How Much Do Kettlebells Cost

If you’re tired of fighting over kettlebells at the gym, you’re not alone. Home gym aficionados, weight-training enthusiasts, and competitive lifters have a wide range of options when it comes to buying a kettlebell.

You’re probably wondering, “how much do kettlebells cost?” It’s worth finding out whether the highest-quality kettlebells on the market will drain your rainy day fund. Can you get a decent set without breaking the bank?

Read on to find the answers on how much kettlebells cost. We rounded up the top features to look for, along with our tips on choosing the right weight for you.

What Makes A Good Kettlebell?

If you’re on the hunt for a new kettlebell, you’re probably noticing a difference in kettlebell prices depending on the brand. There’s a good reason for this. Some kettlebells have higher-quality materials with more durable coating than others.

If you’re looking for a weight that stays in pristine conditions for many workouts, or one that meets the rules for competitive lifting, you’ll need to pay attention to these features. Here’s what makes a good kettlebell and why it matters.

Material

Traditionally, a kettlebell is a solid piece of cast iron, but options for filling have expanded with modern manufacturing. If you’re looking at a cheaper product, it’s probably cement, vinyl, or hard plastic.

A higher-quality kettlebell uses solid steel, which is more expensive to manufacture. However, you’ll find that a steel weight lasts longer and has a different look and feel than a cement or plastic option.

Coating

Maybe you’ve heard the common wisdom, “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to kettlebells, the outside makes a big difference. A kettlebell with a high-quality finish will be more comfortable against your skin during daily workouts.

While browsing the cheaper options, you might notice painted kettlebells. These have an attractive look at first, but the paint tends to chip with repeated use. Cast iron and steel kettlebells have a matte powder coat finish, which is both smooth and durable.

Handle

You may not realize it at first, but the handle of a kettlebell is critical to its performance. Think about it: The last thing you want is walking away from your workout with cut, burned, or blistered hands. Unless you want to wear a sweaty pair of gloves for every rep, it’s a good idea to invest in a kettlebell with an ergonomic handle.

The trick is to find a handle that’s sanded down to be smooth but not too smooth. While a rough kettlebell grip can leave calluses on your fingers, a slippery handle creates a dangerous opportunity for the weight to slide right out of your sweaty hand.

A good handle has a comfortable grip size, with enough room underneath for your hand to wrap around without grazing against the weight.

Tolerance

Sellers may list kettlebells as 15 lbs or 25 lbs, but it’s common for the actual weight to vary by a few pounds. Extra weight may not matter much to you as a home gym hobbyist, but if you’re serious about competing, you’ll need to find a weight with low tolerance.

Generally, a cast iron kettlebell will have less tolerance than a cheap plastic or cement option.

Kettlebell Prices

The price of a kettlebell depends on the weight you need. As you go heavier, although the price increases, you’ll notice the price per pound getting smaller. With the heaviest kettlebell, you’re paying the least per pound. The prices can vary quite a bit depending on each weight’s material and coating.

15 lbs.

The lightest kettlebells are 15 lbs. These start at $20, and depending on which brand you go with, they can go up to $40.

If you think you’ll size up quickly, perhaps you can manage a cheaper kettlebell. If this is a long-term investment, you may want to look at options closer to the $40 line.

25 lbs.

For a mid-weight kettlebell, you can expect to pay between $30 and $60. In this range, you’ll want to pay attention to how sturdy and comfortable the handle feels, as you’re getting into territory where a slipped grip in the middle of a rep could be dangerous to you and others.

35 lbs.

Finally, a heavy kettlebell weighing 35 lbs. will cost somewhere from $50 to $80. And hey, congratulations on making it this far in your weight training! Perhaps it’s time to invest in a quality kettlebell that will last for years of great workouts.

Or, if you’re planning on going pro, look for an option with low tolerance that will prepare you for competition. The last thing you want is to train for months on a cheap kettlebell, only to realize it’s a slightly different weight than the model used competitively.

Choosing the Right Kettlebell

If you’re a beginner to weight training, you’ll want something on the lighter side. However, don’t go too light! As you build muscle and get stronger, the last thing you want is to outgrow your new kettlebell. The trick is to find a weight that’s just a little too heavy so that you can grow into it.

Next, you’ll want to consider your goals for kettlebell training. Are you hoping to participate in an official competition? If so, you’ll want to use a standardized weight with low tolerance.

If you’re hoping to bulk up quickly, keep in mind that you may size out of your first kettlebell after just a few months. Budget accordingly for the number of kettlebells you need to buy until you get to your final weight.

Are you planning on wearing gloves or using exercise techniques that require bare hands? Be sure to factor in the comfort of the grip. Assess the risk of the kettlebell sliding out of your hand once you’ve gotten sweaty.

Final Thoughts on Kettlebell Costs

There’s no better feeling than getting a satisfying workout without having to leave the house. A great kettlebell will help you build muscle and get your heart pumping. Even better, you can add these workout tools to your collection without breaking the bank.

No more waiting in line for the good kettlebell at the gym—now that you know how to spot a great weight, you’re ready to bring one home and get right to lifting.