Fairtex Boxing Gloves Review: Are They Worth It?
Fairtex is one of the biggest names in Muay Thai equipment, and its boxing gloves are used in gyms around the world.
But popularity doesn't automatically mean they're the right gloves for you.
Fairtex produces a much wider range of gloves than many Thai brands, from the classic BGV1 to sparring gloves, Mexican-style boxing gloves and lace-up models. That means the answer depends on what you're actually using them for.
Here's our straightforward take on Fairtex boxing gloves, where they perform well, and who we'd recommend them to.
Are Fairtex Boxing Gloves Good?
Yes. Fairtex boxing gloves are a solid choice for Muay Thai, boxing and general combat sports training.
The brand produces gloves for everything from pads and heavy bag work to sparring and competition, rather than relying on one basic glove design.
One of the biggest strengths of Fairtex is that you can choose a glove around your training rather than simply choosing a colour and weight.
Their classic BGV1, for example, uses genuine leather, a compact hand compartment and three-layer foam padding. Fairtex describes it as its best-selling universal Muay Thai training glove.
Fairtex BGV1: The Classic All-Rounder
If you're buying your first pair of Fairtex gloves, the BGV1 is the obvious place to start.
It's Fairtex's classic all-purpose Muay Thai glove and is designed with a relatively compact, tight-fitting hand compartment, short wrist support and three-layer foam padding.
That makes it useful across:
- Pad work
- Heavy bag training
- General Muay Thai training
- Boxing
- Technical sparring in an appropriate weight
The shorter wrist design also makes sense for Muay Thai, where you generally want more freedom through the wrist than you would with a long-cuffed traditional boxing glove.
If you want one straightforward Fairtex glove rather than something specialised, BGV1 would be our starting point.
What Do Fairtex Gloves Feel Like?
Fairtex gloves generally have a more compact feel than some heavily padded Thai-style gloves.
That's worth knowing before buying.
If you've previously trained in a bulkier glove and switch to Fairtex, you may immediately notice the difference around the hand.
Some fighters love that. Others prefer a roomier, more padded feel.
Neither is necessarily better.
If you want something compact that feels relatively close around the hand, Fairtex is well worth considering.
If you prefer a more generously padded traditional Thai glove, Twins Special may suit you better.
Compare our Twins Special Boxing Gloves
Are Fairtex Gloves Good for Sparring?
Yes, but we'd choose the model and weight carefully.
Fairtex makes dedicated sparring gloves alongside its general training models. Its current range includes models such as the BGV5 Super Sparring and BGV6 Angular Sparring gloves.
For normal adult sparring, 16oz is commonly required, although your gym and coach should always have the final say.
If you're sparring regularly, we'd also recommend eventually keeping your sparring gloves separate from your heavy bag gloves.
Repeated heavy bag work compresses padding over time. Your training partners don't need to be on the receiving end of that.
Are Fairtex Gloves Good for Bag Work?
Yes.
For pads and heavy bag work, we'd generally look towards the lighter end of your appropriate glove range.
10oz and 12oz are popular choices because they feel quicker and less bulky than heavier sparring gloves.
Fairtex also produces more boxing-focused models such as the BGV9, which uses a longer cuff and a more Mexican-style design than the BGV1. Fairtex positions the BGV9 towards fighters prioritising boxing and heavy hitting, while the BGV1 remains its more versatile Muay Thai option.
Shop Fairtex BGV9 Mexican Style Gloves
Fairtex BGV1 vs BGV9
These two gloves shouldn't really be viewed as direct replacements for each other.
BGV1: Better starting point for general Muay Thai training and fighters wanting a versatile Thai-style glove.
BGV9: More boxing-focused, with a longer cuff and different padding characteristics aimed towards punching and heavy bag work.
If most of your training is traditional Muay Thai, we'd lean towards the BGV1.
If you're primarily boxing or doing a lot of heavy punching work, the BGV9 becomes more interesting.
Fairtex vs Twins Special Boxing Gloves
This is one of the most common comparisons when buying Thai boxing gloves.
Both are established Thai combat sports brands, but the gloves don't feel identical.
As a simple rule:
Fairtex: Compact feel, broad choice of specialised models and a strong all-round option in the BGV1.
Twins Special: More traditional padded feel and particularly popular with fighters who want plenty of protection for Muay Thai training and sparring.
We wouldn't say one is universally better.
If possible, choose based on the fit you prefer and what you're actually using the gloves for.
If you'd like us to go deeper into this comparison, read our Fairtex vs Twins Boxing Gloves guide.
What Size Fairtex Boxing Gloves Should You Buy?
Don't overcomplicate this.
A rough training guide is:
10oz: Pads and bag work
12oz: Pads, bags and general training
14oz: General training and lighter sparring where permitted
16oz: Common choice for adult sparring
Fairtex currently offers its standard BGV1 in 8oz through 16oz sizes.
Your gym may have its own rules, particularly for sparring, so ask your coach before buying if you're unsure.
How Long Do Fairtex Boxing Gloves Last?
There's no useful universal number.
How long boxing gloves last depends on how often you train, how hard you're using them and how well you look after them.
Someone doing two sessions a week isn't putting their gloves through the same punishment as a fighter training twice a day.
The basics matter.
Let them dry properly after training, don't leave sweaty gloves zipped inside your gym bag overnight, wear hand wraps and keep them away from excessive heat and moisture.
Good gloves still need looking after.
Are Fairtex Boxing Gloves Worth It?
Yes, for most people looking for quality Muay Thai or boxing gloves, Fairtex is easy to recommend.
The biggest advantage isn't simply the Fairtex name.
It's the range.
You can buy a straightforward all-round Muay Thai glove like the BGV1, choose something specifically designed around sparring, move towards a Mexican-style BGV9 for more boxing-focused training, or look at lace-up and other specialist designs. Fairtex's current catalogue spans all of these different glove types.
For beginners, we'd keep it simple and start with a versatile training glove.
For experienced fighters, choose the Fairtex model that actually matches the work you're doing.
Don't buy the most complicated glove.
Buy the right glove.
Fairtex Boxing Gloves FAQs
Are Fairtex boxing gloves good for beginners?
Yes. The Fairtex BGV1 in particular is a good all-round option for beginners because it's designed as a universal training glove rather than a highly specialised model.
Are Fairtex gloves made from real leather?
Many Fairtex boxing gloves are made from genuine leather, including the classic BGV1. Fairtex also produces other gloves using different materials, so check the specification of the individual model before buying.
Are Fairtex gloves good for Muay Thai?
Yes. Fairtex produces gloves specifically for Muay Thai as well as boxing, kickboxing and MMA. The BGV1 is one of its best-known all-purpose Muay Thai training gloves.
Which Fairtex gloves are best?
For general Muay Thai training, we'd start with the BGV1. For more boxing-focused training and heavy bag work, consider the BGV9. For regular sparring, look at Fairtex's dedicated sparring models.
Should I buy Fairtex or Twins gloves?
Choose Fairtex if you prefer a more compact glove or want access to a wider range of specialised models. Consider Twins Special if you prefer a more padded traditional Thai-style glove. Both are strong options, so fit and intended use should decide it.