Kettlebell question

[QueBert]

I've been pondering getting a couple Kettlebells, I've never actually used one. And until I Googled them, I was under the impression they were basically the same. But I'm seeing people saying this brand the handle's too big too comfortably grip. This brand's too wide to swing between the legs without standing too wide. I came across these on Froogle, but cannot find a single review anywhere.

http://www.mansionathletics.com/rhino-kettle-bells-rkb30.html
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...=SPM3428443801

This is probably a long shot, but maybe someone here has used either and can give me some feedback? They're pretty freaking expensive compared to any other brand I've came across. I like they're rubber coated and at least the 1st ones I linked to are all the same diameter. I'm realistically only looking to get 2 25's right now, but probably down the road a bit 2 35's. And maybe down down down the road some 65's or something (I can dream...) After finding these Champion ones I did Google rubber coated kettlebells and saw some people complaining about a few brands and the rubber falling off and the handles being shit. But they're much cheaper, which might have something to do with it. But I'm not going to just assume the ones I linked are built better simply because they're 2x the price and look nicer than the other brands I'm coming across. The only other rubber coated one's I'm seeing that stand out at the Body Solid ones.

I also have a Kettlebell exercise question, I have a friend out of state who's one of those extreme HIIT dudes. He's recommending after I get some Kettlebells I work 5 minutes of 60/15 12-24 inch box jumps with Kettlebells in my hands into my routine. I'm far from an expert, but this seems like something which is just asking to destroy your knees. But if it isn't a horrible exercise what should I do to work up to it? My friend claims since I've been doing Rushfit for 43 days now my legs could easily take it and to just jump into it. But I'm not as confident in my conditioning lol.

 

[TwiceOver]

My gym has the rubber ball style like the ones in your first link. For me they are too big to do double arm swings ,I have to stand too wide. I prefer the classic style similar to your second link.

I'm far from an expert though.

 

[QueBert]

My gym has the rubber ball style like the ones in your first link. For me they are too big to do double arm swings ,I have to stand too wide. I prefer the classic style similar to your second link.

I'm far from an expert though.

Yeah I'm wondering how big the 1st link ones are compared to the 2nd. It says 8" diameter, which doesn't seem big but I don't really know. A FAQ I read said the standard sized KB's used in competition are 210mm, which is smaller than the Champion ones I linked. But I can't find diameter info on Google for other types. The same diameter regardless of the weight of the 1st might be good because I wouldn't have to work too much on form when I went up in weight.

For a KB n00b like me, is an 8" diameter going to be too big to start with? Also the description on 1 site says "Smooth molded handle is just like a solid steel handle" Is a smooth molded handle a good thing?

 

[TwiceOver]

I don't know if it answers your handle question but the kettleballs at my gym are rubberized and are screwed into the ball at four anchor points. One morning I was using a single 30 and the handle got loose. Not enough to cause injury but something to think about. The single piece enamel coated ones are better IMO.

 

[EvilYoda]

Take a look at Rogue Fitness and Power Systems, they typically have higher-end KBs at vey competitive prices. Granted, it might be nicer than what you'd find at big-box retailers, but it'll be worth it in the long run, especially if you get serious about it.

I personally love KBs and will probably get RKC certified at some point.

 

[cliftonite]

Get these:
http://www.roguefitness.com/ader-kettlebells.php

 

[QueBert]

Take a look at Rogue Fitness and Power Systems, they typically have higher-end KBs at vey competitive prices. Granted, it might be nicer than what you'd find at big-box retailers, but it'll be worth it in the long run, especially if you get serious about it.

I personally love KBs and will probably get RKC certified at some point.

My god that Rouge Fitness site has some NICE STUFF. I'm looking at the colored competition bumper plates and drooling my ass off. The price makes no sense to me, but Googling around apparently they're expensive as hell everywhere. 2 25lb plates are $150? 2 45lbs are $230 Daamit thanks a lot, now I'm going to be ordering some next month when I get paid. 90kg for $690? *GULP*

Reading up on what makes them cost so much, they're definitely nice, but way overkill for my home gym. But since I'm pretty damn wimpy on the weights I could get by with an Olympic bar and 2 35's for now. Serious dude thanks for that link, I'm probably going to spend a great deal of money here over the next year. The stuff they have looks amazing next to the sh*t I was seeing on other sites. I'll even probably eventually order the $199 Title Platinum Professional Fight & Gym Timer they have. Overkill as hell but sweeeeet looking lol.

*EDIT* hummm I guess I've been looking at non Olympic plates because the York's aren't really that much cheaper than the competition bumper ones.

 

[Pia]

It's worth paying a little extra for good kettlebells. Classic, standard shape, smooth metal handle is what you want. Kettlebells of different size, especially bigger than standard, are troublesome.

