I have a 20 (since 11/08) & 25lber (12/08) GoFit bells. I agree that if you get GoFit, you should do a hands on test first. I am on my second 25lber not b/c of smoothness but b/c the vinyl starting cracking apart. It has never been bumped unlike my 20lber, which fell on concrete and has not cracked/torn. I store it on carpet, so I don't know what gives.
I was very pleased that the store let me exchange it w/o a receipt or asking how long I had it. I have to change it again though b/c the new handle is not as smooth.
I read most people started w/ 15lbs but outgrew them quickly. I didn't wanna spend a lot, so I just started at 20, which was great for swings. It was a bit heavy and I struggled to do cleans & presses and any overhead moves. By Christmas, I had mastered most of those moves and I was able to do follow along DVDs. It has taken a bit longer to master the 25lber. I am not able to use it for a whole DVD. I use it whereever there are swings, lower body moves, and rows. I am still building up my snatches and OH moves w/ it. I am glad to have it so I can use it for double bell moves, too.
I have several Kbell workouts--Sarah Laurie's V1&2, Lauren Brooks, Beth Chamberlain' KBW2, Kettlebell Bootcamp and Kettlebell Dynamics. The last two I have to modify somewhat. With Kettlebell Bootcamp, I wanted to make it a bit more authentic--keep the swings grounded, slow down some moves, and add breaks. Kettlebell Dynamics is mostly authentic Kbell moves for more advanced exercisers. I'd say it's on about the same intensity level as KBW2. It consists of three 20 minute workouts. Each workout has three sections which consists of usually 1-3 moves repeated 3X + a minute of cardio. This workout does not have as much breaks as other Kbell w/o's. Amy's breaks are 30 sec. It has separate w/u & stretch. I considered it a great workout w/ really fun music. Amy has great stage presence.
ETA: Some of moves include various swings, OH swings, snatches, cardio TGU (fast, w/o' weights), farmer's walks, waiter's press, clean&press. The more advanced moves I modify include pushups on the upside down bell (I lay the bell sideways), running/walking swings (I keep grounded), deck squats (I use my 6" step), side swings (I sub another move), renegade rows (I use DB's), and the higher impact cardio (I sub other Kbell moves).
