I have just started using an older version of this headguard, with the only difference being the additional chin protection.
As mentioned before, the headguard has a very tight feeling and doesn't really move upon impact; it is a bit tricky when it comes to grappling, but I personally haven't seen or heard of any headguards that you can grapple with properly.
The absorbance may not be as good as with those big chunky Cleto Reyes headguards, but I think the concept is very different anyway, as you really don't feel like you are wearing anything with the topten headguard on. For its size and feeling, the absorbance is very good.
I've also used the topten AIBA approved gloves for nearly 4 years now and I am very satisfied with them.
Again, as mentioned before, it's the AIBA stamp that brings the price up -and they are quite costy- but you can buy sparring gloves made by topten with the same bayflex foam for less.
The actual pair I use is meant to be used in competition and not training (10oz), but the foam is really absorbant and, being a welterweight, it only takes some caution and sparring is usually trouble-free.
I can see that after 4 years the foam is starting to get soft, but I think that is natural with most gloves; note that the leather and seams are still intact, even the white paint at the front has lasted pretty well. That said, I've only done minimal bag work with them.
Overall, I would strongly recommend topten products, specially when it comes to boxing as I have only tried their boxing-oriented products. They do have a couple of MMA gloves on the market, but I have never come across any so I can't really say much about them.
The only negative things I can think of are:
1) High price - I guess you get what you give -
2) Availability - It's easy to find their most popular models but if you need advanced stuff you need to search for a retailer -
3) Their gloves used to come in different hand-sizes, something which I can't see anymore.
Hope it helped a bit!
