Which Kettlebell is for You? | Competition vs Cast Iron

[@153bigfishes]

How is it possible that after watching a ton of "big name" videos on this matter without getting any significant insight from them, it's You with Your modest account who made the best, most comprehensive, usefel and helpful video on the topic of them all. Congratulations

[@omaha10to80]

This is by far the best comparison of Competition & Cast Iron kettlebells! Thanks for making this video. I'm much more confident going with the power coated cast iron after watching this.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Joe, glad you have found more clarity about kettlebells! 🙌

[@dndadventure]

Yes, this was very helpful. Very informative.

[@troymatthews3287]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo I do a lot of one-handed kettlebell stuff and I do a lot of variation exercises I do not do this for competition should I stay with the traditional kettlebells? even though I still do a lot of one-handed stuff I like variations in my exercise choices. Basically what do you think is better for my obliques and stuff like that. Because I like the fact that the cast-iron bills are bottom-heavy.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Troy, Ultimately, it's down to personal preference. Both styles of kettlebells are really quite similar in their effects on the body. Shorter people generally prefer cast iron kettlebells because they're smaller, while taller people can choose either. If you like one arm exercises, and you don't have an issue with the size of the competition bells (e.g. you are a tall person or you never use doubles), your can use competition bells.

[@troymatthews3287]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo I'm 5 ft 7 in

[@dannamadura3751]

You are seriously the most underrated authority on kettlebells. I am just blown away by the content on your channel: no ads, no drama, no BS, just pure information! I really love your demos because you break down complex movements with clear instructions and helpful tips. I also like how you teach both girevoy and hardstyle. I am new to kettlebells but I am really excited to learn from your channel! You are a wonderful teacher. 😊 I have small hands too, but I decided to get a traditional style KB for now so I can get used to two handed movements. I'll see how it goes from there.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Danna, I'm really glad you're finding the video helpful in your Kettlebell training! And thank you for your feedback and kind words! Also greetings to a fellow petite-handed Kettlebeller 🙌😁💪

[@dbds7292]

It was a video that showed the difference between competition irons the most There are currently no competitive kettlebells on sale in my country. thank you

[@Jackal_Blitz]

It's easy to find the generalities of competition vs traditional, but no one goes into this much depth. Thank you so much! I feel a lot more confident about my purchase now.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Lucas, thank you for the feedback! I'm really glad to know you're feeling more confident about choosing the right KB. All the best in your training! 💪⭐🙌

[@dachargedduck8636]

3:53 Ohh my goodness that form is perfect Goals!!

[@leonboy]

Wow, you are really a specialist in kettlebell sport! Well explanation and very detailed. I have to watch all of your videos. XD

[@Justo777]

Great to find a video that give detail comparison without pushing for a specific brand or a specific approach. This is the best comparison video!!!

[@Dramob]

Thank you for the detailed information. I just picked up Kettlebell Kings 16, 20, and 24 kg. traditional kettlebells, and found your explanations the best of dozens of videos I've watched over the past couple of weeks!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Dramob 🙏 may your new KBs bring you decades of health and fun! 😄

[@Dramob]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Thank you again! I've subscribed to your channel and will make my best effort to learn to use them properly. I am sure I will have fun and enjoy the challenge.

[@liljemark1]

Really good points regarding traditional bells and their qualities. Lately I've been doing some kettlebell workouts and watching KZbin videos on the subject. I was getting kind of annoyed that I didn't choose competition bells as many are recommending them, but due to price, availability and the points you made, I'm now ok with using whatever I have :D Thanks!

[@dachargedduck8636]

I don’t know how one person disliked this video You were so thorough and extremely informative Plus the technique. Whoever that person was, I feel bad for them

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Lol thank you, that's very kind. All sorts of reasons somebody might like or dislike a video. But the best constructive feedback is always in the comments :) so thank you for commenting!

[@707SonomaComa]

Most informative kettlebell explanation I've seen.

[@23MoniqueB]

I watched several videos trying to really understand the differences before purchasing my first KB and your video was by far the best!

