manufacturer warranty. However, given how solid and durable it is, I highly doubt that you'll ever need to use it.

Like I said above I have owned this bag for 4 years now.. This thing will probably last me another 10. No joke.

Now that we've learned a fair bit about the general specifications and features that this training bag has to offer, let's dive into the pros and cons that I've observed over several years of use.


Things I Like About the Wavemaster 2XL

These are the main things that I like about this free standing bag

Affordably Priced

The Wavemaster XXL sits right in the perfect golden middle of the price tag range for what it offers. In fact, it's fair to say that it's even a bit under what some of the other mainstream competitors are charging for similar punching bags.

Lots Of Padding Without Being Mushy

I absolutely hate squishy bags that feel like they're made of sponge. They don't provide adequate resistance, and your training is basically going to waste.

The Wavemaster XXL provides the perfect degree of padding without being too soft or too hard. I can launch a strong kick or strike at it and know that I'll be getting a good response, without hurting myself either.

Great Stability

wavemaster xxl heavy bag workout

While the 18-inch base surprised me at first, I have to honestly admit that this bag is mind-bogglingly stable. Whether you use it on the rough concrete, an average carpet, or on a wrestling mat.

And given how stable it is, I know that I can strike practically any area of the bag without it tipping over, which helps me get a far better workout in.

Great Quality & Durability

wavemaster xxl durability test

Again this is mine after 4 years of me throwing as much wear and tear as I could at it.

As I briefly mentioned in the general overview, this punching bag is made with top-notch materials. This makes it nearly indestructible. And after several years of intensive use, my bag is still practically in the same shape as it was when I first got it

I've never had to deal with any cracking, tearing, or soft spots appearing over the years. So, I think it's safe to say that you'll definitely get your money's worth in training, and then some.

Great For Beginners & Advanced Users Alike

As someone that's been practicing martial arts  (MMA as well as boxing) for over a decade, I'd rarely recommend the same training bag to both beginners and advanced users. 

However, with how versatile this training bag is, I can safely say that it's well suited for just about anyone.

Whether you're just getting a bit of cardio into your fitness routine, or are into some serious training - this punching bag will meet all of your needs with ease.


The Not So Good Things - There are None

how to fill the century wavemaster xxl heavy bag

Surprisingly, there's only one potential downside to the XXL training bag.

It lies in the fact that as the buyer, you're the one responsible for filling it up. While most punching bags, especially in the hanging category, come pre-filled - the Wavemaster XXL arrives disassembled to save Century a few dozen bucks in shipping costs.

And it makes it easier for you to move around. Yeah this was literally the only thing that I could find that I did not like about it.. But honestly it's best un-filled.

Else, you will have a hard dang time moving it around.

The base takes both sand and water, so it's your choice as to what you want to use as a base-filler. However, I personally suggest sand as it offers far more bag stability than water does.

You'll need up to 200 pounds of sand to fill up the base if you choose to go down this route, which can easily be sourced from your backyard or any gardening store in your area.


Most Commonly Asked Questions About the Wavemaster XXL

Now that I've given you the low-down on the pros and cons that come with this punching bag, let's delve into some of the typical questions that people have when considering buying this training bag.


Is This A Good Punching Bag For Kids?

It's not suited for kids.. period. 

Thanks to the padding that this bag features, yeah you can use it and it's will be just fine but there are more suitable punching bag for teenagers if that's what you're on the hunt for.

Any of these should fit the bill for diverse martial arts for teens, and are easy on kids' soft hands.


Do I Need Boxing Gloves For This Bag?

While I always recommend that you use gloves with a training bag, this is one of the only bags where I'd say it's okay if you don't.

If you're just starting out, you'll probably find that the bag is a little hard on your hands and feet. But it's something that you'll get used to with time as you practice more and more.

I personally wear a pair of MMA heavy bag gloves to keep my hands protected and it allows me to throw punches daily without wearing my hands out.


Is The Wavemaster XXL Loud?

At the end of the day, no training bag - be it a heavy bag, freestanding punching bag, or reflex bag is going to be whisper-silent. And while some training bags can make quite a ruckus during your workout, the Wavemaster XXL isn't all too bad.

The noise level that this bag makes is totally fine for anywhere. Need a quiet apartment punching bag? This is the one for you. Compact, and quiet.


Does This Bag Take Up A Lot Of Space?

The Wavemaster XXL features a base that's only 18 inches wide. This  means you can put it practically anywhere, given that there's a few feet of extra room for you to move around as you exercise.

It's an ideal home gym equipment for small space for those who love martial arts but don't have plenty of space.

In terms of storage, I'd say that this is one of the least space-dependant bags that I've owned over the years. However, given that it's pretty tall, standing at a nice 69 inches high, it can be a little vertically-demanding when you're finding a spot to store it away.

The solution here would be to unscrew the top and lay it flat, in which case there's no vertical-space-challenge to speak of.


Should You Buy the Wavemaster XXL Training Bag?

It's undeniable that Century has definitely cracked the code when it comes to making pitch-perfect martial arts training bags.

And the Wavemaster XXL is seriously a solid testament to this!

It's incredibly affordable, super functional, durable, and versatile.

And after several years of using this bag as my go-to for training, I can safely say that you'd be hard-pressed to find another free-standing bag that stacks up to this one in every department, even at nearly double its price.

All in all, this is hands down one of the best training bags that is suitable for practically anyone and any sort of exercise that you might be doing.

You will not find a better bag at this price point.

Now that I've shared my thoughts on the Wavemaster XXL, it's my turn to hear from you. What other training bags are you considering alongside this one, and why?

Let me know in the comments below!

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Sources:

Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now.
My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future.
I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics.
My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics.
Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward.
You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page

Ben Mayz

Hi there! I'm Ben, main author and chief editor at Fitlifefanatics.com. I have been obsessed with Strength Training and Fitness for 18 years now. My passion for living a happy fit lifestyle is what made me realize that fitness is what I wanted for my future. I went on to earn my Masters in Sports Training & Biomechanics. My passion for Strength training & fitness and my love of helping others is what made me start Fitlifefanatics. Here, myself, and a team of specialist aim to provide the most accurate, and actionable information possible in hopes to help foster the fitness community forward. You can learn more about Fitlifefanatics on our About Page