Alright, let’s dive into my experience with the Rival RS11V sparring gloves. I’ve been using these gloves for a while now, and I figured it was time to share my thoughts and experiences.

So, first off, I bought these gloves because I was looking for something that offered good protection and wrist support for sparring. I was tired of my old gloves feeling flimsy and not protecting my hands properly, especially when I’m going hard during training.
The first thing I noticed when I got the RS11Vs was the quality of the leather. It felt really premium, like it could take a beating. I tried them on immediately and the fit was snug but comfortable. I liked the feel of the padding; it seemed dense and protective.
My first time using them in sparring, I was immediately impressed. The wrist support is fantastic. I’ve had wrist issues in the past, and these gloves really helped to keep my wrists stable and secure. I felt much more confident throwing punches without worrying about tweaking my wrist. The padding also felt great. I could really let my punches go without feeling like I was going to hurt my sparring partner or myself.
Here’s what a typical sparring session with these gloves looks like for me:
- First, I wrap my hands carefully. This is super important for any gloves, but especially with sparring gloves.
- Then, I slip the RS11Vs on. The fit is snug, so it takes a little effort, but once they’re on, they’re locked in.
- During sparring, I focus on my technique and power, knowing that my hands and wrists are well-protected. I can really dig into my punches without hesitation.
- After sparring, I wipe the gloves down with a clean cloth and let them air out. This helps to keep them fresh and prevent them from getting smelly.
One thing I did notice is that these gloves can get a little warm during longer sparring sessions. They’re not the most breathable gloves, but that’s the trade-off you make for the extra padding and protection. I just make sure to take breaks and let my hands breathe when I can.

Another thing to consider is the size. I went with the 16oz version, which is pretty standard for sparring. If you have smaller hands, you might want to consider the 14oz version, but I personally prefer the extra padding of the 16oz. I also made sure to look at reviews online before buying to get a sense of how they fit different hand sizes.
Overall, I’m really happy with the Rival RS11V gloves. They’re durable, protective, and offer great wrist support. They’re definitely a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about sparring. I’ve put them through some tough training sessions, and they’ve held up really well. I expect them to last me a good long time.
If you’re looking for a new pair of sparring gloves, I’d definitely recommend checking out the Rival RS11Vs. Just do your research, consider your hand size and needs, and be prepared for a snug fit. But trust me, the protection and performance are worth it.