Which Type of Tackle Bag Suits Your Training? Standard to Rip-Roller
You want to order tackle bags for your club, but the RAM Rugby range has five different types and the differences are not immediately clear from the product page. Buy the wrong type and the bags end up unused on the shelf. This article breaks down all five models by training goal, position and budget.
Short answer: Standard Tackle Bag for versatile club use (from 109 EUR); Ripper for ball-security and advanced forwards work; Target for teaching correct tackle height; Roller for timing and moving-target drills; Rip-Roller for the most realistic contact training combining tackle, ball-strip and movement. Most clubs start with Standard bags and add a specialised type as the squad develops.
Quick overview: five types at a glance
| Type | Best for | Weight range | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | All-round club use, all positions | 8-28 kg | 109 EUR |
| Ripper | Ball security, advanced forwards | 10-27 kg | 219 EUR |
| Target | Tackle-height correction, youth | 10-28 kg | 139 EUR |
| Roller | Moving-target drills, timing | 10-15 kg | 249 EUR |
| Rip-Roller | Full contact combo: tackle + rip + movement | 10-27 kg | 319 EUR |
Standard Tackle Bag
The Standard Tackle Bag is the workhorse of club contact training. It stands independently, absorbs tackles cleanly and comes back upright after each rep. No moving parts, no special setup. It works for every position, every age group and every session type from first contact lessons to senior forwards sessions.
When to choose Standard: You need multiple bags for station drills, your squad covers a range of ages and positions, or you are equipping a school or beginner club. The Standard is available from 8 kg (youth) to 28 kg (senior forwards power training).
Price: from 109 EUR. Most clubs buy in sets of 4-6 at one or two weights (e.g. 15 kg and 20 kg).
Ripper Tackle Bag
The Ripper Tackle Bag has two functions in one drill: the player tackles, gets up and immediately strips the ball from the integrated holder. This trains the complete tackle-to-turnover sequence without stopping.
The Ripper uses higher-density foam than the Standard, making it better suited to intensive daily use by heavier forwards. The compact shape stays upright even under hard, repeated impact.
When to choose Ripper: Your forwards need to train ball security after the tackle, you run intensive contact sessions multiple times per week, or you want to add a realistic rucking trigger to tackle drills.
Price: from 219 EUR (10 kg) to 359 EUR (27 kg).
Target Tackle Bag
The Target Tackle Bag has three colour-coded strike zones marked on the bag at shoulder, mid and low height, aligned with World Rugby and RFU safe-tackling guidelines. Coaches use it to correct tackle height systematically rather than calling it out verbally after every rep.
When to choose Target: You coach youth players who are learning safe tackling, you run technique sessions where tackle height is the primary focus, or your club is implementing a safer-tackling programme.
Price: from 139 EUR (10 kg) to 259 EUR (28 kg).
Roller Tackle Bag
The Roller Tackle Bag rolls away on impact. Instead of a static target, the player must time the tackle to catch a moving bag that reacts to the hit. This trains tackle timing, distance judgment and approach speed in a way a static bag cannot replicate.
When to choose Roller: Your backs need to improve tackle timing, you want more dynamic drills without a human ball-carrier, or you are working on approach angles and acceleration into contact.
Price: from 249 EUR (10 kg) to 299 EUR (15 kg).
Rip-Roller Tackle Bag
The Rip-Roller combines the rolling movement of the Roller with the integrated ball-holder of the Ripper. In a single drill: the player tackles, the bag moves away, the player gets up, strips the ball and clears. This is the most realistic solo contact drill available.
When to choose Rip-Roller: Your squad is advanced enough to train tackle, ball-strip and clear-out in one sequence, you want to raise intensity in contact stations without adding a live ball-carrier, or you are preparing for high-contact competition rugby.
Price: from 319 EUR (10 kg) to 399 EUR (27 kg).
Full comparison table
| Feature | Standard | Ripper | Target | Roller | Rip-Roller |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moves on impact | No | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Ball holder | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Strike zones | No | No | Yes (3) | No | No |
| Weight range | 8-28 kg | 10-27 kg | 10-28 kg | 10-15 kg | 10-27 kg |
| Entry price | 109 EUR | 219 EUR | 139 EUR | 249 EUR | 319 EUR |
| Best for backs | Yes | Partly | Yes | Yes | Partly |
| Best for forwards | Yes | Yes | Partly | Partly | Yes |
| Youth suitable | Yes (8 kg) | Yes (10 kg) | Yes | Yes (10 kg) | Partly |
| Beginner suitable | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Which type for which club situation?
- Starting club or school: Standard Tackle Bag. Budget-friendly, works for all ages and positions. Buy 4-6 at one weight (15 kg for mixed groups).
- Established club with youth and senior teams: Standard (15 kg for youth, 20 kg for seniors) plus 1-2 Target bags for technique sessions.
- Competitive senior club with dedicated forwards sessions: Mix of Standard (20-28 kg) and Ripper (20-27 kg). Add Roller for backs if budget allows.
- High-performance or semi-professional club: Full mix: Standard, Ripper, Target, Roller, Rip-Roller. Run technique, power and combination stations simultaneously.
- PE department or school with limited coaches: Standard (10-15 kg) and Target. Both work without a coach holding equipment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a Standard and a Ripper tackle bag?
The Standard stands independently and absorbs tackles. The Ripper adds an integrated ball-holder so players train the tackle and ball-strip in one rep. The Ripper also uses denser foam for heavier daily use.
When should you use a Target Tackle Bag?
Use the Target when tackle height is the training focus: youth players learning safe tackling, clubs implementing a safer-tackling programme, or any session where the coach wants visual feedback on tackle point without verbal correction after every rep.
When should you choose a Roller over a standard tackle bag?
Choose the Roller when you want to train tackling a moving target. The Roller rolls away on impact, forcing the player to work on timing, approach angle and speed calculation. A static bag cannot replicate this.
What can a Rip-Roller do that a Roller cannot?
The Rip-Roller has an integrated ball-holder in addition to the rolling movement. This lets you train tackle, ball-strip and clear-out in a single drill, including getting back to your feet. The Rip-Roller is the most complete solo contact training tool.
How many tackle bags does a club need?
At least 4-6 bags per training session for a full squad. Clubs with youth and senior teams find two weight options most practical (e.g. 15 kg and 20 kg Standard plus 1-2 Ripper or Target for specialist work).
Which tackle bag suits backs versus forwards?
Backs: Standard 10-15 kg or Target for technique and timing; Roller for moving-target work. Forwards: Standard 20-28 kg, Ripper 15-27 kg for ball security, Rip-Roller for full contact sequences.
Browse all tackle bag types
RAM Rugby supplies all five tackle bag types to clubs, schools and academies across Europe. Not sure which type fits your training programme? Our product team helps clubs choose the right combination every week.
View all tackle bags
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