
Fairtex Gloves: The Complete Size & Model Guide (BGV1, BGV9, BGV14, BGV11)
If you’re shopping Fairtex gloves in the UK and wondering which model (and size!) is right for bag work, pads, or sparring, this guide is for you. Below, we break down the four most-asked-about Fairtex lines, the BGV1, BGV9, BGV14, BGV11, with real-world use cases, cuff/shape differences, padding feel, and a UK-friendly sizing chart by bodyweight. A quick chooser chart is included below so you can make your choice in seconds and buy with confidence.
The Models at a Glance
Fairtex BGV1 - “Universal” Tight-Fit (All-Rounder)
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Best for: All-around training; bag + pads; light controlled sparring (gym-rules permitting)
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Fit & cuff: Tight-fit, compact hand compartment with a shorter cuff feel—great wrist mobility
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Padding feel: 3-layer Fairtex foam; dense and protective without feeling bulky
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Shell: Genuine leather; classic Fairtex durability
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Why pick it: You want a proven, compact, do-everything glove with a snug, locked-in feel
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Shop: BGV1 options • All Fairtex
Fairtex BGV9 - “Mexican-Style” for Heavy Hitters
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Best for: Bag & pad rounds, heavy punchers, and anyone wanting extra wrist support
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Fit & cuff: Longer cuff, “Mexican-style” profile that stabilizes the wrist
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Padding feel: High-density foam with weight distributed from wrist to knuckle for a crisp “pop”
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Shell: Leather; robust build for frequent, hard training
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Why pick it: You like a firmer knuckle feel, long cuff support, and a traditional Mexican-style silhouette
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Shop: BGV9 options
Fairtex BGV14 - Microfibre Long-Cuff Trainer (Comfort + Versatility)
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Best for: Day-to-day training; pads, bag work, and very common for sparring in 14–16oz
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Fit & cuff: Long cuff for added wrist support; slightly roomier than BGV1 (not “loose,” just less tight)
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Padding feel: Comfortable, extra palm padding; balanced/forgiving impact
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Shell: Durable microfibre (lightweight, easy care)
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Why pick it: You want a comfy, modern trainer that transitions well into sparring sizes
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Shop: BGV14 options
Fairtex BGV11 - Fight-Day / Long-Cuff Plush (Limited looks, classic function)
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Best for: Training + sparring-friendly feel in larger sizes; long-cuff wrist support
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Fit & cuff: Long wrist support reminiscent of the modern trainer lineage
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Padding feel: Thicker, softer-touch padding with consistent weight distribution
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Shell: Odour-resistant microfibre (smooth hand feel; durable)
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Why pick it: You prefer a cushioned, long-cuff glove with premium details and limited-edition style options
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Shop: BGV11 options
How They Differ (Shape, Cuff, Padding, Build)
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Shape & hand compartment
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BGV1: Tight-fit and compact—great if you like a small, secure fist and high control.
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BGV9: “Mexican-style” silhouette with a longer cuff; puncher-friendly profile.
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BGV14 / BGV11: Long-cuff trainers with a bit more room and comfort for longer sessions.
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Padding feel
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BGV1: Dense, protective 3-layer foam.
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BGV9: Firmer knuckle, snappy feedback for heavy hitters.
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BGV14: Balanced, slightly softer overall feel with added palm padding.
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BGV11: Thick, soft-touch padding; plush impact with long-cuff stability.
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Leather/build
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BGV1: Genuine leather classic build.
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BGV9: Leather with durable training focus.
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BGV14 / BGV11: Microfibre shells—lightweight, durable, and low-maintenance.
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Quick Chooser Chart
If you want… | Pick this model | Why | See options |
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A compact, snug all-rounder | BGV1 | Tight-fit, classic feel, great control for bag/pads; proven daily trainer | View BGV1 |
Long-cuff stability + puncher’s profile | BGV9 | Mexican-style silhouette with firmer knuckle feel & strong wrist support | View BGV9 |
Comfortable, modern trainer that doubles for sparring | BGV14 | Long cuff, extra palm padding, microfibre durability; popular in 14–16oz | View BGV14 |
Plush padding + long-cuff support with limited-edition vibes | BGV11 | Thick, soft-touch padding and microfibre shell for cushioned sessions | View BGV11 |
UK Size Guide by Bodyweight
General rule of thumb: 10–12oz for bag/pad work; 14–16oz for sparring, with many UK gyms requiring 16oz for safety. Always follow your coach/gym rules.
Bodyweight | Bag/Pad Work | Sparring (gym-rules vary) |
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< 50 kg (≤ 7 st 12 lb) | 8–10 oz | 12–14 oz |
50–65 kg (7 st 12 lb – 10 st 3 lb) | 10–12 oz | 14 oz |
65–75 kg (10 st 3 lb – 11 st 11 lb) | 12–14 oz | 16 oz |
75–90 kg (11 st 11 lb – 14 st 2 lb) | 14 oz | 16 oz |
> 90 kg (≥ 14 st 2 lb) | 16 oz | 16–18 oz |
These ranges reflect common UK practices; your hand size, wrap thickness, and gym policy may nudge you up or down an ounce.
Which Weight in Each Model?
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BGV1: Popular in 10–12oz for bag/pads; 14–16oz if you want that tight-fit feel for drills/sparring (coach rules apply).
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BGV9: Often 14–16oz for heavy bag rounds and puncher-style pad work; comfortable in larger sizes due to the long cuff.
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BGV14: A go-to 14oz all-rounder; 16oz is very common for sparring days.
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BGV11: Works nicely in 14–16oz if you want a plush, long-cuff training/sparring glove.
Fit Tips
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Hand size & wraps: Smaller hands or tight-wrap lovers often lean BGV1 (snug). Larger hands or bulkier wraps may feel comfier in BGV14/BGV11.
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Wrist history: If you’ve had wrist niggles, the long-cuff security of BGV9 / BGV14 / BGV11 can be reassuring.
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Sparring etiquette: Many UK gyms mandate 16oz for mixed-level sparring—always check house rules.
Recommended Set-ups
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One-glove solution (minimalist): BGV14 14oz for all-round training + controlled sparring (if allowed).
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Two-glove rotation (popular):
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10–12oz (BGV1 or BGV9) for bag/pads
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16oz (BGV14 or BGV11) for sparring and partner drills
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Shop Fairtex in the UK
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Explore our Fairtex Gloves Collection
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Browse all Boxing & Muay Thai Gloves
If you’re stuck between two sizes or models, drop us a message. We train every day and can recommend based on your gym’s rules, bodyweight, and experience level.
FAQs
Are 14oz gloves okay for sparring?
Sometimes, yes—but many UK gyms prefer 16oz to keep partners safe. Always check your gym policy.
Leather vs microfibre—what’s better?
Leather (e.g., BGV1) is the classic, durable choice. Microfibre (BGV14/BGV11) is lighter, low-maintenance, and holds up great for daily training. Pick based on feel and care preference.
Which Fairtex glove feels most compact?
BGV1. If you like a locked-in fist and a smaller profile, it’s the standard.