Let’s review the i-Box Speed Bag Platform from Balazs Boxing.
Here’s the items we are covering in this review:
Let’s review this speed bag platform.
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform Review – YouTube
Words can’t do a speed bag platform justice – you’ve got to see it – so here’s our review on our YouTube channel:
Want to see more?
We also used the i-Box platform for our Title Lightning Fast Super Swivel review:
Let’s now focus on the details…
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform Review – Overview
Let’s talk about what makes this unit great.
First of all, a speed bag platform’s reason for existence is to support the drum – the part that the speed bag rebounds against.
The i-Box has a 24″ diameter drum made from high-density manufactured wood.
That’s a great size, because you can accommodate just about any size speed bag – and you have plenty of room on the backside for “Speed Bag Bible” style punching (where you punch from all sides of the bag).
The drum has a semi-gloss finish, holds up well over time, and is 1 1/4″ thick.
There’s also an option to upgrade the drum to a maple unit – if you desire.
Secondly, this unit is height adjustable.
This is a critical and sometimes overlooked factor in a speed bag platform.
If you are going to be punching different size bags you need to be able to adjust the height up or down.
The i-Box has 12″ of vertical adjustment range. And that’s a continuous adjustment – raise or lower precisely where you want it to be.
These platforms use a star shaped knob – and it’s very easy to adjust.
The swivel that comes with the unit is middle of the road – to be honest.
It’s big and long (and therefore slow) and it’s noisy.
Having said all that, that is the easiest part to upgrade.
Check out some of our swivel reviews for ideas.
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform Review – Assembly
What’s in the box?
Everything you need to get started – except for a speed bag.
Assembly is easy – anyone can do it with simple hand tools.
Hanging on the wall is definitely a 2 person job.
This is one thick, beefy unit – so it is heavy.
Check out the part that supports the drum – it’s THICK and SOLID.
The adjustable part of the platform (the base of the V frame) is 9″ in height.
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform – Durability
How does it hold up over time?
This is a photo of a 10 year old i-Box – and the swivel has been changed out A LOT.
As you can see the drum has held up well.
My only real complaint about the i-Box – if you change swivels frequently, you’ll eventually have to drill more holes.
But, most people stick with a single swivel.
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform Versus Everlast Speed Bag Platform
Everlast sells a speed bag platform (formerly called the “elite speed bag platform”) that is eerily similar to the i-Box.
What’s the difference? About $20.,/p>
They are actually one and the same – made by Balazs in their Honeybrook, PA facility.
You can usually find the i-Box for slightly cheaper.
Balazs i-Box Speed Bag Platform Review – In Summary
This is not a bare-bones, budget speed bag platform.
But if you are serious about speed bag punching – this is the platform I’d recommend for your home or garage.
It is a quantum leap beyond the cheap units – and it is nearly pro level quality – for a great price.
Photo Credits
Some product photos on this page are property of Title Boxing, Inc.
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Hi, I was wondering the distance from the top of the wall plate (not bracket but actual play connected to platform, to the bottom of the “v” bracket where the drum is connected.
Thanks!
I *think* this is the measurement you are asking for. It’s 9 inches. If that’s not it, let me know: https://speedbaglabs.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Balazs-i-Box-V-Frame-Base-Measurement-1024×768.jpg
Any noticeable difference between the two different styles of wall mounts with the Balazs I-Box (flat/knobs on front) and the Everlast Pro speed bag platform (angle bracket/ knobs on side) or anything like that?
Obviously the Everlast Pro is a more expensive option so probably better quality, I’m more curious about the difference if the two styles, like does one provide better vibration control or is one more sturdy?
Thanks!
The only real difference, in my opinion, is the fact that the drum is significantly bigger on the Everlast Pro model. The frame and other parts of the i-Box are more than adequate.
how deep is the wooden rack, and complete dimensions?
Please see here:
https://speedbaglabs.com/speed-bag-rack/
Current version is about 4 foot wide x 2.5 foot deep X 8 feet tall.
I’ve used it as 5′ x 5′ and 4′ by 4′ as well.