Of all the strength training tools you can have in your arsenal, few offer as much bang for your buck as the good ol’ kettlebell. From snatches and swings to goblet squats and Turkish get-ups, the best kettlebells allow you to execute a wide range of movements safely and effectively.
Even though most ‘bells look similar on the surface, some feel and perform better than others. While there are plenty of high-quality options on the market, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better long-term investment than a brand that quite literally wears the crown. In this Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells review, I’ll dive into what makes them a top-tier choice for both beginners and experienced lifters who want to train with equipment fit for the throne.
Our Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Review, Summarized
Kettlebell Kings kettlebells feature a flat base and sturdy, single-piece cast-iron design that makes them ideal for home gym owners looking to enhance their strength and conditioning routine. Boasting a similar look and feel to Rogue kettlebells, they come in a wide range of sizes, though it may be a bit of a challenge to find specific ones at certain retailers. Our expert product tester gave these a perfect score for construction, which speaks volumes about the build quality and reliability of these high-value ‘bells.
How We Test Kettlebells
A well-made kettlebell should feel balanced, sit flat on the floor, and tolerate repeated use without chipping, loosening, or cracking. We take note of the shape, build materials, and casting process, awarding top scores to traditional ‘bells with single-piece, cast iron or steel profiles that showcase even weight distribution and teeter-free bases.
We assess whether a kettlebell comes in imperial or metric weight totals (pounds or kilograms), and how expansive the weight range is. The best manufacturers not only offer kettlebells in different weight increments to support progressive overload, but also provide clearly marked weight indications in both pounds and kilograms, so you can focus on working—not converting. A 3-out-of-5 rating means the available weight range is moderate enough for varied training needs, but stronger athletes may be left underserved for certain lifts.
What good is a kettlebell if you can’t keep a firm grasp on it during your workout? When evaluating the handle, we consider the diameter, the grip performance (with and without chalk), and how well you can control the weight during long sets where sweaty palms may become an issue. Benchmark scores of 3 out of 5 are given to kettlebells with a comfortable, controllable handle that may be prone to slippage with sweatier hands.
Over the years, we have developed a thorough kettlebell testing methodology that helps us evaluate kettlebells in relevant categories such as construction, durability, weight options, shape, value, and more. Our expert product testers put every ‘bell through a bevy of kettlebell exercises—including snatches, swings, Turkish get-ups, and goblet squats—to provide accurate ratings based on a scale of 1 to 5.
The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit competitors, Olympic-level athletes, and strength training enthusiasts who can easily distinguish a high-quality e-coat or powder coat finish from a low-quality skin. Whether it’s standard kettlebells, competition ‘bells, or fully adjustable kettlebells, our team has tested more than 30 of these popular free weights over the years (with plenty more to come).
In 2024, we helped more than 350 athletes and home gym owners find their ideal ‘bell, and we’re ready to help connect you with the right one, too.
What to Know Before You Buy
- Although you used to be able to purchase them directly on kettlebellkings.com, you will have to look on Amazon, Walmart, or other online retailers to find the ideal Kettlebell Kings Kettlebell profile for your training needs. There are differences in price and weight options through each retailer, so be sure to check both before you make a final decision.
- While we’ve only tested the brand’s traditional kettlebells, Kettlebell Kings also offers competition-style kettlebells for those who prefer standardized sizing and a consistent feel across all weights.
- These cast iron kettlebells come with a lifetime warranty, which should give you more peace of mind about your purchase. Many manufacturers offer around one year of coverage, so this adds even more value.
Are Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Worth It?
It may be a bit of a challenge to find specific kettlebell weights and sizes, but we think it’s worth scavenging Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers for Kettlebell Kings kettlebells. They check all the boxes for aesthetics, performance, and durability, making them a wise long-term investment for strength and conditioning enthusiasts of all experience levels.
While they aren’t as affordable as something like Yes4All Vinyl Coated Kettlebells (one of our top recommendations for budget-friendly kettlebells), you certainly get what you pay for in terms of build quality. Outside of limited availability based on what’s in stock, it’s hard to find a major knock against Kettlebell Kings.
Are you still eyeing the crown? Read on to find out some key specs and metrics for Kettlebell Kings powder-coat kettlebells.
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells: Key Features & Specs
| Price | Cheapest: $52.99, Most Expensive: $330 |
| Weight Range | 9-97 lbs |
| Handle Diameter | Varies by size |
| Materials and Coating | Cast iron construction with powder-coat finish |
| Color-coded Handle? | Yes |
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty |
Workout Experience with the Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells
GGR Director of Content Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC is a busy mom of three who refuses to let a packed schedule stop her from staying on top of her fitness game. One of the ways she’s been able to remain consistent is by relying on Kettlebell Kings kettlebells for at-home workouts. As someone who owns ‘bells from multiple brands, Nicole understands the small design nuances that can make a big impact on your training experience. After several years of ownership, let’s just say she’s ready to place Kettlebell Kings kettlebells on their rightful throne.
