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A fellow Sherdogger sent me the Hykso Punch Trackers and I've been using them for a little less than a week but enough to say a word or two about them. Given the fact that no one has reviewed them, much less mentioned them, I thought it might be helpful to some people for me to offer such a review. I think such a review is not unjustified since, unlike boxing gloves, these are not things that will break-in or break-down over time...
So, to be perfectly honest, I was and remain somewhat skeptical about these given the Fitbit/tracker fad and there seems to be a certain danger in reducing boxing to sheer quantitative output (whether it be in terms of punches thrown or in terms of velocity of punches). Despite my reservations, I must admit that from the perspective of boxing as a physical exercise, these are very helpful, indeed.
The Hysko trackers track two things, mainly: number of punches thrown and punch velocity. From the combination of these two, it can determine the intensity of a given round or workout. This is helpful insofar as it encourages one to either up the number of punches or the punch velocity or both in order to achieve the desired intensity of a workout. For me, the most immediate benefit of this is that it keeps me accountable when I grow lazy on the heavy bag in later rounds. As a result, I'm forced to throw more punches or harder punches when I would otherwise throw fewer, half-assed punches... In this sense, in the last few days I have had to exert a lot more energy than usual during workouts in order to maintain or increase the intensity level of a workout and the difference is palpable.
The Hykso trackers also track the types of punches you throw. It categorizes them as straight punches and as power punches (divided into left and right for each). This part is a bit shoddy, in my opinion. I have tried re-positioning the trackers in a number of different ways and have tried throwing my hooks differently, but they often don't register unless I slap the bag with the finger side of my glove. This is not a problem while shadow boxing, but definitely is an issue on the heavy bag. I have not yet tried these on the mitts or in sparring to see how accurate they are there. It's not really a big deal, but it was annoying to try to get it to work at the beginning. Now I just ignore this stat.
As far as boxing technique, there is obviously little the trackers can do to help one improve. This is not so much a flaw of the trackers, but a reason not to simply base workouts on the Hykso numbers (common sense, but it must be stated). The potential negative is that exclusive use of the trackers (such that one aims to merely increase the numbers) might lead to a decline or neglect with regard to technique. But this is less a critique of the trackers themselves as a caveat of the possible temptation that an over reliance on the trackers might inculcate. But this everyone knows.
As far as price goes, I don't know if i would pay the full price for these (currently $189, but I think they have a buy one get one 50% off so if you find someone else to split it with, it might be worthwhile). Everlast is also selling a pair of trackers for almost half the price ($99), but they look really bulky and ugly. [Edit: Just realized the Everlast tracker is $99 for one tracker; meaning you'd have to buy two to have one for each hand. Lame.]
TL;DR: The Hykso trackers are good tools for boxing, if used correctly. In terms of sheer physical exertion involved in a workout they will provide ample motivation to push harder each time. That said, they are just tools and should supplement proper technique, head/foot movement, distance, etc. (things that are not tracked by the trackers). Worst case scenario they will encourage bad habits; best case scenario, you will up your conditioning a ton. I would maybe wait until the price goes down a bit, or find someone to buy a pair with.
And a very hearty thank you to M&S for the trackers. You da man.
So, to be perfectly honest, I was and remain somewhat skeptical about these given the Fitbit/tracker fad and there seems to be a certain danger in reducing boxing to sheer quantitative output (whether it be in terms of punches thrown or in terms of velocity of punches). Despite my reservations, I must admit that from the perspective of boxing as a physical exercise, these are very helpful, indeed.
The Hysko trackers track two things, mainly: number of punches thrown and punch velocity. From the combination of these two, it can determine the intensity of a given round or workout. This is helpful insofar as it encourages one to either up the number of punches or the punch velocity or both in order to achieve the desired intensity of a workout. For me, the most immediate benefit of this is that it keeps me accountable when I grow lazy on the heavy bag in later rounds. As a result, I'm forced to throw more punches or harder punches when I would otherwise throw fewer, half-assed punches... In this sense, in the last few days I have had to exert a lot more energy than usual during workouts in order to maintain or increase the intensity level of a workout and the difference is palpable.
The Hykso trackers also track the types of punches you throw. It categorizes them as straight punches and as power punches (divided into left and right for each). This part is a bit shoddy, in my opinion. I have tried re-positioning the trackers in a number of different ways and have tried throwing my hooks differently, but they often don't register unless I slap the bag with the finger side of my glove. This is not a problem while shadow boxing, but definitely is an issue on the heavy bag. I have not yet tried these on the mitts or in sparring to see how accurate they are there. It's not really a big deal, but it was annoying to try to get it to work at the beginning. Now I just ignore this stat.
As far as boxing technique, there is obviously little the trackers can do to help one improve. This is not so much a flaw of the trackers, but a reason not to simply base workouts on the Hykso numbers (common sense, but it must be stated). The potential negative is that exclusive use of the trackers (such that one aims to merely increase the numbers) might lead to a decline or neglect with regard to technique. But this is less a critique of the trackers themselves as a caveat of the possible temptation that an over reliance on the trackers might inculcate. But this everyone knows.
As far as price goes, I don't know if i would pay the full price for these (currently $189, but I think they have a buy one get one 50% off so if you find someone else to split it with, it might be worthwhile). Everlast is also selling a pair of trackers for almost half the price ($99), but they look really bulky and ugly. [Edit: Just realized the Everlast tracker is $99 for one tracker; meaning you'd have to buy two to have one for each hand. Lame.]
TL;DR: The Hykso trackers are good tools for boxing, if used correctly. In terms of sheer physical exertion involved in a workout they will provide ample motivation to push harder each time. That said, they are just tools and should supplement proper technique, head/foot movement, distance, etc. (things that are not tracked by the trackers). Worst case scenario they will encourage bad habits; best case scenario, you will up your conditioning a ton. I would maybe wait until the price goes down a bit, or find someone to buy a pair with.
And a very hearty thank you to M&S for the trackers. You da man.
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