The Century Versys Fight Simulator is series of versatile free standing punch bags. Featuring three distinct models, the Versys presents a unique take on the traditional free standing punch bag in the sense that they can be used for take downs and groundwork practise. The Versys bags are the perfect tools for endurance / aerobic training.
As free standing punch bags, they do not require fixtures to be fitted (i.e. no ceiling hooks / wall brackets). All you need is sufficient space around them. These bags are suitable for home, gyms, schools, training classes, etc.
Note: Versys is an amalgamation of the words versatile and system.
To summarise the below reviews, here's a comparison table for quick reference:
 |
 |
 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| VS.1 ✔ | VS.2 ✔ | VS.3 ✔ | |
| Price | Check Price $ |
Check Price $ |
Check Price $ |
| Height | 5.4ft | 5ft | 5.75ft |
| Weight | 112lb | 53lb | 100lb |
| Handles | Yes | No | Yes |
| Coating | Vinyl | Vinyl | Vinyl |
| Best For | Knees / Elbows / Take Downs / Endurance Training | Hip Throws / Arm Bars / Kicks / Endurance Training | Knees / Elbows / Take Downs / Kicks / Groin Strikes / Endurance Training |
| Buy | Buy on Amazon |
Buy on Amazon |
Buy on Amazon |
Century Martial Arts are a big name in the martial arts equipment industry. They supply fitness equipment, sparring gear, uniforms, training sticks and more. They're particularly well known for their high quality and often innovative punching bags, three of which are discussed in this review. Having started in 1976, they're now global players, supplying their equipment all around the world.
Up first we have the VS.1 Fight Simulator. Featuring a cylindrical design, this bag is particularly suitable for elbow strikes, knee strikes and general aerobic training. It has supporting handles around the top to allow its user to grip it in preparation of knee strikes. The pre-filled base is enough to support the bag without restricting take downs.
We now look at the main features of the Century Versys VS.1.
Full product details are available on amazon.com.
Colour
The bag comes in one colour scheme: Black / Red.
Weight
The bag weighs 112lb (approx. 51kg).
Material
The bag is coated in vinyl and has a foam interior. The striking surface is relatively large and is designed to be durable. The materials provide a fast spring back so the bag returns to its original shape with little delay.
Base
The base comes pre-filled and as such does not require additional weight, so saves money since you don't have to buy sand. The base is designed to help the bag realistically topple for grappling training. As the base is not particularly heavy, the bag can be transported from location to location with ease.
Training
The bag is ideal for close body contact practise such as knees and elbows as well as finishing strikes when it's on the ground. Its primary purpose is, however, to encourage aerobic conditioning and to improve endurance. It's also especially useful for speed techniques which aides in sparring practice.
Assembly
The bag requires minimal assembly and can be used right off the bat.
Note: There is a smaller version for kids - Century Versys V Spar 1.
Next up is the VS.2 Grappling Simulator. You will immediately notice from the picture below that this free standing punch bag has two arms and two legs. It also features a third "leg" which is designed to hold the bag upright.
This bag is designed with grappling training in mind, making it ideal if you're interested in judo, MMA, wrestling, endurance training, etc. If you have no training partner, then this bag is definitely the closest thing on the market which you can use to simulate one. Here's an idea of the sort of things this bag helps you train for:
Full product details are available on amazon.com.
Colour
The bag is sold in one colour scheme: Black / Red.
Weight
The bag weighs 53lb (approx. 24kg). It's approximately 40% lighter than conventional grappling dummies.
Material
The coating is made from long lasting vinyl. When struck, the bag returns to its usual shape in no time at all. The arms and legs are soft and flexible which ensures resilience against wear and allows for many different training positions.
Note: There is a smaller version for kids - Century Versys V Spar 2.
Finally, we will look at the VS.3 Fight Simulator. It's similar to the VS.2, but without arms and with a lower centre of gravity which make it more stable. Notice that unlike the VS.2 there are handles around the top to aide with knee strikes.
The VS.3 is certainly more oriented for kicks and lower body training than the VS.2. It's possible to remove the padding in the "groin" of the bag to simulate groin strikes. Another advantage of this bag is it's suitable for multiple users at the same time, owing to its size.
In terms of handling, the VS.3 offers sufficient resistance when struck. It also feels durable and sturdy.
Colour
The bag comes in one colour scheme: Black / Red.
Height / Weight
The bag stands at approximate 69 inches (approximately 175cm) tall. It weights around 100lb (approximately 45kg).
Material
The bag is 60% lighter than most similar dummies available.
