You probably have read my article about adjustable dumbbells and how it was one of the first few pieces of gym equipment that helped me kickstart my lifestyle change to fitness. And in that journey, I’ve learned about how important it is to use the right equipment. Cue adjustable kettlebells which are now known to be a workout essential for great reasons.
For one, it offers versatility and enables more customization in your training. This small piece of equipment becomes an all-in-one item as it combines cardio, flexibility, and cardio workouts easily. Its practicality and portability make it very attractive to on-the-go fitness enthusiasts.
There are a lot more reasons why I love this simple yet effective equipment, and you will learn more about it too below. Here are the best adjustable kettlebells that many users have already tried, tested and respected!
Best Adjustable Kettlebells For Weightlifting Compared and Reviewed
| Image | Name | Brand | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Weight | Bowflex | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Yes4All Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight Sets | Yes4All | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Titan Fitness Kettlebell Weight Lifting Equipment | Titan Fitness | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Apex Adjustable Kettlebell | Apex | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Hyperwear Soft Adjustable Kettlebell with SoftBell Weight Plates | Hyperwear | Check Price on Amazon |
#1 - Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Weight
When you buy an 840, it’s literally like buying 6 different kettlebells. It has 6 different weight options from 8 to 40 lbs. I believe this is a great weight range for an average person to be working on: it is ideal for beginners and also for those who want to progress to bigger and heavier weights in the gym.
However, I think the main differentiator of the 840 is not its weight range but its quick-change mechanism. You’re purchasing the convenience of simply rotating a dial in order to adjust to the weight you prefer. Plus, you won’t be scattering your plates all around because as you release the weights, it neatly stacks up and you simply put the kettlebell over the stack to increase the weight again.
It’s made from a hard plastic shell, which I don’t really mind as it still feels and looks durable. The only issue is that most users claim that this material made it a bit bulkier than it should be. And while the bulk is great for two-handed exercises, it may bode otherwise for one-handed movements.
Another thing that you should watch out for is the open-bottom construction on the 840. Many users say that this takes a lot of getting used to and that although they knew that the plates were securely held in place by a lock, the idea of it flying out of the kettlebell as they perform exercises still loomed in their minds.
PROS
- Dial-and-shift weight design
- Great weight range
- Durable built
CONS
- Too bulky for one-handed exercises
- Open-bottom construction leaves room for doubt
#2 - Yes4All Cast Iron Kettlebell Weight Sets
The weight on the Yes4All ranges from 10 lbs to 40 lbs, with the handle itself weighing 10 lbs. I like how the handle is slightly textured so you wouldn’t struggle to get a grip on it nor would you need powder. The kettlebell itself is made from hardened steel and the plates from cast iron, which speaks a lot of its durability.
I find that the shifting mechanism is as friendly as the 840s as you only need to turn the dial to unlock the plates. However, it doesn’t have the same stacking convenience and you’ll have all your plates all over the floor. Also, the plates slide from the side and not the bottom.
It has a secured, flat bottom which most of you might prefer as it is ideal for upright storage. Users commend how the plates don’t clank against each other with movement, although the handle could use a little more room.
Overall, with a nice price range and backed with great quality, this is no doubt the best value-for-money kettlebell.
PROS
- Affordable
- Heavy duty
CONS
- Without the 5lb weight range, it may not be ideal for newbies
#3 - Titan Fitness Kettlebell Weight Lifting Equipment
One of the things that you will immediately notice on the Titan is its durability. It looks and feels heavy duty as it is made from cast iron with powder coating. It has a flat base which I personally like, and a nice clamp is placed to lock plates in. The weight range on this is from 5lb to 40 lbs and each plate is set at 5lbs.
Like the Yes4all, it has a very convenient weight shifting mechanism, which users rave about. It’s a simple twist to lock or unlock and you can easily have a different weight to work with. The handle seems to be more than sufficient for a two-handed workout.
