Hi, I'm not sure where to turn so I thought I'd come here to get some advice. I want to buy some 18 ox boxing gloves just for bagwork, I feel like they will give me a better workout and also the 16 oz gloves will feel lighter when I'm sparring.
Also, I've had a lot of problems with my thumb so I need a pair of gloves that provide plenty of protection and stability for my thumb. Budget is around £50, based in the UK.
Any advice appreciated.
Your budget is too low for anything really great. The best C/P gloves are always going to be Thai brand and they all cost at least around 60-70 quid, especially with GBP being super low, could be up to 80 right now..
Under 50 and for something heavy, I think your only option is RDX. They aren't as cheap as they used to be, but just under or around 50 I think. The good thing for you in this case, their gloves don't have a concept of being true to weight. So if you get a 12oz, they probably already weight 18 oz depends of the model . So instead of the usual 18oz being huge, you might get away with something as heavy and not as bulky(Just to be safe, get the 16s/18s). Their gloves are also very stiff so look like they will last as bag gloves and only as bag gloves not for anything else. Don't know about your thumb though.
If you want something more proven, go with Thai brand, they will be huge at 18oz, but surely less stiff and softer, able to be used for anything most of the models. Thai brand never fail me.
Next I would suggest the jump to custom gloves, make them true to weight, shape the thumb for you, able to pick any padding, any design. etc around 100-150 quid.
There you go for the 3 suggestions. And the fourth would be: just get some wrist weight or knuckle guard if you already have a decent pair of gloves.