Buyer’s Guide to Kettlebells
Buyer’s guide: How to Choose Best Kettlebells?
Following we would introduce the importance, appearance, brand, source channels of best kettlebells in this article, and of course the costs as well.
Index:
- Components of kettlebell
- Different types of kettlebells
- How to Choose Your Best Kettlebell
- Why we should use kettlebell instead of dumbbell?
- How much we need to spend on kettlebell?
- Choose your suitable kettlebell weight
- Kettlebell made for competition
- Never overlook handle of kettlebell
- A good kettlebell should last long
- Features of best kettlebell
1. Components of kettlebell
A. The handle for your grip
B. Color stripe to identify the weight
C. Bell is the body of cannonball
D. Base to rest on the ground
2. Different types of kettlebells
1）Competition Kettlebells
e.g.
Competition kettlebells are color-coded to represent different weights, so you can find the weight you need at a glance. Competition kettlebells are the same size regardless of weight, which means they are perfect for practicing high-technique moves such as the clean and jerk or snatch. This means that whether you are using an 8kg or 32kg kettlebell, it will always rest in the same place on your forearm. The handles of competition kettlebells are also uniform, with a diameter of 33 inches. The weight of competition kettlebells is adjusted by the core rather than the size, whereas cast iron kettlebells can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, they are not standardized. And competition kettlebells always provide a standardized feel to all clients, so they get familiar with the kettlebells more easily than before.
Accordingly, competition kettlebells are generally more expensive and have more precise weights. Hollow competition kettlebells are also generally more expensive but will not rattle over time. To fitness enthusiast, it’s worth the 10-20% cost, and I think it’s worth spending a little more if you want to take kettlebell training more seriously.
Who are competition kettlebells best suited for?
- Athletes who strictly practice single-arm movements.
- Athletes who compete or want to compete in kettlebell sports.
- People with smaller hands who can fit their hands within the width of the handles.
2) Cast Iron Kettlebells
e.g.
Cast iron kettlebells are popular and good quality kettlebells will last a long time. And they are generally more affordable than competition-style kettlebells. High quality cast iron kettlebells are cast in one go. Cast iron kettlebells are available in many different types of coatings, including vinyl, epoxy, or powder coating. Among them, the powder coating holds the chalk better and feels smooth but not greasy, which helps with grip and manipulation. However, the coating on cast iron kettlebells tends to chip more easily than rubber kettlebells.
The single cast kettlebell made of cast iron is powder coated in matte black and is considered the standard in the industry. It is difficult to find kettlebells that are comparable to cast iron fitness kettlebells that are affordable and worth the money.
Why cast iron material is superior for kettlebells?
1. Cost-effective
In the long run, cast iron can save a lot of money.
- Cast iron requires little maintenance for a long time, so using it can save money by reducing replacements.
- In addition, cast iron products can be incorporated into existing structures, minimizing replacement costs.
2. Amazing Strength and Durability
- As one of the most widely used materials in various applications, cast iron is high in strength and low in cost. This is what makes it a viable material in a range of industries such as fitness production.
- In addition, cast iron will not crack or dent. Due to its incredible durability and strength, it has stood the test of time and is not prone to problems. Moreover, the durability of this material helps prevent deformation.
This is the secret of cast iron kettlebells to keep their shape after years of rigorous exercise.
3. Excellent Machinability
- Cast iron can be easily processed into the final product. This is a great feature for those who have to work with this material.
- Since certain properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and microstructure can change its machinability, manufacturers have the freedom to customize their own cast iron mixture by adding or changing ingredients.
- Cast iron’s machinability also helps it to be cut and finished at low cost and in a short time.
4. Castability
- Since cast iron is easy to cast, it is widely used in various industries.
- Since its ductility is more flexible than many other metals, cast iron can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes according to different industrial needs.
- In addition, it is also a viable material for fitness manufacturing due to its low production cost and limited use of tools.
Who are cast iron kettlebells best for?