[@derrickbryson1759]

Thank you!! This is the only video that breaks it down like this.

[@Reds777]

Thanks a lot! Your comparison video is by far the most clear, informative and useful out of the dozens I've seen.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Reds! all the best in your kettlebell training!

[@diang1984]

This channel is a goldmine of information

[@dougmoore5252]

Kettlebellking adjustable will work for me. The last two I will ever buy.

[@makatron]

No idea why I'm watching this after KZbin algorithm suggested, but damn that's a great explanation. Subbed.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

😂😂 glad it was useful and welcome to the dojo, Isaac!

[@makatron]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo I guess I'll go for traditional style since I'm never going to do anything other than crossfit

[@powaytheband]

Great informative video. It was nice to see you swing the bell. You are the first person I have seen online who swings it correctly! Thank you

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you 🙏 glad you found the video informative! 😀 all the best in your training!

[@Chemikalische]

This is absolutely brilliant, I feel so much more confident in my purchase as a petite woman with small hands. Thank you!

[@javierrodriguez4218]

Oh man, I already bought the vinyl-coated one. How come I didn't find your channel before?

[@GavinBrown]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@michaelgolubovic6330]

Best video I've seen so far on this topic, thank you!

[@VitalBigras]

Really helpful, THANKS 🙏

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Greaaaat explanatiooooon... Veryyyyy helppppfuuul....

[@barrylarryharry7183]

Great video!

[@richardayala4356]

Excellent explanation! Thank you! I almost made the wrong choice, but thanks to you, I know which to purchase!❤. Liked and subscribed!

[@veerchasm1]

Best explanation of this, I was very confused on the differences. Thank you

[@Jakob728]

Have watched so many kettlebell videos, this is by far the best one. Feel way more confident buying my first one now. Thank you!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Great to hear Jakob, all the best in your training with the new kettlebells! 💪🙌🤗

[@EmeraldRubyTea]

This is what I needed! Thanks so much! A lot of the info out there is for men by men. I don’t have an issue with that, it’s just that it’s beneficial to have a female perspective, from a female who has the lived experience of being in a female body. I almost bought the competition style kbs but was worried about regretting the decision. I think based on this video, it would be a good call for me to buy the traditional style kbs. Thanks so much!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Chioma, Thank you for the comment! So glad it helped you choose the right bells. Yes, if you are planning to ever use doubles, traditional cast iron bells are the best. The only exception is if you are VERY tall or have to use Competition bells for Girevoy Sport. All the best in your training! 🙌🤗💪

[@EmeraldRubyTea]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Hello! I am 5’-6” so average. But I’m overweight. I have some kbs that I’m renting but want to purchase some of my own now. The issue I am having is with how the Kbs rest on my chest area. I think the competition style bells would be more inconvenient so, I’ll stick with that traditional bells for now. When my weight comes down, then I can consider the competition style and the floor swing through exercises you demonstrated in that video. Thanks!

[@EmeraldRubyTea]

May I ask one more question- which coating would you recommend- e-coating or powder coating? I’m thinking of getting 8, 10 and 12kg kbs. Thanks.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

I don't actually know what's e-coating... 🤔 But powder coated kettlebells are great, we use those mostly. They have a good grip, so you don't need chalk if your hands get sweaty.

[@EmeraldRubyTea]

Thanks so much!

[@rikrot5041]

Thanks for the video

[@HiteshHChandwani]

Thank you for such info ❤️🙏🏼

[@agc11520]

Really, really helpful. I left straight bars for dumb-bells about 15 years ago. I have been curious about the kettlebells mostly for leg exercises, I think that the traditional kettlebells will be best for me … for now! Thanks again for sharing your experience/knowledge.

[@sergey8339]

Thank you for detailed and complete review !

[@sevynn3970]

This is really a great discussion. I have been looking at adding to my collection of kettlebells and had considered a pair of adjustable competition style bells over a a larger number of traditional. Being a smaller male at 5'5" that is using kettlebells for conditioning, it appears that my best bet is to go with a collection of traditional kettlebells. Thank you for the information, very helpful! (now I wait for availability to go back to normal...)

