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Space is a commodity in home gyms. As many garage gym owners try to fit as many home gym essentials into their space as possible, space-saving innovation has come about with the use of adjustable weights, like kettlebells and dumbbells.
The best adjustable kettlebells replace multiple weights of kettlebells while only taking the space of one. Typically, this can help save you money, too. Most of these kettlebells can also change weights quickly, saving a gym goer time, especially in the middle of a HIIT session where quick changes are vital.
In this Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell review, I’ll go over one adjustable kettlebell with competition specs that impressed our testers with its weight range, durability, and weight increments…but how much time does it save by changing weights? Well, maybe not as much as you’d like. Let’s dive deeper into this adjustable kettlebell review.
Yes, We’re the Fitness Equipment Experts
Since its beginning in 2014 by founder Coop Mitchell, Garage Gym Reviews has been the source for expert opinions and honest reviews of the latest products in the fitness industry. Our team of certified personal trainers, lifting coaches, and lifelong athletes has had hands-on experience with it all: treadmills, dumbbells, supplements, and everything in between.
We follow our fitness equipment testing methodology with each piece of equipment we test, to rate each product on major factors in its build and performance. Our product tester used the Bells of Steel Competition Kettlebell through several workouts, rating features for adjustable kettlebells such as:
- Weight capacity
- Adjustability
- Durability
- Workout experience
- Handle and grip
- Overall value
BoS Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
Product Highlights
- Replaces 18 kettlebells with just one
- 1.1-lb increments
- Great for micro-loading different kettlebell exercises
- Competition-style kettlebell
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Expansion kits available
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Comes in 0.5-kg increments
- Competition-style kettlebell
- Feels like a regular kettlebell
- Replaces 18 weights with one
- Expansion kits available for those who want to lift heavier weights
Cons
- Adjustment process is time-consuming
- Adjustment requires tool
- Customer reviews say paint chips easily
Bottom Line
The Bells of Steel Competition Adjustable Kettlebell replaces 18 kettlebells with just one piece of equipment.
A Quick Look at the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell
Based in Canada, Bells of Steel first got its start in 2010, and has been providing quality budget-friendly equipment since. (The company launched its first location in the USA in 2019.) From Olympic barbells to the highly customizable Bells of Steel Hydra Rack, the company has made durable and quality products at competitive prices.
The competition-style adjustable kettlebell follows the same principle of competitive pricing and durable quality. The BoS Adjustable Kettlebell has a strong steel outer shell and is loaded with iron plates on the inside. The kettlebell ranges from 12 kilograms to 20.5 kilograms—or about 26 pounds to 45 pounds. Additionally, you can purchase an expansion kit to raise the maximum weight to 32 kilograms, or 70 pounds.
Another great feature of the kettlebell is the microloading. Although the base kettlebell replaces eight typical kettlebell weights, you can have 18 total weight adjustments, as the smallest weight increment is 0.5 kilograms—just over 1 pound. With the expansion weights, you have a massive 41 adjustments you’re able to make. This can be great for beginners who want to slowly progress the weights in their kettlebell training.
Before You Buy
- Bells of Steel warns that this isn’t a quick-changing adjustable kettlebell, and we agree. You have to use an Allen wrench to unload and load weights onto the kettlebell, taking up a couple of minutes for each change.
- The competition-style kettlebell has specific specifications for its structure—namely that the handle width is smaller than the kettlebell diameter (210 millimeters). Because of this, athletes with bigger hands may struggle to grip this kettlebell comfortably with two hands.
Is the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Worth It?
If you’re looking for an adjustable kettlebell that can load heavier weights for your kettlebell exercises, this is a great option. You might be able to go heavier with a plate-loaded kettlebell, but the weights’ diameter will make kettlebell swings and other movements awkward.
RELATED: Adjustable Kettlebells vs Standard Kettlebells
Few adjustable kettlebells with an outer shell go as heavy as the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell, making this a good option for those wanting heavy kettlebells for strength training.
At about $200 for the base kettlebell (with a maximum weight of 20.5 kilograms), this isn’t as good of a deal as REP Fitness adjustable kettlebells, which can go to 24 kilograms for about the same price. This isn’t as budget-friendly as other products Bells of Steel has to offer.
Bowflex has their SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell priced at $149, but the weight only goes up to 40 pounds.
