One of the most rudimentary yet versatile pieces of fitness equipment is the kettlebell. With origins dating back to 18th-century Russia, the heavy ring-and-ball combo can be employed in a plethora of ways beyond the fundamental kettlebell swing to increase strength, power, endurance, coordination and flexibility.
-
-
BEST UPGRADE ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELLKettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Read More
-
-
-
BEST COMPETITION-STYLE ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELLBells of Steel 12–32 Kilogram Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Read More
Steve Cotter, elite kettlebell coach and founder of the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation, claims kettlebells are one of the most useful and effective tools you can use in your training regimen. “It teaches all the different qualities we want to improve upon in terms of developing well-rounded fitness.”
Of course, a fixed weight kettlebell isn’t going to carry you to Cotter-level fitness. To get the full effect, you need multiple weights, which can quickly add up in terms of both cost and space. Enter the adjustable kettlebell — a single kettlebell that adjusts to different weights and loads. Most adjustable kettlebells can replace five or six kettlebells through manipulation of weighted plates attached to a center rod, giving your training some versatility without suffocating your workout space.
Think you’re ready to get into the swing of things with an adjustable kettlebell? We’ve done the heavy lifting already to curate a list of the most well-to-do weights on the market today.
How We Tested
While we’re more prone to using fixed kettlebells thanks to our training center’s wide-ranging lineup, we’re still happy to get a session in with an adjustable kettlebell from time to time. The below picks were tested and examined thoroughly in terms of in-training effectiveness and ease of use. Each profile’s weight range was ran through and utilized across various exercises to get a feel for how seamless changes were on the fly and how secure the plates were in movement. Naturally, basic kettlebell details like grip, durability and comfort in the rack position were also noted, because let’s face it, training with an adjustable kettlebell should feel as identical as possible when compared to the more traditional fixed options out there.
Now, let’s brace for upgraded at-home training and get right into the best adjustable kettlebells available right now.
Titan Fitness 40-Pound Adjustable Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 10–40 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Pull-and-slide lock
This beehive-looking silhouette is not just pleasing to the eyes — there’s plenty of performance baked into its intuitive, durable profile as well. The Titan Fitness 40 Pound Adjustable Dumbbell can replace up to seven weights, and we admire how secure the cast iron plates sit within the profile. There’s no jostling or clanking of note, which is more than reassuring as your kettlebell swings reach their apex. Additionally, each plate is marked with its weight total and numbered place across the profile, allowing you to shed pounds while still retaining a balanced figure for controlled training.
The 28mm handle is also great for beginners due to its thinner diameter, but admittedly, we’d prefer a more textured aesthetic across this component. The smooth makeup sits comfortably across the hand but can be prone to slipping and sliding during those extra sweaty sessions in your pain cave. Still, though, for worthwhile at-home kettlebell training, this silhouette is definitely one worth adding to your roster.
Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 12–32 kilograms
- Locking Mechanism: Allen key and bolt
Featuring seven cast-iron plates securely screwed inside a 100-percent steel casing, this kettlebell comes with the Cotter stamp of approval. Similar in look and feel to real competition kettlebells and as sturdy as a rock, it boasts 19 different weight options able to achieve almost any weight between 12 and 32 kilograms in 1-kg increments. The price tag may be hefty, but considering the fact that a kettlebell set with this weight range would come in close to $1,000, it’s worth every penny.
We loved the variety of weights packed into this adjustable competition bell, but make sure you’ve decided on a weight before training. Due to the Allen key and bolt-style locking mechanism, changing between weights does take some time, which can stall any training progress and drain your motivation when in the heat of a killer workout.
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 10–40 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Pull-and-slide lock
With a similar build to our best overall option, this Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell can be a great solution for performance-minded athletes on a budget. We appreciate the secure lockdown of the pull-and-slide mechanism, but some have reported a sticking issue at times that makes changing out plates a more complicated endeavor. Additionally, there’s a slight texture across the handle that can help improve grip without too much aggressive knurling.