- Lifters who want to do two-handed movements like swings and goblet squats.
- People who may not be used to holding the handles for long periods of time and need a wider width.
3) Rubber Kettlebells
e.g.
Advantages of Rubber Dumbbells
Rubber dumbbells offer several advantages over steel dumbbells and especially cast iron dumbbells. These advantages include:
- Durability – The rubber coating helps prevent serious damage to the floor and dumbbells when dropped. Additionally, the rubber coating prevents rust and other types of corrosion. Lastly, most rubbers are also waterproof.
- Acoustics – If you work out in a soundproofed area, the clanking sound of dumbbells may not be a big deal. However, if you share a space with others or work out in a garage with poor soundproofing, the sound of metal colliding can become a serious annoyance. Fortunately, rubber dumbbells do not make a clanking sound when they collide, making them quieter than steel and cast iron.
Disadvantages of Rubber Dumbbells
When deciding between cast iron dumbbells and rubber dumbbells, we cannot ignore the potential disadvantages of rubber. These disadvantages include:
- Smell – While this is not a big disadvantage, new rubber may have a noticeable odor. If you are sensitive to odors, rubber dumbbells may not be for you. However, this odor will dissipate over time.
- Cost – Rubber dumbbells are more expensive than steel dumbbells, mainly because the price of the coating fluctuates depending on the quality. While they are generally cheaper than cast iron, some rubber dumbbells can cost more, depending on the brand.
- Allergens – If you are allergic to rubber or latex, unfortunately, these types of dumbbells are not suitable for you.
4) Urethane Kettlebells
e.g.
What are the benefits of polyurethane kettlebells?
Polyurethane is a non-toxic and odorless material, so these kettlebells are safe to use in a home gym.
Are polyurethane kettlebells worth buying?
In terms of durability, polyurethane is a cut above rubber. It is more resistant to cuts and tears than traditional rubber kettlebells, and has better compression properties.
Are polyurethane kettlebells better than rubber?
It is worth noting that polyurethane is generally harder than rubber, which provides excellent durability, which is very popular among weightlifters. The increased hardness means that polyurethane kettlebells can usually withstand the rigors of a busy gym environment better than rubber kettlebells.
Why are polyurethane kettlebells so expensive?
Polyurethane is very corrosion-resistant. The material itself is not easily damaged over time. These kettlebells require little maintenance and can be used for many years, so the higher upfront cost is justified.
5) Vinyl Kettlebells
e.g.
Vinyl Kettlebells are the entry-level kettlebell offering, but each kettlebell is still made from a single piece of cast iron for exceptional durability and finish. Plus, the vinyl kettlebells feature wide, ergonomic handles that ensure a secure grip in both hands, allowing you to confidently perform a variety of dynamic exercises. They also feature a flat base for stability during exercises like the Renegade Row.
The vinyl coating also allows for color coding: red, green, blue, yellow, purple and grey. This allows you to quickly and easily identify the kettlebell you need – allowing for seamless transitions between exercises – not to mention injecting energy and fun into your kettlebell workouts!
With weights ranging from 4kg to 32kg, these kettlebells are suitable for all fitness levels, making them ideal for beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike.
3. How to Choose Your Best Kettlebell
The following six factors are important factors to consider when choosing a kettlebell for your reference.
Materials and construction
Whether cast iron or steel, or rubber coated or whatever coating, the surface should be smooth with no rough edges or seams that could cause injury.
Handle design
The shape and width of the handle must provide enough room for your hand without chafing or rubbing your wrist or fingers. In addition, the handle should have a certain amount of friction to improve grip.
Balance and center of gravity
Pick up the kettlebell and check its balance and center of gravity. It should feel stable and evenly distributed to ensure smooth, controlled movement. Watch out for kettlebells that wobble or have weight distribution off center.
Brand reputation and reviews
Conduct online research to identify the most reputable brands. You should also read reviews to get feedback from actual users.
