Fairtex is a well-known manufacturer of fight equipment, primarily specializing in Muay Thai gear. Based in Thailand, the company enjoys widespread popularity both locally and internationally. The BGV1 stands out as Fairtex’s flagship product, renowned in Thailand and across the globe, with a design specifically tailored for Muay Thai practitioners.
These boxing gloves are available in two main versions: a ‘breathable’ option featuring a mesh palm for enhanced ventilation, and a standard version with a classic leather palm. This review focuses on the standard version. It's also worth noting that some BGV1 variants include a built-in grip bar, although the ones reviewed here do not.
The Fairtex BGV1 gloves are offered in 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, and 16oz sizes. This review is based on the 16oz version, so the fit assessment is relative to this size.
As the flagship glove, BGV1s are available in nearly every color imaginable, with many featuring contrasting trim. Numerous versions also showcase special graphics and unique patterns. All models feature the iconic Fairtex logo across the back of the hand, a small circular ‘hand made in Thailand’ stamp below, and the stitched logo on the Velcro cuff.
For those who prioritize style, these gloves offer a great aesthetic while maintaining an understated look. While style might be a secondary consideration in a glove’s overall quality, the materials used are undeniably crucial, and Fairtex excels in this area.
Read also: Read our Fairtex Banana Bag Review
The exterior of the glove is made from high-quality leather that feels luxurious to the touch. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a smooth and comfortable lining. Around the wrist, the lining is replaced with leather, which, surprisingly, feels unnoticeable.
Construction and Build Quality
The Fairtex BGV1 is a Velcro boxing glove. The velcro is undeniably strong, and the connecting areas cover about three quarters of the wrist circumference, so there is next to no worry that they’re going to come undone or wear down too much over time. However, this strength can also be a slight drawback, as twisting the wrist is often necessary to fully detach the velcro when removing the gloves.
There are absolutely no tags on the inside of the gloves, so no accidental scratching to worry about. These gloves are handmade in Thailand, and despite the potential for slight variations in handmade goods, the quality is consistently high. The stitching, for example, is incredibly neat across all areas of the glove.
One of the most apparent indicators of any boxing glove’s quality is how the leather folds at the edges around the fist, and these are incredibly neatly folded. The leather palm of the glove is slightly more crumpled than anywhere else, however considering that this is often bent over into a fist, this is to be expected.
Read also: Muay Thai Gloves Review
The thumb and back of the fist are all one piece of leather, which adds to both the sturdiness and the visuals of the gloves. The thumb has been crafted in a position which I find comfortable, however seems slightly further forward than most boxing gloves. This is not uncommon amongst Muay Thai Style gloves, making it easier to grab on and clinch opponents.
Fit and Comfort
When wearing boxing gloves for any serious punching, hand wraps are a must. With hand wraps on, the Fairtex BGV1 boxing gloves fit fairly well, but seem to have a noticeably larger compartment than other gloves, especially to the side of the hand. Despite this, the gloves are somehow a lot smaller than other brands of the same weight.
Part of this is to do with the short cuff length, but it also seems to be down to the glove having slightly denser material. When compared to other gloves, this size difference is really noticeable. As mentioned a second ago, the padding does seem to be a bit denser than other brands, so this is certainly no pillow glove.
From a comfort point, a breaking in period is necessary, but before long the gloves will start to become incredibly comfortable.
Performance and Feel
From sparring wearing the Fairtex BGV1, and against other people using theirs, I can’t say that it makes a noticeable difference to be hit with compared to most gloves. This particular model doesn’t have a grip bar, which many people have differing opinions on.
Read also: The Story of El Güero Canelo
Fairtex Gloves comparison between BGV1 and BGV11
Fairtex Mexican Style BGV9 Black
The Boxing gloves Fairtex Mexican Style BGV9 Black combine the great Thai experience with the typical features of the Boxing gloves Mexican. These gloves, also called Heavy Hitter, are equipped with additional padding in the knuckle area that offers your hands extra protection and makes them great for bag training or with pads. The long cuff with velcro closure provides support and stability to the wrist. The particular design of the Boxing gloves Fairtex Mexican Style helps you form the fist with less stress on the hands.
Let dry after use. Do not expose to heat sources. Gently clean with a damp cloth.
About Fairtex
Fairtex is one of the most prestigious brands in the world of Muay Thai and combat sports, with deep roots in Thailand. For decades it has been producing Boxing gloves, Shorts for Muay Thai, protective gear, and technical equipment appreciated by professional fighters and enthusiasts around the world. Every Fairtex product is designed with high-quality materials, craftsmanship, and attention to detail to ensure durability, comfort, and optimal performance.
Pricing and Availability
In the UK, you can expect to find the Fairtex BGV1 for around the £80 mark, although many people have reported to have found the glove for highly discounted prices from various distributors.
✅ Free shipping for orders over €150. You can pay by Credit Cards, Paypal, and Klarna. You have 30 days from the delivery of your order to return one or more products and ask for a refund.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Sizes Available | 10oz, 12oz, 14oz, 16oz |
| Material | High-quality leather |
| Closure | Velcro |
| Padding | Dense |
| Origin | Handmade in Thailand |