How to Choose the Right Kettlebell
Today, we’re going to break down the two main types of kettlebells, Hardstyle and Competition, so you can choose the right one for your training and avoid the common mistakes people make when buying their first bell.
Kettlebells come in two primary styles, and there’s a lot of fragmented or flat-out wrong information out there about them.
So let’s clear it up and make this simple.
The Two Types of Kettlebell
Hardstyle Kettlebells
Hardstyle kettlebells are made from solid cast iron and are the most common type you’ll see in gyms.
Each weight is a different size, smaller bells for lighter loads and larger bells for heavier ones. This gives you natural progression and useful proprioceptive feedback as you build strength.
They’re designed for power, control, and versatility, sitting nicely between strength training and conditioning.
If you want one tool that can replace a lot of traditional kit like dumbbells and machines, this is it.
Competition Kettlebells
Competition (or “comp”) kettlebells are built for kettlebell sport, an endurance discipline focused on high-rep work with a small number of movements.
They’re made entirely of steel and all weights share the same external dimensions. This gives consistent hand placement, rack position, and technique across loads.
Handles are usually narrower and smoother, which reduces grip as a limiting factor during long sets. This makes them ideal for sport, but less versatile for general strength and conditioning.
So, Where Should You Start?
Because kettlebell sport is a specialist discipline, most people should start with a hardstyle bell.
But not all hardstyle kettlebells are good kettlebells.
There are plenty of poor-quality bells out there, so here are the most common mistakes people make when buying their first one, and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Choosing a Handle That’s Too Smooth
Polished chrome or stainless handles look “premium”.
They’re not.
Once your hands start to sweat, smooth handles reduce friction, forcing you to grip harder. That leads to quicker fatigue and increases the risk of the bell slipping mid-swing.
Powder-coated or matte handles provide just enough texture to improve control without shredding your hands.
Avoid shiny handles.
Mistake 2: Buying a Bell With a Small Window
The “window” is the space between the handle and the bell.
Cheap kettlebells often have a tight gap, which causes the bell to rotate onto the wrist joint instead of sitting diagonally across the forearm.
That’s uncomfortable at best and an injury risk at worst.
A good bell allows the handle to sit comfortably in the palm while the bell rests across muscle, not bone, in the rack position.
If it digs into your wrist, walk away.
Mistake 3: Choosing the Wrong Material or Coating
Vinyl, rubber, or neoprene-coated bells are best avoided.
These coatings can catch on the skin during rotation, disrupt the natural arc of the movement, and interfere with technique. They also tend to chip, peel, and trap moisture over time.
Powder-coated cast iron is the safest bet. Durable, balanced, and predictable.
Why Hardstyle Bells Win for Performance Conditioning
Competition bells are excellent if you decide to focus on kettlebell sport.
But if your goal is to blend strength, conditioning, and general physical preparation, hardstyle bells are the better starting point.
Look for:
Powder-coated cast iron
A lightly textured handle
A generous window that clears the wrist
I like the Bulldog Gear bells and the Wolverson bells.
As for the overly polished, over-designed bells that dominate search results, give them a wide berth.
Top tip: New bells sometimes need bedding in. If a handle is tearing your hands and you’re confident your grip is relaxed, a light pass with fine sandpaper can take the edge off the coating.
That’s it.
