I've had many emails lately from enthusiasts asking me about this subject .
So, in case you weren’t informed , there is a sport called Kettlebell Sport (GS - where the “G” stands for “Girya,” or Kettlebell) which originated in Russia and reached the US in the mid-2000s. here
Up until that time, the only types of kettlebells you could get were the cast iron “Strength & conditioning” type.
This is probably the standard shape kettlebell you’ve at least seen or come across.
Here’s what the Competition Bells appear like :
And here's what they look like compared to each other:
(Image courtesy: Zack Henderson)
Now, honestly, I’ve only used Comp Bells a some times.
And I appreciate them.
But I’ve always used the cast iron kind and choose them.
Here’s why:Thicker Handles → Stronger Grip
Ever increasing bell size as weight gets heavier → More stability demand → More work → More variety
Cheaper (usually) → More bells
Bigger bells → Over 48kg if you want to go really heavy
Now that doesn’t mean Comp Bells are disadvantageous. Not at all.
Here are some benefits:
Same size, different weights → Consistent feel, probably more (higher) reps
Consistent size → Less stability demand → Easier to lift
Smaller handle diameter → Easier on the grip → Less forearm fatigue
Less forearm fatigue → Higher reps per set
… This is likely why these are engineered for the intense kettlebell lifting found in Kettlebell Sport.
And, ultimately , depending on the producer, you can get Adjustable Comp Bells, which are an “all-in-one” solution from 16kg - 32kg → Less storage requirement
(Image courtesy: Bells of Steel)
However, the reality is this: Whichever type of kettlebell you choose is just that - a choice - and it’s up to you.
I recommend sampling both and finding out which suits you best .
Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s not the model of kettlebell you pick, it’s how you use your kettlebell that dictates the results you get.
Unplanned workouts lead to random results.
Professionally designed programming = Clear, reliable improvements in strength & muscle growth plus fat loss.
Stay Strong,
Geoff Neupert.