Bougie bells: does designer really matter?

Not all bells are created equal. There are a few types of bell categories out there and we’re here with all the details you need to know for bells on a budget (or not)...

Competition Bells
Competition bells look larger than regular kettlebells (the same size regardless of weight), with metal handles and bright balls (we had to say it). They are designed for high repetition movements, so regardless of the movement form is expected to be the same. These bells are the same size for a purpose: they are actually used for kettlebell sport competitions and need to be uniform for all athletes across event categories. 

They are sometimes called “sport kettlebells” and are made from steel, not iron. The handles can be square-ish and are attached to the base of the bell slightly differently than a standard kettlebell. Since size is uniform, the bell always rests in the exact same spot on the forearm. The space inside the bell handle is always the same, so the hand position is also the same. This reduces grip fatigue, which is important when performing high repetition movements. 

Competition bells have a wide base, which makes them useful for renegade rows and push ups, but trying to get them between the legs for double kettlebell swings can be quite challenging because of their size. There are specific form variances in kettlebell sport-style vs. hardstyle (what we practice), which can make some ballistic movements translate differently. For example, the metal handles of competition bells tend to rub and stick to the palm when hardstyle snatching, but are good for loose-grip, long repetition competition snatching. 

Here are a few examples from Rogue and Kettlebell Kings.

Cast Iron Bells
Cast iron bells are great for building strength and power for anyone beginner to advanced. Most beginners put two hands on a bell for a variety of movements (think goblet squats), so the size of the cast iron bells can be more accommodating. From brand to brand, bells vary in size, shape and material. 

Hardstyle training is done with cast iron bells, because of the tight/loose and fast grip switches for unilateral skills, especially ballistics. Since bells are kept close to the body in many skills, or require a tight and “sticky” feeling grip, cast iron reduces friction on the hands and promotes an easy glide-feeling as the grip adjusts. 

We are not sponsored by Kettlebell Kings, but we love the design, craftsmanship and handle width of their bells. Investing in one brand can make adjusting to handle size uniform for every training session and can prevent callus tearing or movement adjustments from grip. 

We also like Rogue, Onnit and Dragon Door.

Cheap and easy or invest?
Having a hodgepodge of bells can work for beginners or when doing basic movements that don’t require grip tension switches and bell rotation around the wrist. As you progress and learn cleans and ballistics, it’s worth it to step outside of the sale rack on Amazon or a local sports store and invest in quality bells. 

Spend a little more and save your hands, wrists and forearms from oddly-shaped bells, rough iron and too-thick handles (thick handles don’t save lives)...

Smooth, proportional handles and round, sleek goblets will make movements feel easier and age well with time (no one wants a chipped, rusty goblet). A quality bell will help build grip, wrist and forearm strength because you won’t need to compensate for its shortcomings. 

If cost is a factor, consider saving for bells, or looking for used bells from reputable brands. When we first started adding bells to our home collections, we made a list of our most important needs at the top and started there. You can do a lot with x3-4 bells and most good companies now offer bells in sets to help direct you towards what to buy.

When in doubt, buy bougie.