ONX Glove Buying Guide

Glove Buying Guide

Find the Right ONX Glove for Your Training

ONX builds training and sparring gloves across four lines. Each glove has a specific job. This guide shows what each one does, who it is for, and where it fits in your week.

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Compare Every ONX Glove

Every glove, side by side. Read down a column to see one glove. Read across a row to compare all six.

Scroll right to compare all six gloves.

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How the ONX Glove Lineup Is Positioned

Four lines. Each one has a defined job. Start with the line that matches your training, then pick the glove.

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Choose by How You Train

Train

All-Around Training: X-4 Velcro and X-4 Lace-Up

The X-4 handles sparring, bag work, and mitt work in one glove. Its patented X-Factor internal strap secures the wrist inside the glove, so there is no wrapping before the session. Available in 12, 16, and 18 oz.

Shop X-4 VelcroShop X-4 Lace-Up Spar

MMA Sparring: Premium and Precision Sparring Gloves

Built for one job: protecting you and your training partner during MMA sparring. Sized by hand (S/M, L/XL, XXL) rather than ounces. Choose Premium for the top-tier build, or Precision for the same purpose at a lower price.

Shop Premium SparringShop Precision Sparring Build

Striking Fundamentals: Forge and Ignite

Boxing-style training gloves for boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA striking work. Both are built for bag, mitt, and speed work and come in 10 to 16 oz. The Forge adds a more structured foam core and a power-grip palm. The Ignite is built around comfort and an easy first fit.

Shop ForgeShop Ignite

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Key Differences, Explained

X-Factor strapping vs. hook-and-loop

The X-4 is the only ONX glove with the patented X-Factor internal wrist strap. It replaces hand wraps. Forge and Ignite close with a wraparound hook-and-loop strap and should be worn over hand wraps. ONX MMA sparring gloves can be worn with or without wraps.

Watch how the X-Factor internal strapping works:

X-4 Velcro vs. X-4 Lace-Up

Same glove, same weights, same price. The difference is the closure. Velcro goes on and off without help, which keeps transitions between drills fast. Lace-Up locks in a tighter custom fit, but you need a partner to lace it.

Premium vs. Precision sparring gloves

Both are built for partner-safe MMA sparring. Premium is the top-tier build in the Premium Line. Precision delivers ONX sparring protection at $145 and pairs with the Precision headgear and shin guards.

Forge vs. Ignite

Same job, different build. Both cover bag, mitt, and speed work for boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA striking. The Forge upgrades the package: premium PU leather composite, a structured layered EVA core, and a power-grip palm. The Ignite uses durable PU composite and shock-absorbing foam with a comfort lining, built as an approachable first glove.

Trevor Wittman explains the difference between the Forge and Ignite:

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Glove Weight and Sizing

Glove weight is measured in ounces (oz). More ounces means more padding. More padding protects your hands and your training partner, but adds load to your shoulders and slows your hands.

ONX training gloves (X-4, Forge, Ignite) are sold by weight. ONX MMA sparring gloves (Premium and Precision) are sold by hand size: S/M, L/XL, and XXL.

What each glove weight is for

Forge and Ignite are built for training first. For full-contact striking sparring, choose the X-4 in 16 or 18 oz.

Choose the weight by the session

ONX recommends choosing glove weight by the type of training first. Body weight alone does not set the right ounce. Larger athletes often use 12 or 14 oz for speed and timing work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need hand wraps with the X-4 Training Glove?

No. The X-4 uses ONX's patented X-Factor internal wrist strapping, which secures the wrist inside the glove. Forge and Ignite should be worn with hand wraps. ONX MMA sparring gloves can be worn with or without wraps.

What oz gloves should I buy?

Choose by the session, not by body weight alone. For full-contact striking sparring, choose the X-4 in 16 or 18 oz. For speed, timing, and technical work, 12 oz is the standard. For bag and mitt work, any weight works; heavier gloves add padding and shoulder conditioning. For MMA sparring with grappling, choose an open-finger sparring glove sized S/M, L/XL, or XXL.

Can I use ONX sparring gloves on the heavy bag?

ONX sparring gloves are built for partner sparring. For regular bag work, choose the X-4, Forge, or Ignite.

Can I spar in the Forge or Ignite?

Forge and Ignite are built for bag, mitt, and speed work. Technical sparring in 12 or 14 oz should only happen with your coach's approval. For full-contact striking sparring, choose the X-4 in 16 or 18 oz. For MMA sparring, choose the Premium or Precision MMA Sparring Glove.

Should I choose the X-4 Velcro or the X-4 Lace-Up?

Both share the same X-Factor wrist strapping, weights, and price. Velcro goes on and off without help. Lace-Up gives a tighter custom fit but needs a partner to lace it.

What is the difference between the Premium and Precision sparring gloves?

Both are built for partner-safe MMA sparring. The Premium Sparring Glove is the top-tier build in the Premium Line. The Precision Sparring Glove delivers ONX sparring protection at $145 and matches the Precision headgear and shin guards.

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In-Depth Reference

The Complete ONX Glove Reference

The guide above gets you to the right glove fast. This section goes deeper: glove format, use by session, weight by model, construction, sizing, fit, hand wraps, and care. Every detail below comes from ONX product specifications and sizing guidance.

The short version: choose the glove format that matches your session first. Then choose weight or size, closure, and fit. The most important split is between closed-finger striking gloves and open-finger MMA sparring gloves.

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Step 1: Closed-Finger or Open-Finger?

ONX gloves fall into two formats. Each one is built for a different kind of session.