Looking at the Bells of Steel higher weight range, one of the most comparable adjustable kettlebells would be the Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell. With a weight range of 12 kilograms to 32 kilograms, the Titan kettlebell costs only $160, which is considerably less than the 32-kilogram Bells of Steel kettlebell at $300.
Kettlebell Kings offers a similar adjustable kettlebell at the same price point of $300, as well. Also at a comparable price is the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell, which changes weight quickly, but also tops out at a max weight of 62 pounds.
Still, Bells of Steel provides a lifetime warranty, and Titan products are often out of stock (the kettlebell is as of this writing, actually), so that may factor into your purchase choice, too.
Great for:
- Micro-loading for a broad range of different weights
- Those wanting a lifetime warranty on their gym equipment
- Anyone wanting a compact kettlebell with competition specs
Not recommended for:
- People looking for more value in their adjustable kettlebell
- Beginners who need lighter kettlebell weights
- Lifters wanting a quick-changing adjustable kettlebell
Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Specs
| Price | $199 ($299 with expansion kit) |
| Weight range | 12-20.5 kg (32 kg maximum weight with expansion kit) |
| Change increments | 0.5 kg/1.1 lbs |
| Handle diameter | 35 mm |
| Shell diameter | 210 mm |
| Replaces | 8+ kettlebells |
| Material | Steel shell, iron plates |
| Adjustment mechanism | Internal weight plates |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Using the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell
Our expert product tester used the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell through five workout sessions, working through multiple one-handed and two-handed kettlebell exercises: kettlebell swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, carries, suitcase deadlifts, presses, raises, and lunges. During each kettlebell workout, he noted the features of the kettlebell, such as the handle, coating, construction, and adjustment speed.
The kettlebell performed very well, feeling very natural while in use. This kettlebell has the versatility of just about any kettlebell, especially with its competition specifications. To be clear, however, the adjustable kettlebell isn’t as quickly adjusted as other quick-changing kettlebells or adjustable dumbbells.
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell uses an Allen wrench to dismantle the outer shell and load and unload weights. Because of this, weight changes can usually take a couple of minutes at a time. This isn’t the type of kettlebell for fast changes in the middle of a CrossFit workout, earning only a 2 out of 5 for its adjustment speed.
Durability and Construction
Part of the reason the adjustment time is long is because the kettlebell is built solidly; with a steel outer shell and iron weight plates, we give the kettlebell a 4 out of 5 for both the construction and durability.
The kettlebell has a standard powder coating, which isn’t anything fancy; our tester remarks, “It’ll get dinged up by other metals if you’re not careful.” This is why we always recommend never dropping an adjustable weight. Still, the coating should help protect against corrosion and rust.
RELATED: Upper-Body Kettlebell Workout
Weight Range
At its largest, the Bells of Steel Kettlebell can be loaded with up to 70 pounds of weight. At its lightest, though, the outer shell weighs 12 kilograms, or 26 pounds. Although it’s a pretty nice range of weights, some may prefer a lighter kettlebell, which drops the weight range score slightly to a 4.5 out of 5.
Handle and Shape
This adjustable kettlebell follows competition specifications, which many standard kettlebells don’t. Competition kettlebells have a fixed handle diameter of 35 millimeters, and the handle width is shorter than the kettlebell’s diameter of 210 millimeters. These dimensions are the same at any weight.
The outer shell of the adjustable kettlebell follows these competition specifications, so it has the feel of a competition kettlebell at any weight.
Although the handle is built for competition specs, it may be uncomfortable for larger athletes with larger hands, especially using the kettlebell for two-handed exercises. For most people, as well as for one-handed kettlebell exercises, this will feel nice and provide decent grip.
Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell vs REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells
REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Feels like a traditional kettlebell
- Incredibly durable, especially for an adjustable kettlebell
- Clearly marked weight increments
Made in USA
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Feels like a regular kettlebell
- Weights are quick and easy to change
- Weight adjusts to 24kg
- Rubber bottom helps protect flooring
- Offered in kilograms and pounds
Cons
- Plastic changing mechanism could break
Bottom Line
If you close your eyes (although we don’t advise it because kettlebells are heavy) when using the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebells, you will think that you are using a regular kettlebell.
Although the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell has a lower weight range than the Bells of Steel Competition Style Kettlebell, the adjustment speed is much faster, with a plastic dial that adjusts weights. If you’re looking for a lighter kettlebell with a fast-changing mechanism for your metcon, this may be the one best suited for your needs.
