The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is an adjustable kettlebell that goes from 8 pounds to 40 pounds using a quick turn of a dial. After using the kettlebell for different exercises like swings, Turkish get-ups, goblet squats, jerks, lunges, and farmer’s carries, I must say, it’s a pretty solid design.
The 840 uses a lot of plastic so it isn’t great for hard use, but if you’re looking for a compact kettlebell with a low max weight, I recommend it. In this Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell review, I’ll let you know all the details about construction, value, and ease of adjustability.
Our Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Review, Summarized
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell offers weights ranging from 8 to 40 pounds and only costs $149, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget. It replaces six standard kettlebells, which can be ideal for those tight on space, but the plastic shell means that you’ll want to be gentle with it.
How We Test Adjustable Kettlebells
Since adjustable kettlebells often feature plastic parts and adjustment mechanisms, similar to the best adjustable dumbbells, we pay extra attention to the materials used, looking closely for any components that feel fragile. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, an adjustable kettlebell should feel sturdy in use, but parts may break down over time with extended use.
While some adjustable ‘bells have a nearly identical shape to standard kettlebells, this isn’t always the case. Regular kettlebell users know that the shape is very important for many kettlebell exercises, including snatches, cleans, and more, so this is another important testing area of focus. Average scores are awarded to those that feel fine during workouts but may have a slightly different shape compared to traditional kettlebell profiles.
We know that you probably don’t want to take a few minutes to unscrew something every time you need to change the weight, so we use this category to assess how quickly (or not) you can adjust your working free weight total. To earn a 3 out of 5, a kettlebell can be adjusted easily with a removable pin or locking system, and higher scores are given to those with adjustment dials.
For kettlebell testing, we carefully examine each component, especially the adjustment mechanism and materials. We also take these free weights through multiple home workouts, specifically trying as many kettlebell exercises as possible to examine the shape and handle performance. After trials, we use our kettlebell testing methodology to calculate a final score, which rates a variety of categories on a scale of 1 to 5.
The GGR testing team includes strength coaches, certified personal trainers, CrossFit athletes, triathletes, gym owners, and even an Olympian. We’ve tested and owned dozens of kettlebells over the years, and we understand how to differentiate between the good and the bad.
In 2025, we helped 1,371 athletes find their ideal kettlebell, and we’re here to help you find yours, too.
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 stands out for its ease of use and fast adjustability, especially for beginners and circuit-style workouts. Just don’t expect heavy-duty durability or high-weight options given its plastic shell.
What to Know Before You Buy
- This SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell feels great to use, but it features a lot of plastic components, so you’ll want to avoid dropping or slamming it.
- Stronger individuals may want to choose something else, as the Bowflex adjustable kettlebell maxes out at 40 pounds.
- Thanks to its rounded shape and ergonomic handle, we found this kettlebell to feel surprisingly similar to a traditional kettlebell.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Video Review
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Worth It?
If you’re on a budget and don’t want something heavier than 40 pounds, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell can be a good addition to your home gym. It’s a space-saver, too, so it can be put away neatly when not in use and you won’t have five other kettlebells of different weights on the floor.
Not only is training with a kettlebell like the Bowflex 840 fun, but a 2024 study1 found that training with a kettlebell can enhance strength, power, endurance, explosive power, and postural coordination. Whether you’re looking to improve full-body strength or cardio at home, kettlebell workouts can be a great option.
However, understand that this is one of the best budget home gym equipment pieces for a reason; it’s not designed for commercial use or intense weight training. If you do CrossFit or plan to use it a lot, I’d suggest looking at fixed options like Rogue Kettlebells or Kettlebell Kings.
If you still think this is a good fit, keep reading, as we’re about to get into the detailed specs of this Bowflex adjustable ‘bell along with our extensive testing notes and scoring.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell: Key Features & Specs
| Price | $149 |
| Weight Range | 8-40 lbs |
| Weight Increments | 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40-lb options |
| Handle Diameter | Not disclosed |
| Materials and Coating | Steel weight plates, metal handle, plastic outer shell |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Weight selection dial |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Experience Using the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
The 840 Adjustable Kettlebell from Bowflex is, as the name would suggest, a kettlebell that can be adjusted to various weight increments with just the turn of the SelectTech dial. This means you can change it quickly as you switch from one exercise to another (or, from one training partner to another).
Bowflex has shown time and time again that the brand can make excellent fitness equipment, including adjustable dumbbells, functional trainers, and more, the SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is a great example of that; it may not be the best adjustable kettlebell out there, but it gets a lot right and does so at a fair price.