My own kettlebells are from a local brand not available in USA, but the shape is the same you see below.
http://www.ironbellathletics.com/gi...-kettlebell-comparison-perform-better-vs-akc/
http://www.kettlebellsusa.com/kettl...competition_kettlebells_best_kettlebells.html

 

[QueBert]

It's worth paying a little extra for good kettlebells. Classic, standard shape, smooth metal handle is what you want. Kettlebells of different size, especially bigger than standard, are troublesome.

My own kettlebells are from a local brand not available in USA, but the shape is the same you see below.
http://www.ironbellathletics.com/gi...-kettlebell-comparison-perform-better-vs-akc/
http://www.kettlebellsusa.com/kettl...competition_kettlebells_best_kettlebells.html

I ended up ordering 2 of the Rhino ones, their size is just about standard. As usual the bling factor of them pushed them over the top for me. They do seem like they'll be nice though, but if I end up not liking them I'm only 2 light ones invested in. And will just buy the classic style ones like you linked to. Which is probably what I should have done from the jump.

 

[EvilYoda]

Hah, yeah, Bill and his company are born and bred out of the Crossfit culture. He saw a need and pieced together a pretty amazing team which now designed, engineers, builds, and assembles all of the Crossfit regional and games competition equipment.

The competition plates cost so much because of what they're designed for. They have plenty of great bars, even the "cheaper" training bars are pretty amazing and still come with lifetime warranties. Just about every new CF gym is outfitted with SOME equipment from Rogue...they're totally killing it.

My only problem with them is that they're a Columbus company.

My god that Rouge Fitness site has some NICE STUFF. I'm looking at the colored competition bumper plates and drooling my ass off. The price makes no sense to me, but Googling around apparently they're expensive as hell everywhere. 2 25lb plates are $150? 2 45lbs are $230 Daamit thanks a lot, now I'm going to be ordering some next month when I get paid. 90kg for $690? *GULP*

Reading up on what makes them cost so much, they're definitely nice, but way overkill for my home gym. But since I'm pretty damn wimpy on the weights I could get by with an Olympic bar and 2 35's for now. Serious dude thanks for that link, I'm probably going to spend a great deal of money here over the next year. The stuff they have looks amazing next to the sh*t I was seeing on other sites. I'll even probably eventually order the $199 Title Platinum Professional Fight & Gym Timer they have. Overkill as hell but sweeeeet looking lol.

*EDIT* hummm I guess I've been looking at non Olympic plates because the York's aren't really that much cheaper than the competition bumper ones.

 

[Pia]

Since it looks like the Rhinos have a painted handle, the first thing you should probably do is to sand the handles. But if it's still an option, in your shoes I'd just cancel the purchase or return the things.

You don't actually need two kettlebells to start with. I started with a 16kg, then after several months bought 2x24kg KBs, then a 28kg KB, and finally a 32kg KB. I have not been training with KBs for a while (doing powerlifting and jiujitsu, instead) but even if I was KB lifting, I wouldn't need or want pairs for my heavier KBs for a long time.

 

[QueBert]

Hah, yeah, Bill and his company are born and bred out of the Crossfit culture. He saw a need and pieced together a pretty amazing team which now designed, engineers, builds, and assembles all of the Crossfit regional and games competition equipment.

The competition plates cost so much because of what they're designed for. They have plenty of great bars, even the "cheaper" training bars are pretty amazing and still come with lifetime warranties. Just about every new CF gym is outfitted with SOME equipment from Rogue...they're totally killing it.

My only problem with them is that they're a Columbus company.

I got this uber bar that's black & chrome, the competition bumpers, a plyo box and even a damn title gym timer on my wishlist there. I will be broke for the next year thanks to you. I know the competition bumpers are designed for competitions and heavy use, meaning I'm not what they're intended for lol. You'd think the $$$ would be enough to keep my away. I'm trying to tell myself I don't need $75 25lb plates, but my lack of good sense and attraction to eye candy's winning out as usual

 

[Pia]

I'm trying to tell myself I don't need $75 25lb plates, but my lack of good sense and attraction to eye candy's winning out as usual

Unless the stuff you are buying is more expensive than non-flashy high grade equipment, I'm going to disagree. As long as you are buying solid, non-fad equipment, quality is not eye candy. Proper bumper plates protect your floors, everything else they may touch, and your ears. They also protect the bar-plate interface against wear. Good bars and plates make the lifting feel better, since they fit together correctly and also retain that fit. Paying a couple hundred for plates which you can use forever is hardly expensive.

 

[EvilYoda]

I got this uber bar that's black & chrome, the competition bumpers, a plyo box and even a damn title gym timer on my wishlist there. I will be broke for the next year thanks to you. I know the competition bumpers are designed for competitions and heavy use, meaning I'm not what they're intended for lol. You'd think the $$$ would be enough to keep my away. I'm trying to tell myself I don't need $75 25lb plates, but my lack of good sense and attraction to eye candy's winning out as usual

Awww, you're welcome!