The one thing we would like to see improved across this cost-effective silhouette, however, is a quick stamp of each plate’s weight total. Sure, each disc is numbered to help ensure balance remains across the range, but understanding just how much weight you’re adding or removing with each alteration can go a long way in more detail-oriented training. Oh well — for less than $100, I guess we’re okay with doing some math.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 8–40 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Dial
With a quick twist of the dial, you can adjust this streamlined pick from Bowflex to 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 pounds. The process is far easier than most, meaning less time working on your equipment and more time working on yourself. The shape of this adjustable kettlebell takes a little to get used to, especially if you’re accustomed to the normal round bell silhouette, but for novice home gym athletes, the SelectTech 840 is a serious contender.
Be warned, though. While the steel handle is powder-coated, we did notice some grip slippage as our training sessions progressed. While we typically opt for chalking up when this happens, the flat powder-coating didn’t take the chalk as well as other kettlebells we tested. It’s best to keep a towel handy — or work out in a well-cooled environment.
Bells of Steel 12–32 Kilogram Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 12–32 kilograms
- Locking Mechanism: Allen key and bolt
Competition-style kettlebells are our profile of choice given the universal diameter regardless of weight totals, but finding an adjustable option with enough range to support our varying movements can be quite the endeavor. This sleek, sturdy silhouette from Bells of Steel has an exceptional build quality highlighted by a durable Allen key and bolt-style locking mechanism. While this system may take a little longer to adjust, we’ve found the lag between sets is worth it given the kettlebell’s unique load increments. This is one of the few kettlebells that adjusts weight totals by 1.1 pounds, creating a great experience for micro-adjusting your working weights.
The Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is also massive in comparison to other adjustable options, but don’t think that large weight range comes at the jump. To get the most of this Bells of Steel offering, you’ll need to purchase the expansion pack that takes the base 20.5-kilogram model to its max 32-kg potential.
PowerBlock Regular Adjustable Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 18–35 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Pin and magnetic lock
Unlock the power of kettlebell training in a compact package with the PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell. Featuring a pin and magnetic lock to toggle through the 18, 22, 26 and 35-pound configurations, this pick proves that mighty things can come in tiny profiles. The ergonomic 32.77-mm handle pairs nicely with the squared-off shape, creating a silhouette that’s maneuverable and easier on the forearms than other options.
Despite the compact shape that’s more reminiscent of a pyramid than a sphere, we had no trouble achieving a proper rack position for presses. While we’d like a little more tack when it comes to the powdercoat, this can easily be resolved with the use of gloves or chalk.
Editor’s Note: Want a little heavier build? PowerBlock offers the same Adjustable Kettlebell in a girthier range of 35–62 pounds for those more intense training days, too.
Rep Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
- Weight Range: 8–16 kilograms, 16–24 kilograms, 20–40 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Push and twist lock
Quietly toggle through your weight range in this fast, convenient option from Rep Fitness. Available in 16-kilogram, 24-kilogram and 40-pound options, each adjustable kettlebell boasts five available weights. A powder-coated exterior provides plenty of grip, while a rubber base helps save your floor from scratches. The Adjustable Kettlebell from Rep Fitness is also a great option for beginners due to its competition-style bell and handle.
We also appreciate how the weight plates held inside the cast shell, eliminating and potential skin pinching when placing this bell in the rack position. Like all adjustable kettlebells, though, you shouldn’t be throwing this silhouette around violently, as the plastic locking mechanism can be susceptible to breaks if handled to aggressively.
Kettle Gryp
- Weight Range: N/A
- Locking Mechanism: ABS locking clip
Okay, this might not be a kettlebell per se, but for those who already own a dumbbell set – or those who travel a lot – this can be a great alternative. The Kettle Gryp works as a clamp around your dumbbell handle, turning nearly any free weight into a kettlebell copycat in an instant. While the feel differs slightly from a normal kettlebell due to weight distribution, this can be a great option for fitness enthusiasts on a budget or who want a kettlebell-esque workout when on the go.
The device can fit dumbbells up to 55 pounds with at least 4.5-inch wide handles. The Kettle Gryp’s foam insert can also contour to curved handles for added versatility, too, which can be a blessing when training in a hotel gym where you’re not as experienced with the free weights at your disposal.
