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After using Rogue Kettlebells for over 5 years including the Powder Coat version and new E-Coat version as well as practically every competitor on the market, I believe the new Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells are the best kettlebells on the market for most people.
They are made in the USA, use a superior finish to powder coat, have a tight weight tolerance warranty, and come in every weight increment desired all at one of the most affordable prices available.
USA-Made Kettlebells
Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Made in the USA
- Durable e-coat covering
- Many weight options
- Variety of handle diameters
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Extremely durable e-coat covering
- Made in the USA
- Wide range of weight options
- Variety of handle diameters
Cons
- Shipping can get pricey
- Good pricing but still not the cheapest bell on the market
- Weight may not be perfectly accurate
Bottom Line
A premium kettlebell that's offered at a surprisingly affordable price.
I don’t think it would be much of a stretch to say that Rogue Fitness sells more kettlebells than anyone in the world. Not only are they one of the easiest companies to purchase from, but their prices are also some of the most affordable for high-quality kettlebells.
After using the standard Powder Coat Rogue Kettlebells for over 5 years and then recently receiving the latest, made in the USA E-Coat Rogue Kettlebell, I felt it was time for a Rogue Kettlebells review. Let’s get into it.
Rogue Kettlebells Video Review
Where are Rogue Kettlebells Made?
Although Rogue Fitness predominantly sells made in the USA equipment that comes out of their 700,000 Sq. Ft. facility, historically, their bumper plates, dumbbells, cast iron plates, and kettlebells have all been imported from various places including China.Up until recently, all of Rogue’s Kettlebells (including the Thompson Fatbells) have been made in China. Due, in part, to the high demand for home gym equipment as of late, Rogue sought out other places to manufacturer their kettlebells. The result is the new Rogue Kettlebells – E Coat.
Related: Check out the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell review
The Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells are made in Cadillac, Michigan by Cadillac Casting, a company who has been making automotive parts for over a century. You can still buy the imported Rogue Kettlebells, but as we’ll discuss, we doubt you’ll see a reason to.
Powder Coat Rogue Kettlebells vs. Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells
Powder Coat Kettlebells
Rogue Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Variety of weight increments
- Made of solid iron ore; no plastic caps, plug or patches
- Matte black powder finish
- Color-coded
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Rogue Kettlebells are, by and large, the best value kettlebells we've reviewed when price (with shipping,) weight accuracy, and finish are considered. They're not the absolute best kettlebells, but they are some of the best value available.
- All of Rogue's kettlebells use color-coded bands to make the weight increments easily identifiable. In addition to the bands, the weight in both Kilograms and Pounds is cast permanently into the iron so it doesn't face.
- Rogue uses a textured powder coat to protect against corrosion as well as allow the hands to grip. With chalk, these grip extremely well although they are a bit uneven in comparison to some competitors like Kettlebell Kings.
- Like most higher-end kettlebells, Rogue's use a single piece cast which means the handles are unlikely to separate from the bell when dropped like cheaper kettlebells.
- The bottom of the bells are machined flat. Many companies leave the raw casting which is often okay, but it can cause the kettlebells to be more likely to wobble.
- These are offered in a weight range from 9LB up to 203Lb which is one of the wider weight increment ranges offered on the market.
- The 40LB Rogue Kettlebell is officially approved for use with the US Army's Combat Fitness Test. There are only a few companies that are approved, one of which is Sorinex.
- The weight tolerance is +/- 3%. If they're beyond this, Rogue will replace the kettlebell, but it's not often that it happens.
- Rogue's shipping on items like these is nearly impossible to beat due to their large sales volume. This can save quite a bit of money depending on how much you buy.
Cons
- Rogue's powder coat on their kettlebells is pretty uneven and gritty in comparison to more expensive competitors like Kettlebell Kings.
- These kettlebells appear to be the same as what both Rep Fitness and Fringe Sport among others are selling. We'd guess they're made in similar factories. Go with who's cheapest.
