When it comes to Muay Thai equipment, few brands have earned the reputation and trust of Fairtex, Twins Special, and Primo. Whether you're a beginner stepping into the gym for the first time or an experienced fighter looking to upgrade your gear, choosing the right brand can make a noticeable difference to your training.
While all three are respected names in the Muay Thai world, they each offer a very different feel, fit, and training experience.
At Combat Sports Supplies, we stock all three brands and regularly hear feedback from fighters who train in them every day. Here's how they compare.
QUICK COMPARISON
|
Feature |
Fairtex |
Twins Special |
Primo |
|
Fit |
Tight, compact |
Roomy, relaxed |
Medium, modern |
|
Padding |
Firm with strong feedback |
Soft and protective |
Balanced |
|
Break-in Period |
2–3 weeks (leather models) |
Minimal |
Minimal |
|
Durability |
Excellent |
Very good |
Very good |
|
Best For |
Pads, bag work, clinch training |
Sparring |
All-round training |
|
Style |
Traditional |
Classic |
Modern and premium |
FAIRTEX: Built for Serious Training
Fairtex has built its reputation on performance, durability, and technical precision. Their gloves typically feature a tighter hand compartment and denser padding, giving fighters greater control and more feedback when striking.
Many experienced fighters prefer Fairtex because the gloves reward good technique and hold up exceptionally well under heavy use.
Why Fighters Choose Fairtex
- Compact fit for enhanced control
- Dense padding with excellent punch feedback
- Outstanding durability
- Popular for pad work, bag training, and clinch-heavy styles
Things to Consider
Fairtex gloves are known for requiring a break-in period, especially in genuine leather models. They can feel stiff initially, but many users find they mould to the hand over time and become exceptionally comfortable.
Best suited for: Fighters training several times per week, competitors, and those who prioritise performance and longevity.
TWINS SPECIAL: The Sparring Favourite
Twins Special takes a different approach, focusing on comfort, protection, and sparring-friendly design.
The softer padding helps absorb impact and protects both you and your training partners. Combined with a roomier hand compartment, Twins gloves are often considered one of the most comfortable options available.
Why Fighters Choose Twins
- Soft, forgiving padding
- Comfortable fit with less hand fatigue
- Excellent protection during sparring
- Trusted by beginners and experienced practitioners alike
Things to Consider
Because the padding is softer, you may not get the same level of punch feedback on the heavy bag as you would from a Fairtex glove. Some fighters describe them as feeling more cushioned and less "sharp" when striking.
Best suited for: Sparring-focused training, beginners, and anyone prioritising comfort and protection.
PRIMO: The Modern All-Rounder
Primo has quickly established itself as one of the most exciting brands in Muay Thai. Combining premium aesthetics with balanced performance, Primo sits comfortably between Fairtex and Twins in terms of feel.
Their gloves offer a versatile blend of protection, comfort, and responsiveness, making them an excellent choice for mixed training sessions.
Why Fighters Choose Primo
- Balanced padding for multiple training styles
- Modern, premium designs
- Comfortable fit without excessive bulk
- Strong focus on both performance and aesthetics
Primo has also expanded beyond gloves, offering a growing range of hand wraps, Muay Thai shorts, and training apparel.
Things to Consider
While Primo has rapidly gained popularity, it doesn't yet have the decades-long track record of Fairtex or Twins Special. However, the quality is consistently high and continues to impress fighters worldwide.
Best suited for: Athletes looking for a versatile glove that performs well across pads, bags, and light sparring.
WHICH BRAND SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
If you're still undecided, the simplest way to choose is to match your equipment to your training style.
Choose Fairtex if:
- You want maximum durability
- You train heavily on pads and bags
- You prefer a tighter, more responsive fit
- You want a glove designed for serious, long-term training
Choose Twins Special if:
- Sparring is a major part of your training
- Comfort is your top priority
- You prefer softer padding and greater hand protection
- You're new to Muay Thai and want a forgiving glove
Choose Primo if:
- You want one glove for multiple training styles
- You value both performance and appearance
- You prefer a balanced feel between protection and feedback
- You want a modern take on traditional Muay Thai equipment
WHAT WE SEE AT COMBAT SPORTS SUPPLIES
Based on customer feedback and fighter experience:
- Many athletes begin with Twins Special before moving to Fairtex as their training intensity increases.
- Fairtex users often stay loyal to the brand and simply add additional pairs to their collection.
- Primo users tend to be drawn to the unique feel and design, and often stick with the brand once they find the fit that suits them.
Ultimately, glove choice is highly personal. What feels perfect to one fighter may not suit another.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There isn't a single "best" Muay Thai brand—only the brand that best supports the way you train.
- Fairtex delivers durability, precision, and performance.
- Twins Special excels in comfort, safety, and sparring.
- Primo offers a balanced, modern approach to training.
If you train regularly, there's a good chance you'll eventually own gear from more than one of these brands. The key is choosing the glove that matches most of your training today.
Still unsure? Think about where you spend most of your time in the gym—on the bags, in sparring, or doing a bit of everything—and let that guide your decision.
BEST-SELLING GLOVE FROM EACH BRAND
If you're looking for a proven option from each brand, these are some of the most popular choices among Muay Thai practitioners.
Fairtex BGV1 – The Classic All-Rounder
The Fairtex BGV1 is one of the most recognised Muay Thai gloves in the world. Known for its compact fit, durable construction, and excellent punch feedback, it's a favourite among fighters who spend plenty of time on the pads and heavy bag.
Best for: Pad work, bag training, and all-round Muay Thai practice.
Shop the Fairtex BGV1
Twins Special BGVL3 – The Sparring Favourite
The Twins BGVL3 has earned a reputation as one of the most comfortable sparring gloves available. Its softer padding and roomy fit make it ideal for protecting both your hands and your training partners during longer sessions.
Best for: Sparring, beginners, and fighters who prioritise comfort.
Shop the Twins BGVL3
Primo Mamba Glove – Modern Performance
The Primo Mamba Glove combines premium materials, modern styling, and balanced padding to create a versatile glove suitable for a wide range of training. It's become a popular choice for fighters looking for comfort without sacrificing performance.
Best for: Mixed training, pad work, bag work, and light sparring.