Kettlebell - KB brands/styles | The Forum - StrongFirst

Author: Evelyn

Mar. 03, 2026

Kettlebell - KB brands/styles | The Forum - StrongFirst

The only SF KB I have is a 32kg, which I understood to actually be made by Perform Better. I've only used it for 2-hand swings.

A couple of years later I got a bunch of TacFit competition style KBs on Black Friday sale. The only issue with that order was they were out of stock of the 20kg, so they asked me if I'd accept a powder coated 20kg instead of the out of of stock comp 20kg. I took the powder coated... and dislike the powder coated handle so much that I abandoned my plan to progress from 16kg C+P to 20kg C+P and just do whatever it takes to go straight to 24kg. The 20kg handle just feels so nasty, and it's a bit too narrow on top of that.

I find I prefer the steel handles to the powder coated handle of the SF KB. I really came to appreciate the steel handles when I did Geoff Neupert's experimental program KB ICT which has a lot of snatching.

Just my preference. There are other people here who prefer SF KBs.
The only SF KB I have is a 32kg, which I understood to actually be made by Perform Better. I've only used it for 2-hand swings.

A couple of years later I got a bunch of TacFit competition style KBs on Black Friday sale. I find I prefer the steel handles to the powder coated handle of the SF KB. I really came to appreciate the steel handles when I did Geoff Neupert's experimental program KB ICT which has a lot of snatching.

Just my preference. There are other people here who prefer SF KBs.
Thanks. Have you used competition KBs? What do most people on here use? Regular or competition?
Thanks. Have you used competition KBs? What do most people on here use? Regular or competition?

You mean did I have previous experience with competition KBs before buying the Tacfit competition style KBs? No I did not.

I was willing to gamble on the Tacfits with prices like $67 for a 28kg, $55 for the 20kg, etc. The 8kg is probably my most used KB now because no matter what type of exercise I might be doing that day, I can include KB arm bar with the 8kg in my warmup routine. I paid just over $30 for it.
I’m new to kettlebell training. I have three KBs in pounds, not kg. The best, most comfortable, is my 30lb Kettlebell Kings “brushed” . I want to get at least a 24kg for now.

Are the StrongFirst KBs the best? Most comfortable? Where do you recommend me getting one?
Top right corner of the Forum page, click on shop. StrongFirst kettlebells are a great investment and if having the best and seeing the logo gives you a good feeling, it's worth it. If it doesn't, and you just feel bad for spending more than you had to, then there are other brands. Rogue is good. As for competition style or cast iron (non comp style), I prefer the regular cast iron. I have one comp style and I never use it. But others seem to prefer them.
Thanks. Have you used competition KBs? What do most people on here use? Regular or competition?
Most people here use "regular." I prefer competition, but I still like regular.

Decent kettlebells I've used are Rogue (powder coat and e-coat), Kettlebell Kings, Bells of Steel, and Perform Better.

You will get used to whatever you buy.

Ultimately it doesn't matter too much. There are companies that make horribly awkwardly designed kettlebells that I'm not a fan of, but most of the "standard" brands are good.

If you stick with kettlebells for a while, you will probably accumulate a couple different brands and styles and will develop your own preference.
I’m new to kettlebell training. I have three KBs in pounds, not kg. The best, most comfortable, is my 30lb Kettlebell Kings “brushed” . I want to get at least a 24kg for now.

Are the StrongFirst KBs the best? Most comfortable? Where do you recommend me getting one?

I follow StrongFirst programming and I use StrongFirst kettlebells in all the sizes they're made. For smaller (4 kg and 6 kg), and larger (56 kg and 64 kg) I buy from a local company to save on shipping.

I ordered my StrongFirst kettlebells in two big batches, which you can do, too - you get a discount on the pricing that way and they arrive on a shipping pallet rather than by UPS.

Left to right:

28, 24, 20, 16, 14, 32, 32, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, with smaller sizes elsewhere. On the floor, singles at 36, 40, 44, 48, 56, 64. The 36 is in front because I'm using that for AXE now.



Its going to depend on what’s available where you are located.

I prefer comp bells, I dont know why, I just do. I’m in Australia and while I managed to get a SF 20kg bell 2nd hand a few years ago, have never seen them here again. Kettlebell Kings comp bells I like, but they’re no longer available here. SMAI are ok.

I much prefer the smooth steel handle. Especially for snatches. I’m reasonably new to snatching and haven’t had issues with ripping my hands up yet, I feel the smooth handle has something to do with it.
I follow StrongFirst programming and I use StrongFirst kettlebells in all the sizes they're made. For smaller (4 kg and 6 kg), and larger (56 kg and 64 kg) I buy from a local company to save on shipping.

I ordered my StrongFirst kettlebells in two big batches, which you can do, too - you get a discount on the pricing that way and they arrive on a shipping pallet rather than by UPS.

Left to right:

28, 24, 20, 16, 14, 32, 32, 16, 18, 20, 24, 28, with smaller sizes elsewhere. On the floor, singles at 36, 40, 44, 48, 56, 64. The 36 is in front because I'm using that for AXE now.

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A local company? How do I find I one? Like a SF distributor? I’m in Atlanta.

Right now, I don’t have a great space. I’m doing on carpet over a padded slab. Do you use a gym mat or yoga mat? What’s the preferred surface?
A local company? How do I find I one? Like a SF distributor? I’m in Atlanta.

