What size Kettlebells do you use?

J

jessicavi

Member
Hi everyone, I have lurked on Cathe for years, but only recently joined b/c of my interest in Kbells. I notices the various threads discussing them. I am building up my Kbell collection. I started kettlebells in 08/08 using DB's (very awkward). I got my first Kbell in Nov. It was a 20lber and I got a 25 for Christmas. I actually I only want no more than 3. So, I may get 35 in the future. My questions are:

How long have you been using kettlebells?
What size bell do you guys use and for what moves?
 
I have been using kettlebells for almost 3 years.

I have the following sizes:
2 -10lbs
2 -14lbs
2 -18lbs
2 -25lbs
1 -30lb
1 -35lb
1 -44lb

I use the lighter weights (10, 14, and 18) for over the head or double armed moves.

I use the heavier ones for swings, squats, 1 armed moves like clean and press, upright rows, back rows and weighted ab exercises.

I have done a couple of swings with the 44# and also use it for upright rows. I'm in the process of moving up to that weight.
 
I have:

2 15-lb
1 18-lb
2 20-lb
2 26-lb
1 35-lb

I use the 35-pounder for tactical lunges and sumo squats. I use the others for the rest of the exercises.

(By the way, half of my set are in lbs; the other half are in kg. So my 18 and 26 are really in kgs; my others are lbs.)

Hope this helps!
 
I just started using KBs last month. I've been using 20# for everything and am ready to go up to 25# on most exercises except for clean and press, seated press, tactical lunges and flip/hi-pull into squat.

Marcy
 
I have several different kettlebell sizes and brands in my home gym. I started lifting with kettlebells in Dec 2005. I started with a 20lb Power Systems bell. I then added a 25lb Power Systems bell. Of all my kettlebells, I like the Power Systems brand the least; they are not well constructed and remind me of "GoFit" bells at Target, Academy, & Dicks. I then moved on to a 16kg and 20kg from Ader (one of my favorite brands). I then added 2-12kg from Dragon Door, 1-16kg from Perform Better, and 1-8kg from Lifeline.

I primarily use the 16kg and 20kg for swings and heavy snatches. I like to use my 8kg for endurance workouts like AoS Newport. I often mix and match my bells to match a given day's training objectives. I am glad to have built up an extensive library of kettlebells and workouts.

I'm glad to see more of you venturing out into the wonderful world of kettlebell lifting.

ENJOY!

Fitgirl-ATX
 
Favorite brand

I have a variety of brands, but like the "Perform Better" brand the best. The handles are nice and smooth and they're well made. Also, if you choose the vinyl-covered brand, you can get a 2-kg weight that screws into the bottom so that you can increase the weight. It helps you jump between one weight and the next.

I haven't tried Ader, but agree that the GoFit brands aren't the greatest. I'm also not wild about the J/Fit brand (my 35-pounder). It's not very well-made, but it is heavy.
 
I've been using KB's off and on (more 'off' than on! which is the way most of my exercise has been for the past few months) for about 8 months.

I started with a 15# bell (and since I haven't worked out regularly with KB's, I will use it when I go back to them after a long break).

I also have 20#, 25#, 35# and 45# and a 7#.
I use the 7# for TGU's and for the Firm KB workout.
I use the 15-20# for cleans and cleans and presses.
I use the 20-25# for squats.
I use the 20-35 for swings (depending on number of reps).
I use 35# for rows (sometimes the 45#)
I use the 35#-45# for deadlifts and sumo squats.

If I use one size bell for an entire workout, it will be 20# (or 15# if I've had a longer break from KB's).

ETA: Oops! I forgot my latest aquisition: a 30# Ader, that I'm going to be moving up to for squats and some other moves.
 
You guys are amazing!!! I just started using kettlebells in December and all I have are a 10# and 15# :(
 
Thanks for the replies, guys. Keep 'em coming. I did an experiment and found out I could swing 35lbs. I did 40 reps with 35.
 
I have two 15's, and one each of 10, 20 and 30 pounders.

I just did all of Iron Core Way Volume 1 with my 30# bell y'day. Presses and cleans were by far the most difficult. Everything else was quite doable with it.
 
