Need help with Kettlebell decision

02-13-2006, 11:37 AM

I've never tried KBs before but would like to. I've been researching them to no end and now would like to get some opinions from this group. I like to spend my money wisely thus have been hesitant to just go and order something. I had been considering a 35lb KB from Dragondoor but then I started seeing other information about the benefit of adjustable KBs or perhaps even using DBs. Until I buy something, I'm getting some of Pavel's books from the library to help my understanding. that said...

1. is there any reason to buy a more expensive KB such as from Dragondoor? I see a previous post today had a link to some less expensive KBs.

2. are adjustable KBs a better way to go? If one has to use their own weights, does one just stick to using weights under 10lbs to reach whatever level they want?

3. is Pavel's DVD on the RKC a good way to learn or are there equally good and perhaps less expensive training materials one can buy?

4. What about grip size? I've seen some with 1" and others at 1.5". What is recommended?

I'm going on 45 and exercise quite a bit, so, trying something new like KBs should be something I can handle(safely). Any advice one can give on the subject I'll gladly take.

thanks
steve

Frank DiMeo · 02-13-2006, 11:54 AM

Steve, I use kettlebells in just about every workout.
They are a great way to work your muscles from different angles.
My flexibility and coordination has improved through KB training as well.
Kettlebells have helped me fill in the gap in my training due to an old Achilles tendon injury, which (temporarily) limits my ability to run.

Dennis Yiatras · 02-13-2006, 12:40 PM

I have the powermax ones 2 16kg's. The handles are a little rough on your hands but the price was good. Next 1 will be a 24kg, but I want a smoother handle on that 1..

Tim Weaver · 02-13-2006, 03:19 PM

Steve

These are my personal experiences:

I purchased a US Kettlebell adjustable KB. I like it alot, though I'm not yet at the point (or am too lazy) to change the weight.

It's got a very nice handle, though I've not measured it.

The only issue I have with it is that I am afraid of shearing the bolt if I ever have to dump it and it falls wrong. Obviously, replacing a bolt is easier than replacing my head, but it's something you don't have to worry about when using a solid.

the US Kettlebell adjusts in (approx) 2.5 pound increments...much too 'fine' IMO. If they did 36/44/52 adjustments, that'd be great, since the 44 is 1/2-way between the 1 and 1.5 pood (35.2 and 52.8 lb) KBs. Going from 36 to 52 pounds is a bit much at one jump, IMO, but I am not a exercise trainer/physiologist, nor do I play one on TV or anywhere else.

Had I to do it over again, I'd get a 16kg and a 20kg (if they made them) solid.

Just my experience.

Catherine Imes · 02-13-2006, 07:16 PM

Hi Steve,

If you have the money, dragondoor bells are the way to go. I have quite few of them. I've used other brands and they are awkward for some exercises. I tried the US Kettlebell for swings, but didn't like where it hit me on the wrist/arm for snatches.

If you are getting a KB for primarily swings and presses, then you could go with an adjustable or less expensive model. But, if you want to do snatches, and other KB drills, make an investment and go with dragondoor. Their handle sizes are the same size from the 35lb bell to the 70lb bell. I've got small hands and their handles are not too big...But, big enough to work the grip.

As far as instructional videos.. Pavels Book and DVD are very good. I also like Brett Jones kettlebell DVD. It is very comprehensive and the best KB instruction video for learning the basics that I have seen to date. If you really want to learn a variety of exercises, seeking out instruction from a certified instructor is a good idea (of course, it all depends on the money you have available).

Good luck!
CI

David Wood · 02-13-2006, 07:48 PM

Steve: Use the search function on the board, with the words

purchas kettlebell

(leave the "e" off "purchase" so that you also pick up "purchasing"). Lots of prior discussion, some of it, well, impassioned.

Personally, I'd vote with Catherine . . . the DD ones seem the best, and for something I'm going to use for a lifetime, the incremental cost seems pretty minor. YMMV, of course . . .

Tom Needham · 02-14-2006, 11:11 AM

K2 Kettlebells are the most similar to DDs. A lil bit cheaper too ... http://k2fitness.net/kettlebells.htm

Garrett Smith · 02-14-2006, 01:41 PM

Kettlebell Concepts has a new line of KBs coming out, they also do continuing ed for trainers and "certifications" at a much better rate than DD. Maybe Frank Dimeo can speak for their quality?

Paul Alvarez · 02-14-2006, 03:15 PM

I havent used a adjustable KB but with some of the excercises I cant imagine using one. Ive heard theres some good ones but I would rather invest in a 1pd if its used often. But if its another tool in the arsenal then go for adjustable.

http://www.everythingtrackandfield.c...4277_A_rnd_E_4

These are the powermax KBs that Dennis mentioned and this site is by far the cheapest ive ever seen and only $7.50 for 7 day shipping. Ive ordered both 1.5pds from them and even a 8kg. True theyre rougher(DD KB are real smooooth) but ive managed a year and only ripped a calus once-ive done it twice on a pullup bar alone. Dont know about grip sizes though. But good luck Steve.

