The earliest striking bags were made from kangaroo skin. However, goatskin is now more commonly used for small punching bags. The animal skin is dipped in strong chemicals to remove the hair prior to being cured in salt water. After curing, the skin is stretched and dried and ready for use in manufacturing.
The larger, heavy bags are constructed of polyvinyl or canvas. Canvas is a heavy cotton material. Polyvinyl is a plastic material developed during the Second World War. It is made from the byproducts of petroleum and coal.
A heavy, coated synthetic thread, typically nylon and polyester, is used to stitch the pieces of leather together.
While the striking bag is inflated with air, the heavy bags are filled with sand or finely shredded wood clippings.
Snaps, hooks, zippers, chainlink, and cord lacings are used to close the bags, attach them to the rebound board, and/or attach them to other bags.
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