- The handles get thicker on the kettlebells as they increase in weight. This is common, but it needs to be understood as some of the heavier weights have extremely thick handles.
- These are imported although Rogue has started to sell some made in the USA versions as well.
Bottom Line
After using and reviewing the Rogue Kettlebells for over three years, I do think they're the best value for most people. There are better kettlebells on the market, but with Rogue, you know you're going to get good quality and a great price on shipping. I do think the powder coating can get a bit uneven, and since these are imported, they're very similar to many of the competitors on the market like Rep Fitness and Fringe Sport. If you're looking for quality kettlebells at a great price, these are what we recommend to most people.
Kettlebells are an extremely simple product. They feature a round handle that is connected to the ‘bell’ portion of the kettlebell, are made out of cast iron, and often have a machine bottom. Although from a macro view, this seems like there would be all there is to discuss, however, as you swing, carry, and load kettlebells you realize that they’re not all the same. These differences are what separate the new Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells from the imported Rogue Kettlebells (which I foresee them removing altogether–more on that in a moment.)
Manufacturing Location:
As previously stated, the powder coated Rogue Kettlebells are imported from China. It has always been weird that a company that so highly prided themselves on being made in the USA sold imported kettlebells. I get it in that they were much cheaper and that was needed in order to compete, but still, it’s nice to see them bringing the manufacturing for these back home.
I do want to make it clear, however, that just because a product is imported, that does not automatically mean it is inferior. Some of my favorite kettlebells are the Kettlebell Kings Kettlebells that are an imported bell, but have an excellent finish. China ≠ poor quality. USA ≠ high quality. That’s a very elementary level of logic that although plays itself out often in the home gym community, is simply untrue.
This said, the new E Coat Kettlebells from Rogue are made entirely in the USA out of a new manufacturer for Rogue, Cadillac Casting in Cadillac, Michigan (man, that name just sounds sweet.) This does a few things for Rogue and their customers. It allows Rogue to have greater quality control, to make quicker changes, and to stock items quicker. It also allows Rogues customers who want to support US manufacturing to do it on yet another item that will pilfer the floor of their garage gyms.
Kettlebell Finish
The different finishes between the standard Rogue Kettlebells and the E Coat Kettlebells is the other big differentiator. Most cast iron kettlebells that exist on the market today use the same powder coat as what’s used on most squat racks. It’s a standard black powder coat that in order to achieve even coverage is laid on thick and, removes the grip that comes from the natural cast and ends up chipping and rusting underneath over time.
Few, regardless of if they sell an alternative or not, would argue that powder coat is a superior finish to E-Coat or Cerakote.
As their name indicates, the new Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells us an E-Coat finish that was initially developed for the automotive industry and is now being used on kettlebells as well as barbells like the Rogue Ohio Power Bar. This isn’t surprising as the founder of Rogue, Bill Henniger, formerly worked for General Motors and has brought many things from the auto industry into manufacturing strength and condition equipment, like assembly lines.
E-Coat is superior to powder coat for a few reasons. First off is the fact that E-Coat is more durable than powder coat. When you clank kettlebells together during snatches or swings, powder coat with chip and then end up rusting. E-Coat will not. E-Coat is also able to be applied thinner than powder coat which allows the imperfections in the cast iron to provide the grip and make it easier to clean. If you’ve ever tried cleaning powder coat, you know how difficult it is. E-coat is much easier despite being able to hold chalk just as well.
Cast Iron Vs. Ductile Iron
The last big difference between the imported kettlebells and the new made in the USA versions from Rogue is the actual iron that’s used. Rather than using cast iron on the new kettlebells, Rogue is now offering ductile iron, a vastly superior material. Ductile iron is one reason that we prefer the Sorinex Center Mass Bells to the Rogue Thompson Fat Bells. Ductile iron uses graphite nodules that increase the tensile strength of the iron as well as it’s resistance to rust.
