Having a home gym is a dream for many, but in this economy, it’s rare to have enough capital, let alone space, to create one that meets your needs. When training, having access to multiple weights is ideal, allowing you to progressively overload your muscles, get stronger with every lift, and hit new PBs.
Bells of Steel, a Canadian company specializing in fitness essentials, has come to the rescue. While you’ll find all the staples for a comprehensive gym setup in its roster of products — weight racks, rowers, cable towers, adjustable benches, leg presses, and more — its space-saving equipment is especially worth a look if you’re short on room.
Its adjustable dumbbells and kettlebells offer a compact solution, allowing you to advance without dedicating half your apartment to equipment that doesn’t always get used. The dumbbells come in two sizes, 5–50 lbs and 5–180 lbs, while the kettlebells are available in approximately 26–45 lbs and 26–93 lbs, so you can choose the option that best suits your goals. To see if they’re worth the investment, I put an adjustable kettlebell to the test.
My review of the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebells
Now, let me start by saying I’m not new to the world of adjustable equipment. I’ve had the BowFlex SelectTech Dumbbells for years, and they’ve served me well, but I’ve always found them a bit bulky. Meanwhile, I’ve watched my partner slowly build a collection of kettlebells, which has started to take up a fair bit of space in our office. So, I figured there was no time like the present to consolidate and pare back.
Now, onto the important details. This competition-grade kettlebell is made with a steel shell and iron plates, while the secure internal locking system ensures a solid, wobble-free lift. As for the weight, it can be adjusted in 0.5 kg increments, with 41 settings available in a single bell. That means you can make small adjustments as you work toward bigger goals without needing to buy a new kettlebell every time you get stronger. You can also order the plastic bottom attachment to unlock the 9.5–11.5 kg range using your existing plates.
But that’s not all! I’ve begun using the plates independently from the bell for unilateral exercises, like adding weight to lunges and other single-arm and -leg movements.
Aside from its weight versatility, its small footprint is the main draw. At just 8.25 inches wide and 11 inches tall, it takes up minimal space, making it ideal for small home gyms and areas where square footage is at a premium. I keep mine tucked away under a desk when it’s not in use.
The only thing I don’t love about this kettlebell is that changing out the plates takes a bit of work. It’s nothing crazy; you just need to undo the base with the included Allen key and wrench, add or remove weights, and screw it back together. While this ensures you get a secure, evenly weighted kettlebell, it does mean taking a little downtime between sets to adjust the weight. This definitely isn’t a dealbreaker, but in the age of instant gratification, it’s something to keep in mind.
Overall, I think the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell is a great option for anyone who wants to work on progressive overload without investing in a more comprehensive fitness setup. It’s compact, versatile, and will probably save you some money in the long run. For me, it’s worth every penny.
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell Pros
- More affordable and space-saving than purchasing a range of kettlebells
- Solid, reliable construction
- Made with premium materials
- Can use plates independently of the kettlebell, allowing for more versatility
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell Cons
- Changing the weight takes some time and effort
- If the base isn’t screwed in tightly, the plates can wobble inside
Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell Key Specs
| Shell | |
|---|---|
| Height | 11″ / 279mm |
| Diameter | 8.25″ / 210mm |
| Empty Weight | 26.5lb / 12kg |
| Fully Loaded Weight | 70.5lb / 32kg |
| Material | Steel |
| Coating | Powder Coat |
| Handle Diameter | 1.4″ / 35mm |
| Handle Width | 7.5″ / 191mm |
| Window Height | 2.25″ / 57mm |
| Window Width | 4.75″ / 121mm |
| Plates | |
|---|---|
| Smallest Increment | 1lb / 0.5kg |
| Quantities | 1x 3kg, 2x 2kg, 1x 1kg & 1x 0.5kg (Base) | 2x 4kg, 1x 3kg & 1x 2 kg (Expansion) |
| Plate Material | Iron |
| Tools | Included |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime |
What are reviewers saying about the Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell?
The Bells of Steel Adjustable Competition Kettlebell boasts a near-perfect 4.9-star rating across more than 420 reviews. Reviewers praise its solid, sturdy build and comfortable grip, noting that it feels balanced and secure. They also appreciate that the plates and base don’t feel shaky or wobbly, which is a plus for adjustable fitness equipment without a traditional solid core. The one downside reviewers mention is the time it takes to adjust the weight. While the process is easy, it isn’t instant, so that’s something to keep in mind if you need a different weight for each set.
