We Dropped, Swung, and Abused the Top Adjustable Kettlebells on the Market. This One Survived Every Test
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When people build a home gym, they typically think of the usual suspects: dumbbells, resistance bands, a pullup bar, and maybe even a barbell if you’re feeling extra fancy. But adjustable kettlebells are an underrated staple that deserve a spot on that list. Similar to their adjustable dumbbell counterparts, the kettlebells allow you to add or remove weight plates quickly, making them a solid space- and money-saving option that still builds serious muscle.
In general, kettlebells are a smart addition thanks to their training versatility and grip training benefits. But Bells of Steel is a brand we specifically love. Crowned as the most durable adjustable kettlebell in our 2026 Fitness Awards, their Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell is built to handle some major abuse. It offers a solid, dependable feel even under heavy use, and you can adjust the weight in increments as small as half a kilogram.
A quick note on that—the weight plates are labeled only in kilograms, so if you normally train in pounds, you’ll need to do some quick converting. Read on for our full thoughts on what sets this adjustable kettlebell apart and why it's worth the purchase.
Want the inside scoop on the best fitness gear of the year? Check out the rest of Men’s Journal 2026 Fitness Awards, where we’ve tested everything from workout shorts and protein powders to weightlifting shoes and wearable fitness trackers.
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Key Features
Bells of Steel jokingly asks that you don’t drop their Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell off your roof, but in real-world training, it’s built to take a beating. Its all-steel shell delivers 18 weight increments ranging from 12 to 32 kilograms, so you can load it up for swings, squats, and presses without ever outgrowing it. Its 35 millimeter handle ensures your grip stays consistent at any weight.
During testing, it held up exactly how you would expect a competition-style bell to perform. Its construction feels dense and solid in the hands, with no rattling, flex, or loose parts, which is important during high-intensity movements like swings. In reviews, many owners have backed up that the where the kettlebell is sturdy, well-balanced, and closer to a fixed competition bell than anything else in the adjustable category.
Weights are certainly an investment, but these adjustable kettlebells are fairly priced. At $221 for the 12 to 20.5 kilograms base model or $333 for the 12 to 32 kilograms setup, you are effectively replacing a full rack of kettlebells for a fraction of the cost and floor space. Bells of Steel also offers a 10 percent discount when you buy a second kettlebell. Plus, it's available in different color options, which adds a fun flair to what is a pretty dull-looking piece of fitness equipment.
The 20.5 kilograms setup starts with a 12 kilograms competition shell and includes 8.5 kilograms of plates (1x 3 kilograms, 2x 2 kilograms, 1x 1 kilograms, and 1x 0.5 kilograms), giving you 18 different weight increments from 12 to 20.5 kilograms. Being able to progress in small increments lets you dial in loads across multiple sets and train closer to what you would get from a full weight rack at a big box gym.
c/o Bells of Steel
Pros
- The 0.5 kg increments allow you to work on strength gradually
- Comes in multiple colors (black, blue, purple, yellow)
Cons
- Powder coat paint may chip
- Lowest weight may be too much for beginners
Final Verdict
The Health and Fitness team at Men’s Journal are big fans of this adjustable kettlebell. It's perfect for anyone lacking the space for multiple sets of weights, and it allows you to make small weight adjustments in moderate increments, which is ideal for lifters who want to focus on progressive overload. However, it is worth noting that actually adjusting the weights isn't instantaneous. It requires tools and an extra few minutes, which can compromise the flow of circuit-style workouts. Still, for traditional strength training, the trade-off feels reasonable.
Built to last, it's extremely durable, so don't worry about dings or wear, no matter how rough you are or how often you use it. And that's a certified stamp of approval from someone who's long been called a bull in a china shop. Bells of Steel also sweetens the deal with a 10 percent discount when you buy two, which definitely makes it worth it for anyone planning to train with doubles.
For lifters who prioritize durability and precise weight adjustments over quick changes, this kettlebell delivers exactly where it counts and is worth the purchase.
Related: We Turned Our Garages Into Training Labs to Find the Best Home Gym Equipment of 2026
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a health and fitness staff writer for Men’s Journal and previously wrote for Men’s Fitness, covering training trends, workouts, and gear reviews. I’m also an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, with experience teaching multiple training modalities, including HIIT at Orangetheory Fitness and indoor cycling at Cyclebar.
I personally test all products I review and have spent quality time with countless pieces of fitness equipment, from HYROX shoes to Lagree reformers and watermelon-flavored creatine. My goal is to give practical, experience-driven feedback that helps you decide what’s worth your time and money in the gym, while elevating your workout experience.