Kettlebell Buying Guide: What to Buy & 7 Things to Avoid

Cast Iron vs Competition Kettlebells

These are the 2 main kettlebell types I would consider. Most other designs are variations on one of these or add features you probably do not need.

Cast Iron Kettlebells

My choice for most people.

They are versatile, durable and usually provide enough handle width for 2-handed Swings, Goblet Squats and general strength training.

The physical size normally increases with the weight, which also makes lighter bells less bulky for beginners.

Competition Kettlebells

Best suited to more specialised training.

Competition bells use the same external dimensions across different weights. This gives you a consistent rack and overhead position as loading changes.

They make particular sense for kettlebell sport and people who perform a lot of Cleans and Snatches.

What to Look for in a Good Kettlebell

7 Kettlebell Features I Recommend Avoiding

Some kettlebells look attractive in photographs but become frustrating as soon as you start performing Cleans, Presses, Swings and higher-repetition workouts.

1. Very thick handles. They exhaust the forearms unnecessarily and can make longer sets more about grip than the exercise you intended to train.
2. Narrow handle width. If 2 hands cannot fit comfortably, basic exercises such as the 2-handed Swing become awkward.
3. Bulky plastic or rubber bases. Added bases and mouldings can interfere with how the bell sits against the arm and change the balance.
4. Sharp handle edges or casting seams. A good handle should not punish your hands simply because you increase the repetitions.
5. An awkward perfectly round body. Some shapes sit poorly in the rack and create unnecessary pressure against the wrist and forearm.
6. Poor handle-to-body spacing. Too little or too much space can make Cleans, rack positions and Presses uncomfortable.
7. Thick vinyl or plastic coating. These coatings can become slippery and may rub against the arms during racked and overhead exercises.

What About Kettlebell Weight?

Weight is important, but it is a separate decision from choosing the design of the kettlebell itself.

I would rather keep this buying guide focused on what kind of kettlebell to buy and send you to the dedicated guide for choosing your starting load.

Kettlebell Brands Worth Comparing

The design rules above matter more than the logo on the bell. Brands also change product ranges over time, so I would still check the exact model against the handle, base and body-shape criteria before buying.

How Many Kettlebells Do You Need?

You can start training effectively with a single kettlebell. Over time, having additional weights gives you better loading options for stronger lower-body exercises and lighter overhead work.

But I would not let the idea of building a complete collection stop you getting started. Buy one good kettlebell before buying several mediocre ones.

Use the Kettlebell Finder

If you still want some help narrowing down the type and starting point, use the tool below. I have deliberately placed it after the buying advice so you can make sense of the recommendation it gives you.

My Buying Checklist

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