Competition Kettlebells vs Cast Iron: Which is better & why?
Last Updated January 9, 2024
Competition Kettlebells vs Cast Iron: As you may know, there's a truckload of companies selling kettlebell weights, but not as many manufacturing them.
It’s like the Wild West of fitness equipment, with companies buying, rebranding, and tweaking features to offer you a variety of kettlebell options at different price points.
But let me tell you, not all kettlebells are created equal.
The options can be overwhelming too, right? 👍 From cast iron, competition, vinyl, adjustable – there’s a lot to consider. And what weights should you buy? Because you don’t want to waste money on the wrong stuff. ❌
✅ So delve into this blog, where we will discuss what to buy amongst competition kettlebells vs cast iron or regular, & what kettlebell weight should you get?
Let’s Start…
Competition Kettlebells vs Cast Iron
All kettlebells share the same components: handle, horns, upper and lower arcs, Kettlebell window, bell, and case. 😀
🚀 Let’s explore the difference between kettlebells, each crafted from different materials – steel and cast iron.
✔️ Best Competition Kettlebells in India
- Brand: USI UNIVERSAL THE UNBEATABLE
- Steel Hollow Construction
- Competition kettlebells are of the same size
- Steel makes them more durable
- The handle gives a firm grip.
- A wide base makes them more steady.
- Consistent Shape and Size: Regardless of weight, the shape and size remain the same. This ensures that your technique adjusts only for weight changes, promoting a stable transition through various weights.
- Colour Identification: Vibrantly coloured, with each hue indicating a specific weight. 👍 For example, yellow signifies 16kg, blue for 12kg, creating an international standard.
- Designed for Sport: Tailored for kettlebell sport (Girevoy), an endurance event where athletes perform exercises without putting down 1 or 2 kettlebells for 10 minutes. “Consistent technique” is crucial for 100s of repetitions, allowing athletes to focus on mastering the form rather than adjusting it for heavier weights.
- Handles: The handles are uniform in size, girth, and functionality, making it easy for learners to adapt to various lifts. The same grip applies to different weights.
- Durability: Well-made and durable, withstanding challenging conditions. They may cost slightly more but are a long-lasting investment. 👍
Pros
- Consistent size for all weights.
- Subtle colour coding.
- Suitable for large hands.😀
- Affordable and good quality.
- A stainless steel handle was given.
- Ideal for juggling.
Cons
- Filler and welded shut may cause noise.❌
- Technique requirements are higher.
- Limited weight increments.
- Cost more than cast iron kettlebells!
✔️ Best Cast Iron Kettlebells in India
- Brand: KAKSS
- Premium Material in iron.
- Void free surface.
- Smooth, comfortable handle.
- Single Piece Casting.
- Wide Flat Machined Base.
- Weight Tolerance: +/- 3%
- Varied Size with Weight: The size of the kettlebell increases proportionally with its weight. 👌 The technique adjusts not only to the weight but also to the changing shape of the bell.
- Versatility for Strength and Conditioning: Cast iron kettlebells are geared towards strength and conditioning, emphasizing grip strength, power, and overall fitness. Used for both one and two-hand exercises, offering versatility.
- Powder Coating vs. Chalk Grip: Traditional kettlebells may be powder-coated or chalk-friendly cast iron. Powder-coated kettlebells eliminate the need for chalk, while cast iron kettlebells hold chalk effectively, aiding grip during sweaty workouts.
- Handle diameter: Handles may have a larger handle diameter, contributing to increased forearm muscle engagement. This can be beneficial for certain people.
- Cost: Generally more affordable than colour competition kettlebells.🤩
Pros
- Beginner-friendly and durable.
- Handles adapt to weight, ideal for large hands.
- Compact storage for extensive collections.
- Goes up to 92 kg.
Cons
- Not colourful, black only!
- Form adaptation is needed for size changes.
- The kettlebell window is less compact.
- Potential biases in some institutions.
- Price increases with weight.
- Not suitable for juggling.❌
- Available in 4 kg increments.
👍 Structural and Functional Differences:
Handle Design | Narrow, and smaller handle for easier grip. | Wider, rounder, and larger handle to challenge and improve grip strength. |
Body Size | Large body consistent across all weights. | Smaller body, increasing slightly with weight. |
Base Stability | Wider base for enhanced stability, especially during floor exercises. | Smaller base, providing a challenge for balance, particularly with lighter kettlebells. |
Fitness Goals | Designed for kettlebell sport, maintaining a standard regardless of the user’s size. | Geared for strength, conditioning, and general physical preparedness. |
Price | cost more | Cast iron kettlebells are cheaper than competition kettlebells. |
Comfort | The constant diameter of the handle – means the same feel all through weights! 😮💨 | Some say that two-handed movements like 2H Swings and goblet squats feel more comfortable on cast irons for their hands. |
Table Comparing Competition Kettlebells Vs Cast Iron.
| # | Competition Kettlebells | Cast Iron Kettlebells |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Steel / cast iron | Cast iron |
| dimensions | Same size | Changes with weight |
| colour | Fully Coloured except handle. | Not always coloured (maybe a strip is given on the handle.) |
| weight classification | Based on colour | Written |
| Handle | Same size | Wider |
| Base | Flat & bigger | Smaller |
| User | Professional | Beginner |
Price:
You might be wondering about the cost. Well, as with most things, you get what you pay for. Expect to pay around Rs 290 per kg for quality kettlebells.
