The Powerblock adjustable kettlebells are a space saving and feel very dense!
I have the heavy version that replaces 4 kettlebells and ranges from 35 lbs to 62 lbs.
Made out of thick steel, these feel indestructible so they should last a lifetime.
Let’s check them out!
Unboxing
The top half of the box was filled with in a thick piece of styrofoam so Powerblock really made sure this was well protected.
Powerblock sells these individually but I picked up the adjustable kettlebell set since I like to use two at a time.
And here’s the front of the kettlebell showing all the weight increments.
I like how compact the kettlebell is and the simplicity of the adjustment mechanism (I’ll show you how it works later).
The opposite side has the weight it kilos (kg).
You can see the back part of the selector pin coming through the 28 kg hole (red hole).
And here’s side view of the kettlebell with the Powerblock branding etched into it.
The bottom is hollow and the inside is lined with rubber.
My guess is the lining is there to prevent the metal plates from clanging to the inside of the kettlebell.
And this stack of weights that goes inside the kettlebell.
By itself (no plates attached), the adjustable kettlebell weighs 35 lbs.
Each weight block weighs 9 lbs and has a hole that goes from front to back.
That’s where this steel weight selector pin comes in.
I slide it through the front hole of the kettlebell and it stays in place with a strong magnet.
Specs
- Dimensions: 8″ L x 5.5″ W x 11.25″ H
- Handle diameter: 32.77mm
- Weight range: 35 – 62 lbs, Powerblock also sells a lighter version than ranges from 18 – 35 lbs
- Weight increments: 9 lbs, handle by itself weighs 35 lbs
- Adjustment mechanism: Magnetic steel pin is used as a weight selector (like a pin on a weight stack)
- Warranty: 5 years
Top Benefits of the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebells?
The best part about any adjustable equipment is that they save a TON of space in a home gym.
With the Powerblock adjustable kettlebells I’m replacing 4 kettlebells which is a big space saver especially since I have the pair.
To give you an idea of how compact these are, I set one right behind my Snode adjustable dumbbell set at 60 lbs.
The adjustable kettlebell is about half the size of the dumbbell when I place it sideways which is crazy how small it is.
And both of them side by side take up less space than one 50 lbs hex rubber dumbbell.
Best Features of the Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell?
Smooth Angles
I really like that the kettlebell has curved edges so it rests easy on the forearm.
Adjustment Mechanism
I like the simplicity of the adjustment mechanism and it works just like a weight stack.
I insert the steel magnetic pin through the weight I want to lift.
Anything below the pin will not be picked up so it just stays on the stall mats.
When I select 44 lbs, two weight blocks are left behind.
If I select 53 lbs, I’m lifting the handle plus 2 weight blocks and 1 is left behind.
At 62 lbs, everything is coming along for the ride.
Can’t get any more simple than that and it is very secure.
Exercises With The Adjustable Kettlebells
One of my favorite exercises to do is the kettlebell swing.
The wide handle makes it easy to keep both my hands on it.
Aside from traditional kettlebell exercises, I like to use the bells for bodybuilding-like exercises like Gorilla rows.
Alternating rows between the two kettlebells makes it more efficient than if I only had one and had to switch sides.
One thing I love about kettlebell training is the uneven weight distribution on the bell.
When doing squats with one kettlebell, this forces my core to always be engaged.
Or I can grab both bells for a more traditional squat when I want to go heavier.
And even though the Powerblock adjustable kettlebell is not completely round, with the right snatch technique the bell sits nicely on my forearms.
Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell Price
The Powerblock adjustable kettlebell retails for $299 (but as of this writing they’re having a $50).
But I’m gonna hook you up with my exclusive discount code.
Click the red button below to reveal the coupon to use at checkout.
Powerblock Kettlebell Handle vs Adjustable Kettlebell
Powerblock also sells an adjustable kettlebell handle that I insert into my Powerblock Pro 100 EXP adjustable dumbbells.
So with one kettlebell handle I can replace 10 kettlebells ranging from 10 to 100 lbs in 10 lbs increments.
But the handles aren’t built the same so I’ll show you the differences between the two…
The handle on the kettlebell is thicker in diameter and wider than the adjustable kettlebell handle.
