Wrestling dummies are popular because they are like a training partner that never tires or cancels plans. They are also great for practicing at home when wrestlers can’t attend the gym, or for when their training buddies aren’t available. So whether consumers want to work on jiu-jitsu moves whenever they like or if they don’t want to leave the house, wrestling dummies are a handy tool that helps them to improve their skills in a reliable way.
So, if you’re considering adding wrestling dummies to your inventory, you’re in the right place. This article will cover the various factors to consider to ensure you only stock up on the best wrestling dummies for the perfect training session in 2024.
Table of Contents
What to consider when buying wrestling dummies in 2024
Top standout wrestling dummy models to invest in
Bottom line
What to consider when buying wrestling dummies in 2024
Size and weight
Wrestling dummies come in various sizes, so there’s one for everyone. Thankfully, picking the right size is simple if businesses know who will use it and what they’ll use it for. In other words, the dummy size and weight depend on what moves consumers want to work on.
Regarding size, wrestling dummies can be as tall as six feet or just over three feet. If the targets are adults, sellers can offer six-foot dummies. They’ll help practice moves like consumers would on a real person. On the other hand, kids would pick smaller dummies closer to their sizes to immerse themselves in a more realistic training experience. However, if adults are mainly going to practice throws and takedowns, they’ll be better off with shorter dummies. They are easier to lift and position for such moves.
In terms of weight, wrestling dummies can be as heavy as 140 pounds. But even for strong grapplers, moving one that heavy can be a tough workout—so experts don’t recommend it. Usually, full-size dummies weigh around 120 pounds, which is good enough for most adults. Similar to size, if consumers are focusing on takedowns, they will consider how hard lifting the dummy back up each time would be. So, businesses would profit more from offering more manageable weights.
Stiff or pliable (positioning)
Human-shaped wrestling dummies usually come in two types: straight and stiff or bent and flexible. Straight and stiff dummies have long, straight legs that can be hard to move around. Their arms might bend slightly at the shoulders, but overall, they’re pretty rigid. Although pictures online make these dummies look like they can stand on their own, the reality is that they can’t—they need some kind of support from the consumers or partners. However, straight and stiff dummies are perfect for working on takedown moves.
Conversely, bent and flexible dummies are great if consumers want to use them mostly on the ground. They can put them in positions like sitting, kneeling, or on guard. Since these dummies are more flexible, they are not the best for practicing takedowns. However, they are the best for working on ground techniques, like moves from the guard or passing someone’s guard.
Some wrestling dummies are also customizable. Businesses can prioritize them to offer consumers a more personalized experience. With such dummies, consumers can take out some stuffing and bend them if the legs are too stiff. And if they are too floppy and won’t stay in position, consumers can add more stuffing to make them firmer.
Filled vs. unfilled
Some wrestling dummies aren’t filled with stuffing, which might be unexpected. But if consumers want to save money on shipping and overall costs, they’ll see getting unfilled dummies as the best move. Although consumers will have to fill these dummies themselves, the process is not too hard. Wrestlers can use old fabric scraps, shredded paper, sand, or foam to make their dummies just right for training.
Offering an unfilled grappling dummy has another benefit: consumers can change how heavy it feels. For instance, adding more sand makes these dummies heavier, and foam can make them lighter. But if consumers would rather not bother with filling it themselves, sellers can offer filled dummies to help them save time and effort. Plus, consumers can rest assured that the pros will fill it right. But whether consumers see it as a worthwhile investment depends on how much they want to spend.
Shape
Wrestling dummies aren’t just different sizes. They come in various shapes, too. Some look like people with arms, legs, and heads, while others are like heavy bags without limbs. However, deciding which one a consumer will most likely buy depends on what they want to use it for. If consumers want to practice specific jiu-jitsu moves like armbars, chokes, or leg locks, sellers must offer human-shaped dummies.
Since they are shaped like real people, human-shaped dummies are great for training those techniques. However, not all human-shaped dummies are identical—some have long arms, some with long legs, and others in between. Before offering any, consider the target technique. For instance, for consumers planning on practicing chokes, sellers must ensure their dummies have a neck.
On the other hand, if consumers want wrestling dummies for conditioning instead of practicing specific moves, limbless variants are a great choice. These dummies look like curved heavy bags with handles attached, so there aren’t any arms or legs for practicing submission. But consumers can practice ground transitions, ground-and-pound, and basic takedowns. Since they have handles, consumers can also move them around easily.
Material and durability
Another important thing to consider is the dummy’s material. Consumers will want wrestling dummies tough enough to handle rigorous training sessions—it wouldn’t be good if they fell apart after a few moves. For this reason, businesses must prioritize dummies made from high-quality materials that can handle everything wrestlers throw at them. Here are some top picks:
| Wrestling dummy materials | Description |
| Canvas | Canvas is a sturdy and durable material commonly used for wrestling dummies, capable of withstanding repeated impacts with impressive tear resistance. |
| Vinyl | This material is also popular for grappling dummies. It’s durable, easy to clean, and moisture-resistant. |
| Leather | Leather grappling dummies are widespread for their durability and longevity, offering exceptional quality and withstanding years of heavy use. |
| Nylon | This material is lightweight and durable. They are also common for grappling dummies, offering excellent abrasion and tearing resistance. |
Top standout wrestling dummy models to invest in
Grappling dummies (Fairtex)
These wrestling dummies are ideal for practicing throws, takedowns, submissions, and ground fighting. Usually, they come in human-shaped forms with limbs for a realistic grappling simulation. However, what makes them stand out is their inner handles, allowing for better control and manipulation during throws and takedowns.
Throwing dummies (Suples)
These wrestling dummies are the better options for takedown and throw practice. They always have weighted torsos and ragdoll limbs for more realistic throwing physics. But what makes these dummies more unique is their multiple grip points, allowing trainees to practice various throw and takedown techniques.
Combination dummies (Revgear)
When consumers want the best of both worlds, they turn to these dummies. These are the most versatile options for training, allowing throws, takedowns, grappling, and ground fighting. One amazing feature in their favor is their full human form, which makes them compatible with all kinds of wrestling techniques.
Final words
Wrestling dummies are the perfect way for consumers to train various moves without going to the gym or having to meet others. However, choosing the best wrestling dummy for consumers depends on their fighting style and budget.
Interest in these products has grown significantly in 2024, from 6,600 searches in 2023 to 12,100 in January—a whopping 50% increase! But if sellers want a chance at reaching these potential customers, they should use the tips discussed in this article to guide their buyers towards the perfect wrestling dummy for their training needs.