Still, if you’re looking for the ability to go heavier, the Bells of Steel kettlebell is a solid choice, as long as you’re OK with spending the extra $100 for the expansion kit.
| BoS Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell | REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell | |
| Price | $199 ($299 with expansion kit) | $149 (8-16 kg), $159 (20-40 lb), $209 (16-24 kg) |
| Weight range | 12-20.5 kg (32 kg maximum weight with expansion kit) | 8-16 kg, 20-40 lb, or 16-24 kg |
| Change increments | 0.5 kg/1.1 lbs | 2 kg/5 lbs |
| Handle diameter | 35 mm | 34.6-35 mm |
| Shell diameter | 210 mm | Not disclosed |
| Replaces | 8+ kettlebells | 5 kettlebells |
| Material | Steel shell, iron plates | Cast iron shell with matte powder coat |
| Adjustment mechanism | Internal weight plates | Plastic dial |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | Lifetime |
Customer Experience
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell comes with a limited lifetime warranty, as well as a solid 30-day money-back guarantee. You can return a Bells of Steel product for a full refund if you’re not satisfied, although items not in their original packaging or missing parts (like hardware) will be charged a restocking fee.
Customer service can be reached by email, phone, or a contact form through the website. Bells of Steel claims to reply to inquiries within 4 to 8 hours, during their normal business hours, and in our experience, they’ve been great. Many customer reviews also agree with the exemplary work that customer service does.
Ordering and Assembling the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell can be purchased on the US Bells of Steel website. The kettlebell comes in a branded box and is well-protected. The Allen key required to make adjustments is included in the set as well. Our expert tester says, “It was extremely easy to get the kettlebell out of the box and get started with your workout!”
Customer Reviews
As of this writing, the average customer review for the adjustable kettlebell comes in at 4.8 out of 5 stars, out of 135 reviews. There are also Amazon reviews, albeit far fewer reviews in total (they still average 4.8 stars, though).
Most reviews are very positive, praising the kettlebell’s durability and solid construction. Most complaints have to do with the product arriving damaged or a similar circumstance. One reviewer suspects he was given a returned item that wasn’t thoroughly inspected before sending it back out. Another customer accidentally bought two kettlebells and wanted to send one back.
In all cases, Bells of Steel’s customer service shines through, responding to almost every review I looked at—good or bad. Bells of Steel was able to help the majority of the few customers that had issues.
Final Verdict of Our Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Review
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is a convenient space saver for the majority of garage gyms and has a decent weight range, with the option to reach as much as 70 pounds. If you’re looking for a kettlebell that makes quick adjustments, this isn’t the one, as the shell has to be opened with an Allen wrench. Still, if you’re not concerned about the adjustment speed, this can be a solid addition to your home gym.
Full Rating
Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell
The Bells of Steel Competition Adjustable Kettlebell replaces 18 kettlebells with just one piece of equipment.
Product Brand: Bells of Steel
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 199.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.06
Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell: FAQs
What’s the difference between competition and regular kettlebells?
Competition kettlebells are made to fit within the specifications of competitive kettlebell sport. Because of this, competition kettlebells are all the same size, regardless of weight, and are color-coded to show the weight of the kettlebell. Additionally, the handle is the same width as the kettlebell, while some regular kettlebells will have a wider handle. Lastly, the handle has a 35-millimeter diameter.
What are the cons of adjustable kettlebells?
Adjustable kettlebells are great ways to save space in a home gym, as they can replace multiple sets of kettlebells while taking up the space of only one. They can also save you money, as the price tends to come in less than purchasing multiple kettlebells.
Still, the adjustment system can be fragile, to the point where we wouldn’t recommend dropping any adjustable kettlebell. This makes them less durable than your typical cast iron kettlebell. Depending on the adjustable kettlebell’s design, they can also be bulky or clunky while in use.
Why are competition kettlebells more expensive?
Generally speaking, competition kettlebells are more expensive than standard kettlebells because they have to meet certain requirements in their specifications. Due to higher standards and precision, these kettlebells tend to be a bit more pricey.
What is included with the 13-kilogram expansion pack of the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell?
The 13-kilogram expansion kit for the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell takes the maximum weight of this kettlebell from 20.5 kilograms (45 pounds) up to 32 kilograms (70 pounds). The kit includes additional weights to add to the kettlebell: two 4-kilogram plates, one 3-kilogram plate, and a 2-kilogram plate.
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