Fairtex BGV1 Muay Thai Gloves

The Fairtex BGV1 gloves have earned their reputation as the go-to choice for Muay Thai enthusiasts. Crafted from premium leather, these are some of the most durable gloves that can last several years. The three-layered foam system absorbs impact really well, protecting your hands whenever you land on the heavy bag and sparring.

What I love most about the BGV1 is its tight fit and wrist mobility.  I feel I have better hand movement, especially when I'm transitioning between striking and clinching.  I also like how the gloves are shaped, which allows for a better control and grip in the clinch.  Fairtex offers a wide variety of colors and graphics, so you'll have a wide amount of selections to choose from.

However, one thing to be aware of is the thin padding is not the best for hard sparring.  You may want to tone down the power to make sure you're training partners are always safe.  If you are just starting out, it does have a premium price tag depending on your budget.  However, I believe the Fairtex BGV1 gloves are are worth the investment if you plan on training Muay Thai seriously for several years.

• Fit/Comfort: The BGV1s offer a solid fit that’s snug but not overly tight. The glove is designed for a natural fist shape, which is great for both punching and clinching. They’re pretty comfortable once broken in, and the interior lining feels smooth against the skin.

• Performance: Fairtex is famous for its balance of comfort and protection, and the BGV1s deliver just that. The padding is good, providing protection for the knuckles and wrist without feeling bulky. In the clinch, the glove’s shape allows for decent control and grip, which is a huge benefit if you're game involves a lot of clinch work.

• Durability: These gloves are durable—Fairtex gloves last a long time, even under heavy use. The synthetic leather holds up well and can withstand sweat, punches, and general wear.

• Pros: Very durable with premium leather design, versatile for both bag work and sparring, and great for clinching.

• Cons: Padding is thin for hard sparring, may be a higher price tag if you are just starting out but worth the investment

Twins Special Boxing Gloves

The Twins Special BGVL-3 gloves are handmade in Thailand and one of the most popular gloves for both beginners and professionals. What stands out about these gloves is their all-around padding that keeps your hands protected during training and competition. The genuine leather construction guarantees durability, while also providing some of the best wrist support to help prevent injuries.

In my experience, the BGVL-3 gloves offer a great balance of protection and comfort.  They are some of the best in absorbing impact when landing on the heavy bag.  They also provide excellent padding to also lessen impact during sparring session.  These are great all-purpose gloves where you can blast the heavy bag, hit pads, spar, and never need to change out gloves.  

However, they have a more bulkier design in comparison to other gloves.  While the extra surface are can help defending against strikes, it may be a little harder to fit your punches through smaller gaps when trying to land through someone's guard.  And since these are some of the best premium gloves out there, it also has a premium price.  But if you're looking for reliable, well-rounded gloves, the Twins Special BGVL-3 is a really good choice.

• Performance: These gloves offer great padding, making them ideal for protecting your hands and wrists during striking. They’re good for sparring and heavy bag work, but they are a bit on the bulky side. When it comes to clinching, you lose a little maneuverability compared to gloves with a more streamlined design.

• Durability: These are some of the toughest gloves you’ll find. The leather is top-notch, and they will last a long time with proper care. I’ve had mine for years, and they still hold up strong.

• Pros: Super durable, solid knuckle protection, great for heavy bag and pad work.

• Cons: They tend to be a little more bulkier compared to other gloves,  premium price but you pay for what you get

Yokkao Matrix Muay Thai Gloves

The Yokkao Matrix gloves blend traditional Thai craftsmanship with modern design, giving you a unique Muay Thai experience. Handmade in Thailand from 100% premium cowhide leather, these gloves offer both durability and comfort. The multi-layered foam padding provides excellent protection, allowing you to train hard without worry.

Yokkao Matrix gloves are one of the best when it comes to how comfortable and protective they are of your hands.  I've been able land full power punches on the heavy bag without needing to have my hands wrapped.  What set these gloves apart is their unique designs.  In comparison to the other gloves, they probably have the most variety of graphics designs to choose from.

With premium gloves, comes with a premium priced.  These gloves are the most expensive out of all the glove in the list.  However, the quality and style of the Yokkao Matrix gloves make them a worthy investment if you are investing in training for many years.

• Fit/Comfort: The Yokkao Matrix gloves are probably the most comfortable on this list. They have a soft, padded interior that feels plush on the hands, and the fit is snug without being restrictive. The wrist support is top-tier, and the gloves are easy to break in.

• Performance: These gloves perform exceptionally well in all areas. They’re well-padded, so your hands stay protected during striking, but they’re also light enough to not feel too cumbersome. The design is fantastic for Muay Thai—very supportive for clinching, and they don’t interfere with hand mobility.

• Durability: Yokkao gloves are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. The leather is premium, and they last a long time, even with heavy use. The stitching and materials are designed for longevity.

• Pros: Extremely comfortable, great for clinching and striking, very durable.

• Cons: One of the most expensive gloves, but the quality justifies the cost.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right Muay Thai gloves is a personal decision that depends on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Having used all of these gloves throughout my Muay Thai journey, I can attest to their quality and performance.

The Fairtex BGV1, Twins Special BGVL-3, and Yokkao Matrix gloves stand out as time-tested favorites, offering exceptional quality and protection. These brands provide a variety of modern designs and innovative features without compromising on performance.

The best gloves are the ones that feel right on your hands and allow you to perform at your best in the gym and in the ring. Whichever pair you choose from this top 3 list, you'll be well-equipped to get through your all your training sessions and competitions with confidence.