Hayabusa E1 Review: Why I Still Prefer My T3s

My 16 oz Hayabusa E1 gloves are my only heavy pair and feel more cushioned than my T3s. Here is my honest take on the fit, feel and why I still prefer the T3.

Hey friends, it’s Lizzie! My blue Hayabusa E1s are 16 oz—my only heavy pair—and I’ve trained in them for boxing and kickboxing. Of the T3, T360 and E1 pairs I own, the E1 is my least favorite. It feels more cushioned to me, and I prefer the clearer punch feedback I get from my T3s.

A disclosure before anything else: I did not buy these. I received the E1s as part of my Hayabusa ambassador package when they first came out. That does not change what I think of them, but you should know it going in. I also earn a small commission if you use my code or shop through my links, at no extra cost to you.

The short version

The E1 feels more cushioned and muted to me. The T3 gives me more of the feeling of where my knuckles meet the bag, which is why it stays my favorite.

If you prefer a more cushioned feel, the E1 is worth considering. That is a preference about the way the glove feels, not a measured claim that it absorbs more impact or prevents an injury.

Close-up of a Hayabusa boxing glove with the iridescent wrist panel

What the cushioning feels like to me

I like knowing where my punches land. The E1’s more muted feel gives me less of the feedback I enjoy in the T3. That’s the main reason I reach for the T3 more often.

My T3s are stiff at first, then become comfortable and mold well to my hands after breaking in. I’m not putting a fixed number of days or sessions on that process.

What a normal bag workout looks like for me

A typical heavy-bag workout for me is around 45 minutes, with some plyometrics mixed in. That does not mean 45 minutes of nonstop bag rounds. I also use my gloves for mitt work.

I’ve trained in the E1, T3 and T360. My preference comes down to feel: more cushioning from the E1, clearer feedback from the T3.

The single strap

Hayabusa lists the standard adult E1 with one stretch strap and dual wrist splints. The standard T3 has two interlocking straps, while the T360 has a dual-strap system with a removable inner strap.

Those are construction differences. I like how the T3’s dual straps feel secure around my wrist, but strap count alone does not prove one model is safer or better for everyone. I compare the other two models in T360 vs E1.

Who I would consider the E1 for

I see the E1 as an option for someone newer to training who likes a more cushioned feel. That is my personal recommendation, not a rule that beginners need this model or that a more expensive glove makes someone an advanced boxer.

Compare the current price, fit over your wraps and closure with the other gloves you are considering. If punch feedback is your priority, my T3 review explains why that pair suits me better.

Where it sits in my glove choices

The T3 is my favorite, and my pink 14 oz pair is the one I use most right now. I still reach for my 12 oz T360s. The E1 is the more cushioned-feeling option and the one I prefer least.

For the direct comparison, read T3 vs E1. The four-model Hayabusa comparison is the broader starting point.

My E1 weight and fit

My E1s are 16 oz, and they are my only heavy pair. The ounce label describes glove weight, not a hand measurement, so check the exact model’s size guide and assess fit with your usual wraps. My Hayabusa sizing guide has the checklist.

For sparring, follow your coach and gym’s rules for glove type, weight and condition. My own glove weight is not a recommendation for every reader.

What I can say about durability

All of my Hayabusa pairs feel durable to me in my own training. I’m not giving the E1 a measured lifespan or claiming that one model will last longer than another. The useful difference I can describe here is how the E1 feels compared with the T3.

Price and the code

My code LILO takes 10% off, and it doesn’t stack with a site-wide sale — one code per order.

Shop Hayabusa with code LILO →

Outside the US? Use code LIZZIE on the Hayabusa EU store for the UK and Europe, or shop my Australia storefront.

Check the current price before choosing

Check the price for the exact E1 version and weight you want, then compare the total with the T3 or T360. Prices and promotions change, so an old price gap should not decide which glove you buy.

For the construction details, Hayabusa’s standard E1 product page lists injection-molded foam, dual wrist splints and the single stretch strap. These are manufacturer specifications, separate from my own opinion of the feel.

Why I would still choose the T3

The E1’s more cushioned feel is the reason it is less appealing to me. I prefer the T3’s clearer knuckle feedback and the way its dual straps feel around my wrist. After the initial stiffness, the T3 fits my hands well.

If you like a more muted feel, you may have a different preference. My comparison is about the gloves I have used and what I enjoy training in.

Looking after them

Let your gloves dry between sessions and follow the care instructions for the exact model. I have a separate guide to how I clean my gloves, and more about why I rotate pairs.

The pairs I am comparing

My gloves and current preferences
Model My weights My experience
E1 16 oz (my only heavy pair) More cushioned and muted; my least favorite
T3 12 oz black-iridescent; 14 oz pink and white-iridescent My favorite for punch feedback and fit after break-in
T360 12 oz Still part of my rotation

Comparing my 16 oz E1 with my 12 oz T360 changes both model and weight. These are my training impressions, not a controlled performance test.

Read my T360 review if that pair is also on your shortlist.

Your Questions, Answered

Can you use the Hayabusa E1 for heavy bag work? I have used my 16 oz E1s for boxing and kickboxing, including heavy-bag and mitt work. They feel more cushioned to me than my T3s, but I prefer the T3’s clearer feedback.

E1 or T3? I prefer the T3. I like its punch feedback, how the dual straps feel around my wrist, and the fit after breaking it in. The E1 has a more muted, cushioned feel to me.

Is the E1 good for beginners? I would consider it for someone newer to training who likes a more cushioned feel. Check the fit, current price and your coach’s requirements rather than choosing from a beginner label alone.

What glove weight do you use? My blue E1s are 16 oz, my only heavy pair. I also own T3s in 12 oz and 14 oz, and T360s in 12 oz. Follow your coach and gym’s requirements when choosing equipment for sparring.

Some links above are affiliate links — I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, and I only link gear I actually train in.

Related reading

Lizzie
Lizzie

Lizzie ("Liz Lightning") is a 10-year kickboxer, licensed Florida real estate agent, and the founder of How To Live 30. Writing from Florida's Space Coast, she covers fitness and kickboxing, wellness and mindset, relationships, coastal living, and honest, tried-and-tested product recommendations — all built around one belief: your 30s are the best decade to fall in love with your life.

Articles: 225

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *