Ring To Cage C-17 2.0 Japanese Style Boxing Gloves Introduction:

The 16oz Ring to Cage C-17 2.0 gloves are definitely the most affordable alternative to the Japanese Winning MS-600. This glove originates from Pakistan (a country that is known to pump out a lot of low-tier gloves). Despite the origin, these gloves are not simple ‘copycat’, but offer their own unique take on what a Japanese-Style glove is. Even though these gloves sell for only $100, I will be as objective as I can when comparing them to the Winning MS-600s in this review.

From comfort, padding, and stitching quality to support and suitability, we’ll dissect every aspect to help you make an informed decision on whether the Ring to Cage C-17 2.0 is the right fit for your boxing journey.

**I am not sponsored by Ring to Cage and am not affiliated with the brand in any way.**

For those of you first visiting our site, below our introduction, you will see a radar plot of all the prominent reviews for this glove model. Although our team has decades of experience reviewing boxing gloves, a second opinion never hurts!

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CSquared’s review score.

Padding (92/100)

The Ring to Cage C-17 2.0 boxing gloves are a little more top-heavy than the older model, yet the construction ensures that you first will not flop around in the glove. Compared to the previous generation Japanese-style gloves by Ring to Cage, the padding is even better than before because they’re finally true-to-weight (measuring almost exactly 16 oz per glove). The padding is, hands down, the best in terms of value for money (even if they were priced at $200, I would still say they offer good value for money). The R2C C-17 2.0 eliminates all the shock from punching. When you put these gloves on and go to town on the bag or pads, you’ll notice that the hand is cushioned against blows on the hardest of bags and pads. It’s not overly squishy when you punch, so your glove doesn’t feel like it’ll roll. They’re not gloves that are going to bottom out even if you have tremendous power.

Of course, this review wouldn’t be complete without a comparison to the Winning MS-600 boxing gloves. To begin with, both gloves excel in thumb and padding design, arguably the best in the market. The straight thumb design for both boxing gloves ensures a perfect fist alignment, enhancing comfort. However, the C17’s thumb is slightly shorter than Winning’s, with the padding ending before the leather (tip of the thumb), which can cause minor pinching on the thumb. Winning’s thumb design is longer and narrower, reflecting its overall sleeker design.

The padding in both gloves is exceptional, especially for sparring. They ensure protection for the user and their sparring partner. Both gloves are versatile, suitable for bag work and mitts. However, Winning’s padding feels more protective. When comparing the firmness, the 12oz C17s are the softest, followed by the MS-600s (Winning’s 16oz glove), with the 16oz C17s being the firmest. 

Glove Fit (95/100)

The gloves are wide – perfect for medium to large-sized hands. I found that it fit my hands well, and I didn’t get the sensation or discomfort of them being squeezed to death. Everyone will be able to make a tight and solid fist with these gloves because it’s like grasping a roll of dimes when you punch. The best part of the new feel of this glove is that it’s already broken in, so they’re good to go right out of the box.

When comparing glove fit to the Winning MS-600s, both gloves are strikingly similar. They share a near-identical appearance, from the way the thumb is attached to the hand compartment to the double cuff for lace-ups, and even the stitching placement.

Although I mostly only review lace-up gloves, I have to say something: the C-17 Velcro model has a distinct edge over the Winning Velcro. The C-17 Velcro design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also more functional, while also using a thicker strap with piping. In contrast, Winning’s Velcro, while functional, feels thin and somewhat flimsy, making the glove appear surprisingly less refined. In terms of Velcro glove fit, the C-17 definitely takes the upper hand in my book.

More specifically in terms of glove fit, the C-17s have a larger, wider hand compartment. When comparing 16oz Winning gloves to 16oz C-17s, the difference in hand compartment size is evident. Without hand wraps, there’s noticeable room to move within the C-17s, whereas the Winning gloves offer a snugger fit. The finger compartment in Winning gloves is more accommodating, allowing for a better grip around the bar. However, it’s essential to note that I have large hands, so for me both gloves are equally comfortable, despite Winning being on the slightly less wide side.

