Adjustable Kettlebell vs Standard Kettlebell: How to Choose
A kettlebell is a highly versatile and effective piece of exercise equipment. Helping people of all ages and activity levels get stronger, boost their endurance, and even improve cardiovascular fitness, it's no wonder kettlebell sales are surging.1,2
If you've decided to add kettlebells to your arsenal, you might have come across standard and adjustable designs. Both options can be used to build muscle, increase power, and work on conditioning.
So, what type should you get? It depends on a few factors, like your available space, budget, how you like to work out, and your goals. Let's break down adjustable kettlebell vs standard options in terms of construction, cost, durability, performance, progression, and maintenance.
Key Differences & How Each Works
First, a quick primer on traditional and adjustable kettlebells, including how they're made and how each works.
Standard Kettlebells
Often made of cast iron or steel, kettlebells are cannonball-shaped weights with flat bottoms and thick handles. Like standard dumbbells, each bell is a fixed weight—which can be anywhere from 2 to 80 pounds (or higher)—with consistent balance and shape.
A kettlebell is used for strength-building routines and full-body workouts that build power and challenge stability. Sessions often incorporate swings, goblet squats, cleans, rows, snatches, and presses.3
Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustable kettlebells consist of one large bell with weighted plates that can be added or removed to adjust the weight. The adjustment mechanism might use a dial, pin, or internal plate-loading system that locks into place once you select the weight you need. Then any unused plates stay on the base.
Lifepro's user-friendly PowerStone™ systems utilize a handle-twist dial selector. Alignment arrows show the poundage you've selected, and an audible click tells you when it's locked into place. Learn more about how adjustable kettlebells work in our blog.
Space & Storage
One of the major benefits of adjustable kettlebells is the space-saving design. A single bell can stand in for up to seven standard bells. Ideal for tight workout setups and apartments, the compact footprint takes up minimal floor space. It's also easier to store or bring on the go for travel and competitions.
A set of standard kettlebells takes up more space. You'll usually need a designated floor area or rack (the average shelf may not be able to bear the weight of the full set). But each weight is always ready to grab.
Cost & Value
Think about the upfront cost of each kettlebell type vs the value of a long-term investment.
Adjustable kettlebells can be more cost-effective, as they're typically less expensive on a pound-for-pound basis than a full fixed set. On the other hand, traditional kettlebells may have a higher cumulative cost if you purchase a comprehensive set or several individual sizes.
Durability & Longevity
Standard kettlebells offer maximum durability. As a single piece of equipment with no moving parts, there's almost nothing on the bell that can break, fail, or even wear down over time.
An adjustable kettlebell has components that move each time it's used, including plates, pins, dials, screws, or bolts. These pieces can loosen or break on poorly designed models, particularly those with plastic parts. But premium designs, like Lifepro’s, are more durable. In either case, high-quality builds can last for decades.
Performance, Grip, & Training Feel
You'll also want to consider how well your kettlebell set will perform and feel during various training sessions, especially routines that call for balance, quick transitions, or ballistic moves.
Standard: Best for Technique & Ballistics
Traditional kettlebells are often preferred for developing specific techniques and doing ballistic training—forceful power moves that involve jumping, throwing, or swinging.4 They have sturdy handles, uniform dimensions, and reliable weight distribution for swings, cleans, snatches, and competition practice.5
Adjustable: Functional with Caveats
A high-quality adjustable kettlebell with a smooth, reliable adjustment system can be very functional and suitable for most workouts. Depending on the design, the shape of the bell or the handle width can affect more advanced movements, and weight changes can interrupt the flow of a circuit.6
You can rehearse weight changes before a competition or high-intensity session to keep your circuits as smooth as possible. With practice, the adjustment mechanism is quick and easy.
Weight Range & Progression
Individual kettlebells are available at virtually unlimited weights and increments. You can start as low as you want and progress gradually, increasing by as little as one pound at a time. But you'll have to purchase a set that has your maximum weight goal or continue buying larger bells to keep building strength and power.7
Adjustable sets usually offer a range of several pre-set weights, with increments of 2 to 5 pounds. For example, the PowerStone ranges from 3.5 to 22.5 pounds, and the PowerStone™ Boulder goes from 5 to 44 pounds, each with seven settings.
If you think you might outgrow the maximum weight of your adjustable set, choose one with a higher weight range. Alternatively, you can supplement an adjustable kettlebell with one or more heavier fixed-weight bells.8
Adjustable Kettlebell vs Standard: Best Use Cases
Should you go with traditional kettlebells or purchase an adjustable set? Let's look at who might benefit most from each option:
- Choose standard if you prioritize the traditional kettlebell design, reliable performance, and long-term durability, or if you want optimal weight balance for ballistic training or competitions.9
- Choose adjustable if you're a beginner exploring kettlebell training, space is limited, you need multiple weights on a budget, or you need workout equipment for outdoor or on-the-go routines.