The Bowflex 840 Adjustable Kettlebell feels surprisingly similar to a traditional kettlebell. This allows you to get the benefits of the equipment you’re comfortable with but without having to have six of them taking up space on the floor. Six standard kettlebells can also consume your budget, so an all-in-one adjustable kettlebell can be a budget-saving option, as well.
Adjustable weight items are always much more compact in a home gym than a set of kettlebells with the same weight increments. Kettlebells, in general, are versatile, but the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell is even more so as it’s something that should work for a variety of different people and various exercises.
I think adjustable kettlebells are a great choice for home gym owners, especially those tight on space. Having individual kettlebells is nice, but they can take up quite a bit of room. An adjustable option can be a much better way to save space and keep your gym organized.
Matt Dustin, CSCS, PN1-NC
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Rating
Construction
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 earns 3 out of 5 stars for its construction. It features a hard-plastic outer shell, which makes it feel strong and of good quality, but does make it fairly bulky. Essentially, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is a stack of weight plates housed in a plastic ‘bell with a handle and a mechanical dial on top.
Due to the fact that the weight is adjustable, the kettlebell has an open bottom, which means that the plates are exposed at the base. This can make some people feel uncomfortable and worried that the weight might fly out during kettlebell swings, hindering concentration while working out. The locking mechanism feels secure, so no major concerns from our side, but we feel this is worth pointing out, nonetheless.
Durability
For durability, we give this 4 out of 5 stars, which is right in line with the average adjustable kettlebell. The exterior shell is plastic, but it’s pretty thick and hard, so I’m not too worried about that part of the ‘bell cracking, especially as we never recommend dropping adjustable weights of any kind.
It’s not quite as tough as a standard kettlebell, but this should last for a long time if you can take care of it.
Adjustment Speed
This is one of the fastest-adjusting kettlebells we’ve tested, and we easily give it 5 out of 5 stars for the category. All you need to do is make sure the kettlebell is sitting in the plastic base that holds the weight stack, and then you turn the dial to select your desired working weight.
GGR Everything lead reviewer, Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, says, “The Bowflex system is one of the easiest ways to adjust the weights in your kettlebell, and it goes from 8 pounds all the way up to 40 pounds with a simple twist of the knob at the top.”
Compared to other adjustable kettlebells that require you to unscrew components and add or remove change plates, we love how fast the Bowflex 840 adjusts.
Weight Range
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell can be set at 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds, which is more than enough for a wide variety of exercises. This makes it a good option for beginners who don’t want to lift much, as well as those who are more interested in conditioning-based training, and we give it 4 out of 5 stars for the weight range.
While 40 pounds is fine for some people, there are plenty of others who would want a heavier option. However, you know the max weight going into it, so only buy the 840 if it’s heavy enough for the movements you want to use it for.
I do also wish there were more weight increment options between the minimum and maximum weight, because that would allow you to progress more finely over time.
RELATED: Best Kettlebell Strength Workouts
Shape
The shell, which is also rounded, is comfortable in the front rack position during presses and hides the weight plates inside. However, thanks to the dial, it’s easy to see what weights are currently selected.
While it’s not exactly identical to a traditional kettlebell, it’s pretty close, and we think most kettlebell users will be happy with the design and rate it 4.5 out of 5 for shape. We docked half a point here because it has a slightly taller shape than most ‘bells, which are more like cannonballs with a flat bottom. That said, it’s still pretty close.
“It does have sort of a more oval-like shape,” says Lindsay. “However, not everybody cares. Not everybody is as picky as me.”
Handle
One thing that companies often don’t get right with adjustable equipment is how the handle feels. The handle on the SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is quite thin in comparison to traditional kettlebells we’ve reviewed, so we give it 3.5 out of 5 stars. The handle is 28 millimeters thick, while most standard kettlebells are around 35 millimeters.
RELATED: Adjustable Kettlebell Vs Standard
Although the handle is thin on Bowflex’s kettlebell, it’s thankfully both metal and round, making it easy to transition from a below-hand to an above-hand position. It’s not our favorite design, but it feels solid (and it’s better than plastic).
Price
At only $149, we think this Bowflex adjustable kettlebell offers a lot of value and give it 4 out of 5 stars for the price. It’s cheaper than many similar options on the market, and with six available weight options, it’s an impressive all-in-one design.
