Competition Kettlebells

I've had quite a few emails lately from individuals asking me about this subject .

So, in case you weren’t familiar , there is a game called Kettlebell Sport (GS - where the “G” stands read more for “Girya,” or Kettlebell) which came from Russia and reached the US in the mid-2000s.

Up until that time, the only types of kettlebells you could get were the cast iron “Strength & conditioning” type.

This is likely the standard shape kettlebell you’ve at least seen or witnessed .

Here’s what the Competition Bells appear like :

And here's what they look like compared to each other:

(Image courtesy: Zack Henderson)

Now, honestly, I’ve only used Comp Bells a couple of occasions .

And I like them.

But I’ve always used the cast iron kind and stick with them .

Thicker Handles → Stronger Grip

Ever increasing bell size as weight gets heavier → More stability demand → More work → More variety

Cheaper (usually) → More bells

Bigger bells → Over 48kg if you want to go really heavy

Now that doesn’t mean Comp Bells are inferior . Not at all.

Here are some benefits:

Same size, different weights → Consistent feel, probably more (higher) reps

Consistent size → Less stability demand → Easier to lift

Smaller handle diameter → Easier on the grip → Less forearm fatigue

Less forearm fatigue → Higher reps per set

… This is likely why these are designed for the frequent kettlebell lifting found in Kettlebell Sport.

And, ultimately , depending on the producer, you can get Adjustable Comp Bells, which are an “all-in-one” solution from 16kg - 32kg → Space-saving design

(Image courtesy: Bells of Steel)

However, the reality is this: The type of kettlebell you opt for is simply a choice - and it depends on you.

I recommend testing both and deciding which you prefer.

Ultimately, at the end of the day, it’s not the model of kettlebell you pick, it’s how you handle your kettlebell that influences the results you get.

Without structure, results can be unpredictable.

Professionally designed programming = Measurable, predictable gains in strength & muscle + decreases in body fat.

Stay Strong,

Geoff Neupert.