Choosing your first pair of boxing gloves — or upgrading from a battered pair — comes down to a few key questions: How hard do you train? What are you using them for? And how much do you want to spend?
ZettSports makes two boxing gloves that between them cover almost every training scenario for Australian athletes: the Zett Classic Boxing Gloves ($45) and the Zett Keanu Airflow Boxing Gloves ($55). This post compares them side by side so you can decide which one belongs in your gym bag.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Zett Classic ($45) | Zett Keanu Airflow ($55) |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Beginners, bag work, casual training | Regular trainers, pad work, hot conditions |
| Construction | PU synthetic leather | Airflow mesh panel design |
| Ventilation | Standard | Enhanced — mesh side panels |
| Sizes | 8oz–16oz | 8oz–16oz |
| Colour | Black | Yellow |
| Price | AUD $45 | AUD $55 |
The Zett Classic Boxing Gloves — Entry Level Done Right
The Zett Classic is the most accessible boxing glove we make. At $45, it's the go-to choice for anyone starting boxing, kickboxing, or Muay Thai for the first time, or for parents buying gloves for a child joining a martial arts class.
What It Does Well
- Price — at $45, genuinely hard to find a better-constructed glove at this price point in Australia
- Beginner durability — PU synthetic leather is more resistant to cracking than genuine leather for low-to-moderate use
- Size range — 8oz through 16oz works for children, women, and adult males across bag and pad work
- Low commitment — for someone unsure they'll stick with the sport, $45 is a sensible entry point
Limitations
- PU leather doesn't breathe as well as mesh-panel designs; in Australian heat, hands will be warmer
- Not ideal for heavy daily use — if you're training five days a week with hard bag rounds, upgrade within 12–18 months
The Zett Keanu Airflow Boxing Gloves — The Step-Up Trainer
The Keanu Airflow is designed for athletes past the beginner stage who are training regularly. The defining feature is the airflow mesh side panel — a ventilation system that significantly reduces hand temperature during hard training. If you've ever peeled off soaking gloves after a bag session, you'll understand immediately why this matters.
What It Does Well
- Ventilation — the mesh panels are genuinely effective; noticeably cooler hands during pad and bag work
- Machine-moulded foam — provides consistent knuckle protection across the entire glove face, reducing dead spots
- Value — only $10 more than the Classic; the performance-per-dollar difference is significant
Limitations
- The mesh panels are slightly less durable than full synthetic leather if gloves are regularly dragged on rough surfaces
- Yellow only — no colour options currently
Which Gloves Do You Actually Need? — By Use Case
| Your Situation | Recommended Glove |
|---|---|
| First pair ever / not sure you'll stick with it | Zett Classic ($45) |
| Child aged 6–14 starting boxing or Muay Thai | Zett Classic — 8oz or 10oz |
| Adult training 2–3 times per week | Zett Keanu Airflow ($55) |
| Training in a hot climate or sweaty gym | Zett Keanu Airflow — the mesh matters |
| Heavy bag work 4–5 days per week | Zett Keanu Airflow — better foam construction |
What Size Boxing Gloves Do You Need?
Glove size (measured in ounces) refers to the padding weight, not the size of the hand compartment. All Zett gloves use velcro strap adjustment for fit. The oz rating determines protection level:
| Weight | Best For |
|---|---|
| 8 oz | Children under 14 / very light adults / competition weight classes |
| 10 oz | Children 14+ / lighter adults (under 60kg) / Muay Thai cardio classes |
| 12 oz | Adults 60–80kg for bag work and pad work |
| 14 oz | Adults 80–90kg / beginners wanting more padding / sparring |
| 16 oz | Adults 90kg+ / all sparring / maximum protection in training |
Caring for Your Boxing Gloves
- Air out after every session — never leave wet gloves sealed in a bag
- Use glove deodoriser or glove liner inserts between sessions
- Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth; don't submerge in water
- Store in a cool, dry place — heat degrades foam faster than anything else
- Replace when the foam feels compressed (no 'spring') or the exterior cracks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need hand wraps with boxing gloves?
Yes — wrapping your hands before putting on gloves protects your knuckle joints and wrist. A 4.5m hand wrap is the standard for adults. Zett Hand Wraps are available from $10 and should be considered essential kit, not optional.
Can I use boxing gloves for Muay Thai?
Yes. Both the Classic and Keanu Airflow are appropriate for Muay Thai bag work and pad work. For Muay Thai sparring, your gym may specify a minimum glove weight (typically 14oz or 16oz).
How long should boxing gloves last?
At the $45–$55 price point, expect 12–24 months of regular (2–4 sessions per week) use. Signs it's time to replace: visible foam compression, exterior leather cracking or peeling, or velcro that won't hold.