Which kettlebell to use? Sport kettlebell or Fitness(hard style) kettlebell? by Denis Vasilev 

I will say one thing about kettlebells. They are so much fun to use. If you get a premium bell, it will be your friend for life. Kettlebell training is very meditative. I love their design too, they look like something from a modern art museum or something used by astronauts or cosmonauts.

From what I understand. The cast iron bells were popularized by Pavel Tetsouline and RKC. However the competition bells are closer to the traditional Soviet design. The cast iron was designed for short explosive movements or hardstyle. The design was made for both military and home fitness since most beginners use both hands and may not need chalk. The coating was also great for outdoor training. But overall I'd cast iron is more affordable. Competition bells are more versatile. You can do both. Cast iron was made for training. Competition bells were made for sport and great for CrossFit. If you have the money try both. Kettlebells are a lifestyle and are rooted in a culture that is based on practical strength and endurance. If you want fighting strength both styles will get you there.

If one is not doing the sport itself, one nice thing about the "fitness" kettlebells is that the handles are thicker, so switching back to a barbell (assuming you do it) feels good for deadlift for instance. Also, unless you are actually competitive in reps, the difference between fitness and sport are not so high; my snatch numbers are within one rep whether I use sport or fitness for 32kg or 48kg (32 reps each arm, 15 reps each arm). The gradual increase in handle size for fitness kettlebells is also more comfortable/natural if you use kettlebells over 48kg. Lastly, fitness ones are cheaper.

Very interesting and usefull as always, thanks 🇮🇹👍 I started with competition models and for consistency I like them and sticked to them but "old school" ones are interesting for only swings with two hands and heavy weight, more space for the hands (I don't like extreme weights, I maxed out at 28kg, main one is 20kg for long cycle). I saw also some modified competition ones that have flats for more confortable arm rest in hand insertion but never tried, preatty rare, interesting. More options for different applications. Best tutorials on YT 😃👏

Interesting. As amateur I am much mire happy with iron Amazon Basic kettlebells (16+16 , 20+20) rather than competition 24+24 . Reasons: - 24s feels a bit bulky ( I am big guy )) - 38-39mm handle on Amazon kettlebells is better for me than 33-35 on competition ones - two hand movements you mentioned - more weather resistant at backyard Sun Diego:) , but competition kettlebells still get some rust on handle No issues with 10 min sets, maybe some difference in snatch between 16 and 20

It all comes down to goals and personal preference, but having practiced with sport kettlebells for the last 4 years fitness/RKC style kettlebells feel like toys. I've sold my kettlebell collection and now use adjustable kettlebells from Bells of Steel here in Canada and have never been happier! :)

I want to train both single and two-handed movements. I don't want to cheap out on kettlebells, be that cast iron or competition style. Which ones would you recommend of both (cast iron and comp)? Which are the best quality? Thanks.

What shorts are those? Done you lift in those also?

What do you think of adjustable kettlebell ?