Trying to cram all your home gym essentials into a tight space can be a major challenge. Thankfully, manufacturers have made that job a little easier by designing products that allow you to train with multiple weights using a single product.
The best adjustable kettlebells do exactly that by providing a money- and space-saving solution for fitness enthusiasts who value efficiency and versatility. However, with different adjustment systems and handle shapes, some ‘bells work better than others for certain types of workouts—and they’re not all as time-efficient as you might think.
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 and durability. But, that leaves one important question: How much time does it save by changing weights? Let’s dive into the review, so you can find out the answer and determine if this competition kettlebell is the right fit for your home gym.
Our Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Review, Summarized
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell replaces 18 traditional kettlebells, allowing you to make precise adjustments with 0.5- and 1-kilogram increments. Although our team was impressed by its build quality, we were a bit disappointed by how long it took to change weights. So, if you’re specifically looking for a kettlebell built to competition standards, this is a high-quality option that sacrifices adjustment speed for durability and stability.
How We Test Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustment speed can either make your kettlebell workout free-flowing or frustrating. Naturally, then, we evaluate how quickly and easily each mechanism toggles across the respective weight range. A kettlebell that uses a selector pin or requires manual changes typically earns a 3-out-of-5 rating on our scale. We give higher scores to models that use a fast dial, lever, or magnetic system that lets you change weights seamlessly for ultra-efficient workouts.
We calculate how many traditional kettlebells one adjustable unit can replace, prioritizing models that accommodate both beginner and advanced lifters with enough weight options for progressive overload1. A 3-out-of-5 rating reflects a moderate range (roughly 8 to 35 pounds, or 8 to 16 kilograms), while a higher score indicates a particular profile can replace a full rack of ‘bells.
How useful is a kettlebell if you can’t keep a firm grasp on it during your training session? When assessing a kettlebell handle, we consider the diameter, grip performance (with and without chalk), and how well you can control the weight during long sets where sweaty palms may become problematic. To meet our scoring threshold for a 3 out of 5, the kettlebell must have a comfortable, controllable handle, but grip may begin to loosen with sweatier palms.
We developed a comprehensive kettlebell testing methodology that includes specific criteria for both traditional and adjustable kettlebells. For all ‘bells, we carefully evaluate categories such as construction, durability, handle, shape, and value. Adjustable models get scrutinized for adjustment speed and weight range, as well. Our expert product testers put every kettlebell through a series of kettlebell exercises—including snatches, swings, Turkish get-ups, and goblet squats—to provide accurate ratings based on a 1-5 scoring scale.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit competitors, Olympic-level athletes, and strength training enthusiasts who understand and appreciate how small design nuances can make a major difference with your kettlebell training experience. So far, we’ve tested more than 30 of these popular free weights over the years (with even more to come).
The Bells of Steel Competition Adjustable Kettlebell replaces 18 kettlebells with just one piece of equipment.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The base model has a weight range of 12 to 20.5 kilograms (about 26 to 45 pounds) and costs about $220. If that’s not sufficient, you can upgrade to a 12-32-kilogram model for about $112 more.
- 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 particular 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 for two-handed exercises like kettlebell swings.
- If one ‘bell isn’t enough, you can save 10% by purchasing a pair. You can elevate your kettlebell training even further with accessories like wrist guards, workout chalk, a folding mat, and more. Bells of Steel allows you to take 10% off when you buy at least three accessories, giving you more incentive to expand your setup.
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Video Review
Is the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Worth It?
If you’re looking for an adjustable kettlebell that can load heavier weights for your kettlebell exercises, this can be 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, especially if you opt for the expansion kit.
At about $220 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.
If you factor in the expansion pack, 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 $333.
It is worth noting, too, that Bells of Steel provides a lifetime warranty, which adds more peace of mind and overall value to your purchase. So, we feel confident about recommending this as a long-term investment in your strength and conditioning journey.
Still deciding if this is the “one ‘bell to rule them all” in your home gym? Read on to find out some key specs and metrics for the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell.
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell: Key Features & Specs
| Price | $220.99 ($332.99 with expansion kit) |
| Weight Range | 12-20.5 kg (32 kg maximum weight with expansion pack) |
| Weight Increments | 0.5 kg/1.1 lbs |
| Handle Diameter | 35 mm |
| Materials and Coating | Steel shell, iron plates |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Internal weight plates |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime |
Workout Experience with the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
Our expert product tester, GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, 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, she noted relevant features that impacted her experience, such as the handle, coating, construction, and adjustment speed.
She tells me the kettlebell performed very well, feeling very natural while in use and offering sufficient versatility, especially with its competition specifications. To be clear, however, changing weights on this Bells of Steel model is far more time-consuming than other quick-changing kettlebells or adjustable dumbbells we’ve tried.
