Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Set Review

Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Set Review

The Adjustable Kettlebell Set from Bells of Steel is a competition-style, internally loaded kettlebell designed for lifters who want the feel of a traditional kettlebell without dedicating floor space to an entire rack. The 12–20.5 kg version uses a steel shell, internal iron plates, and a competition-standard 35 mm handle, with small loading increments that make progressive overload much easier than with many dial-based adjustable kettlebells.

Quick Verdict

Best for: home-gym users, kettlebell enthusiasts, and intermediate lifters who want competition-style dimensions plus fine weight progression in one compact bell.

PVL Rating: 4.5/5

Editorial score by Purely Vital Living. We rated this product across five factors: build quality, ease of use, versatility, space efficiency, and overall value.

Build quality: 4.8/5
Ease of use: 3.8/5
Versatility: 4.8/5
Space efficiency: 4.7/5
Value: 4.4/5

Overall: 4.5/5 — The Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell is a strong option for lifters who want adjustable loading without sacrificing competition-style shape and handling. Its primary compromise is the slower tool-assisted weight-change process.

Skip it if: you need instant weight changes during fast circuits, want a lightweight beginner bell, or regularly drop kettlebells during training.

Overall: This Bells of Steel adjustable kettlebell stands out because it behaves much more like a fixed competition kettlebell than many bulky adjustable designs. Its biggest strengths are the 35 mm handle, steel-on-steel construction, consistent shell size, and fine internal loading. The main trade-off is speed: changing plates takes longer than turning a dial or grabbing another fixed bell.

Adjustable Kettlebell Set at a Glance

12–20.5 kg adjustable range on the base model
Fine 0.5 kg and 1 kg loading options
Competition-standard 35 mm handle
Steel shell with internal iron weight plates
Consistent competition-style dimensions as the load changes
Expansion options are available for heavier loading
Designed for swings, cleans, snatches, presses, squats, carries, and Turkish get-ups

How the Internal Loading System Works

Unlike dial-based adjustable kettlebells, the Bells of Steel system opens from the bottom. Internal iron plates slide onto a fixed center post and are secured with a nut before the lower shell is reattached. The included wrench and Allen key are used to tighten the internal assembly and bottom shell.

The advantage is a very solid, balanced feel once everything is tightened. The downside is that a weight change is not instant. Bells of Steel notes that changing the load can take roughly one to two minutes, so this design is better for structured strength work than for workouts that require rapid transitions between several kettlebell weights.

Competition-Style Design and 35 mm Handle

One of the strongest reasons to choose this Adjustable Kettlebell Set is its competition-style geometry. The 35 mm handle and consistent outer shell help the kettlebell sit and move more like a traditional competition bell, which is useful for cleans, snatches, presses, rack-position work, and Turkish get-ups.

Because the outside dimensions do not change every time you add or remove internal plates, your grip position, rack position, and swing path stay more consistent across different loads.

Build Quality

Bells of Steel uses a steel shell, iron plates, and a steel-on-steel locking system rather than a plastic selector mechanism. That construction helps the bell feel secure once assembled and reduces the appliance-like feel common with some adjustable kettlebells.

It is still an adjustable product with internal hardware, so it should be treated more carefully than a one-piece cast-iron kettlebell. Bells of Steel specifically does not warranty the adjustable system for drops.

What Exercises Can You Do With It?

Kettlebell swings
Goblet squats
Deadlifts
Rows
Overhead presses
Cleans
Snatches
Turkish get-ups
Farmer carries and suitcase carries
Complexes and strength-focused kettlebell flows

Pros and Cons

Pros

Competition-standard 35 mm handle
Traditional kettlebell shape and balance
Fine 0.5 kg and 1 kg progression
Steel shell and internal iron plates
Compact alternative to a full kettlebell rack
Good for cleans, snatches, presses, and get-ups
Expandable to heavier loads with compatible kits

Cons

Weight changes are slower than dial systems
Requires tools to adjust the internal plates
12 kg starting weight may be too heavy for some beginners
Not recommended for workouts requiring rapid load changes
Not designed to be dropped
Higher upfront cost than one fixed kettlebell

Who Is It Best For?

This Bells of Steel adjustable kettlebell is best suited to people who already like kettlebell training and want to progress through smaller weight increments without buying multiple fixed bells. It is especially attractive for garage gyms, apartments, basement gyms, and other spaces where equipment storage matters.

It also makes sense for lifters who care about competition-style dimensions and want one bell that can support swings, presses, cleans, snatches, carries, and get-ups with a familiar feel.

Who Should Avoid It?

Absolute beginners may find the 12 kg starting weight too demanding for some single-arm movements. People doing timed circuits with frequent load changes may also prefer a dial-based adjustable kettlebell or several fixed kettlebells because this internal plate system takes longer to adjust.

It is also not ideal for training styles that involve intentionally dropping the kettlebell.

Bells of Steel vs. REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell

The REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell also uses an internally loaded format, but the Bells of Steel model puts more emphasis on competition-style dimensions and micro-loading. The Bells of Steel option is the stronger fit if you want a 35 mm competition handle and smaller progression steps; REP may appeal more if you prefer its specific weight range and simpler home-fitness positioning.

Bells of Steel vs. BowFlex SelectTech 840

The BowFlex SelectTech 840 wins on speed because its dial changes weight much faster. Bells of Steel wins on traditional kettlebell feel, competition-style geometry, and smaller loading increments. Choose BowFlex for convenience; choose Bells of Steel if movement quality and traditional kettlebell ergonomics matter more.

Limitations to Know Before Buying

Adjustments are not fast; changing plates can take around one to two minutes.
The base version starts at 12 kg, which may be too heavy for some beginners.
Tools are required to securely change the internal load.
The adjustable mechanism is not intended for repeated drops.
The higher purchase price makes the most sense when it replaces several fixed kettlebells.

Final Verdict

The Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Set is one of the more convincing options for lifters who want an adjustable bell without giving up the shape and handling of a traditional competition kettlebell. Its 35 mm handle, consistent shell, internal steel-and-iron construction, and fine loading increments make it particularly good for progressive strength work.

The slower adjustment process is the main compromise. If your workouts use one weight for several sets before changing loads, that trade-off is relatively minor. If you constantly switch between light and heavy kettlebells during circuits, a faster adjustment system may be more practical.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weight range of the Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell Set?

The base model covered here adjusts from 12 to 20.5 kg. Bells of Steel also offers expansion options that can extend compatible models to heavier loads.

What size is the handle?

It uses a competition-standard 35 mm handle designed to provide a consistent grip and familiar competition-kettlebell feel.

How long does it take to change the weight?

Because the plates are loaded internally and secured with hardware, a weight change can take roughly one to two minutes rather than a few seconds.

Can you do kettlebell swings with it?

Yes. The competition-style shell and balanced internal loading are designed for common kettlebell exercises including swings, cleans, snatches, presses, squats, and carries.

Can you drop the Bells of Steel adjustable kettlebell?

It should not be treated like a solid cast-iron bell that can be repeatedly dropped. Bells of Steel states that drops are not covered by the adjustable kettlebell warranty.

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