5 Best Competition Kettlebells In 2024

The best competition kettlebells tend to be made of cast iron or steel and don’t change shape or size as you switch between weights. This type of professional kettlebell also has a wide base that allows you to do floor work with proper stability.

Lastly, a competition style kettlebell will also have some kind of powder coating finish to the product, so it’s easier for you to hold and grip the weight without developing callouses or needing chalk.

Top 5 Competition Kettlebells Reviewed

1. Rogue Competition Kettlebells – Top Pick
2. Yes4All Competition Kettlebells – Runner-Up
3. Amazon Basics Kettlebells – Budget Pick
4. Kettlebell Kings Competition Kettlebell – Premium Pick
5. Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell 

Product	Total	Weight Range	Comfort	Durability	Price/ Quality	Design
Rogue	49	10	9.5	10	10	9.5
Yes4All	47	9.5	9	10	9.5	9
Amazon Basics	46.5	8.5	9.5	10	9	9.5
Kings	46	10	8.5	10	8.5	9
Bionic Body	44	9	9	8.5	8.5	9

Rogue Competition Kettlebells are cast iron kettlebells, which makes them highly durable and stable. The weight ranges from 8 to 48 kgs, with a 2 kg jump between weights until the 16 kg kettlebell, after which there is a 4 kg jump.

As you go up in weight, the diameter of the kettlebells doesn’t change. So, each will come with a 5.5″ base diameter, which makes the kettlebells very stable for floor exercises.

The kettlebells are also uniquely designed to enhance comfort, but the design also has some drawbacks. Each kettlebell comes with four flat panels area with the idea being when you perform kettlebell movements, it would be these flat panels land on your forearms, thus providing you with some comfort.

However, it can take some time to get used to the design and might even require a few technique changes to ensure that the flat panels land on your forearms instead of the edge of the panels, which can be painful. 

As for the handles, they come with a textured powder-coating finish, which makes them easier to grip. They are also thinner than your usual cast iron kettlebells and this allows you to hold them easier over a long workout.

But, one drawback is that the distance between the handles is on the smaller size, which can be an issue if you have larger hands.

As for the price, the kettlebells are pretty average compared to most other products on the market. But one benefit of it being made of cast iron is that they are cheaper than steel kettlebells, without giving up much durability.

The Yes4All Competition Kettlebells are also made of cast iron, so there shouldn’t be any durability concerns. But, if you had any, these kettlebells come with powder coating to prevent any rust or corrosion, which enhances their longevity even more. 

The coating also helps with grip as it makes it harder for the handle to slip from your palms. However, the finish isn’t evenly applied to all kettlebells. So, your order might contain kettlebells that don’t have a properly coated finish.  

The weight range covers a wide spectrum from 4 to 40 kg with each kettlebell having a Color-coded stripe on the handle to make it clear how heavy it is. 

As for the handles, they are textured and the previously mentioned coating makes chalk use unnecessary when performing high repetition. The handles are also wide enough to perform double-handed exercises easily. 

While the flat bottom of the kettlebells provides great stability for exercises like renegade rows and mounted pistol squats. However, the handles can be thicker than your normal kettlebell, which might take some time to get used to or might interfere with some lateral movements.

The Amazon Basics Kettlebells are highly durable as they are made of cast iron. However, to stand out from other kettlebells, they have an enamel paint finish to their product. Which, after drying, gives the kettlebells a smooth texture.

This can help with the grip, however, a smoother surface can cause more friction during a long workout and this can lead to callouses. 

As for the handle, its width is similar to most others except that it's slightly taller. The extra length can allow you to play around with your grip and make it easier to grip the kettlebells from the side to perform different squatting exercises.

One slight drawback is that the base of the kettlebell is small. This could raise some stability concerns when doing floor exercises. However, it’s not too small that you can’t do any. So maybe the kettlebell takes a hit on the versatility side of things, but you can still get a complete workout. 

The asking price is fairly affordable and in line with other kettlebells. But a unique perk with this product is that it comes with a 1-year warranty in case it gets damaged. But, it's unlikely you’ll need to use that warranty as cast iron is made to last a long time.

The Kettlebell Kings’ Kettlebells are made of high-quality steel, which is the most durable material you can use for kettlebells. This is one reason why these are a premium pick. Another is the wide weight range, which goes as high as 48 kg.

As the weight increases, the kettlebell itself stays the same size, which is ideal for competition work. Another reason why this Olympic kettlebell is a premium product is because of its filling.