Although Nicole has put these kettlebells through it, storing them in the garage during the summer and fall for outdoor workouts, they still work well. The bottoms are a bit rusted but that doesn’t affect the functionality at all.
I’ve spent the last 2.5 years training almost exclusively with these kettlebells in my basement. They have come in handy for my busy lifestyle. The flat base allows me to keep them securely stored and out of my kids’ way once I’m finished.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Rating
Construction
Not all kettlebells are created equal. Thankfully, Kettlebell Kings prioritizes build quality by using single-cast iron with no present welds to create a sturdy, stable free weight profile. This is our preferred manufacturing method, as welded models can be more prone to durability issues and balance inconsistencies.
Speaking of balance, you won’t have to worry about that, according to Nicole. “The bottom is flat, so no issue there,” she says in reference to her 5-out-of-5 construction rating. “These are also very sturdy.”
In addition, these kettlebells feature a high-quality powder coat finish. In our experience, this slightly textured, matte material provides more friction and a better overall grip than e-coat or glossy overlays. This can particularly come in handy (no pun intended) when performing classic exercises like kettlebell swings, cleans, presses, and carries—especially if you train without chalk.
Durability
Earning a rock-solid durability score of 4 out of 5, you can count on Kettlebell Kings kettlebells to survive repeated use. In fact, even Nicole seems impressed with how well hers have held up. “I’ve had these for almost three years and they still function great,” she explains.
This integrity can be attributed to the single-cast design that helps prevent cracking, loosening, or other structural failures that can be more prominent across welded silhouettes. If you’re routinely dropping your ‘bells (overtop proper home gym flooring, of course) then you’re likely to appreciate this burlier design.
Nicole did dock one point off the durability score, though, due to some visible rusting and chipping. That said, she admittedly took some responsibility for rust forming on the bottom. “It was probably my fault for leaving these outside in the garage during most of the year,” she explains. Luckily, the chipped coating on two of her lighter weights has, as she states, “No effect on the actual functionality.”
Handle
Despite an ergonomic shape and comfortable diameter, the handle on these Kettlebell Kings kettlebells isn’t the best we’ve tested. At the same time, it’s not a major detriment to your workout experience.
There’s no specific information available on the handle diameter for each size in the Kettlebell Kings lineup, Nicole says her 15-kilogram kettlebells have a 35-millimeter handle diameter, which is right around the average (34.87 millimeters). She also has 6-kg and 8-kg models that measure just over 32 millimeters.
“My hands are on the smaller side and these grips are fine for me,” she says. “For reference, I have a 24-kg powder coat Rogue kettlebell that has a large diameter handle, and I struggle with that one a bit if I have to go one-handed.”
While we’re OK with the varying grip diameters, we still rate the handle at a conservative 3 out of 5 since these kettlebells can present some grip issues, depending on the elements.
“Especially in the summer when my hands get moist during a workout, I notice that the grip slips on the 15s, so chalk would be ideal,” Nicole says. “If I’m not overly hot, I have no issues, but this would be important if you sweat when you work out.”
Weight Options
Kettlebell Kings offers these kettlebells in a wide range of sizes ranging from 9 pounds to 97 pounds. This can provide ample flexibility for progressive overload, which is shown to promote gains in muscular strength and hypertrophy1. This assortment also makes it easier for beginners to get started with manageable weights. Kettlebell Kings uses a precise gravity casting process to ensure each bell meets international weight standards—something you don’t see on cheaper ‘bells.
Furthermore, we appreciate that these kettlebells have color-coded handles and dual weight markings for easy identification. This can be a particularly user-friendly feature that can help keep your workouts efficient; you don’t have to do any conversions or calculations mid-training. Overall, these earned a perfect weight options score of 5 out of 5.
Purchasing/Shipping
Although Nicole awarded a 4-out-of-5 rating in this category, it’s important to note that the purchasing process is different than when she acquired her Kettlebell Kings kettlebells several years ago. At that time, she was able to purchase them directly from the company website. At the time of this review, though, that appears to no longer be the case.
“These seem to only be available on third-party retail sites like Amazon and Walmart now, but they do offer free shipping,” Nicole explains. “However, just as I’m looking today, the weight options do seem slim.”
After doing some more digging, I can confirm some of those availability concerns. Amazon does have a few different sizes available, but the entire range is not offered online. Ditto for Walmart. So, even though you may get free shipping from these third-party retailers, you may struggle to find specific sizes.
Another factor to consider: You can’t buy these in pairs or sets. That could be frustrating for folks looking to build a robust collection in a single purchase. If that’s the case, you may want to look at another option like the REP Fitness Kettlebell Set.