Despite all these niceties, users claim that the weight seemed to be inaccurate. This was mostly expressed by morse-experienced enthusiasts who notice minute weight changes in what they carry.
Some also said that the handle already gave out after a few uses. This leaves a big question mark as Titan claims that it is made from cast iron.
PROS
- Great weight range
- Easy weight shifting mechanism
CONS
- Handle breaks easily
#4 - Apex Adjustable Kettlebell
Built with functionality and durability in mind, this may be another great addition to your home gym. I personally love the simplicity of this product. No-frills, just plain weighted kettlebell.
The handle itself already is 15lbs, and there are 4 removable plates that you can interchange depending on your preference. The bottom plate is 5lbs, so even without the additional plates, you’re already starting off with 20lbs.
What I like about this is it allows a wide range of kettlebell weight builts as you can purchase different weights to add on it. This could range from 2.5, 5, and 10 lbs. Imagine building something as light as 2.5 x 4 plates each for a total of 30 lbs, or 10-lb plates x 4, giving you a whopping 60 lbs including the handle.
I love how you can mix and match as it will give you more opportunities for complex exercises. It’s incredibly dynamic and efficient. Though it’s meant for beginners and up, I would recommend this for more experienced users just so that the weight capacity is maximized.
PROS
- Heavy duty
- Handlebar is wide
- Affordable price range
CONS
- Doesn’t come with additional weighted discs
#5 - Hyperwear Soft Adjustable Kettlebell with SoftBell Weight Plates
The main star of the Hyperwear is its material. The weight itself is made of soft plates enclosed in neoprene. You can ensure that any impact to your body, wall, or floor will be cushioned and cause no damage at all.
While it functions similar to your regular kettlebell, I must warn you that it is twice as hard to change weights on this equipment. You have to screw and unscrew the 3 plates from a long bolt which is the main base to the handle.
This could be a major no for most trainers as this would mean a few minutes rest and would leave your body out-of-momentum which is critical especially if you’re working out to reach a target. There are two weight options for this: 30lbs or 18lbs and you can add more to that by buying plates separately.
PROS
- Exceptional safety with neoprene weights
- Great weight range
CONS
- The weight-adjusting mechanism is a hassle
My Number One Pick
- With the turn of a dial, automatically change your resistance from 8 pounds all the way up to 40 pounds
- Rapidly switch from one exercise to the next, and perform a wide variety of full-body exercises
- Space-efficient design replaces up to 6 kettlebells
- Weight settings include 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 pounds
All About Kettlebells
While kettlebells are a great piece of equipment designed ideally for everyone, your fitness level should dictate the kind of exercises that you can do on it. It is important to know where your level is at in order to avoid injuries and to make sure that you are helping your body and not harming it.
As a beginner, you should start by gauging the weight of a kettlebell and ensuring that there is at least substantial resistance. Do not be specific about the weight just yet as it may lead you to overestimate and things may turn bad from there.
Once you find the right feel of weight for you, here are some beginner-level kettlebell exercises that you can do a bunch of great exercises, demonstrated below.
Kettlebell Exercises
Goblet Squat
With your two hands, grip the kettlebell at the pointiest area of the handle. At this point, your shoulder blades should be positioned towards each other and downward. Tuck your elbows for a more effective stance.
Your feet should be wider than your hip. Engage your core and go down to perform a squat, go as low as you can without butting out.
Kettlebell Deadlift
As the name suggests, this is basically a deadlift with kettlebells. Start with the kettlebell in front of you. Pick it up while lowering yourself in a squat position. Then stand up and feel the force from your hells.
You need to remember to keep your chest out, feet shoulder-width apart. Keep your buttocks tight as you stand up.
Kettlebell Swing
Similar to the deadlift, start with the kettlebell in front of you. Pick it up in a similar way you would your deadlift, only this time, use your lower back and hips to swing the kettlebell forward and backward.