I have been working with Kettlebells about a year and I have Perform Better Vinyl coated KBs, I have:

two 4kg (8.8lbs.) - I use for TGUs and windmills for the "up" arm (shoulder injury)
two 8kg (17.6lbs.) - Some upper body moves
two 12kg (26.4lbs.) - I use this one the most,
one 16kg (35.2lbs.) - use for lower body moves and swings sometimes

I would like to get a 40 - 45 lb am ready to move up on some things like swings.

I do have one thing that I noticed, in these partcular KBs (that I love) I noticed that the heavier they are the bigger around the handle is, if I had it to do over again I would look at smaller handles in the larger weights - the 16k is almost too big around for my hand which is one of the reasons I haven't purchased the next weight. I am going to shop around a little more for that one :)

Portable! Kettlebells are heavy but compact.
 
Annabelle2 said:
I do have one thing that I noticed, in these partcular KBs (that I love) I noticed that the heavier they are the bigger around the handle is, if I had it to do over again I would look at smaller handles in the larger weights - the 16k is almost too big around for my hand which is one of the reasons I haven't purchased the next weight. I am going to shop around a little more for that one :)
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Annabelle, try the Perform Better elite kettlebells
http://www.performbetter.com/detail.aspx_Q_ID_E_5331_A_CategoryID_E_420

They are all the same size and have very nice-sized handles (I have the 12 kg). They're large, but well made. Since you're looking for a heavier weight, you're looking at a large kettlebell anyway.

Hope that helps.
 
Kathryn, thank you! I can't believe I have not seen those :) they look great!!! I may order one this weekend to check it out - are they easy on your hands?
 
Annabelle,

Annabelle2 said:
Kathryn, thank you! I can't believe I have not seen those :) they look great!!! I may order one this weekend to check it out - are they easy on your hands?
Click to expand...

Yes, the handles are very smooth and even -- no lumps, bumps, or rough places. They have the nicest finish of any of my kettlebells (and I own four different brands). Also, they're less curved and wider so it's easier to hold them with both hands (which is important with a heavy kettlebell).

Best of all, you get to own that pretty silver one! I'll work up to it someday.

Also, it was so well-packed for shipping. It arrived encased in form-fit Styrofoam so there was no damage. It was the best-packaged and most securely wrapped kettlebell that I've ever received. I think you'll like it.

Let me know how it works out for you.
 
sizes

I am trying to get an idea of what sizes to buy, too. I got a 10 and a 15 for Christmas and also bought a 20lb. I have yet to use the 10 so I might return it. My only workout so far is the Lauren Brooks one, which I am lukewarm about. In the upcoming Amy Bento workout she said she is using two 20's, one 25, and maybe a 30. I had planned to buy a 30, but the brand I was buying locally jumps from 25-35. Would you all suggest a 25 or a 35? I think they are ridiculously overpriced compared to dumbells.
 
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Going from 20 to 35 is a BIG jump. I can even feel the difference between 30 and 35. Try to find a 30 somewhere (perhaps your local store could order it for you) or get the 25. Perform Better sometimes has sales on kettlebells and their shipping can be reasonable. I got a 44# one from there and the shipping was only 7.50.
 
lioness said:
Going from 20 to 35 is a BIG jump. I can even feel the difference between 30 and 35. Try to find a 30 somewhere (perhaps your local store could order it for you) or get the 25. Perform Better sometimes has sales on kettlebells and their shipping can be reasonable. I got a 44# one from there and the shipping was only 7.50.
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Yes, that's what I'm afraid of. 30 would be better! I guess I'll get the 25 lb and maybe work up to 35lb. I'll check out the perform better site, too!
 
Pearlstrand said:
Yes, the handles are very smooth and even -- no lumps, bumps, or rough places. They have the nicest finish of any of my kettlebells (and I own four different brands). Also, they're less curved and wider so it's easier to hold them with both hands (which is important with a heavy kettlebell).

Best of all, you get to own that pretty silver one! I'll work up to it someday.

Also, it was so well-packed for shipping. It arrived encased in form-fit Styrofoam so there was no damage. It was the best-packaged and most securely wrapped kettlebell that I've ever received. I think you'll like it.

Let me know how it works out for you.
Click to expand...

I definately will - Thanks for all the info
 
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