I think the perfect set for you would be this one right here: bx-hv-837. 60lbs is a good bag weight for your experience and body type, and you get the gloves and handwraps included.

70lbs would be fine for you, although after you get used to using it you will find that it swings around. This can actually be an enjoyable component as you get to work on your footwork and timing.

If you want something that will hang a bit more still and let you wail on it, go up in weight to 80-100.

Yes this bag is real leather

Yes it does.

Hey Sara, let me tackle each piece of your question separately.

The price disparity you are seeing between the two bags can stem from a variety of reasons. The first is specials. Sometimes we run specials or sales on different equipment that can provide unique opportunities to get very good equipment or packages at a low price. That is part of the heavy bag kit's situation right now. However, it also has to do with the quality of the bag. Both are high quality, but the bag in the heavy bag kit is polycanvas while the bag selected on this page is genuine leather. As you might imagine leather is a pricier material.

The weight of the bag can effect the price, but generally only a little bit. The construction of the bag is more important in that regard. Some boxers enjoy the experience of leather, and it is time tested as a reliable material that can take a beating. That being said, polycanvas is excellent as well.

When shopping for weight, the-heavier-the-better is not always true. You'll want to take into consideration your body weight and experience punching. The more body weight you have the more weight you can sink into each punch, therefore a heavier bag is appropriate to absorb that impact without flailing all about. However if you are a beginning puncher you don't want to injure yourself on an overly hard and heavy bag.

To build a strong punch consider those two things. If you're body weight is 160-200 go with the 80lb bag, if it is less go with the 70. These are just generalizations but should help if you are trying to narrow down options.

The TC bag would be perfect to get started with, as it is entry level.

TC means Top Contender (the brand of this bag).

Punching the speed bag will definitely be lower impact on your joints and knuckles, and keeping the arms raised and moving is a great way to get tone. That being the case, I would probably recommend speed bag for your needs. However, like you said, a heavy bag offers a much wider variety of activities and and may make your workouts more diverse and interesting.

Hey Eric - you'll probably want something in the 100lb range. If you want the bag to swing for you, you could get a little less and work on footwork. If you just want it as a tool for striking then something a little heavier like 100 would be best.

I would even go higher and reccomend a 150 lb bag. I like to be able to stand and crank shots as hard as possble without the bag flying all over, and if you want to "vent frustration" i would assume that is the way you'd like to do it as well!

Hi Elizabeth - the 70lb-90lb range would probably be most appropriate for your son. Leather is generally considered the most durable exterior, but since he is new and will be using it as a stress management tool rather than a boxing training device, any exterior should be fine (including vinyl and canvas).

If you want more sway and a more rewarding feel when just starting out, go lighter - say 60lb. Or get the Hydro Strike back, fill it only partially with water and top it off when he's stronger and wants to hit a heavier bag.

This bag is actually filled, but if you did get an unfilled bag here's what to do:
Put some sand (25lb should be enough) in a heavy duty garbage bag and put at the bottom of the bag, this will keep the bag still. Then pack the rest with a soft stuffing. This can be old clothing, rags, shredded newspaper, pillow stuffing - you get the idea. If you can get some carpet padding line the bag with it before putting in the stuffing. This will give the bag a more uniform look and feel. Make sure to pack the stuffing down tightly.