How to Decide
Here are a few more points to help you decide between traditional and adjustable kettlebells:
- Training style and moves – If you're doing mostly swings and snatches or advanced techniques, standard might be best. However, if you're a beginner and want a variety of weight options for mixed conditioning, an adjustable set can work great.10
- Space and budget – Tight space or a limited budget for exercise equipment? Adjustable wins. With more available space and a higher spending limit, it could be worth investing in traditional kettlebells—or getting both.
- Max weight needed – If you anticipate outgrowing the maximum weight on an adjustable set, you can start building a fixed-weight set of kettlebells. Or consider purchasing both for even more flexibility.
Safety, Care, & Maintenance
Safety should always be a top priority when working with heavy fitness equipment. And proper care and maintenance can ensure your kettlebells last as long as possible. Here's what we recommend.
Pre-Use Checks
Each time you use an adjustable kettlebell, confirm the locks are fully engaged after selecting your weight. Test with a few slower, controlled swings before doing heavier sets.
Regular Tightening and Inspecting
Regularly check that the pinch bolts, pins, and fasteners are in place and tighten them if needed. Also, ensure all moving components are still functioning properly and that the weight-adjustment mechanism works as it should.
If you notice squeaks or rattling, address the issue before starting a training session to avoid mid-set surprises. Beyond that, check the manufacturer's maintenance instructions to see if the equipment needs periodic tune-ups.
Proper Handling
Never drop your kettlebells. Carefully set them down on the floor after each use, looking out for nearby feet or other body parts. When using your adjustable kettlebell, the base holding any unused weight should be placed on the floor in a flat area. Keep it out of the way to avoid tripping during sets.
Storage
An adjustable kettlebell can be stored on the floor or possibly a shelf, as long as the shelf has a high enough weight capacity. A set of regular kettlebells will need a sturdy rack. Otherwise, they can be placed on the floor, ideally along a wall so they're out of the way.
Cleaning
Like other exercise equipment, adjustable and standard kettlebells can be wiped down with a damp cloth or disinfectant solution to remove sweat and bacteria. Just don't oversaturate the exterior or get the inside wet to avoid rust.
Again, look at the brand's user manual for specific cleaning instructions and maintenance guidelines.
Lifepro Adjustable Kettlebells for Evolving Workouts
Lifepro is dedicated to offering the tools, guidance, and support you need to boost your strength, improve your fitness, and elevate your day-to-day well-being. Our range of premium fitness and exercise equipment has what you need to work out and build muscle at home or on the go, all with dependable quality at moderate price points.
The collection from Lifepro includes adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells with compact configurations and multi-weight versatility to cover your day-one to day-100 progress with a single, smart footprint. These all-in-one sets are engineered for fast changes and reliable pound-by-pound accuracy, allowing you to progress your power, strength, and conditioning without buying a full rack.
Explore Lifepro's lineup of adjustable workout equipment to see what's available.
Sources:
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Kettlebell Swing Training Improves Maximal and Explosive Strength. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/fulltext/2012/08000/kettlebell_swing_training_improves_maximal_and.28.aspx
- DataHorizon Research. Global Adjustable Kettlebells Market. https://datahorizzonresearch.com/global-adjustable-kettlebells-market-48478
- BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. The effects of kettlebell training versus resistance training using the own body mass on physical fitness and physiological adaptations in obese adults: a randomized controlled trial. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-024-00894-6
- Journal of Functional Morphology Kinesiology. Effects of a Low-Volume Kettlebell Strength Program on Vertical Jump and Isometric Strength in Dancers: A Pilot Study. https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5142/10/2/130
- Cureus. Enhancing Athletic Performance: A Comprehensive Review on Kettlebell Training. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10910645/
- Journal of Human Kinetics. Kettlebell Exercise as an Alternative to Improve Aerobic Power and Muscle Strength. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6458586/
- BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. Kettlebell training in clinical practice: a scoping review. https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-019-0130-z
- American Physiological Society. Kettlebell Training May Help Maintain Muscle Strength in Older Adults. https://www.physiology.org/detail/news/2024/11/21/kettlebell-training-may-help-maintain-muscle-strength-in-older-adults?SSO=Y
- Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. Transference of Kettlebell Training to Traditional Olympic Weight Lifting And Muscular Endurance. https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/abstract/2010/01001/transference_of_kettlebell_training_to_traditional.100.aspx
- Journal of Fitness Research. Effects of kettlebell training on aerobic capacity, muscular strength, balance, flexibility, and body composition. https://research.usc.edu.au/esploro/outputs/journalArticle/Effects-of-kettlebell-training-on-aerobic/99448744602621
