As you get into kettlebell training, you need (wait for it) kettlebells.
Many different merchants are now offering ‘russian’ kettlebells for sale. Some bells are actually made in China (that was a bit of a shock).
We don’t need authentic Russian kettlebells, but being picky pay off as there are differences in quality and price when it comes to diverse kettlebell variations.
1. Lifeline USA - Best combination of quality and price (read my review of lifeline USA kettlebells)
2. Dragon Door - Awesome kettlebells. Expensive. Get a 20% discount sign up as their affiliate.
3. Ader Kettlebells - nothing special. OK kettlebells, above average price.
4. K2 Fitness - OK (meh..) kettlebells. Above average prices, below average quality.
5. Iron Woody - Having a close out sale. No more Woody Kettlebells.. Perhaps for the better… Read forum thread reviewing Iron Woody Kettlebells.
What kettlebells do you use/like?
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11 responses so far ↓
1 Nathan Taylor // Sep 22, 2008 at 10:13 pm
I like the Apollo kettlebells I have used:
http://www.apolloathletics.com/product.asp?cataID=17
2 Denis Kanygin // Sep 22, 2008 at 11:39 pm
@Nathan Taylor
I’ve used Apollo kettlebells a bit. One problem (more like discomfort) that I experienced with Apollo’s kettlebell stock is handle width.
It seemed a bit thin.
Which is fine for swings (may be a little tough on hands) but for any kind of bottom press - forget it!
May be I’m just full of it, I don’t know… Have you tried bottoms up work with?
How did you like it?
I would be very interested in what you think of Dragon Door bells and Lifeforce USA’s…
3 Jim Lane // Sep 23, 2008 at 6:21 am
I’ve used homemade kettlebells made with plumbing pipe pieces and 5 lb. plates, Iron Woody’s kettlebell handles, Ader, Lifeline USA, Dragondoor regular and Russian Reds, and American Kettlebell Club’s (AKC) competition-style bells.
My preference is for the AKC style, as I like the way the handle feels for snatches and jerks. As a test, I used both Dragondoor styles, Lifeline and AKC 24 kg and 28 kg bells while I was doing the ETK (Enter The Kettlebell) program earlier this summer. I found that the AKC style was the most comfortable bell for me to use.
The main problem with the AKC style, however, is the cost–roughly double the cost (with shipping) of the Lifeline USA bells. I was fortunate to get a complete set when I attended an AKC coaching certification in 2007 (although that’s not why I prefer them).
I should say that I don’t lift solely GS-style, and one of my favorite routines is high-rep double cleans with my DD and Lifeline USA 28 kg bells (one of each!).
Great blog and I’m a follower on Twitter.
Jim
4 Denis Kanygin // Sep 23, 2008 at 3:43 pm
@Jim Lane
You are right, AKC kettlebells are one of the nicer ones.
When you get to a certain level, then you may want to invest in this type of the bell.
A parallel that I would use is bicycle. As we just start to learn, we need a sturdy and comfy bike. Buying a high performance speed bike for thousands of dollars would be silly.
Yes, the price difference is not that drastic, but noticeable.
For beginner, looking to get into kettlebell and trying it out, I’d say stick with LifelineUSA.
Do you think it’s worth spending extra $$$ and getting expensive (AKC) kettlebells right away?
5 Jim Lane // Sep 24, 2008 at 1:58 am
Denis,
If I was starting out, I’d probably stick with the Lifeline USA bells and be sure kettlebell lifting was something I was going to stick with.
Once I’d spent a year or so playing with the different movements, I think I’d probably invest in an AKC bell, especially if the jump was from 16 kg to 24 kg. I would probably purchase a 20 kg AKC bell. In fact, that’s going to be my next purchase!
6 Denis Kanygin // Sep 24, 2008 at 6:01 pm
@ Jim Lane
That is an excellent plan.
Right bells make such a difference!
7 Review of Lifeline USA Kettlebells : Workout IQ // Sep 25, 2008 at 5:14 am
[…] What Kettlebells Should I Use? Top 5 Kettlebell Makers. […]
8 frederic // Feb 11, 2009 at 9:40 pm
great information. I like the comparison between lifeline and dragondoor. Any ideas where Perform Better from ArtOfStrength falls in compared with those two?
9 Greg // Mar 3, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Hey Denis, reviews are a good thing, but always “subjective” to one’s opinion. You rate our kettlebells (K2 Fitness) as “Above average prices, below average quality.” I’m curious if you’ve ever used any or all sizes of our kettlebells, and why you would rate the quality as “below average?”
We’ve been in the kettlebell game/biz longer than just about anybody in the US and take alot of pride in all the products we have, including our kettlebells. I would have to disagree with you a bit and say that our prices are “about average” (just basing on size/weight etc.). I will also say that based on our customer’s actions, feedback and satisfaction, our quality is “well above average.”
10 Aaron // Mar 14, 2009 at 1:15 am
Hey Jim,
Where can I purchase an AKC 40kg kettlebell? I currently have a 90lb Power Systems kettlebell and the handle is atrocious (and that’s after sanding it down). My guess is that snatches would go much easier with the proper handle.
Thanks.
Aaron B
11 Stephen Bethell // Mar 26, 2009 at 8:35 am
Here in the UK I’ve been using bells from Wolverson fitness Co based in the West Midlands. I like the fact that they are the same size, regardless of weight, quality and price seem good too . Only thing is, moving up a weight fails to impress the neighbours, as only you know
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