I wanted something that could give me a decent workout in my place that wasn't too cumbersome. The base on this is large enough so that when you fill it with water (is anyone using sand?) it stays in place without sliding. Aside from the sound of hitting the target ball, it doesn't make much noise. The only real loud noise that it makes is when you hit the target with any kind of hooking or looping shot; the retaining screw that keeps the target at a certain height will screech when you hit it with a hook or any shot that forces it to rotate. To the person who broke it because he's so swoll, it's not a heavy bag. This is a reflex bag to practice form, drills and counterpunching. It's durable enough if you use it for its intended purpose and you'll get a good workout.