Two popular freestanding options — which one fits your training?
BOB stands for "Body Opponent Bag." It's a human-shaped torso mounted on a freestanding base.
BOB is designed for precision striking — practicing where to hit, not just how hard.
The Wavemaster is a traditional cylindrical punching bag on a freestanding base.
Wavemaster is designed for general striking — punches, kicks, knees, elbows across a large surface.
BOB: Human shape forces you to aim at specific targets. You practice hitting the chin, not just "the bag." Great for self-defense training and martial arts where target accuracy matters.
Wavemaster: Cylindrical shape is a general target. You're practicing combinations and power, not precision placement. Better for boxing cardio and kickboxing where you're throwing volume.
BOB is better for:
Wavemaster is better for:
BOB: Limited kicking surface. The torso is narrow, and there are no legs. You can kick the body, but it's not ideal for practicing leg kicks or sweeps.
Wavemaster: Large cylindrical surface works well for all kick heights — low kicks, body kicks, head kicks. The XXL and 2XL Pro models have even more surface area.
BOB: Looks like a person. Some people find this motivating; others find it unsettling. The human shape helps with visualization and target recognition.
Wavemaster: Looks like gym equipment. No psychological factor, just a training tool.
BOB: $350-$450+ depending on model (BOB, BOB XL, BOB XL with Base)
Wavemaster: $150-$300 depending on model (Original, XXL, 2XL Pro)
BOB costs significantly more. You're paying for the human-shaped mold and the precision training it enables.
Both are well-made and durable for home use. Century has been making these for decades.
For typical home training, both will last years.
| Factor | Century BOB | Century Wavemaster |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Human torso | Cylindrical bag |
| Best for | Precision, self-defense | Cardio, kickboxing |
| Kicking | Limited surface | Full surface |
| Price | $350-$450+ | $150-$300 |
| Target zones | Specific (face, body) | General (full bag) |
| Realism | High (human shape) | Low (equipment) |
| Beginner-friendly | Yes | Yes |
Wavemaster is the safer choice. It's more versatile, less expensive, and works for a wider range of training styles. You can always add a BOB later if you get serious about precision training.
BOB is worth it if you specifically want self-defense training or martial arts practice where target accuracy matters. The human shape isn't a gimmick — it genuinely changes how you train.
Both are quality products from a reputable brand. The choice comes down to training style:
Either one will serve you well for home training. Pick the one that matches how you actually want to train.
Century offers both BOB and Wavemaster in multiple configurations:
Shop Century BOB & Wavemaster →