Let’s dive into our expert product tester’s full training experience, so you can get direct insight.
If I participated in a kettlebell sport, this would definitely be my top choice for at-home training. It’s not the speediest adjustment system, but between the build quality and expandability, I think Bells of Steel did a great job designing this adjustable kettlebell to competition standards.
GGR Senior Staff Writer Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Rating
Construction
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell has a steel outer shell that keeps the iron weight plates well-protected. Unlike some of its competitors, it retains a true ergonomic kettlebell shape, meaning you can comfortably perform classic movements like cleans and snatches without any hiccups.
In addition, the kettlebell features a powdercoat finish that helps protect against rust and corrosion. This is particularly important if you have an outdoor or non-climate-controlled gym where your home gym equipment may be exposed to the elements. The kettlebell also comes in four colors (black, purple, blue, or yellow) so you can choose one that fits your home gym aesthetic.
If you’re concerned about space, this kettlebell measures 11 inches high and 8.25 inches in diameter. That should allow you to store it easily, especially since it has a flat bottom. Overall, we’re impressed by its sturdy design, rating the construction at a rock-solid 4 out of 5.
Durability
Although we couldn’t quite give it a perfect score, this Bells of Steel kettlebell still earned a 4.5 out of 5 for durability. As mentioned, the steel construction should give you plenty of confidence about it holding up for years to come. The powdercoat isn’t anything special, but it does provide a layer of protection, nonetheless.
That said, Lindsay warns that, “It’ll get dinged up by other metals if you’re not careful.”
Overall, though, you shouldn’t have any concerns about this kettlebell’s resiliency. After all, Lindsay confirmed that this well-built bell can survive drops—which isn’t usually the case with adjustable models.
“This is probably the only adjustable kettlebell I’d feel comfortable dropping, and I have…everything stayed in place and intact,” she explains.
Adjustment Speed
Unfortunately, this is one area where Bells of Steel falls short of our standards. While many adjustable kettlebells (and dumbbells) utilize a turn-dial or pin-selector system, this ‘bell opts for a less-efficient locking screw mechanism.
“The adjustment mechanism is time-consuming, as you need an Allen wrench to unscrew the bottom,” Lindsay explains. “Then, you have to unscrew a nut that keeps the weight plates secured inside the kettlebell shell.”
The process to add or remove weights can take at least a few minutes—if not longer. This is also made more difficult by the fact that this kettlebell uses 1.1-pound iron plates. The lighter increments make it easier to micro-load, but it also means it’ll take longer to load enough plates to make more substantial leaps.
“It’s a lot of work to have to break out an Allen wrench to make a minor 1-pound increase, so I don’t think I’d make small weight changes very often,” Lindsay noted.
As a result, we docked several points off the adjustment speed score, settling for a 2 out of 5. Overall, the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is not the optimal choice for kettlebell HIIT workouts, supersets, or any type of training that requires frequent weight changes.
Weight Range
Although this doesn’t offer the most robust weight range we’ve seen, you still have a fair amount of flexibility for progressive overload. At its lightest, the outer shell weighs 12 kilograms, or 26 pounds. You can add weight plates in increments of 1.1 pounds up to 20.5 kilograms, or about 45 pounds.
For beginners, 26 pounds pounds may be a bit too heavy for certain exercises, such as lateral raises or biceps curls. However, for more experienced lifters, that 26- to 45-pound range should work well.
Of course, if you want to go heavier, you can purchase the 12- to 32-kilogram model. This is my recommendation if you’re committed to kettlebell training, as the upper limit of 70.4 pounds should provide a sufficient challenge for exercises like goblet squats and suitcase deadlifts.
If this had a lighter starting weight, we would have awarded a perfect score. Still, a 4.5 out of 5 is nothing to scoff at.
Shape
Unlike traditional kettlebells, competition ‘bells have a standardized shape regardless of weight. They have a boxy, compact design with a straight, slightly narrow handle that measures 35 millimeters in diameter. This allows you to perform one-handed high-rep movements like kettlebell snatches and cleans without the kettlebell shifting, since the box-like shape keeps the ‘bell’s center of mass consistent and limits excess rotation in your hand.
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell meets those exact standards, making it feel the same as any other competition ‘bell. As a result, we rate it a perfect 5 out of 5 for shape.
Handle
A poorly designed handle can inhibit your workout experience by making it uncomfortable or unsafe to perform certain exercises. On the other hand, a well-designed handle can help you stay firmly in control throughout your training session.