🚀 For instance, a high-quality cast iron 16 kg kettlebell could be around Rs 4,654 after shipping – a worthwhile investment.👍
😀 What makes a quality kettlebell?
- Single Piece Casting: Seamless, no pieces or connection points.
- No Seams or Sharp Edges: Ensure safety during use.
- Texture: Smooth but not slippery, providing grip without tearing up your hands.
- Handle Size: Not too thick or thin, resting comfortably on your hand, calluses, wrist, and forearm.
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What kettlebell weight should you get?
👌 This is hands down the most frequently asked question, and it still comes up a lot.
If you’re new to kettlebell training, stick around because I’m going to guide you on how to choose your kettlebell weights step by step, even if you have no prior strength training experience.
😮💨 For your first kettlebell – if you’re getting just one – choose a weight you can comfortably press overhead five times with good form.
Now, when selecting your first kettlebells, I don’t recommend buying just one. ❌
I suggest going for three different sizes.
Why? Because there are three fundamental kettlebell exercises I encourage everyone to master when starting their weight loss journey with kettlebell training:
- single-arm overhead press
- kettlebell swing
- goblet squat.
Most people have strength discrepancies between these movements, so having a range of weights ensures a good workout, regardless of the exercise you choose for the day. 🤩
✔️ Now, to determine your starting weight, ask yourself,
‘What size kettlebell do you think you could press overhead with one hand for three sets of ten without fail?’
For example,
- If a 12-kilogram (26 pounds) kettlebell sounds challenging for three sets of 10 reps, it becomes your lightest weight. 😀
- If an 8-kilogram (18 pounds) feels more suitable, start there. If you have a solid strength base, maybe a 16-kilogram (35 pounds) is your lightest bell.
After determining the lightest kettlebell, each subsequent bell should be 4 kilos heavier. 😵
✅ Now, if you’re unsure about your overhead press, no worries. I’ve noticed patterns in common starting weights.
✔️ Let’s break it down with examples:
- A typical strong woman starts with a 12 kg, then a second 16 kg, a second 12 kg for double bell work, and a 4th bell at 20 kg.
- For a strong guy, it might be a 16 kg, a 20 kg, another 16 kg, and a 24 kg for the 4th bell.
With these 4 kettlebells, you’ll get super strong, conditioned, and master the skill of strength.
🚀 Recap: Having three different-sized bells covers the single-arm overhead press, kettlebell swing, and goblet squat. The lightest weight is great for the press, the middle for swing technique, and the heaviest for the goblet squat.
That’s all for now, fam.
Cube Club Adjustable Weight Kettlebells in India (4.5 to 13.6 kg)
Conclusion
Both kettlebell styles “competition kettlebells vs cast Iron” (regular) are excellent choices, and one isn’t inherently better than the other.
Your decision should align with your preferences.
If consistency in feel is crucial, a competition kettlebell might be the right fit.
On the other hand, if you prefer more common-sense sizing and a variety of feels, a traditional kettlebell might be the way to go.
✔️ Remember, investing in quality kettlebells, like those from USI Kettlebells in India, is a wise decision for your health and fitness journey.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between Competition Kettlebells vs Cast Iron?
✅ Cast iron kettlebells, with their traditional design and diverse shapes, are good for general fitness and strength training. Their variability in size and handle dimensions makes them suitable for a range of exercises.
In opposite, competition kettlebells have uniformity in size, shape, and handle dimensions, ensuring consistency across different weights.
Q2. Why are competition kettlebells better?
✅ Competition kettlebells are considered better. The consistent dimensions across various weights make them ideal for competitive settings where precision is what matters. It means better form and reduces the risk of injury.
Q3. What is the difference between competition and sport kettlebells?
✅ The terms “competition kettlebells” and “sport kettlebells” are often used interchangeably. They share the same characteristics, emphasizing consistency for fair competition.
Both refer to kettlebells designed for standardized competitions.
Q4. What is the difference between cast iron and vinyl kettlebells?
✅ Cast Iron Kettlebells are solid iron with a rugged look, perfect for various exercises. On the other hand, Vinyl Kettlebells feature a cast iron core with a protective vinyl coating, preventing floor damage and minimizing workout noise.
Vinyl kettlebells, often colourful and visually appealing, are great for home use.
Q5: What does a kettlebell swing do?
✅ A kettlebell swing is a dynamic exercise that primarily targets the posterior chain, including the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and lower back.
It’s a foundational kettlebell exercise known for its effectiveness in building power and explosiveness.
I hope this comparison of “Competition Kettlebells vs Cast Iron” helps you make an informed choice.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. ⭐
