Before You Purchase A Kettlebell, Check This List
So you’re in the market to purchase a kettlebell?
Make sure you get the ‘bell you want by going through this pre-purchase checklist. It will show you what features you need, which you really want, and what to avoid.
Use this checklist before you purchase a kettlebell
Weight:
- Standard sizes are 12, 16, and 24 kilograms. That’s around 25, 35, and 50 pounds. There are 2.2 pounds in a kg, so do the math if you want exact figures.
- It’s best to start with a 12kg bell when you’re first learning the movements.
- Eventually you’ll need a 16kg kettlebell (especially for kettlebell swings)
Handle:
- Regular kettlebell handles are thicker than typical dumbbells or barbells. This makes your grip work overtime and can make “pulling” exercises difficult.
- You can find “competition” kettlebells with a thinner, forged handle. This might be more to your liking.
- Also, wide handle kettlebells give you the option of easily using 2 hands during the swing. Plus, they can be more comfortable for overhead pressing movements.
- Before you purchase a kettlebell, read kettlebell myths for more information about how the kettlebell handle has been misrepresented by marketers.
- Most adjustable kettlebells have well-designed handles that out-perform the ones on traditional cast-iron ‘bells.
Iron or steel?
- Traditional cast-iron bells are relatively inexpensive by kettlebell standards.
- Steel kettlebells are precision-weighted and used in competition. Usually, they’re all the same size regardless of weight.
- If rust isn’t to your liking, get a vinyl-covered kettlebell (or an adjustable).
Adjustable kettlebell or fixed-weight?
- If you opt for an adjustable, but budget is a major concern, you can make a kettlebell from standard weight plates and same some money while having your very own adjustable kettlebell.
- If all you want to do is swings, use a threaded kettlebell handles with some weight plates.
- Adjustable kettlebells by Weider or Stamina are popular these days.
- Traditional cast-iron bells are popular, but non-partisan experts are beginning to agree that adjustable kettlebells outperform fixed-weight bells both on cost and effectiveness.
Should you purchase a kettlebell mailorder?
One of the knocks against kettlebells is the lack of local availability. While you can probably find a kettlebell for sale in your local area, the selection of different brands, styles, and weights will undoubtedly be unsatisfactory.
It’s best to buy from a source like Kettlebells at Amazon
Most of all, before you purchase a kettlebell, I encourage you to look at adjustable kettlebells that fulfill all your needs while offering adjustability and comfort too.