Often, steel shell kettlebells are filled with a lot of filler material like sawdust. But over time, this time of filling comes loose and can shift the weight of the kettlebell making for an uneven product. However, the Kettlebell Kings’ product has some lead filling but the vast majority is steel itself. 

Naturally, as the kettlebells are made of high-quality material and they haven’t cut any corners with the filling, the price is on the higher side. But at the same time, you’ll be getting a product well worth the money. Plus, the product comes with a lifetime warranty. 

One drawback is the smooth handles. They come with a metal finish, which can enhance durability, but they tend to be a bit slippery. So, you may need chalk when using the kettlebells, which can be messy for home training. 

While the design is a bit more unique. It’s cone-shaped rather than the traditional spherical balls and this is done so the kettlebell is more comfortable when it sits on your forearms. The handle design has been redone too so it’s easier to grab the handle. But it might be a bit too narrow if you have larger hands. 

The Bionic Body Soft Kettlebell is constructed with safety in mind. The soft shell is supposed to be less damaging if you drop it on your floor or if there is a mishap and you drop the kettlebell on yourself. So, as far as safety standards are considered, the Bionic Body product is ahead of its competition. 

Another advantage of the soft kettlebell is that you won’t have to worry about rust. A cast iron or steel kettlebell has this issue which is why they require different types of coating finish.

But, because there is no steel or iron involved, the soft kettlebell doesn’t need any specialized finishing, which can also be reflected in the price. Also, the soft shell is easier on the wrist and forearms. Especially for beginners who aren’t used to catching the kettlebell properly or are still learning the technique. 

As for the handle, it’s larger than your normal kettlebell handle, which makes it easier to hold, switch grips, and do double-handed workouts. However, a drawback of large handles can be that they get in the way of lateral movements.

Additionally, a larger handle can interfere with exercises like the deadlift or rows as you can’t get into the proper position or stretch before the kettlebell touches the ground. 

One drawback to this product is that the stitching isn’t reinforced. This can be an issue as you move up in weight. The inside of the kettlebell is filled with sand, so when the stitching comes apart, the filling can leak out.

What Are The Benefits Of Kettlebells?

✅ Full Body Workout

One of the major benefits of using a kettlebell is that most exercises require you to use your body as one unit. Not only does this help with coordination, but also gives you an amazing full-body workout.

Whether you use one kettlebell or two, you’re likely to involve a combination of your legs, hips, core, and arms when pressing or swinging the kettlebell. 

Additionally, your entire body will be working together to build functional strength. A lot of traditional exercises are limited in their functional movement patterns. But with kettlebells, you are performing exercises that can translate to everyday life.

✅ Core Strength

The core is one of the most important parts of your body to train. But, people can often neglect it because they place their core training after a long workout session and just don’t have the motivation or energy to complete it properly. That’s where having kettlebells can provide a great benefit.

Essentially every kettlebell movement or exercise will force you to engage your core. Especially if you’re doing single kettlebell movements as your core must be engaged to keep balanced and upright during the movement. And you don’t need to have specific core exercises.

As you perform movements like the Turkish get-up or kettlebell clean and press or single arm swings, your core will be flexed and engaged as the rest of your body gets a workout too.

✅ Grip Strength

The grip is another underdeveloped part of the body. There is a reason why you see so many people using straps at the gym because they don’t have the proper grip strength to lift their ideal weights. One of the best ways to develop your grip is through a kettlebell. The reason is quite simple.

When you perform kettlebell exercises, you need to have a tight and firm grip on the handlebar. This causes your grip to be worked during the entire movement pattern.

Plus, a kettlebell exercise or circuit might last a few minutes, so that entire time, as you're moving the kettlebell around and pressing it over your head, you’re readjusting and tightening your grip repeatedly.

✅ Addressing Muscular Imbalances

Kettlebells are great for working under-utilized areas or addressing muscular imbalances. The range of unilateral kettlebell movements and exercises is very large, which not only makes the kettlebell a versatile piece of equipment but also a great tool to fix imbalances and other issues.

Because you will be working one arm at a time, or one side of the body, or one leg at a time, you can zero in on your weaknesses and properly addresses them. For example, if you have balance issues, then an exercise like single-leg kettlebell RDLs can help fix those. Or you can address core imbalances through exercises like kettlebell windmills.

What Are The Main Differences Between Competition Kettlebells And Others? 

