question about what weight kettlebells i should buy

[Hype4Ta]

i curl 35 pound dumbells fiarly well so i am wondering what is a good weight kettle bell for me to buy, considering there so expensive i need some advice on weight weight i should get and what will be better down the road

[koltz]

don't buy Kbells

use normal dumbell plates with a home made handle for a KBell you can change it's weight


http://www.quantumbizweb.com/kettlebellconcepts/img/categoryImages/exploded.gif

[Hype4Ta]

where do i get a home made handle?

[koltz]

You either pay ***load of money


or make one from pvc pipes and such.

[wattseaco]

Or, save even more money by using a bag of sand. If it's too heavy, pour some out. If it is too light, add some. It's just that simple.

[Big Jew]

I warm up with a 15lb.
Heat up with a 30lb and do most my work with that.
I use a 50lb for slower stuff and double handed routines.

[Moonduck]

How much you curl doesn't really matter. With most KB movements, it is a matter of how explosive you are, and how coordinated you are. In most cases, males should start with a 35# bell, and move up from there. I own a 35# myself, and need a 55# roughly for ballistic moves. I've used 70# and 88# bells for explosive movements though, and really want at least a 70# as a result. Then again, I'm a big dude, have some solid numbers in various lifts already, and have enough training in the oly lifts to know how to explode from the floor.

Unless you are an experienced lifter, or a very strong person naturally, go with the 35# to start with. It is probably the most common size overall and is an easier size to deal with than the bigger bells, making the learning curve a bit easier.

[hara_12]

Another way to figure it out is to get a hold of some dumbbells if you can. Try snatching/cleaning/swinging the dumbbels to figure out what kind of weight you can handle.

I have 2 16Ks at home, but I am saving up for 2 24Ks soon. I can clean 50lbs fairly well with one arm with a dumbbell.

But if you don't have access to a weight room with these weights...that won't work out too well for you.

[Fatman]

I hope the good folks at dragondoor.com forum don't read this and come after my fat ass with torches, pitchforks and screams off "heretic!", but here goes...

I think most, if not all, of the kettlebell movements can be effectively replicated with dumbbells. Yes, I realise that the mechanics of the lifts are somewhat different. However, the main aspect of the lifts (muscles activated, "groove", etc.) are pretty much the same. I don't have an extensive familiarity with the k-bell, but I've found dumbbell complexes (snatches, clean&presses, swings, etc.) to target all the muscles described in Pavel T's books. Plus the conditioning effect is there too.

If you're going after a kettlebell certificate, then you better practice with kettlebells. However, for general conditioning dumbbells work just as well. Ask youself: do I really need a new piece of equipment?

Got to go now. The angry mob is at my front door :shock:

[Big Jew]

I hope the good folks at dragondoor.com forum don't read this and come after my fat ass with torches, pitchforks and screams off "heretic!", but here goes...

I think most, if not all, of the kettlebell movements can be effectively replicated with dumbbells. Yes, I realise that the mechanics of the lifts are somewhat different. However, the main aspect of the lifts (muscles activated, "groove", etc.) are pretty much the same. I don't have an extensive familiarity with the k-bell, but I've found dumbbell complexes (snatches, clean&presses, swings, etc.) to target all the muscles described in Pavel T's books. Plus the conditioning effect is there too.

If you're going after a kettlebell certificate, then you better practice with kettlebells. However, for general conditioning dumbbells work just as well. Ask youself: do I really need a new piece of equipment?

Got to go now. The angry mob is at my front door :shock:

As a KB lover here's one torch you won't see at your door.
Your point has been made before. There is truth to your statement but there are differences between feel, flow and balance when using DB's for KB work. Also when doing overhead holds from a low posture, I like to relax my grip and open my fingers some which relieves strain on the wrists (you'd probably get brained trying that with a DB).

IMO using a DB to do KB work is a clumsy substitute.
But its better then doing nothing.

I gotto go my kettlebell alter needs its incense and fruit replenished :lol:

[hara_12]

Big Jew said it pretty good. I have done DB snatches and cleans and swings...but nothing really beats a good KB for some of those motions. It just feels better. But you can get a good workout doing 'KB' exercises with a dumbbell.

[John Cintron]

i have a pair of 35 lbs and a pair of 70 nothing special about thm you are better off buying dumbells and for grip purposes you can buy thick dumbell handls and do frmer walks or get a two inch rope to do pullups they make your forearms work very hard.

[Dr. Jacob]

I have a 44lb and it is great for routine workouts. I still visit the gym for strength workouts where I will do stack routines using the 55-80 DBs to perform one handed cleans immitaing the KB exercises. This has been a great way for me to get maximal efficacy from my one light KB and not break the bank. If you do not want to hit the gym. Buy a routine weight and a heavy one. For example if you are curling 35 lbs get a 44lb KB and a 70. It is an investment up front but what a great way to spend some hard earned cash. I like kettlebells so much that I wanted to sell them but logistics don't allow it. Web search for cheaper ones. The adjustable ones are hassle. But could work if you like the lighter weight. Enjoy.

