What style kettlebell should you use?
It's a common question.
Brands aside, there are 2 legitimate styles of kettlebells:
1. Sport Kettlebells
2. Hardstyle Kettlebells
Commonly, and unfortunately, you'll see other types of kettlebells in various commercial gyms that are nothing short of atrocities. These may be slick metal, chrome, plastic, or even rubber coated. While it's acceptable to swing those around in a gym where you have no other option, I'd advise against spending any money on kettlebells that are not Sport or Hardstyle 'bells.
Let's look at the differences between Sport and Hardstyle bells.
Sport kettlebells are made of steel.
Hardstyle kettlebells are made of cast iron.
Sport style kettlebells are ALL the same size, regardless of weight. All Sport style kettlebells maintain the same bell circumference, the same handle width, and the same horn window – which is what I'm calling the space between the handle and the bell.
There are sometimes slight differences between one brand's handle shape and width and another brand's, but within each brand, the general kettlebell specs are all the same, aside from kettlebell weight, of course.
And even though some brands may have larger horns or smaller handle circumference – these differences between brands are quite minimal and only serious kettlebell enthusiasts would even notice a difference.
Sport style kettlebells have specific colors designated to each weight and the entire bell, except the handle, is painted that color.
Because these sport kettlebells are made of steel, they will last forever.
Hardstyle kettlebells are all going to be different sizes depending on the weight. The bell circumference is different, the handle width is different, and the horn window between the handle is different.
This means that the leverages and movement patterns will adjust based on what size kettlebell you use.
This is a disadvantage of Hardstyle kettlebells, in my opinion. For example, a military press with Sport style kettlebells always looks the same. It follows the same path and the weight sits in the same position on the back of a person's arm, and the range of motion remains identical no matter what weight you use.
With Hardstyle kettlebells, the movement changes dramatically as the weights increase, and, in a sense, as the weights get heavier, the range of motion decreases. A decreased range of motion is less effective for hypertrophy. As someone who's primary goal of lifting weights is increasing hypertrophy (regardless of the equipment I'm using) this lack of consistent range of motion and resistance curve is a drawback.
Hardstyle kettlebells are made of cast iron, which sometimes can rust, but this largely depends on your environment. When I lived in Alabama and Louisiana, my Hardstyle kettlebells began to accumulate rust. But since living in Idaho, my kettlebells have not accumulated rust at all. Rust really isn't a big deal, though. If it bothers you, you can take simple measures to clean it and remove the rust.
Cast iron kettlebells will NOT last forever. But they will still, almost certainly, live longer than their owners.
The longevity and durability of both styles of kettlebells is one quality that makes kettlebell training so cool. If you buy once, a handful of kettlebells can be lifted for generations. My dumbbells and barbells won't last that long.
As for the coloring, Hardstyle kettlebells will usually have a black or charcoal-ish looking color and a stripe of color at the base of the handles to distinguish the weight. These color stripes correlate to the Sport style colors to alleviate any confusion.
Hardstyle kettlebells do have some advantages. The main advantage is during 2 hand lifts.
I don't think I have the biggest hands in the world, but I am 6'2 and 200+ pounds, so maybe my hands are slightly bigger than average. But I cannot do 2 handed kettlebell swings, comfortably, with Sport kettlebells. This design is intentional since Sport kettlebells were created for Kettlebell Sport – where events all require 1 hand on 1 kettlebell at a time.
Therefore, if you want to do 2 handed swings or high pulls, you'd be best off using Hardstyle kettlebells.
Sport style kettlebells also have a more vertical handle shape, making it difficult to hold the horns on the side like you would during goblet squats. The solution here is to flip the kettlebell over and cup your palms under the bell, with the handle facing down. This is actually much more fitting for the goblet name, and takes the hands out of the equation. But getting the kettlebell in that position can be tricky when the weights are heavy.
Hardstyle kettlebells have thicker handles with a larger horn window and a more circular curve to the window shape, making it easier to fit both hands on the handle at once in any and all positions.
Another advantage of Hardstyle kettlebells is that they're a little bit less expensive. This is likely due to the fact that they're made of cast iron instead of steel. Again, cast iron is great stuff. It's just not quite as great as steel. But if you're penny pinching, the extra bucks you'll save to buy a kettlebell that will last ONLY 75-100 years as opposed to 500 years may be of useful consideration.
The important thing is that both styles of kettlebells offer resistance and allow plenty of exercise variation.
Personally, I prefer the Sport style kettlebells for most exercises. But, I do like having heavy (32kg and up) cast iron kettlebells, too, for heavy 2 handed swings. I have a mix of both styles, but I mostly use the Sport kettlebells.
All kettlebell lifters will have their own opinion and it's all a matter of personal preference. Some of that preference will depend on what type of exercises you like to do with your kettlebells.
I hope this helps.
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