Best Overall: REP Adjustable Kettlebell
Credit: Joe Lingeman
Price: about $150 at Amazon
Pros
- Shaped like a standard kettlebell
- Lots of weight options
- Made with cast iron
- Fairly priced
Cons
- The plastic dial can be temperamental
Why It Wins
Many well-known brands make adjustable kettlebells with strong reviews and similar specs. REP’s model earns the top spot because it looks, feels, and performs the most like a conventional kettlebell. Even the handle diameter comes close to competition standard, and the price is reasonable for what you get.
Build and Design
The frame is cast iron with a powder coating that improves grip. Its traditional shape means kettlebell sport athletes can train with it and carry that work over to competition. The base is covered in rubber to protect your floor, a small touch that stands out. Equipment of this quality usually costs more than average, but this kettlebell is less expensive than the other picks in the guide.
Weight Options and Adjustment
REP offers three weight ranges: 8-16 kg (17-35 lbs), 16-24 kg (35-53 lbs), and 20-40 lbs. The kilogram versions adjust in 2 kg steps, and the pound version adjusts in 5 lb steps. To choose a weight, turn the dial on top of the kettlebell, below the handle. Then lift the kettlebell off the weight stack. The unused plates stay in place for the rest of your set or workout.
The Downside
Some other brands have criticized the plastic dial as feeling cheap and breakable. The editors flag this but don’t consider it a real problem unless you plan to treat the kettlebell roughly.
Which Range to Choose
Whichever range you pick, it replaces five separate kettlebells. For general fitness, the 20-40 lb option offers enough weight for presses and high-rep squats and rows. If you have some lifting experience and mainly want explosive movements such as swings and snatches, the 16-24 kg range is the better fit. Unless you’re a complete beginner, the editors recommend one of these two ranges.
Features at a Glance
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight range | 8-16 kg, 16-24 kg, 20-40 lbs |
| Handle diameter | 34.6 mm, 34.6 mm, 35 mm |
| Adjustment mechanism | Dial |
| Materials | Powder-coated steel, plastic |
Bottom Line
With a traditional shape, grippy cast-iron construction, and a price below its competitors, REP’s adjustable kettlebell is a sound choice for most lifters. Pick the weight range that matches your training style, and treat the dial with reasonable care.
