Kettlebell Kings
BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Buy Now · $149.00BowFlex’s space-saving take on the adjustable kettlebell: a twist-dial selector swaps between six weight settings (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 LB) in one compact unit, so it stands in for a full rack of individual bells without changing shape as the weight changes. A one-year JRNY app trial ships with it, adding trainer-led kettlebell workouts alongside general strength, yoga, and Pilates content. Independent reviews (GarageGymReviews 4.1/5, BarBend) praise the dial’s speed and convenience for beginners and circuit training, but both flag the same weak points as Reddit owners who’ve since switched to solid cast iron: a thin, welded steel handle, an all-plastic shell explicitly rated “do not drop,” and a 40 LB ceiling that’s too low for intermediate lifters. Buyers who want more headroom and sturdier construction should compare Rogue’s Kettlebells or REP’s Kettlebells instead.
Buying guide
Best Kettlebell for Your Home Gym — July 2026| Warranty | 2 years on parts |
|---|---|
| Materials | plastic shell, welded steel handle, steel weight plates |
| Dimensions | 8.8" L x 7" W x 12.5" H |
| Weight range | 8-40 lb, 6 settings (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 lb) |
| Adjustment mechanism | twist-dial selector |
What is a Kettlebell?
What kettlebells are
A kettlebell is a cast-iron (or steel) ball with a handle, built for swings, cleans, snatches, presses, and carries — ballistic, full-body work a dumbbell doesn’t do as well. One or two bells cover a lot of conditioning and strength.
What actually matters
- Cast iron vs. competition. One-piece cast iron is the durable, affordable default. Competition (“comp”) bells are steel and share the SAME dimensions across every weight, so your technique doesn’t change as you go heavier — worth it for dedicated technique/girevoy work.
- Handle width & finish. Handle diameter and width decide grip comfort for two-hand swings vs. cleans; a smooth handle takes chalk well and won’t tear hands the way an overly rough powder coat can.
- Coating. Powder coat grips well but varies in roughness; e-coat is smooth and rust-resistant; bare handles need chalk.
- Single vs. adjustable. An adjustable kettlebell saves space and money if you want a range, but adds bulk and can feel less balanced than a fixed bell.
- What to buy first. Common starting points are ~16 kg (35 lb) for many men and ~8-12 kg for many women — then add a heavier and a lighter bell as you progress.
Who it’s for
Anyone who wants conditioning, posterior-chain power, and loaded carries without a rack. Start with one well-sized cast-iron bell; add weights or a competition set as your training demands.
How it compares
| BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell | Onnit Chimpanzee Kettlebell | Adjustable Kettlebells | Onnit Star Wars Kettlebells | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GymRadar rating | 3.75/5 | 3.78/5 | 3.67/5 | 3.58/5 |
| Price | $149.00 | $149.99 | ||
| Warranty | 2 years on parts | |||
| Materials | plastic shell, welded steel handle, steel weight plates | |||
| Dimensions | 8.8" L x 7" W x 12.5" H | |||
| Weight range | 8-40 lb, 6 settings (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 lb) | |||
| Adjustment mechanism | twist-dial selector |
Reviews by source
| Expert | 3.75/5 | 8 reviews | |
| Youtube | 3.8/5 | 3 reviews | |
| 2.5/5 | 3 reviews |
A space-saving pick for beginners who want one kettlebell to stand in for six, but reviewers and owners diverge more than usual on how well it holds up. Its standout dimension is functionality: the twist-dial adjustment is fast and genuinely convenient between sets or when sharing with a partner of a different strength level. Its weakest dimension is build quality – a thin, welded steel handle and an all-plastic shell (with an explicit “do not drop” warning) that several Reddit owners who later bought solid cast iron bells describe as flimsy and “trash” by comparison.
- +Functionality: twist-dial weight selection is fast and effortless, described by reviewers as fun to use and ideal for circuit-style training or switching weights between partners (BarBend; GarageGymReviews)
- +Versatility: replaces six individual kettlebells (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 LB) in one unit without changing its overall shape as weight is adjusted, saving significant floor space (manufacturer product page; BarBend video)
- +Value: roughly half the cost of buying an equivalent set of individual cast iron kettlebells, at about $150 (BarBend)
- +Functionality: comfortable on the wrist and forearm in the racked position despite the plastic shell (BarBend video)
- −Build quality: handle is thin, slick, and welded rather than forged, and feels flimsier than dedicated kettlebell handles (BarBend; BarBend video)
- −Durability: all-plastic outer shell carries an explicit "do not drop" warning, making it a poor fit for kettlebell movements that involve setting the bell down hard or dropping it (BarBend video)
- −Versatility: 40 LB weight ceiling is too low for intermediate/advanced lifters or heavier compound movements (GarageGymReviews; BarBend)
- −Build quality: several Reddit owners who later bought solid cast iron kettlebells describe the 840 as "trash" and an "awkward, anvil-like shape" that's impractical for real kettlebell movements (Reddit/r/homegym)
- −Build quality: noticeable wobble in the weight-plate stem reported by reviewers (BarBend)
$149.00
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