Submission Master vs Grappling SMARTY (2025 Comparison)

Which grappling dummy is the better training tool for real BJJ progress?

Quick Answer

If your goal is actual Jiu-Jitsu improvement — more reps, fewer resets, better guard stability, and real at-home progress — the Submission Master Dummy is the clear winner in 2025.

Its Stability-Weighted Design™ gives it a major advantage in upright guard posture, open-guard attacks, and any drill where lighter dummies tend to fold or tip.

The SMARTY XL is lighter and easier to move, and it can be purchased filled or unfilled, but its performance depends heavily on its stuffing and internal materials.

For most grapplers, stability matters more.

submission master vs grappling smarty
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How These Dummies Truly Differ

Both dummies can be used for solo practice — but they are built with different philosophies:

  • Submission Master is built for stable, repeatable at-home drilling.
  • SMARTY XL is built for lightweight, repositionable convenience.

Only one of those leads to measurable progress.

Stability (The Real Deciding Factor)

Stability only matters when the dummy is upright, especially for:

  • guard posture drilling
  • sit-up guard
  • open-guard attacks
  • pulling/pushing the dummy during sweeps
  • posture resistance
  • breaking posture

Submission Master Stability Advantage

  • ~85 lbs
  • wide, thick base
  • stays upright longer
  • resists the forward/backward collapsing common in lighter dummies
  • allows multiple reps before repositioning

SMARTY XL Stability Reality

  • ~50 lbs
  • lighter torso
  • structure depends on stuffing density
  • more likely to fold or tip in upright guard drills
  • mid-drill resets are common

These observations match consistent user feedback across online forums.

Bottom line:

For upright and guard-based BJJ training, Submission Master provides more usable stability.

Guard Training Capability

Submission Master:

This is the most important category for at-home BJJ progress.

  • Strong upright stability
  • Excellent for guard posture work
  • Ideal for open-guard attacks
  • Supports sit-up guard and posture-breaking drills
  • Closing guard depends on your height due to its wide torso

SMARTY XL:

  • Can be placed upright
  • Works for light guard demonstrations
  • More likely to collapse when pulled/pushed
  • Leads to more resets during open-guard and posture-breaking reps

Bottom line:

Submission Master delivers more uninterrupted guard reps.
SMARTY requires more resets.

Grounded Positions (Where Stability Doesn’t Matter)

When a dummy is lying down (mount, side control), all dummies are stable.
Here the difference is not stability — it’s structure and durability.

Submission Master:

  • Thick internal structure
  • Durable shape that lasts for years
  • Legs packed tight (break in over time)
  • Excellent for mount, side control, and top-pressure transitions

SMARTY XL:

  • Lighter build
  • Can soften or deform as stuffing shifts
  • May need re-stuffing over time to maintain limb integrity

Advantage:

Submission Master for durability and structure.
SMARTY only if you prefer something very light.

Stuffing and Maintenance

Submission Master:

  • Professionally filled
  • No user stuffing
  • Consistent feel over time
  • No maintenance

SMARTY XL:

  • Available filled or unfilled
  • Even pre-filled versions use household materials (noodles, rags, polyfill)
  • Materials naturally compress or shift with use
  • May require periodic adjustment

Training takeaway:

Submission Master = consistency.
SMARTY = variability + maintenance.

Ease of Repositioning

SMARTY XL (~50 lbs):

  • Easier to lift
  • Easier to reposition between drills
  • More portable

Submission Master (~85 lbs):

  • Heavier
  • Designed for stability over portability

Important:

This is a convenience factor, not a training factor. Most grapplers benefit more from stability than portability.

Comparison Table

FeatureSubmission Master
SMARTY XL
Weight~85 lbs~50 lbs
Upright / guard stabilityHighLower
Guard posture workStrong performerRequires frequent resets
Open-guard attacksStableTends to tip/fold
Grounded workStrong frameDepends on stuffing
StuffingProfessionally filled (no user stuffing required)Filled or unfilled; uses DIY materials (pool noodles, rags, polyfill)
MaintenanceNoneRe-stuffing may be needed
RepositioningHeavierEasy
Best forReal BJJ training, reps, guard workLight drilling, portability

Who Each Is Best For

Submission Master:

  • Grapplers who want real progress at home
  • Students doing upright/guard posture drills
  • Anyone using short, high-rep sessions
  • People who want a long-term, consistent training tool
  • Anyone who wants zero maintenance

SMARTY XL:

  • Buyers who prefer a lighter dummy
  • Users who want something easy to reposition
  • Light drilling, technique memorization
  • Those comfortable with stuffing adjustments

Final Recommendation

If your priority is actual BJJ improvement — stable posture, open-guard reps, upright resistance, and consistent solo training — the Submission Master Dummy is the stronger choice in 2025.

SMARTY XL can still be useful for lighter demos or users who want a more portable, easily moved dummy.

But for serious at-home BJJ training, stability and structure win.

See Today’s Price ($597)

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