The best kettlebell for kettlebell sport: competition standards, official measurements and international colors
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Which is truly the best kettlebell? The ultimate technical guide to understanding competitive kettlebell sports
The question “which is the best kettlebell ?” seems simple, but it's actually poorly framed if the context of use isn't defined beforehand. Not all kettlebells serve the same purpose, nor are they designed according to the same technical criteria. Comparing them without considering the discipline, objectives, and standards leads to common mistakes for both athletes and buyers.
This article has a clear objective: to educate . To rigorously explain the differences between fitness kettlebells and competition kettlebells, detail the international standards of kettlebell sport, and show how these criteria are applied in the real market, especially in Spain.
1. The common mistake: talking about “the best kettlebell” without defining its use
When someone asks about the best kettlebell, they usually mix up very different things:
- General fitness
- Functional training
- recreational CrossFit
- Domestic use
- Kettlebell sport (girevoy sport)
Each of these disciplines imposes different technical demands. Claiming that a single kettlebell is optimal for all of them is as inaccurate as asking for "the best bicycle" without specifying whether it's for mountain biking, road cycling, or track cycling.
There is no single best kettlebell. There is a best kettlebell for each discipline.
2. What is kettlebell sport and why does it change everything?
Kettlebell sport, also known as girevoy sport, is a regulated sporting discipline with official competitions, judges, categories and well-defined technical standards.
Its main characteristics are:
- Long sets (usually 10 continuous minutes)
- Repeated cyclical movements: jerk, snatch, and long cycle
- Very high volume of repetitions
- Economy of movement and energy efficiency
- Extremely precise technique
In this context, the kettlebell is not simply a weight. It is a technical tool that directly influences grip fatigue, rack stability, overhead efficiency, and long-term joint safety.
3. Why a fitness kettlebell is not suitable for kettlebell sport
3.1 Variable size vs standard size
In fitness kettlebells, the external size increases as the weight increases. This alters the center of mass and necessitates changes in technique as you progress.
In kettlebell sport, the opposite is true: all kettlebells have the same external dimensions , regardless of their weight. Progression is based on load, not geometry.
3.2 Center of gravity
Fitness kettlebells typically have less controlled centers of mass, which compromises stability in rack and overhead presses. In competition, the center of gravity is calculated to minimize energy expenditure during long sets.
3.3 Mango
The handle on a sport kettlebell must meet very specific criteria: standard diameter, uniform surface, balanced polish, and smooth transitions. An incorrect handle causes abrasions, premature fatigue, and loss of efficiency.
4. What objectively defines a competition kettlebell
4.1 Hollow design
Competition kettlebells are hollow, without irregular fillings or visible welds that could disrupt their balance. This allows for even weight distribution and consistent performance with each repetition.
4.2 Standardized Dimensions
All competition kettlebells maintain the same external dimensions across the entire weight range.
4.3 Actual calibration
A competition kettlebell must weigh exactly what it states, within strict tolerances, and maintain that accuracy over time.
5. International colors of competition kettlebells
In kettlebell sport, color is not for aesthetics. It's functional. There is a widely accepted international color code that allows for immediate identification of the weight.
| Weight (kg) | International Color |
|---|---|
| 8 kg | Pink |
| 12 kg | Blue |
| 16 kg | Yellow |
| 20 kg | Purple |
| 24 kg | Green |
| 28 kg | Orange |
| 32 kg | Red |
6. Standard measurements of competition kettlebells
- Total height: ~28 cm
- Body diameter: ~21 cm
- Handle width: ~12 cm
- Handle diameter: ~33–35 mm
These measurements remain constant across all weight classes. This is key to the athlete's technical progression.
7. Actual application of the standards in Spain
In the Spanish market, brands specializing exclusively in competitive kettlebell sport have begun to emerge. A prime example is Kettleland , a Spanish brand focused solely on competition hollow kettlebells, designed according to international kettlebell sport standards.
This approach is characterized by:
- Respect for standard dimensions
- Application of the international color code
- Design focused on jerk, snatch, and long cycle
- Clear separation from generic fitness
8. Video: What is Kettleland and what does it represent?
9. Final conclusion
The best kettlebell isn't the best-selling or the cheapest. It's the one that meets the technical standards of the discipline for which it was designed.
In kettlebell sport, this means consistent dimensions, a hollow design, an international color code, and a focus exclusively on competition. Understanding this allows you to answer the initial question correctly and avoids common confusion in the market. If you want to buy a competition kettlebell, follow this link.
The best kettlebell is the one that does not interfere with technique and allows the athlete to perform for 10 continuous minutes without unnecessary penalties.