So, let me break this down, not only are the new Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells made in the USA, but they use a superior finish and iron than the originals. And, here’s the best part for those building a budget home gym–they’re the same cost as the old ones.
The only improvement that we’d suggest is adding color rings to the handles for easy identification (which we’ve been told will likely come down the road.)
In the end, we see little reason to recommend the standard Rogue Kettlebells anymore. The new E-Coat Kettlebells from Rogue Fitness are the best kettlebells for most people currently available.
Rogue Kettlebells vs. The Competition
Rogue is obviously not the only ones making and selling kettlebells. Here are a few that we think are worth noting.
Rep Kettlebells vs. Rogue Kettlebells
REP Fitness KG Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Range from 1 kg (9 lbs) to 48 kg (106 lbs)
- Have a great grip with or without chalk
- Reasonably priced
- Made of cast iron
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Good grip with or without chalk
- Gravity die casting
- Matte coating
Cons
- May be susceptible to rust
- No weights above 106 lbs
- Textured handle not for everyone
Bottom Line
REP Fitness kettlebells, in both the kilogram and pound versions, are an excellent choice for people who want a grippy, well-constructed kettlebell.
Rep Fitness Kettlebells are practically the same kettlebell as the imported, powder coat version from Rogue. Rogue’s often come out a little cheaper depending on where you live, but the new E-Coat Kettlebells from Rogue are superior to Rep Fitness’ offerings just as they are to Rogue’s old model.
Kettlebell Kings vs. Rogue Kettlebells
Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells
Product Highlights
- Weight accuracy is on point
- Very grippy handle (takes chalk well)
- Lifetime warranty
- Weight options available in kilos and pounds
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Great weight accuracy
- Works well with or without chalk
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- 21 weight options written in kilos and pounds
Cons
- Price is on the higher end: $109 for 16kg, $145 for 25kg
- Thicker handle may be hard to grasp for smaller hands
- Some reviewers found the paint or coat chipping
- Programming available at extra cost
Bottom Line
A high-end kettlebell that has a grippy handle and a wide selection of weights.
Kettlebell Kings make fantastic kettlebells. I actually like Kettlebell Kings Cast Iron Kettlebells so much that I put an entire doubles set in my garage. Their powder coat finish is much smoother in comparison to most imported kettlebells and their entire finish is more consistent. This said, should Rogue begin offering their E Coat Kettlebells with color rings, I’d have a hard time recommending Kettlebell Kings current offering over Rogues. Rogue’s are cheaper, made in the US, and use the superior E-Coat finish.
Sorinex Kettlebells are very comparable kettlebells to the new Rogue offering. They’re made of ductile iron here in the USA and are very consistent. They do use a powder coat finish and they are more expensive, especially when you factor in shipping, but they’re nonetheless a similar bell. This said, it would be hard to recommend them over Rogue due to the higher price point for what is a very similar kettlebell.
Full Rating
Rogue Kettlebells
After using Rogue Kettlebells for over 5 years including the Powder Coat version and new E-Coat version as well as practically every competitor on the market, I believe the new Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells are the best kettlebells on the market for most people.They are made in the USA, use a superior finish to powder coat, have a tight weight tolerance warranty, and come in every weight increment desired all at one of the most affordable prices available.
Product Brand: Rogue Fitness
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 30
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.6
Rogue Kettlebells FAQs
Are Rogue Kettlebells any good?
Yes. Although they’re priced competitively, they’re a high quality cast iron kettlebell.
How are Rogue’s Competition Kettlebells?
They’re good but don’t offer the price advantage like the E-Coat and Cast Iron Kettlebells Rogue sells.
Why don’t the E-Coat Kettlebells have color weight identifiers?
I’ve heard this is something that could come in the future. Rogue is currently focused on getting kettlebells to market as quickly as possible, I would assume.
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