While competitive boxing is not for everyone, the training involved is widely known to provide exceptional improvements to strength, stamina, speed and conditioning. But without professional coaching, it can be hard to know the best way to throw punches and produce combinations, whether the goal is to beat an opponent or beat individual fitness goals.
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As part of sport’s growing analytic movement, Hykso have developed a system which provides a data-focused tool enabling boxers to analyze their punching stats. Two sensors slip underneath boxers’ hand wrapping, connecting to a smartphone app which tracks punch number, intensity and velocity.
The sensors even recognize the types of punches being thrown, and crucially only weigh 8.5 grams. To diversify the devices from other boxing tech, when both fighters in a bout wear the sensors the app can sync every punch to a tactical situation. And, to feed athlete’s competitiveness, those using the app can challenge the stats of both friends and foes from other gyms.
The Hykso system will go on sale for $250, but can be pre-ordered for $219.99. Getting the price right will be essential as it is already facing competition from other sources. HBO have patented a similar punch-sensor product, but transfer the data to a generic database instead of a smartphone app. Even more similar are StrikeTec’s devices, which use a cloud system to send performance stats to smartphones, tablets and PCs.
Consequently, not only will the price be pivotal to Hykso’s success, but so will the aspects which make their sensors different. As the most obvious point of difference, Hykso’s distinctive challenge feature could give them an edge over competitor products.
Having won funding of $120,000 from Y Combinator, as well as stating their intentions to move into other sports, time will tell if Hykso will go the distance.