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Sevynn! Yes you'll generate tons more power with the traditional bells. All the best in your training! 💪🙌

[@redwhiteandblueblood]

I've tried competition, cast iron and adjustable kettlebells I just find competition to be most comfortable and best suited for my body shape, as I'm over 6 foot 5 and find the smaller lighter cast irons can get me in the uncomfortable regions if I don't have a wide enough stance Potentially when I move up in weight I might move to cast irons though (whenever they're similar size to competition)

[@shawmeck9323]

The only time I would use a cast iron Kettlebell would be to do a two arm one bell swing (Because it allows for a more comfortable grip with two hands on one handle) and to warm up with deadlifts. Other than that, I don’t recommend using the wider handled cast iron Kettlebell for long sets. Competitive kettlebells are all standardized. This is so important. They are all made for the outmost competitive swings you can perform. The technology and science behind their design is unparallel to any other bell. If you plan on use proper technique and want to last long for that cardio there is no better choice.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you for your contribution, but I have to respectfully disagree. You must be a pretty tall guy, so you feel comfortable swinging, snatching and cleaning double competition kettlebells. I recommend kettlebells to all sizes of people. I am myself 5'1 (155 cm) and two competition style kettlebells simply don't fit a) between my legs and b) in the rack, as I have short arms, torso and legs. The fact that the original Russian kettlebells actually differ in size according to weight points to the benefit of working with such a tool. Standardised competition sized kettlebells are okay for Girevoy sport and for tall people with long arms and legs. Competition style kettlebells that are all identical in size appeared only late in the 20th century, as the sport gained popularity, and weren't what millions of Russians used to get fit originally. Keep in mind also that women were not allowed to use double kettlebells until recently, so it wasn't much of a problem as men are generally taller. Another point is that children's Competition kettlebells are smaller in diameter, pointing to the fact that there's a huge reduction of power if a short person must assume too wide a stance to accommodate the kettlebells.

[@kobac8207]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo interesting, thanks for sharing. I was under the impression that Pavel and RKC introduced cast iron ones. I'm 5" 10' male. Would you consider that tall enough to consider competition ones? I like the size of traditional ones more for the weights I train with (16-20-24) but the different rack space that varies between different weights (and brands since I don't have only a single one) is sometimes messing with my cleans and snatches.

[@Birodalom1]

Simply the best kettlebell buyer's guide on the internet ! I'm a short legs + big breasts girl, and i never considered these viewpoints! And i want a stronger grip, so... Cast iron is my friend! Thank you very much!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

That's fantastic, definitely the right choice! All the best in your KB training!

[@mootrail9487]

Thanks for explaining the differences, I finally get it.

[@monkeystylle]

thanks for the helpful video

[@Cryf454]

Thanks very much for this! I have just started with double complexes (a totally different challenge!) and assumed competition bells were the way to go, but will now rethink this. Currently using a 12 and 16kg for doubles while I work out which weight to choose. Doesn't feel as strange as it sounds if anyone else out there thinks you cannot start doubles until u have kbs the same size, just switch sides to even things up.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Graham 🙏 yes, offset double KB training (two different KB sizes) is excellent, you're onto a good thing! I did it myself just yesterday and we do it in class all the time. Another way is to use the same weight KBs but one is cast iron and the other competition style. Pretty evil, but excellent for coordination 😈 keep up the good work!

[@mertyalciner5728]

Great video thank you 👍🏻😊

[@brockbach]

This was very helpful. I've recently switched over to mostly kettle bell training and have been slowly building my collection as I progress. Now I have a better idea of which ones to purchase as I progress.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

That's great to hear, Carl! All the best utilizing your growing kettlebell collection!

[@novembermar]

Very clear explanation and comparison that I've ever seen. Thanks!😘

[@boriscurcic7733]

Thank you, Kat! This was very informative and helpful! Just keep up the great work :)))

[@drewagardner]

In a word, thorough. Was leaning towards getting a competition bell until I saw this video (have looked at several). Now I will get a powder coated strength training bell.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you, Andrew! Glad to hear you have more clarity about your KB choice. All the best in your training!