The key here is to use your legs and hips to create the movement, allowing your arms to rest loosely as the kettlebell helps create the momentum.
Single Arm Supported Row
Slowly pull the bell towards your torso, keeping your elbow in. Then go back to starting position.
Push Press
Do a simple half-squat while bending your knees slightly. As you stand, extend your arm upright so the kettlebell is over your head. Hold that position and go back to starting position.
What To Keep In Mind When Purchasing Adjustable Kettlebells
Weight Range and Increments
Depending on your fitness level, and other factors like your ]goals, the weight range of your kettlebell is a critical factor in helping you attain those. There are a lot of manufacturers that offer heavier plates with lots of additional plates, but if you don’t need that, why buy it?
At most, if you’re at the beginner level, try to find a kettlebell with 2.5 lbs increments. That way you can slowly but surely ensure that you are progressing. It will also help you transition smoothly to another weight level without risk of injury.
Handle Design
This also ties in with your fitness goals: are you looking to perform one hand exercises or two? Ideally, I would recommend that you find a kettlebell that has a wide enough handlebar that you can perform either of the two.
Another thing that you should look into is the girth of the bar: is it comfortable when you lift it? Can you grip it easily? Make sure also that it’s made of smooth metal to avoid callouses.
Adjustment Mechanism
Another make or break factor that I recommend you consider is the adjusting mechanism. Definitely, you would want to look for a kettlebell that has an easy-adjust system so as not to disrupt your workout.
There are some who prefer a specific kind of adjustment system, but in the end, it’s a matter of preference. I like an easy twist of a button-and-switch kind of adjustment. I daresay I haven’t found anyone who preferred the screw and unscrew method.
Materials
As the kettle is simple, straightforward equipment, the material used for it will easily determine how long it will last you. Generally, the more metals and irons, the better.
There may be some exceptions to hard rubber and plastic, but, on the safer side, I would veer away from those.
Practical Benefits Of Owning An Adjustable Kettlebell Set
Space Saver
I don’t think I need to expound more on these. Kettlebells compact, travel-friendly, and portable. While the regular kettlebells don’t take that much space themselves, adjustable ones save you more floor space.
Economical
One adjustable kettlebell can replace many other types of equipment especially if you’re just generally looking for a good full-body exercise and not targeting to train for anything specific.
Regular kettlebells will cost you a few dollars more as you ideally would need to buy more weights to get more workouts in. With adjustable kettlebells, you only need to buy one.
Easily Track Fitness Progress
There are actually great tools to measure your progress as you will definitely feel motivated to go from 5 to 10, 15 to 20, and so on. While the progress may seem little, it helps you move up another level as smoothly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adjustable Kettlebells For Training
Q: Can I get ripped with kettlebells?
A: This entirely depends on how seriously you take your training, diet, and how much effort you’re putting in. You can definitely get develop your muscles on kettlebells with the right workout. However, your dedication still plays a big role in that goal.
Q: What weight range should I use?
A: Kettlebells can range from 5lbs to up to 80 lbs. Kettleland.com suggests that beginners should look at 5-15lbs, intermediate users at 10-40 lbs, while advanced-level users at 16-50 lbs. Now, this is not a hard ruling, but rather a guide.
Check the feel of the kettlebell when you lift it, you’d definitely be able to gauge the level of resistance and which weight you can handle from there. Once you’ve gotten used to the basic weight, you definitely can explore heavier ones.
Conclusion
Kettlebells have been used by professionals and athletes all over the world since the 1800s. There are tons of awesome benefits you can get from it. It’s known to improve your overall strength, flexibility, and coordination, to name a few.
Do you think you’re ready to give it a go? Hit us up in the comments section and share your feedback!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowflex
https://www.hyperwear.com/product/soft-kettlebell/
https://www.titan.fitness/about-titan/about-us.html
https://www.today.com/health/4-kettlebell-workouts-beginners-you-can-do-home-today-t195784#anchor-Russianswing
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.