[Yogi108]

http://www.yogifitness.com/WarriorToys.html

You can't go wrong with these. I have real kettlebells and these at home. The feel is pretty much identical and you can use your own weight plates saving loads of money on shipping. Plus you can change the weight as you progress. Hope this helps.

[rawmark]

Guys,

Don't be duped into buy kettlebell wannabees. If you think there's nothing special to kettlebells then it's because you probably aren't familiar with dragondoor.com or Pavel Tsatsouline. The reason for all of the kettlebell knockoffs that you can't use for most true exercises is because of the explosion that Pavel created a few years back with them. I hear more folks speaking of Pavel Tsatsouline today than I did five years ago. If you were to try and do most of the true exercises that are intended for kettlebells using a fakey pair you'd end up hurting yourself. Real kettlebells should be one single piece. If you want a different weight then upgrade to a different size.

[KBKris]

don't buy Kbells

use normal dumbell plates with a home made handle for a KBell you can change it's weight


http://www.quantumbizweb.com/kettlebellconcepts/img/categoryImages/exploded.gif

I would <i>so</i> not buy adjustable kettlebells! If you do high repetition snatches, you risk those plates falling on your head.

While KBs are a bit pricey, their benefits are worth it. Just think of it like this: Once you buy all the KBs you need, you aren't spending more money like you would for a gym membership."

If you do check out my site, http://strengthstuff.com, you'll see that I sell PowerMax and Lifelife kettlebells, both at much better prices than competitors.

[Fatman]

I don't use k-bells but I would be suspicious of the adjustable ones (not single-piece). The risk of head injury is just too great.

[BrutalityisLaw]

I hope the good folks at dragondoor.com forum don't read this and come after my fat ass with torches, pitchforks and screams off "heretic!", but here goes...

I think most, if not all, of the kettlebell movements can be effectively replicated with dumbbells. Yes, I realise that the mechanics of the lifts are somewhat different. However, the main aspect of the lifts (muscles activated, "groove", etc.) are pretty much the same. I don't have an extensive familiarity with the k-bell, but I've found dumbbell complexes (snatches, clean&presses, swings, etc.) to target all the muscles described in Pavel T's books. Plus the conditioning effect is there too.

If you're going after a kettlebell certificate, then you better practice with kettlebells. However, for general conditioning dumbbells work just as well. Ask youself: do I really need a new piece of equipment?

Got to go now. The angry mob is at my front door :shock:


Judging from your first sentence you need to start using them. HAHA(joking). Kettlebells and Dumbbells work way different. Kettlebells work alot more pulling muscles because it hangs on the back of your arm. plus there's no such thing as wirey pencil wrists with kettlebells.

[emperor zombie]

i have one 53lb kettlebell. im 6'1 about 215lb. i deadlift about 475. i use the bell more for conditioning than strength. swings for time is brutal. i also throw them for explosive power. i dont know what that would do to an adjustable kettlebell. the thing leaves a sizeable divot where it lands. the kb isnt the end all be all of working out its just a tool. but its a compact and flexible tool. really depends on what you want or need.
the 53lb is currently enough for my big ass. pavel's suggestion as where to start seems on spot.

[bomtrue]

I have been working with kettlebells for years. I started my training with dumbells becouse of cost restraints in college. When I did buy my first bell I thought it made a huge difference in my workouts. I would suggest getting the 35's to start with just based off of what you said. If money is a real restraint however you might consider getting a heavier bell and just doing lower reps and adding extra sets until you can handle the heavier weight. The cardio element will still be there as long as you can do a good number reps with the kettlebell. It dosen't have to be 30-50 snatches per arm. As for the take apart plate bells, I would stay away from them if you plan on doing anything other than swings. They are awkward and clank around to much for me.

[el.roger]

you should be see that .. http://geocities.com/briangl2002/kettlebell.htm is cheap and good point for start ;)

[BrutalityisLaw]

Them homemade wannabe kettlebells make my jaw cringe at the look of them. They're dangerous looking for the most part loose plates, bunch of pieces put together, Once it takes enough abuse I could only imagine snatching them things and having it fall to pieces in mid air. If you're that serious about kettlebells invest the money in a real girya and buy one!!!! As of now I only have a 44lb. I've used the 35lb and 53lb alot as my trainer has them. But he brought them to his house so now Im stuck with the solo 44. I know KB's are expensive as hell but the 44lb I have I bought in providence, RI from punch gym (www.artofstrength.com) They're not the quality of pavel/Dragondoor KB's but they do the job. Mostly just notice imperfections in the handle which can be sanded out.

[mingo]

...In most cases, males should start with a 35# bell, and move up from there. ...

How about women (who want a challenge are not afraid of "bulking up" ('cause it won't happen)? I've seen 10, 15, & 20 # kbells at Target and would *love* to get one ...

[BrutalityisLaw]

Grab one and see which one you think will work best. I think 10 is to low for most try to swing the 15 or 20 pound and see what you think.