Titan Fitness Plate Loadable Kettlebell Swing
- Weight Range: N/A
- Locking Mechanism: Hole and pin
Maybe the above adjustable kettlebells fall on the lighter side of your fitness needs. When you want to lift heavy, you mean lift heavy. The Plate Loadable Kettlebell Swing gives you just that opportunity, featuring a kettlebell-like handle that allows you to simply slide on Olympic weight plates — like you would any barbell — with a maximum capacity of 500 pounds.
Despite its nontraditional shape and weight distribution, we found the Plate Loadable Kettlebell Swing to be capable of most kettlebell pulls and swings. We wouldn’t recommend any pressing movements, though, with this behemoth of a fitness accessory. The 19.3-inch frame is simply too difficult to stabilize overhead. With that said, though, we really enjoyed the height off the ground for pulls, allowing for a varied range of motion when compared to our other modalities.
Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle
- Weight Range: 22.5–57.5 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Locking screws
Okay, so kettlebell workouts aren’t as popular as your normal dumbbell workouts, but what if a system could combine the two in one pump-inducing swoop? The Ironmaster Quick-Lock Adjustable Kettlebell Handle is a great accessory for those already using Ironmaster’s Quick-Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System (one of the most durable adjustable options on the market). The plates are interchangeable, giving you plenty of opportunity to switch between dumbbell presses and kettlebell swings with the toggle of a locking screw. While it’s not a completely universal kit, we really admire Ironmaster’s inclusion of this accessory, making building out the perfect home gym that much easier.
Goruck Sand Kettlebells
- Weight Range: 13–44 pounds
- Locking Mechanism: Double Velcro Top Closure with additional zipper panel
Sand kettlebells can be great for providing “live weight” training to your regimen, as the weight moves dynamically with each swing creating additional challenges. In our testing, we really enjoyed the fit and feel of Goruck’s Sand Kettlebell lineup, which boasts plenty of durable features for on-the-go workouts.
The handle material is comfortable in your hands, and we never felt the durable 1000D Cordura fabric and double-pass stitching would falter. Each kettlebell is marked with its max weight per size and can be loaded lighter for less intense training (and more dynamic weight movement). It can be difficult to ensure your working total, though, so we suggest either weighing your sand kettlebell pre-training or learn to go off of feel.
What to Look for in Adjustable Kettlebells
Weight
While “weight” isn’t as pressing an issue when it comes to adjustable kettlebells — there is some variety across the silhouette, after all — you still need to keep your training goals and personal abilities into consideration. Try to find a profile that allows for working weights as well as room for growth down the road. Think about it, what’s the point of a workout tool if your current strength already maxes out its adjustability?
Handle Composition
Another point of consideration should be the kettlebell’s handle. To help you control the weight throughout your workouts, it’s best to try and find an adjustable kettlebell that you can securely grip. For smaller hands, look for kettlebells with a handle 28 millimeters in diameter. If you have larger paws, you can bump up to 33 or 35 millimeters. Some adjustable kettlebell handles also showcase a textured coating to aid in security, which we highly recommend as well if given the option.
Durability and Security
Naturally, there’s a lot of moving parts across your adjustable kettlebell silhouette … at least, there’s potential for a lot of parts to become mobile. In order to keep everything safe and secure throughout your exercises, make sure your adjustable profile features a well-to-do locking mechanism that keeps all the change plates, well, in-place. Plus, kettlebell training is often more aggressive on your equipment. Plastic adjustable kettlebells can be great, budget-friendly options, but might not be the best at taking abuse – especially if you’re really going hard in your training. For adjustable kettlebells that can last years, powder-coated, cast iron options are the way to go.
Do You Need a Competition-Style Kettlebell?
To add some standardization to competitions and training, “competition” kettlebells always feature a 5.5-inch base diameter, 35-millimeter wide handle and 11.1-inch height, regardless of weight. Standard kettlebells, on the other hand, vary in diameter as they increase in weight.
So, should you opt for a competition-style adjustable kettlebell? It comes down to what your training looks like. If you’re a more experienced athlete and your desire is to work out like you’re in the CrossFit Games, then competition-style is definitely worth considering. If you’re just looking for a kettlebell to improve your fitness, then standard adjustable kettlebells can work just fine. Also, standard kettlebells can provide a little more grip room than competition-style, so if you plan on doing double-handed movements, this is also something worth thinking about.
