I couldn't stand looking at it so I took it apart and started from scratch. Here's the secret--you leave 6-8 inches of the inner thin foam sticking out of the bag when you start to insert the big piece of solid foam that ends up being the top. That way when you have to shove the solid foam in, it pulls the 6-8 inches of the thin foam with it leaving you with a perfect assembly. Somebody should have put that in the instructions. Somebody also should have mentioned there are tabs you have to line up on the first collar you screw down which are probably obvious, but I missed it first time around. You can't hit this like you would a heavy bag and if you put it together yourself, you should know that. It's a good workout, but not for working on your power punch.

I set it up and used it for about 5 minutes and it broke in the middle. If you fill it with water it also leaks. Don't buy. It's a waste of money. It may be okay for children under 10.

This bag broke after I threw a straight right. I study krav maga and we are taught the explode with the hips and pivot into punches....I had this bag for a week before it broke...the flex collar snapped and the bag is now useless. I am not a big guy...in fact I am rather skinny (6'2, 165lbs). I recommend getting a wavemaster.

Once assembled it is a good product. Assembly will try the patience of the Saints. With 3 of us, all adults, trying we were never able to assemble as directed. The 1st thin piece of foam was too big around if you taped the seam flat. The 2nd piece wouldn't go in with the 1st piece in place. After 30 minutes of frustration we put the 2nd piece (the solid round piece) in first then cut the tape from the 1st piece and put it in against the round piece leaving about 4''-6'' of foam extending out of the opening. We then put in the 3rd piece and after warming the bag in front of the fireplace managed to stretch it out until the ends butted against each other as they were supposed to. The 4th piece, funny shaped, went in relatively easy compared to the others. We then folded over the piece of foam that was extending from the end and zipped it close, pushed the sleeve inside and inserted it over the pole. I definitely recommend warming the bag before you start. Good Luck, I was ready to box it up and send it back to the store before rearranging the instructions a little. And yes, I did read them!

I loved this bag until from my relentless kicks broke the plastic section that goes from the adjuster to the base. It was glued together and never, ever will withstand serious blows from anyone with any strength. As far the concept is its excellent, too bad the manufacturer chose to build it so cheaply! Everlast should get serious and build this product with a long term approach to the life of the product.

I've had this bag for a couple of months now and for a free standing bag it's pretty good.
Putting together the top portion is an exercise in itself and you are going to need patience, you put several sections of foam together to form one piece, it's fun trying to make them all fit...
For those worried about filling the bottom portion with water (and having it leak) I ended up stuffing 3 sand bags in it, I think they were about $2 or $2.50 a piece at HomeDepot and keep it pretty stationary. Though it really depends on how hard you are going to hit it....

this product is easy to set up.....very flexable ...has a great everlast cover......perfect for my apartment.....if you are in a small space and want a top quality free standing bag....this is the one.....