02-13-2006, 11:37 AM	#1
Steve Johnson Profile: Posts: n/a	I've never tried KBs before but would like to. I've been researching them to no end and now would like to get some opinions from this group. I like to spend my money wisely thus have been hesitant to just go and order something. I had been considering a 35lb KB from Dragondoor but then I started seeing other information about the benefit of adjustable KBs or perhaps even using DBs. Until I buy something, I'm getting some of Pavel's books from the library to help my understanding. that said... 1. is there any reason to buy a more expensive KB such as from Dragondoor? I see a previous post today had a link to some less expensive KBs. 2. are adjustable KBs a better way to go? If one has to use their own weights, does one just stick to using weights under 10lbs to reach whatever level they want? 3. is Pavel's DVD on the RKC a good way to learn or are there equally good and perhaps less expensive training materials one can buy? 4. What about grip size? I've seen some with 1" and others at 1.5". What is recommended? I'm going on 45 and exercise quite a bit, so, trying something new like KBs should be something I can handle(safely). Any advice one can give on the subject I'll gladly take. thanks steve
Steve Johnson Profile: Posts: n/a

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02-13-2006, 11:54 AM	#2
Frank DiMeo Affiliate Profile: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Sarasota FL Posts: 1,919	Steve, I use kettlebells in just about every workout. They are a great way to work your muscles from different angles. My flexibility and coordination has improved through KB training as well. Kettlebells have helped me fill in the gap in my training due to an old Achilles tendon injury, which (temporarily) limits my ability to run.

02-13-2006, 12:40 PM	#3
Dennis Yiatras Departed Profile: Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 152	I have the powermax ones 2 16kg's. The handles are a little rough on your hands but the price was good. Next 1 will be a 24kg, but I want a smoother handle on that 1..

02-13-2006, 03:19 PM	#4
Tim Weaver Member Profile: Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Phoenix AZ Posts: 561	Steve These are my personal experiences: I purchased a US Kettlebell adjustable KB. I like it alot, though I'm not yet at the point (or am too lazy) to change the weight. It's got a very nice handle, though I've not measured it. The only issue I have with it is that I am afraid of shearing the bolt if I ever have to dump it and it falls wrong. Obviously, replacing a bolt is easier than replacing my head, but it's something you don't have to worry about when using a solid. the US Kettlebell adjusts in (approx) 2.5 pound increments...much too 'fine' IMO. If they did 36/44/52 adjustments, that'd be great, since the 44 is 1/2-way between the 1 and 1.5 pood (35.2 and 52.8 lb) KBs. Going from 36 to 52 pounds is a bit much at one jump, IMO, but I am not a exercise trainer/physiologist, nor do I play one on TV or anywhere else. Had I to do it over again, I'd get a 16kg and a 20kg (if they made them) solid. Just my experience.

02-13-2006, 07:16 PM	#5
Catherine Imes Member Profile: Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: St. Louis MO Posts: 309	Hi Steve, If you have the money, dragondoor bells are the way to go. I have quite few of them. I've used other brands and they are awkward for some exercises. I tried the US Kettlebell for swings, but didn't like where it hit me on the wrist/arm for snatches. If you are getting a KB for primarily swings and presses, then you could go with an adjustable or less expensive model. But, if you want to do snatches, and other KB drills, make an investment and go with dragondoor. Their handle sizes are the same size from the 35lb bell to the 70lb bell. I've got small hands and their handles are not too big...But, big enough to work the grip. As far as instructional videos.. Pavels Book and DVD are very good. I also like Brett Jones kettlebell DVD. It is very comprehensive and the best KB instruction video for learning the basics that I have seen to date. If you really want to learn a variety of exercises, seeking out instruction from a certified instructor is a good idea (of course, it all depends on the money you have available). Good luck! CI

02-13-2006, 07:48 PM	#6
David Wood Departed Profile: Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,303	Steve: Use the search function on the board, with the words purchas kettlebell (leave the "e" off "purchase" so that you also pick up "purchasing"). Lots of prior discussion, some of it, well, impassioned. Personally, I'd vote with Catherine . . . the DD ones seem the best, and for something I'm going to use for a lifetime, the incremental cost seems pretty minor. YMMV, of course . . .

02-14-2006, 11:11 AM	#7
Tom Needham Member Profile: Join Date: May 2005 Location: Pepperell MA Posts: 44	K2 Kettlebells are the most similar to DDs. A lil bit cheaper too ... http://k2fitness.net/kettlebells.htm

02-14-2006, 01:41 PM	#8
Garrett Smith Member Profile: Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tucson AZ Posts: 2,264	Kettlebell Concepts has a new line of KBs coming out, they also do continuing ed for trainers and "certifications" at a much better rate than DD. Maybe Frank Dimeo can speak for their quality?

02-14-2006, 03:15 PM	#9
Paul Alvarez Member Profile: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Long Beach for school, Maui and San Jose are home CA Posts: 118	I havent used a adjustable KB but with some of the excercises I cant imagine using one. Ive heard theres some good ones but I would rather invest in a 1pd if its used often. But if its another tool in the arsenal then go for adjustable. http://www.everythingtrackandfield.c...4277_A_rnd_E_4 These are the powermax KBs that Dennis mentioned and this site is by far the cheapest ive ever seen and only $7.50 for 7 day shipping. Ive ordered both 1.5pds from them and even a 8kg. True theyre rougher(DD KB are real smooooth) but ive managed a year and only ripped a calus once-ive done it twice on a pullup bar alone. Dont know about grip sizes though. But good luck Steve.