Inner-Lining Comfort (70/100)

While the C-17s aim to be clones of the Winning MS-600s, the inner-liner comfort is simply not even close to the inner lining used in Winning gloves. The Winning MS-600s liner has a distinctive blue wave pattern, while the C17s offers a solid black design. The material on the C-17s are not nearly as plush and silky as in the Winning Gloves. I personally experienced numerous scrapes on both pinkies while breaking into these gloves. Although this issue goes away after wearing, the material is simply nowhere near the material used for Winning lining. 

Exterior Material (90/100)

The leather on the C-17 2.0s is a good quality full-grain leather . The colored versions are vibrant, it’s super thick, supple, has a distinct, luxurious smell of the leather  (you open the box and you smell the gloves immediately).

When comparing the C-17 to Winning gloves, Winning’s leather is superior, being softer, silkier, and more luminous. The Winning leather is undeniably of a higher caliber, the leather on the Winning gloves is thin, yet is extremely buttery/silky. Despite Winning leather being thin, it folds incredibly well and isn’t flimsy – reaching this balance is incredibly difficult, and requires perfect stitching. Meanwhile, Ring To Cage’s leather offers a matte finish; it’s not glossy like in Winning gloves, but I can still appreciate it. The leather on the R2C’s is functional and effective, while Winning’s has a slight edge in aesthetics and texture. Overall, the Ring to Cage leather will last for years, as the full-grain leather is very high quality.

Stitching Quality (87/100) 

 The gloves are double stitched and each individual row of the C-17 boxing gloves is expertly done. The craftsmanship is perfect on the pair that I had (with a few shortcuts taken, which is appropriate given it’s a $99 glove). Even though the  R2C C-17s have great stitching, are elegant, and have no overly loose stitching, the only noticeable shortcut with the C17s would be the ends of the piping (the piping on the palm-side of the glove around the wrist), which look all tattered and worn out–nothing like the beautiful stretched-out piping on the Winning MS-600s.

With all that said, The C-17 2.0s are the most perfect piece of equipment that Ring to Cage has ever put out when it comes to stitching quality.

Wrist Support (89/100)

The lace-up Ring to Cage C-17 2.0s have extra thick padding on the wrist, which is substantially thicker than the wrist padding on the Winning MS-600s. Despite the thicker padding, I do not think the C-17s offer better wrist protection than the Winning gloves, perhaps because of the ergonomics of the hand compartment on the C-17s, which leads to more strain on the wrist. Despite this, the Wrist protection on the Ring to Cage C-17s is solid. 

Sparring Suitability (91/100)

The C-17s are thick and well padded so sparring is going to be safe for both parties. Partners won’t complain even if you’re both going to go heavy in the later rounds. Just be aware that any Japanese-style boxing gloves are quite wide and well padded so not all your shots are going to land through their guard every time you want.

Heavy-Bag Suitability (90/100)

When you put these gloves on and go to town on the bag or pads, you’ll notice that the hand is cushioned against blows on the hardest of bags. Every time you punch it feels solid, unlike with some gloves where the top (back side) of the hand is rounded. I can land my punches solidly with my knuckles upon contact without experiencing any pain with these (Please note, I usually wear Winning gel knuckle guards when on the heavy bag, but often do not put the knuckle guards on with these because the padding is very protective on the bag). 

Ring to Cage C-17 2.0 Japanese-Style Gloves Overview

In conclusion, it’s a disservice to label the Ring to Cage C-17s as mere “clones” or, even more disparagingly, “knock-offs.” R2C has infused them with a distinct style, establishing them not only as the best alternative to Winnings but also as the top gloves available at the $100 price point. While Winning remains my premier choice for its unparalleled protection and aesthetic appeal, the C17s come in a close second, offering nearly comparable performance at half the cost. I can’t emphasize enough the value they bring for their price.