[@patvb3243]

Very good exposition of the differences between the 2 types of kettlebells, best I've seen yet, with great pointers for me as I'm a completely new to this training but planning on buying some for use at home. Thank you !!!

[@MrBoxxed]

Excellent explanation

[@chazlyle41]

Finally more data than just the size difference per weight. Great comparison, thank you.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thanks Chaz! All the best in your KB training! 💪😃

[@petergriffiths799]

Fantastic explanation. Thanks

[@stevedoe3994]

Outstanding review! Best I have seen. Extremely informative. You know your stuff!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Steve! 🙏😊

[@spyros07]

Your info is golden.

[@meebrbey]

Thank you, yours was the most helpful video I've found

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thanks Cindy! So glad it was helpful! 😄

[@scu11ey]

Agreed. The most useful explanation I've found. Helped me decide on which ones to go with. Thanks.

[@daniellelapare7327]

Super helpful advice. Thank you!

[@kylewattssurfing3266]

Awesome cool Thxxxx....

[@normstewart546]

Very well presented, complete, and informative.

[@kikibah2001]

Thanks!!!!!!!!

[@cemmily]

This was extremely informative and helpful for a beginner like myself. Thank you.

[@TheChilator]

Thank you great explanation for someone new

[@Lemony1980]

The best comparaison of the web thank you

[@williamharding1319]

Terrific video.

[@ranasingh0612]

Very informative and knowledgable individual. Feel much more confident, competition are for me. I watched the entire video and did not lose interest as is the case with most video's. Thanks.x for the advise. Will definitely be looking at more of your video's for advice.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you! 🙏 Glad the video helped you make the choice that's best for you! All the best in your training!

[@aquaphoenixx]

Спасибо for the amazing video!

[@unminified]

Such a great video. Thanks, Kat!

[@Sirfunkymonkey]

you are a beast, thank you :)

[@mathtcha]

Fantastic! Keep up the great work!

[@sinysb]

Thank you for making this very informative video. A lot more clarity on which kettlebell type to buy. Thank you!!!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

My pleasure, Bernard, so glad it was helpful! All the best in your kettlebell swinging 💪😁

[@jw.jalilwaiz]

I'm very new to Kettlebell, and I found my strength increased a lot since I started using kettlebells and I was looking for information on different types and came across your video, and I wanna thank you for your work. It's detailed and very helpful to people like myself. Btw, I'm an athlete who wants improve general strength and fitness, and I found I needed the more affordable cast iron ones. Thanks.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Jalil, glad it helped! If you ever have questions, shout out! All the best in your training 💪🙌

[@jw.jalilwaiz]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Thank you Kat! I just subscribed and I'll watch the videos you have shared with us here to learn more about kettlebells from you. All the best to you helping out others.

[@HPCthulhu2011]

The vinyl sets that are not just all blue but various colors are nice...and they can have a rubber support piece underneath but competition bells heavier than 24 kg are good, at least as doubles since the heaviest non competition bells are really thick.

[@hagninety4116]

Your content is excellent!! Thanks for video coach.

[@joshuaclinching4dummies810]

Excellent advice thank you

[@Mars21681]

Best video on comparisons! Thank you

[@GeorgeTJ]

Amazing and helpful insight!

[@dachargedduck8636]

I bought a 20kg traditional kettlebell a month ago I’m ready to buy much more from kettlebell king

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Great! 20kg is an excellent weight for men to train with. Kettlebell Kings are the best in the North America, I heard. We don't have them in NZ but we have a similar one called Equipfit. Congrats on the new purchase!

[@bigshot9891]

Dragon Door Kettlebells are the absolute best, Period, end of story!!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Unfortunately they aren't sold in New Zealand, so we're working with what we have.

[@Yaardy316]

Best video on this topic! Thank you!