1. The Size

A competition kettlebell is typically larger than a regular kettlebell. Typically being the keyword because a regular kettlebell fluctuates in size as you go up and down in weight. While a competition kettlebell will remain the same size no matter what weight you’re choosing. 

2. Handle Sizes

The handle is another key difference between the two. A competition kettlebell has a small, square handle because it helps with lateral movement and can prevent your hand from slipping. But a drawback is that it’s more difficult to do two-handed exercises with these kettlebells.

3. Base Of The Kettlebells

Another difference is that a competition kettlebell will have a larger base, making it more stable for floor work exercises. While a regular kettlebell will fluctuate in base size depending on the weight you pick. So, if you’re planning on doing floor work exercises, it’s a good idea to see how stable the kettlebell really will be.

What To Look For In Kettlebells?

1. Comfort

The comfort of a kettlebell largely depends on the design. You can get certain kettlebells which have a square bottom and that might be good for stability exercises, but will feel uncomfortable in the rack position. 

Additionally, the handle material also plays a role in comfort. First of all, a narrow or wide handle will determine your hand position. Then, if the material is too sticky, it can cause callouses. 

2. Durability

The durability of the kettlebell will largely depend on the material used to make it. You can buy plastic kettlebells or ones made of poorer-quality metal and it won’t be surprising if those don’t last you a while. A sturdy kettlebell is made of cast iron or high-quality steel, which in and of itself is very durable. But many also come with additional coating and different rust prevention methods. 

3. Price/Quality

Like most products, price and quality go hand in hand. If you want a high-quality kettlebell, then you will likely pay more for it. The price is also influenced by the weight of the kettlebell. The higher the weight, the higher the price total will be.

4. Design

In terms of specific design, you probably want to avoid kettlebells that are too spherical as they will have poor stability for floor work. At the same time, too large of a base will interfere with lateral movement exercises. And again, the kettlebell handle will determine how easily you can perform single-handed or doubled-handed movements. 

5. The Shell

As mentioned previously, many kettlebells, especially competition-style ones are made of cast iron or steel. These can be classified as hard-shell kettlebells. However, you also have the option of a soft shell one which tends to be made of vinyl and has sand filling inside. Soft shell kettlebells are generally safer and easier on your floors. But they have a higher chance of tearing and leaking their filling. 

FAQ

Are Competition Kettlebells Better?

2It mainly depends on what kind of exercises you’re looking to do. A competition kettlebell can be ideal if your workout is mainly unilateral and floor work exercises. But if you wish to do a lot of double-handed kettlebell exercises, you might find the narrower build of the handles too restricting. 

Can You Get Ripped With Kettlebells?

The simple answer is yes. Kettlebells are one of the best tools for high-intensity interval training. You can easily exert enough energy to burn fat and calories in a short period of time, as well. Plus, you will be building strength and muscles, as well. Of course, if you want to achieve a ripped physique, kettlebells should be one of the tools in your overall workout.

Is It OK To Do Kettlebells Every Day?

It is perfectly fine to do kettlebells every day as long as you control your intensity. In fact, kettlebells can be great for recovery days because you can pick a lighter weight and go through certain movement patterns and exercises which involve your entire body and get the blood flowing. And then in your working days, you can increase the intensity by increasing the weights or shortening the rest intervals or performing circuits to get a great workout.

Conclusion

Our competition kettlebells review looks at several factors to determine what’s important like the material quality, handle dimensions, base width, and the general design of the kettlebell. This was done to maximize the benefits of kettlebell training.

The Rogue Competition Kettlebells fit these criteria the best, which is why they were the top pick. 

What are your favourite kettlebell exercises? Do you prefer doing unilateral or two-handed exercises? What’s your best technique to reduce the kettlebell impact on wrists and forearms?

Let’s discuss all of this and any other questions you might have in the comment section below!

Also read:

• Best Kettlebell Wrist Guards
• Kettlebells Vs Barbells
• Best Cheap Kettlebells
• Best Rubber Coated Kettlebells
• Benefits of Kettlebell Workouts
• Kettlebell Weight for Beginners
• Best Kettlebell Brands
• Kettlebell Ab Workout
• KB Swings Benefits

References:

1. The Best Kettlebell Exercises for Muscle, Strength, and Weight Loss // Bodybuilding:
   https://www.bodybuilding.com/content/the-best-kettlebell-exercises-for-muscle-strength-and-weight-loss.html
2. Competition Kettlebells vs Regular Kettlebells // Kettlebells Workouts: https://kettlebellsworkouts.com/competition-kettlebells-vs-regular-kettlebells.html