I do like that the adjustable kettlebell handle is knurled.
And that I can turn the handle 90 degrees so I can adjust it for certain kettlebell exercises while using the dumbbells.
The kettlebell handle is not knurled but it also doesn’t slip out of my hand since it has a rough powder coat to it.
I do like the wider handle on the kettlebell which makes it more comfortable when doing kettlebell swings.
And you can see the difference in my hand position with the adjustable kettlebell handle.
I have to keep my hands right next to each other for swings.
Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell Pros & Cons
Pros
- Build: All parts are metal so I can’t see these any parts of these kettlebells breaking plus I dig the powder coat finish
- Space saving design: Replaces 4 kettlebell in a compact design
- Quick adjustments: Weight selection pin makes it easy to adjust in seconds
- Safe: Magnetic pin and weight plates pushing down on pin keep it in place while in use
- Cost effective: If I were to buy 4 separate kettlebells this replaces, it’d be more expensive than buying this one (and they’d take up more space)
Cons
I can’t think of any cons with this one.
It’s all metal so it’ll last a lifetime, it’s compact so it takes up very little space, and weight changes are quick and easy.
Adjustable Kettlebell Alternatives
Powerblock 18 – 35 LBS
Powerblock also sells a lighter version of their adjustable kettlebell.
This one also replaces 4 kettlebell but ranges from 18 – 35 lbs so it’s a good alternative for beginners.
Bowflex 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
The Bowflex 840 kettlebell works in a similar way to Powerblock’s with the weight plates stacking on top of each other.
It replaces 6 kettlebells (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs) and uses a dial to change weight.
There are a few things I don’t like about this one: (1) handle length, (2) the edge at the top, and (3) requires a base to make changes.
The handle feels small for two handed moves like kettlebell swings.
For exercise where the kettlebell sits on my forearm, the edge at the top of the kettlebell can sometimes dig into my forearms.
And I need to go back to the base in order to make changes to the weight (this is done for safety but I do like having the option to adjust anywhere).
Bells of Steel Adjustable Kettlebell
I like that the Bells of Steel adjustable kettlebell is competition styled and feels just like a kettlebell.
This one ranges from 12 kgs to 20.5 kgs, in as little as 0.5 kgs increments.
You can also add the expansion pack to make it go from 12 -32 kgs.
To adjust these, I have to open up the shell and add or remove plates.
The work involved to make adjustments is what I don’t like about them compared to Powerblock’s instant adjustment mechanism.
It comes with a hex nut wrench and Allen key to make weight changes.
Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
The Titan Fitness adjustable kettlebells have a traditional kettlebell shape, have a long handle, and replaces 7 kettlebells.
It’s divided into 6 cast iron weight plates weighing 4.6 lbs to 6 lbs so I can work up to 40 lbs in one kettlebell.
The issue I have with this one is that I can’t tell how much I’m lifting (unless I have a full kettlebell).
When I take off a weight plate, I have to pull out every plate I’m keeping on the kettlebell and do the math in my head.
If Titan can figure out how to make this easier, this would be a solid kettlebell.
Rep Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell
The Rep adjustable kettlebell is almost perfect.
It is round like a traditional kettlebell and has weight increments of 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 kgs (about 53 lbs max).
Similar to the Bowflex 840, it has hard plastic teeth that lift whatever weight I select and the rest stays on the floor.
Although I don’t think these teeth would break, I wish they would’ve make these metal to make it more secure.
Especially when doing explosive exercises like snatches.
My Experience Using The Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebells
I own both the Powerblock’s kettlebell handle and adjustable kettlebells so I’ve had the opportunity to train with both for comparison.
The adjustable kettlebells are definitely my favorite by far.
They’re solid, easy to adjust, take up very little space in my garage gym, and sit comfortably on my forearms.
Conclusion: Should You Buy The Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebell?
I really like these adjustable kettlebells.
They’re extremely easy to use, save a lot of space, and are built for longevity.
Ballistic kettlebell exercises like snatches and cleans are technique based so the cowbell shape doesn’t affect me at all.
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Powerblock Adjustable Kettlebells
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