[@benvanheerden2395]

Love your work, Kat!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thanks Ben 🙏

[@KettlebellWolf90]

I can only buy vinyl coated cast iron KB. Should i continue training please?

[@lizwhittaker9762]

thank you that was very very helpful explanation of which type of kettlebell to pick.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

You're very welcome, Liz!

[@furkatbobojon4255]

Great Info on KBs.

[@wadsworth2351]

I am looking for the best, highest-quality comp kettlebells for my training. Which ones would you say are the best when it comes to overall build quality, materials and handle design? Thanks

[@lavonprince3530]

Thank you for the information....

[@iamoutofideas13]

Thank you for making this informative video. Well done!

[@richardcaro3368]

Great video!! Thank you

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thanks Richard!

[@radioflynn5376]

This really helped in my buying decision. Thank you so much!

[@pefry1324]

thank you, I want to buy it for my daughter...you provide the best explanation.. Kind Regards..

[@josephrusyn9913]

Awesome video 👍

[@cindyrodoni8649]

Very informative thank you! And helped finalize decision on style to buy and the why too. Plus appreciate you sharing your height and recommendations for body types. Super super helpful. Just starting with kettlebells and feel along with yoga & Pilates my strength training.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you Cindy 🙏, really glad it's helpful! Welcome to the world of kettlebells, great to have you in the fam 😍💪

[@jvm-tv]

Competition bells hurt my wrist in the rack position.

[@MsLadyDeee]

Hi Kat! Thanks a lot for this video! The best comparision I watched! I want to get some to train at home. I have just basic experience using double and one hand swings and also using havier for squats and deathlifts and such. So I am thinking to get the tradition kettlebells 8, 12 and later 16 KG. But there is one thing I understood from different video that competition one will not hurt your forearm that much. What do you think about that? Thanks! 🤙

[@johnpark7846]

Excellent explanation, thank you so much! You mention that it is more difficult/dangerous to perform floor exercises with traditional style kettlebells, but from your demonstration, it still seems doable. Would you recommend getting competition style kettlebells for floor exercise use. or just use the traditional kettlebells? Thanks again for the advice!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Thank you John 🙏 it's definitely possible to use cast iron bells for floor exercises like push ups and renegade rows. I make it look easy because I have reasonably good muscle control, but with large enough kettlebells, anybody can do it. The issue is that large enough cast iron kettlebells will be also heavy. For example I don't do renegade rows with anything less than 16 kg cast iron bells because 12s and 8s are much too small and unstable. If you have the strength for 16 kg and up, you're good to go with cast iron floor exercises. Otherwise, for lighter bells, you'll need competition bells. Since I recommend cast iron bells for strength in general, I would advise to only progress to renegade rows and double kettlebell ground drills once you can comfortably perform at least 15 solid pushups from the toes with hands on kettlebells. Anybody who can do that would have good muscle control and strength especially core, shoulder girdle and wrists. Most people who can perform 15 double kettlebell pushups from toes, would be also strong enough to use 16 kg for renegade rows. Until then, no kettlebell floor exercises, instead build your push up and row strength using traditional push ups and rows. Hope this helps! 😃 all the best in your training!

[@johnpark7846]

makes sense, thank you 🙏👍

[@dorisbest7580]

Thank you so much! Very helpful ,best r explanation on the subject I found! Happy to find your channel. Would lik e your raccomandation on the issue below: I already have one 10 kg kettlebell ( iron vinil coated with iron laquered handle)which I now use for some low body exrcises as squats,but if progress enough to be able to do 2 kettlebell exercises with 10 kg would it be acceptable I just find a smilar 10 kg kettlebell and add it,even if it is not precise to centimeter,ot is it raccomandable to get a perfectly egual pair? Please kindly advise.Thanks!

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Personally, I think it's okay and even beneficial to train with two different shape kettlebells. I do it all the time. It challenges your core and stabilizer muscles. Just make sure you change hands regularly so that you aren't holding the same kettlebell in the same hand all the time. Hope this helps.

[@dorisbest7580]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Thank you very much .