As long as you aren’t too rough on the outer shell, it’s hard to beat the Bowflex SelectTech 840 at this price point.
Customer Experience
We’re impressed with Bowflex’s customer service and warranty policies, and give this ‘bell 4.5 out of 5 stars for the customer experience.
The Bowflex 840 has a two-year warranty, but it is worth noting you must register your kettlebell online at www.bowflex.com/register. You will need to provide information like the date of purchase and the item’s serial number in case you want to make use of your warranty at any point.
Bowflex has very good customer service, as well. If you have a question, you can easily contact the company through the live chat button or by calling 800-605-3369. I found them to be very responsive and easy to work with.
Since this isn’t a product like a treadmill or elliptical, you don’t need to worry about a complicated assembly process or lugging 300 pounds up the stairs at your home; it arrives ready to go. In fact, several customer reviews mentioned how pleased they were with the fact that there’s no complex assembly process.
Customer Reviews
With 7,581 reviews on Amazon at the time of writing, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell has an impressive average score of 4.8 out of 5 stars. Customers raved about the space-saving capabilities, overall value, and usefulness for beginners.
Although there weren’t many negative reviews, a few people did complain about the handle being slippery and the kettlebell being unwieldy to hold.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Vs
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 has some competition in the adjustable kettlebell space, especially with newer options being released from manufacturers like REP Fitness and Bells of Steel.
If you love the idea of a quick-adjust dial and want a ‘bell that feels like a traditional kettlebell (even though the Bowflex is close), we like the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell. It features a standard cannonball-like shape and handle diameters of 34.6 to 35mm, depending on the chosen size.
The only downside is the higher price tag, but if you have extra room in your budget, the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell can be a worthwhile alternative. You can read all about it in our REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell review. The only drawback is that REP’s adjustment mechanism is plastic, so that may wear down over time.
If you want something that feels truly indestructible and don’t mind a slower adjustment process, we recommend the Bells Of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell. It starts at $229, so you’re going to spend more, but the steel construction provides comparable durability to traditional cast iron kettlebells.
In fact, GGR Everything lead reviewer Lindsay Scheele, CPT, CNC, even said, “This is probably the only adjustable kettlebell I’d feel comfortable dropping, and I have…everything stayed in-place and intact.”
To learn more, read our full Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell review.
| Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell | REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell | Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell | |
| Price | $149 | Starts at $149.99 | Starts at $220.99 |
| Weight Range | 8-40 lbs | 8-16 kg; 16-24 kg; 20-40 lbs | 12-20.5 kg (can be expanded to 32 kg) |
| Handle Diameter | 25 mm | 34.6 mm | 35 mm |
| Adjustment Mechanism | Weight selection dial | Push-and-twist dial | Internal plates |
| Materials | Steel weight plates, metal handle, plastic outer shell | Cast iron shell with matte powder coat | Steel shell, iron plates |
| Warranty | 2 years | Lifetime | Lifetime |
Final Verdict of Our Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Review
Overall, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell is a solid, space-efficient piece of equipment, offering plenty of versatility at a great price for kettlebell workouts. The adjustability is nice, as it’s easy to quickly change the weight settings across the 8- to 40-pound range. I would recommend this to someone on a budget, or who is low on space but still wants to take part in strength training.
- The shape feels very close to a standard ‘bell, but the kettlebell handle is a little thinner, which may feel strange to those used to regular kettlebells.
- While we didn’t have any concerns about the durability in our testing, the outer shell is made of plastic, so you should try to avoid dropping it.
- The Bowflex SelectTech 840 has a maximum weight of 40 pounds, which may be too light for stronger users.
Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Review: FAQs
How does the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell feel versus a traditional kettlebell?
We think it feels pretty similar, but the handle is thinner than a standard ‘bell, which can take some getting used to. The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell can also feel bulky and in the way during certain movements. Of course, there is the rattle from the weights when doing kettlebell exercises, too, which you don’t get from a traditional kettlebell.
How heavy does the Bowflex Adjustable Kettlebell go?
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell goes up to 18 kilograms (roughly 40 pounds), with six weight increments.
What kind of exercises can I do with the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell?
Just like you might be used to with free weights, you can do a variety of exercises with a kettlebell. These include things like kettlebell deadlifts, swings, and one-legged cleans.
References
- Jaiswal, P. R., Ramteke, S. U., & Shedge, S. (2024). Enhancing Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review on Kettlebell Training. Cureus, 16(2), e53497. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.53497