Overall Value
Available for roughly $4.50 per kilogram on Amazon, these kettlebells are priced fairly, according to Nicole. However, they’re significantly more expensive at Walmart, making the former a more attractive option.
Ultimately, though, are these a wise investment? I’ll let our expert break it down:
“These are worth the money—they are super solid and still work great after three years of heavy use,” Nicole says. “I already had a random 25-pound kettlebell from Amazon, and I also added a 24-kg powder coat model from Rogue. I like the KB Kings ones just as much as the Rogue one; they’re about the same price and feel similar in quality.”
The takeaway here: If you are able to find the Kettlebell Kings kettlebells you’re looking for, you won’t be disappointed with your purchase. As a result, we rate the value at a 4 out of 5.
Customer Service
Unfortunately, because you cannot purchase these kettlebells directly from the manufacturer, you’re subject to the retailer’s return policy. In Amazon’s case, that’s just a 30-day window. On the other hand, Walmart offers a 90-day return policy. That’s a sizable difference that may be worth considering if you have any hesitation about investing in these ‘bells.
RELATED: Best Budget Home Gym Equipment on Amazon
That said, one of the reasons we rewarded Kettlebell Kings with a strong customer service score of 4 out of 5 is its warranty policy. These kettlebells come with lifetime coverage—a huge perk for a product that’s bound to get tossed around. Nicole cautions that she’s not sure how that works with the retailer if you do run into any issues, so it’s worth looking into before you finalize your cart.
Customer Reviews
To help paint a complete picture of how these kettlebells are viewed, we averaged the customer ratings from Amazon (4.4 stars) and Walmart (4.9 stars) to give a composite score of 4.7 stars. Overall, customers appreciate the high-quality powder-coat finish and balanced design. There is some mixed feedback about shipping and durability issues, as you’ll see in the testimonials below:
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Vs
From afar, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between a kettlebell from Kettlebell Kings and GIANT Lifting. I personally tested the V3 Kettlebell from GIANT, and based on Nicole’s feedback, it’s clear the two brands have constructed very similar products.
Both kettlebells boast the same single-piece cast iron design with a powder-coated finish. They also both feature color-coded handles and dual weight markings; a nice aesthetic and functional touch that makes it easy to switch weights mid-workout. However, while Nicole only rated the Kettlebell Kings’ handle at 3 out of 5, I gave the V3 Kettlebell a perfect score.
GIANT offers a similar weight range (9 pounds to 107 pounds), but you should have a much easier time finding the size you want compared to Kettlebell Kings, especially since you can order them directly from the manufacturer. Check out my full Giant V3 Kettlebell review for more insight.
If you’re OK with sacrificing some build quality for a lower cost, you could also look at the Yes4All Vinyl Kettlebells. These are our best budget pick, though you should be aware that they earned below-average scores for construction (2.5 out of 5) and durability (2.5 out of 5). Still, it’s hard to argue with the price, as the cheapest option (5 pounds) costs just $13.73.
Final Verdict of Our Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Review
If you’re looking for cast iron bells that can get the job done for years to come, look no further than Kettlebell Kings. Based on Nicole’s three years of ownership, we’re confident these will remain a staple in your strength training repertoire for the long haul. They’re sturdy, stable, and durable tools you can use for everything from building muscle and strength to improving your cardiovascular fitness.
Ultimately, this in-depth kettlebell review confirms that Kettlebell Kings kettlebells still reign as some of the better choices on the market.
- These single-piece, cast-iron bells have a high-quality powder-coat finish that helps with durability.
- Pricing varies, with Amazon generally being more affordable than Walmart and other online retailers.
- In addition to traditional kettlebells, Kettlebell Kings also sells competition bells for folks who participate in CrossFit or similar styles of training.
- Finding the right size can be a challenge, so check with third-party retailers to see all your available options.
Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells Review: FAQs
What is the difference between traditional kettlebells and adjustable kettlebells?
Traditional kettlebells have a fixed weight and one-piece design that’s usually made from cast iron or steel. Adjustable kettlebells, conversely, are a space-saving solution that allows you to add or remove weight using pins, dials, bolts, or similar mechanisms.
What is the best brand for kettlebells?
While there are many respectable kettlebell brands, some of our favorites include REP Fitness, Rogue, Bells of Steel, and Titan Fitness. Kettlebell Kings also scored highly, according to our kettlebell testing methodology.
Are kettlebells better than barbells or dumbbells?
Kettlebells, dumbbells, and barbells all have unique properties that make them useful for a variety of athletes and training purposes. Barbells excel for maximum strength efforts and are utilized in sports like powerlifting and Olympic lifting, while kettlebells and dumbbells can work well for dynamic exercises and are more beginner-friendly. Ultimately, utilizing all three can be an effective way to achieve your fitness goals.
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