Warranty and customer support
Ask the seller if there is a warranty, check whether the kettlebell is covered against defects in materials or workmanship, how long the seller has been in business, etc.
price
No matter which kettlebell you choose, you must consider your quality needs and budget, and try to buy a kettlebell that best meets your needs and at a relatively low price (that is, high-quality and low-priced kettlebells)
4. Why we should use kettlebell instead of dumbbell?
A. Offset mass requires good balance and stabilization;
B. The handle will increase your grip strength, makes it suitable for snatch, clean and swing;
C. Dynamic movements like swing, sometime it could work as powerlifting;
D. Mixed up workout;
5. How much we need to spend on kettlebells?
Depends on who you are, how many pcs you wanna order, the kettlebell type and size you need, basically you could buy from:
A. Amazon
B. Walmart
C. Academy
D. Gym equipment stores
E. Distributors like Rogue, Body Solid, Rep Fitness, etc
Roughly ranges from $50-300 source locally, if you orders more than 500kgs in total, you can contact Manta sales for the factory quote.
6. Choose your suitable kettlebell weight
Most popular weights:
| Kgs | Lbs | Poods |
| 16 | 35 | 1 |
| 24 | 53 | 1.5 |
| 32 | 70 | 2 |
| 48 | 106 | 3 |
(Refer to What Size Kettlebell should I Get)
It depends on skill level, experience, strength, etc… but here are some general recommendations.
For most men, I recommend starting with a 16kg kettlebell (if you are completely new to the workout, go up to 12kg); For most women, I recommend starting with a 12kg kettlebell (if you are completely new to the workout, go up to 8kg).
When beginning kettlebell training, the most important thing is to learn the form and mechanics of each move. I encourage you to start with a weight foregoing so that you can get comfortable with the mechanics of each move first, then gradually increase the weight when you are ready. Also, consult your doctor or physician before beginning an exercise program, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
Of course safe is the 1st priority we should consider. You could go the the gym, and try the kettlebells starting from 8kg, and then add up and test, until you find the best matching weight you could handle.
If you still don’t know which size to choose, and may increase the weight in future, an adjustable kettlebell might be your choice.
7. Kettlebells made for competition
As we mentioned above, there are many types of kettlebells. Traditional kettle bells will differ sizes in different weights. For example, a 24kg kettlebell will definitely bigger than a 8kg kettlebell, while all competition kettlebell has the same size. Thus competition kettlebells are paint different colors to identify weights from each other.
Competition kettlebells have longer expected life than regular kettle bells, but on the other hand, it’s more expensive.
8. Never overlook handle of kettlebells
A good handle won’t make your hand bleed, when you do the swings, hundreds and thousands of exercises, the handles will slide through your hands, if the surface is rough, you would be in trouble, you won’t like to wear gloves. So it’s necessary to check the surface especially the bottom side of the handle before you buy the kettlebells, to make sure the handle won’t scratch your hands sickly.
35mm would be the right size for the handles, the distance between handle and bell would be 55mm in regular, and it should not be too smooth, as your hand will get sweaty, which will need a obvious friction on the handle.
9. A good kettlebell should last long
Of course we are not talking about vinyl or plastic kettlebell. Cast iron kettlbell is doing well, and competition kettlebell is even better.
There are many good kettlebell distributors like Kettlebell Kings, Eleiko, etc, choose a good one based on your budget.
10. Features of best kettlebells
A. Material, better to have high quality steel or iron, iron includes ductile (good) and Grey iron (common), and molding/casting technology is so important;
B. Flat bottom, it could be achieved by good casting, or by machining after casting;
C. Color stripe, it should be readable even in dark condition;
D. LOGO, it could be embossed by mold, or laser carving, or chemical corrosion, all of them are good enough;
E. The surface of the kettlebell should be durable, and it should be easy to grip, powder coated surface treatment can hold the chalk well, and the textile would be friendly for the grip;
And also, you would need to consider the freight, it’s not a small deal compared with the kettlebell itself. Wish you could get the suitable kettlebells as early as possible!