Right now, I don’t have a great space. I’m doing on carpet over a padded slab. Do you use a gym mat or yoga mat? What’s the preferred surface?
We have something called ISellFitness - I order on the website then make pickup arrangements.

-S-

Best Kettlebells for - CNET

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Kettlebells are a good alternative to dumbbells and come in a variety of weights. Unlike dumbbells, kettlebells have a round cast iron base with a handle in the middle. 

Our Picks

Best kettlebell overall

Ziva Premium Virgin Rubber Solid Cast Steel Kettlebell

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Best kettlebells for beginners

Best Choice Products Three-Piece Kettlebell Weight Set

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Best kettlebells for experienced lifters

Apex Adjustable Heavy-Duty Kettlebell

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Best vinyl coated kettlebell

Powert Vinyl-Coated Cast-Iron Kettlebell Weight

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Best high-end kettlebell

JaxJox KettlebellConnect Adjustable Smart Kettlebell (Update: Out of stock)

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"The kettlebell is probably the most underrated piece of equipment in the gym," Lauren Kanski, a certified personal trainer and founding coach at the fitness app Ladder, previously told CNET. "The way the bell is shaped allows you to train power, endurance and strength all in one little piece of iron."

Kettlebells are not the same as your average set of dumbbells, so before you buy one, check out the list below for our picks on the best kettlebell options for .

What is the best kettlebell overall?

The best kettlebell is the Ziva Premium Virgin Rubber Solid Cast Steel Kettlebell. Its weight ranges and style make it versatile for the advanced and for beginners.

Best kettlebells of

The Ziva premium kettlebell comes in a wide variety of weight increments (from 5 to 50 pounds) making it a great quality kettlebell for beginners or more advanced exercisers. Working out at home and worried about damaging your floors? This kettlebell has a rubber coating so you don't have to worry about slamming it down too hard between sets during your kettlebell workout. 

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This kettlebell set is great for beginners since it comes with three lighter kettlebell choices (weighing 5, 10 and 15 pounds). If you're new to working out, you probably aren't sure exactly how much weight you can handle yet, so you need size options. With this kettlebell set, you'll have multiple weights to experiment with when you exercise. Plus you get a weight rack to store them on.

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This adjustable cast iron kettlebell is a great pick for advanced exercisers or those who already lift weights and want to be able to progress with their kettlebell weight quickly. The kettlebell handle on its own is 15 pounds and it comes with different weight options that let you adjust it up to 50 pounds. It doesn't look like your classic, round kettlebell and this cast-iron kettlebell is not coated in vinyl or rubber, but it will satisfy the needs of someone looking for an advanced kettlebell with no frills when doing a kettlebell squat, kettlebell lifting, kettlebell deadlift or other kettlebell training moves.

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Most standard kettlebell styles are cast iron kettlebell models, so if you don't love the idea of iron kettlebells or that metal feel on your hands and want more grip, try a coated kettlebell for your kettlebell workout. This kettlebell from Powert has a coated handle and the base is covered in vinyl, making it less susceptible to rust or corrosion in addition to a different grip feel.

The company is the world’s best kettlebell manufacturers supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

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If you're OK with dropping considerable cash on a kettlebell, consider the JaxJox Smart Kettlebell. The weight can be adjusted from 12 to 42 pounds for a heavier kettlebell in seconds; you place it on the digital console and enter the weight you want and it automatically adjusts for you. There's also a compatible app that can give you tips and workout advice and it can keep track of your workouts and reps.

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Factors to consider when buying a kettlebell

Kettlebell workouts include a lot of different movements besides just lifting them. Just because you can lift 15 to 20 pounds doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to easily swing that around in your workout space. In general, when you're weight training, you'll use a lighter weight for lifting the bell above your head and a heavier weight for other exercise moves. Here are some things to consider when purchasing kettlebells:

Beginners

If you've never worked with kettlebells before, you'll want to ease your way into it until you've learned the technique to the movements. Below are the recommended kettlebell weights if you're new to this piece of equipment.

  • 8 to 10 kilograms (about 17 to 22 pounds) for workouts that involve any overhead movements.
  • 10 to 14 kilograms (22 to 30 pounds) if you want to learn how to do a kettlebell swing.

Intermediate and advanced

If you've dabbled in kettlebell training before and feel comfortable with them, then you're considered more advanced. Below are the kettlebell weights to consider if you are intermediate or advanced.

  • 12 to 24 kilograms (26 to 52 pounds) for any workout that involves lifting it overhead.
  • 24 to 32 kilograms (52 to 70 pounds) for kettlebell swings.

Other things to consider include the material the kettlebell is made of. Kettlebells can be made of cast iron or steel. Some come with a rubber or vinyl coating.

How we chose the best kettlebells

This list was curated based on the different types of kettlebells that are on the market, their materials and if they're appropriate for beginners or more advanced users.

Are rubber-coated kettlebells better?

Rubber-coated kettlebells can be preventative from causing chips and scuffing on the kettlebell. They also make less noise when you drop them. This is ideal if you live in a space like an apartment where you have to be mindful of noise control.

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What are the disadvantages to kettlebells?

Kettlebells require proper technique before moving up to heavier weights. Having improper technique can lead to injury. If you're interested in learning how to use kettlebells, its encouraged to have a trainer with kettlebell experience to coach and guide you.

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Is it better to have two kettlebells?

Having two kettlebells is helpful for making exercises more challenging and can help you build more strength. Having one kettlebell is helpful when you're a beginner and can challenge each side of the body at a time.

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