A typical kettlebell will either be made from cast iron or steel. Sure, there are others that have a vinyl covering or even ones that are made completely from rubber. However, they are prone to wear and eventually might break or crack. If you’re just starting out with kettlebells, you’ll probably want to invest in a light weight or a small set of kettlebells. While I encourage everyone who begins kettlebell training to give it at least a month, inevitably there will be people who will try it once or twice and decide it’s not for them.
That’s an unfortunate assessment on my part as I believe anyone can benefit from kettlebell exercising. It’s not a magic wand but given time and effort, it’s one of the most efficient tools to lose weight, build strength, and improve cardio and overall health. Those who have stuck with training will surely realize this and want to continue to challenge themselves by purchasing a new heavier kettlebell.
That’s a great mindset to have, however, the heavier the kettlebell is the more expensive it will be. That’s a fact. Considering you could easily progress to a heavier kettlebell 3-5 times a year, that cost will quickly add up. Plus, you’ll probably want a nice kettlebell rack to hold your growing collection. Although, if you can’t afford the space or the semi-frequent cost of upgrading, there is another solution – an adjustable weight kettlebell.
Light Adjustable Kettlebells
For someone who is mostly concerned with high repetition or cardio-based kettlebell workouts, an adjustable weight kettlebell that is in the range of between 10 and 40 lbs. is a perfect choice. They say the average man should start with a 35 lb. kettlebell. Although, I think that is a little bit misleading. Rather, the average man who is already exercising somewhat, isn’t overweight, and is used to a little physical exertion would be the ideal candidate for that weight. Everyone else who seldom exercises and might not be in the best shape should absolutely start with kettlebells in the 10 – 20 lb. range. Below, I’ve listed a couple of options that fit these criteria.
1. Titan Fitness 10-40 lb Adjustable Kettlebell Weight
Perhaps the most popular adjustable weight kettlebell for its versatility and affordability is the Titan Fitness 10-40 lb Adjustable Kettlebell. 6 cast iron plates can be quickly added or removed to create a desired total weight. Each of these plates weighs approximately 5 pounds which can make all the difference, especially during extended workouts.
A locking mechanism at the top of the kettlebell keeps the plates secured and intact. By turning the lock from one side to the other, each plate is able to be removed or inserted with little effort. What I love about this feature is that you really have a lot of flexibility to create a hybrid workout. Maybe during the first 10-15 minutes of working out you want to start heavy and focus on strength. Afterward, if you want to increase your rep count and lighten your load for cardio, flexibility, and mobility, just remove a couple of plates and presto! You’re set up for a great finisher of another 10-15 minutes of a less intense but faster-paced workout.
2. Stamina X Adjustable Kettle Versa-Bell
If you prefer the look of a standard kettlebell with an outer shell then this adjustable weight kettlebell won’t disappoint. Instead of 5-pound plates, 6 plates each of 4 pounds allow for adjustments to be of 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 pounds. That’s not quite the range of the first light adjustable kettlebell I mentioned, but the concealment of the plates by the shell is a little more pleasing to the eye.
The cast-iron handle easily allows for either one-handed or two-handed kettlebell exercises. Additionally, the base is stable enough to even perform push-ups without any wobbling or rocking. The only concern I can think of is that the outer shell is indeed plastic. This shouldn’t pose much of a problem since the core of the kettlebell is what is holding the plates together. However, if dropped on multiple occasions that shell might crack as I previously mentioned.
- ADJUSTABLE KETTLEBELLS SET: The Stamina X Versa-Bell replaces the need for an entire kettlebell set, saving you money and storage space. Easy-to-swap plates allow you to customize your weight with ease.
- PATENTED WEIGHT SYSTEM: Easily adjust the kettlebell weights in 4 pound increments: 16, 20, 24, 30 and 36 lbs for your home workout.
Heavy Adjustable Kettlebell
If you’ve been using kettlebells for a while then you most likely have no need for lighter weights (25 lbs. and below). Although by the very definition, light, might be a completely relative term to where you’re at in your strength training. I’ll be honest, there aren’t a lot of options for adjustable kettlebells on the heavier side. The few that are available seemingly go out of stock quickly. Therefore, I figured I would save you some time by suggesting the most reliable and well-received kettlebell of the bunch.
1. Titan Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell
This adjustable kettlebell from Kettlebell Kings is also one of my highly recommended competition kettlebells. Plates are secured on the inside and protected by a steel shell. Extremely durable, and other than the seam in the middle it is completely indistinguishable from other competition kettlebells! Due to its design, you can configure a total weight of 19 different variations!. Anywhere from ~ 26 lbs. (12 kg) to ~ 70 lbs. (32 kg). Such flexibility allows for ultra-precise weight increments that will have you training for many years to come!
What’s unique about this adjustable kettlebell is that the plates aren’t of equal weight. You have a pair of lighter weights at two 2 kg. and two 3 kg. discs. The heavier two discs each weigh 4 kg. and 6 kg. respectively. At these weights, it’s easy to see how the end result can lead to many different combinations. This makes for a great choice if you’re strapped for cash but would like to have two competition kettlebells of varying equal weight.
