Starting your kettlebell training is exciting, but knowing how to buy kettlebells can feel confusing. This guide gives you smart shopping tips for picking the perfect bell for your goals and budget.
You want a tool that lasts and feels good in your hand. The wrong choice can lead to frustration or even injury. We’ll walk through everything from weight and material to handle design and price, so you can shop with confidence.
How to Buy Kettlebells – Smart Shopping Tips For
This is your core checklist. Think of these as the non-negotiable factors that determine your success and safety. Getting these right is more important than finding the cheapest option.
1. Choosing the Correct Weight
This is the most common mistake beginners make. Picking a weight that’s too heavy leads to poor form. A weight thats too light won’t give you the results you want.
Here’s a simple starting guide:
- Men (beginner): 16kg (35 lbs) is a standard starting point for foundational swings and lifts.
- Women (beginner): 8kg (18 lbs) or 12kg (26 lbs) is often recommended for learning the hinge pattern safely.
- For overhead presses (more strict strength): Start lighter. Men might begin with 12kg, women with 8kg.
A good rule? You should be able to perform swings with power and control for sets of 10-15. For presses, you should manage 5-8 reps with good technique.
2. Understanding Kettlebell Materials
What your kettlebell is made of affects its feel, durability, and cost.
- Cast Iron: The classic, most common type. It’s durable and usually the most affordable. The handle might have a rough seam that can tear up your hands, so check for a smooth finish.
- Vinyl-Coated or Rubber-Coated: Cast iron with a protective layer. Great for protecting floors, quieter, and sometimes easier to grip. The coating can wear over time.
- Competition Style: Made from steel, with a uniform size regardless of weight. The handle is thinner and smoother, designed for high-rep sport training. They are more expensive but offer superb consistency.
- Adjustable Kettlebells: These let you change the weight plates inside a single shell. They are fantastic for saving space and money long-term, especially if you train at home.
Surface Finish and Your Hands
Pay attention to the handle. A powdery coating or extreme roughness is bad. You want a relatively smooth, bare metal or a lightly textured paint. Competition bells have a chrome-like finish that is gentle on the palms during long sets.
3. Evaluating Handle Design
The handle is where you connect with the bell. A poor handle ruins the experience.
- Window Size: This is the space between the handle and the bell. It needs to be large enough to fit both hands comfortably for two-handed exercises like swings.
- Handle Thickness: A very thick handle can strain your grip. A very thin one (like on some comp bells) requires more grip endurance. Find a comfortable middle ground.
- Seams: Run your fingers along the handle. Pronounced casting seams are sandpaper for your skin. Look for a smooth, filed-down finish.
4. Budget and Value Considerations
Kettlebells are a long-term investment. A well-made one can last a lifetime.
Set a realistic budget. A cheap, poorly made kettlebell from an unknown brand might have balance issues or a terrible handle. It’s often worth spending a bit more on a reputable fitness brand for your first bell.
Consider buying one high-quality bell in your starter weight instead of a cheap set. You can always add more later as you progress. Also, check the secondhand market—many people sell lightly used equipment.
Where to Shop and What to Avoid
Now that you know what to look for, where should you actually buy it? And what pitfalls should you steer clear of?
Recommended Retailers
You have several good options:
- Specialty Fitness Retailers: Stores like Rogue Fitness, Kettlebell Kings, or Onnit are known for quality. Their products are tested by athletes, and their customer service is usually excellent.
- Big-Box Sporting Goods Stores: Places like Dick’s Sporting Goods offer accessible options, often from brands like CAP or Yes4All. You can sometimes see and feel the product in person.
- Online Marketplaces (with caution): Amazon has a huge selection and reviews, but be wary of unknown brands. Stick to sellers with thousands of verified reviews.
Common Shopping Mistakes
Here’s what to avoid:
- Prioritizing Price Over Everything: The cheapest option is rarely the best value.
- Ignoring the Handle: You grip the handle, not the ball. Don’t buy it if the handle feels wrong.
- Buying a Full Set Immediately: Start with one or two weights. Learn the movements before you invest in a rack full of bells.
- Forgetting About Shipping: Kettlebells are heavy! Factor shipping costs into your budget, or look for free shipping thresholds.
Your Step-by-Step Buying Checklist
Follow this list when your ready to make your purchase.
- Determine Your Primary Goal: Is it strength, cardio, general fitness? This influences weight and type.
- Pick Your Starter Weight: Use the guidelines above. When in doubt, err on the side of too light.
- Set Your Budget: Be realistic, including potential shipping.
- Research 2-3 Brands/Models: Read reviews, watch video reviews to see the product in action.
- Check the Specs: Look at handle dimensions, material, and finish details on the product page.
- Find the Best Vendor: Compare price, shipping cost, and return policy between retailers.
- Place Your Order: And get ready to train!
FAQ: Your Quick Questions Answered
What is the best kettlebell weight for a beginner?
For men, 16kg (35lbs). For women, 8kg (18lbs) or 12kg (26lbs). It depends on your strength and the exercise—start lighter for overhead moves.
Are adjustable kettlebells worth it?
Yes, especially for home gyms on a budget or with limited space. They let you progress through weights without buying multiple bells.
What’s the difference between a hardstyle and competition kettlebell?
Hardstyle (cast iron) bells vary in size with weight and have a thicker handle for power. Competition bells are all the same size with a thinner handle for endurance and technique.
Can I start with just one kettlebell?
Absolutely. One well-chosen kettlebell is enough to learn all the foundational movements and get a great workout.
How do I know if a kettlebell is good quality?
Check for a smooth handle without major seams, a consistent finish, and a solid feel. The weight should be evenly distributed—it shouldn’t feel lopsided.
Is a vinyl-coated kettlebell better?
It’s better for protecting floors and is quieter. Some prefer the grip. The coating can chip over time, but it’s a good choice for many home users.
Choosing your first kettlebell is a key step in your fitness journey. By focusing on the right weight, a comfortable handle, and a trusted brand, you’ll invest in a tool that serves you for years. Remember, the best kettlebell is the one you use consistently and safely. Now you have the smart shopping tips for to make a great choice.