Kettlebells are a great addition to any home gym setup – and even better if you can save on space rather than keep several separate ones. The answer is here, and so is my Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell review.
What You Get
The whole thing is really quite simple and comes in one unit. Here’s what comes in the pack: Instructions in multiple language leaflets, the kettlebell base/stand and the adjustable kettlebell.
The kettlebell also comes with a convenient stand. This means that you don’t need to worry about scuffing or damaging the floor.
Instead, you just place the kettlebell on top once finished. It has the bonus of making it easy to store it and keeping your home gym neat and tidy.
Adjustable Weight Design
I think that this kettlebell is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to get a full-body workout at home but who has limited space or just loves efficiency.
That’s mainly because of the killer feature of this kettlebell: the adjustable weight feature. Just by turning the dial which is on top of it (see photo, below), you can easily adjust the weight of the kettlebell from as low as 3.5 kilograms (8 pounds) all the way up to 18 kilograms (40 pounds).
Here are all of the adjustable setting levels:
- 8 lbs (3.5 kg)
- 12 lbs (5.5 kg)
- 20 lbs (9 kg)
- 25 lbs (11 kg)
- 35 lbs (16 kg)
- 40 lbs (18 kg)
It’s therefore effectively giving you six kettlebells in one and it takes up minimal space. The increments are not in equal amounts, though, which might take some getting used to.
The adjustable kettlebell, just like any separate kettlebell allows you to target specific muscle groups. The difference is that you can then easily adjust the intensity of your workout without having to switch out weights or clutter your home with multiple kettlebells.
I was, at first, a little apprehensive to swing in case some of the weights flew out, but the kettlebell itself is very well made. It feels really sturdy in your hand/s.
The handle has a comfortable grip, and the weight is coated with a neoprene material that makes it easy to hang on to. This makes it much less likely to be slipping out of your hand during a workout.
I also really appreciate the way that Bowflex has made such a compact size of this kettlebell. It doesn’t take up much space, which is great if you have limited room in your home gym.
Here’s a video that I have found to be useful. In it, the guy gives the adjustable kettlebell a really good once-over:
How You Can Use It
Besides the flexibility of the design, you can use it for all sorts of exercises, too. These include:
- Kettlebell swings
- Goblet squats
- Jerks
- Lunges
- Farmer’s Carries
- Turkish get-ups
Given the design, the adjustable kettlebell can be used by both beginners and advanced gym users alike.
I’ve mainly been using it for Russian twists and sit-ups (while holding on my chest) in addition to standard kettlebell swings. The handle can feel slightly slippery at times, but I can generally keep a good grip on it during these exercises.
Competitor Kettlebells
There are several competitor products on the market that offer adjustable kettlebells or traditional kettlebell sets, which can be compared to the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. Here are some of those contenders:
- PowerBlock Adjustable Kettlebell: This adjustable kettlebell offers a weight range of 8-40 pounds, similar to the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. However, it is slightly more expensive and does not come with a stand.
- Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell: This adjustable kettlebell offers a weight range of 5-45 pounds, providing more weight increments than the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. However, it is less compact and may take up more space.
- CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell Set: This traditional kettlebell set offers a range of weight options, from 5-80 pounds, providing more weight increments and versatility than the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. That being said, it takes up more space and may be more expensive in the long run.
- Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Kettlebell: This adjustable kettlebell offers a weight range of 10-40 pounds and comes with a stand, similar to the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell. However, it is more expensive and does not provide as many weight increments.
Overall, each of these competitor products offers unique features and benefits, which can be compared to the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell based on individual needs and preferences. It is recommended to research and compare these products to ensure that you find the best kettlebell for your home gym setup.
Is the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell Worth It?
This product is not the cheapest, and you could probably buy a range of separate kettlebells cheaper if you shopped around.
However, I feel that the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell is a great investment for the reasons stated above. It is well-made, adjustable, and easy to use. In my humble opinion, it even looks good alongside my other gym equipment.
It’s quite honestly a good purchase and well worth it in my opinion and has a two-year warranty that you will need to register for. It can be your versatile and convenient option for many of your strength training needs without breaking the bank or taking up much space at all.