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Step 2: Match the Glove to the Session

This chart shows which ONX glove, and which weight, fits each type of session. "Primary use" describes what the glove is built for. Your coach and your gym rules still decide what is allowed in a given session.

What the terms mean

• Full-contact sparring: live sparring at or near full power.
• Technical sparring: controlled sparring focused on timing, distance, and defense at reduced power.
• Speed work: fast combinations, timing drills, and reaction work where a lighter glove keeps hands quick.
• Bag and mitts: heavy bag rounds, mitt work, pads, and technique work with a coach.

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Step 3: Choose the Weight by Model

Weight guidance differs by glove family. The X-4 and Precision X-Factor are built for sparring versatility. Forge and Ignite are built for everyday training.

Premium X-4 and Precision X-Factor weights

Matching weight options do not mean identical construction. See the construction comparison below.

Forge and Ignite weights

Ounces and hand size are two different things

Ounces describe glove weight. S/M, L/XL, and XXL describe hand fit on ONX MMA sparring gloves. A heavier glove is not automatically a better fit, and more ounces alone do not make a glove right for a given sparring session.

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How Each ONX Glove Is Built

Construction is where gloves in the same weight class separate. Here is what is inside each one.

Closed-finger sparring gloves: Premium X-4 vs. Precision X-Factor

Everyday training gloves: Forge vs. Ignite

The Forge adds a more structured foam package and a power-grip palm to the everyday training role. The Ignite focuses on comfort, natural fist closure, and an approachable first-glove fit. Both cover boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, and MMA striking practice.

Open-finger MMA sparring gloves: Premium vs. Precision

Both gloves use a snug fit with wrist support and room to grapple. The curved shape encourages a closed fist or a grip. The Freedom 250 Limited Edition uses the same Premium MMA Sparring construction in a commemorative colorway. Choose it for style, not for a performance difference.

Velcro or lace-up?

Both X-4 closures share the same weights, the same X-Factor wrist strapping, and the same training versatility. Choose the closure by how you train and get ready, not by sport or padding.

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Step 4: Size and Fit

MMA sparring glove sizing by body weight

The Premium MMA Sparring Glove and Precision MMA Sparring Glove use the same size chart.

Right on a boundary, or between sizes? Size up.

How to measure your hand

1. Use a soft tape measure on your bare hand.
2. Wrap the tape around your palm just below the knuckles.
3. Leave your thumb out of the measurement.
4. For Forge and Ignite, check the final fit with the hand wraps you train in.

How a glove should fit

• Snug containment: your hand stays in place inside the glove.
• Comfortable fist: you can close your fist without numbness or pinching.
• Knuckle coverage: your leading knuckles stay under the protective padding.
• Secure wrist: the closure tightens without forcing the fit.
• Finger freedom for MMA: check your grip and grappling movement in sparring models.

Fit by model

The X-4 Velcro and X-4 Lace-Up fit true to size, with strap-controlled compression around the hand. ONX MMA sparring gloves fit snug and locked in.

Women and smaller hands

ONX gloves are unisex. Choose by training need and actual fit, not by gender. Smaller athletes should start with the smallest suitable option. Boxing, kickboxing, fitness classes, and bag and mitt training are common starting points, which makes the Ignite and Forge a natural first glove.

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Hand Wraps by Glove

Not every ONX glove uses hand wraps the same way. Here is the guidance for each family.

Break-In and Care

New ONX gloves take about 2 to 3 training sessions for the materials to conform to your hand.

• Air them out after every session. Open the closure and let the gloves dry fully.
• Avoid sealed storage. Do not leave gloves closed in a gym bag.
• Keep them away from extreme heat and direct sun. Both break down materials faster.
• Use glove dryers or deodorizers where needed. They help control moisture and odor.
• Never soak your gloves. Water-resistant shells are not built to be submerged.

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Fit, Wraps, and Care Questions

What is the difference between closed-finger and open-finger gloves?

Closed-finger gloves cover the fingers and are built for striking: bag work, mitt work, speed work, and striking sparring. Open-finger MMA sparring gloves leave the fingers free so you can grip, clinch, and grapple. Choose open-finger gloves when your session includes grappling transitions.

Can I use the 12 oz X-4 for full-contact sparring?

The 12 oz X-4 is the standard weight for technical sparring, speed work, bag work, and mitt work. Use it for full-contact sparring only with specific approval from your coach. For full-contact striking sparring, choose 16 or 18 oz.

What size ONX MMA sparring glove do I need?

Size by body weight: S/M for 160 lb and under, L/XL for 160 to 205 lb, and XXL for 205 lb and up. If you are between sizes, size up.

How do I measure my hand for gloves?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your bare palm just below the knuckles, leaving the thumb out. For Forge and Ignite, check the final fit with your hand wraps on.

Do ONX MMA sparring gloves need hand wraps?

No. ONX MMA sparring gloves are designed without a wrap requirement. You can wear wraps if you prefer them.

How long does it take to break in ONX gloves?

About 2 to 3 training sessions for the materials to conform to your hand.

Are ONX gloves approved for competition?

The gloves in this guide are training and sparring gloves. They are not certified for sanctioned competition. Check your commission or event rules before competing.

Are ONX gloves unisex?

Yes. ONX gloves are unisex. Choose by training need and fit, and start with the smallest suitable size if you have smaller hands.

How should I clean and store my gloves?

Air them out after every session, avoid sealed storage, keep them out of extreme heat and direct sun, and use glove dryers or deodorizers as needed. Never soak your gloves.

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