As a kettlebell built to competition specs, this Bells of Steel product has a handle that measures 35 millimeters in diameter. That’s slightly thicker than the average adjustable kettlebell we test (33 millimeters). It’s also worth noting that the handle measures 7.5 inches wide, which is shorter than a traditional kettlebell. It’s also shorter than the kettlebell’s diameter of 8.25 inches.
“It might be difficult for users with larger hands to do two-handed exercises,” Lindsay notes.
For the majority of users, though, this shouldn’t be a major problem. And given these dimensions, you should be able to maintain a decent grip for one-handed exercises like cleans, snatches, and overhead presses.
RELATED: Kettlebell Cardio Workout
Price
Based on our research and testing, the average adjustable kettlebell costs around $165, so this Bells of Steel model isn’t exactly budget-friendly. That said, competition ‘bells are typically more expensive because they have to meet higher standards for precision.
At $221 for the base model, this kettlebell does require a fairly substantial investment. That figure jumps to $333 for the 12- to 32-kilogram model, which we consider fair value based on the build quality.
While we rate the price at a 3 out of 5, it is worth noting that you may get slightly better bang for your buck with Kettlebell Kings, which offers a 12- to 32-kilogram adjustable competition-style kettlebell at a list price of $312. However, you can find it for much cheaper, as we’ve seen it on sale for as low as $240.
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 four to eight 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.
Customer Reviews
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell has earned an average rating of 4.9 stars based on 332 reviews on the company website. Many customers highlight its sturdiness and overall build quality as positives. Plus, many 5-star reviews mention the space-saving benefit of investing in this adjustable kettlebell.
Here are direct testimonials from customers who added this Bells of Steel competition kettlebell to their home gym:
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Vs
If you’re specifically looking for an adjustable competition-style kettlebell, Bells of Steel is a great place to start. However, there’s another viable option that’s more budget-friendly: The Titan Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell. For about the same cost as the base Bells of Steel model, you get a more expansive weight range (12 to 32 kilograms). There is a big trade-off, though: You only get a one-year warranty from Titan Fitness, compared to lifetime coverage from BoS.
If you want to stay in the adjustable market but aren’t necessarily married to the idea of a ‘bell built to competition specs, we recommend the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell. Available in three different weight ranges, it has a thick, comfortable handle and a turn-and-twist adjustment mechanism that allows for quick changes. Our team was highly impressed by this REP product, awarding it an overall score of 4.7 out of 5.
For more in-depth information, check out our full REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell review.
| Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell | Titan Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell | REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell | |
| Price | $220.99 or $332.99, depending on the size | $214.99 | $149-$219.99, depending on the size |
| Weight Range | 12-20.5 kg (32 kg maximum weight with expansion pack) | 12-32 kg (26.4-70.4 lbs) | 8-16 kg, 16-24 kg, 20-40 lbs |
| Change Increments | 0.5 kg/1.1 lbs | 2, 3, 4, or 6 lbs | 2 kg or 5 lbs |
| Handle Diameter | 35 mm | 35 mm | 34.6 mm |
| Material | Steel shell, iron plates | Cast iron steel with powdercoat | Cast iron shell with matte powder coat |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Internal weight plates | Internal weight plates | Push-and-twist dial |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime |
Final Verdict of Our Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Review
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is a convenient space-saver for the majority of garage gyms. It has a decent weight range, with the option to reach as heavy as 70 pounds with the expansion kit. 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. However, if you’re not concerned about the adjustment speed, this can be a solid addition to your home gym.
- If you get the full expansion pack, this adjustable kettlebell gives you 41 weight settings in 0.5-kg increments—an almost unheard of amount of precision in this category.
- The locking screw and nut system keeps the weight plates secure, but it also makes for a more laborious adjustment process.
- The limited lifetime warranty policy far exceeds the industry standard, adding even more value (and peace of mind) to your purchase.
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell Review: 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 of a competition bell has a 35-millimeter diameter.
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.
How do adjustable kettlebells work?
Adjustable kettlebells allow you to change between several weight increments without having to keep multiple kettlebells at your disposal. Most of them use some kind of dial or pin system to add and remove weight from the center of the kettlebell. However, the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell uses an internal weight plate system that requires more time and effort to make changes.
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.
References
- Chaves, T. S., Scarpelli, M. C., Bergamasco, J. G. A., Silva, D. G. D., Medalha Junior, R. A., Dias, N. F., Bittencourt, D., Carello Filho, P. C., Angleri, V., Nóbrega, S. R., Roberts, M. D., Ugrinowitsch, C., & Libardi, C. A. (2024). Effects of Resistance Training Overload Progression Protocols on Strength and Muscle Mass. International journal of sports medicine, 45(7), 504–510. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2256-5857