[@wirrbel]

So suppose I got 2 competition bells in the beginner weight spectrum would it be ok to do hardstyle exercises with it? Like two-handed swings (two hands on one kettle bell)

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Holger, yes, there's no reason why you can't do the same exercises with competition bells. They have less space in the handle for a two hand grip, and in the goblet squat the KB needs to be held slightly differently, but otherwise they're just as good (especially if you're a tall person).

[@vladshults5395]

thank you for the very useful comparison. If I am just starting out, don't have any kettlebells of my own, never really worked out with them (just tried some traditional bells a few times at the gym) which ones would you recommend to start with, I don't mind to invest in quality. Thank you

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Vlad, Thank you for your question! If you're planning to use kettlebells for fitness, cast iron are generally more suitable. If you will be using them for sport, competition kettlebells are the way to go. There's some nuance, as I outline in the video, but everything I say in this video applies to beginners too.

[@vladshults5395]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Thank you 😊

[@plostyle2554]

Do you have a favorite brand?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Ural Kettlebells. They're only available in Eurasia though. I like RKC, but I only have one 16kg kettlebell from them, which I won in a competition many years ago, it was my first very own kettlebell. Sadly RKC bells aren't sold in New Zealand. And I like Kettlebell Kings, but they aren't sold in New Zealand either. My online clients love them though, and they seem to be great bells. I make do with what's here, they aren't bad, but from all that I have, my favorite one is the 16kg RKC bell.

[@plostyle2554]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Oh wow. Thanks for the reply! Have you heard anything about the Strong First kettlebells?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Yes, they seem great. Aren't sold in New Zealand either and the shipping costs more than the bells. However, after a certain standard has been met, the additional quality features of a Kettlebell aren't very relevant to the quality of the training. Some of my best training in the early days was accomplished with very basic vinyl-covered kettlebells. As long as the Kettlebell is made to a basic standard (i.e. it isn't one of those huge plastic ones, for example), it matters less what else it has going for it, and more what the skill of its master is. As they say in Harry Potter, 'the wand is only as good as the wizard wielding it'.

[@johngilbert1325]

Now that I'm informed, I just changed my mind about my purchase.

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

That's great to hear! Just curious: what did you change from and to?

[@jnfyeah]

how to choose between 33mm and 35mm handle?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Fabian, if you have smaller sized hands, 33mm would be more comfortable. If you have regular to large hands, 35mm is more suitable. Most of my bells are 35mm, even though I have tiny hands, and they feel fine. Also, if you are planning to compete in Kettlebell Sport, you are better off training with 35mm because that's the official handle width for Kettlebell Sport Competition bells. Otherwise, it's personal preference.

[@jnfyeah]

@@KatsKettlebellDojo Hi Kat, great, thanks so much for your extensive answer! Unfortunately I don't have the ability to try out both so your answer really helps. Did you have the chance to try out the "hybrid" from Kettlebell Kings, with 35 width and 33 depth? (more like an oval shape)

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Hi Fabian, No, sadly, we don't have KK in New Zealand but if you end up trying those, let me know what it feels like :)

[@necmettinyldz8891]

Great video ! Could you tell me guys is it hard to hold reverse grip with competition kettlebell ?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Do you mean Bottoms Up? It's more challenging, yes.

[@nico3641]

So what would be the minimum height of the person who can properly handle a 2 competition bells in a swing?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

Great question Nico3641. It's pretty individual and depends on body proportions. But I would say, at least 5 ft or 152cm. Under that height, kids in Russia use smaller competition bells (child sized). But it also depends on what your purpose is. If you want to compete in Kettlebel Sport alongside adults, you have no choice but to double swing adult competition bells (unless you do biathlon, which many shorter people do, for that exact reason - no double bell swinging). Is it beneficial for your strength and power? Not as much as using cast iron bells would be because you'll be standing too wide to produce much power. But if your goal is strength, fitness and power production, then you'll be better off using cast iron bells anyday, unless you're quite tall (6ft or 183 cm) in which case you can use anything you like. Hope this helps.

[@jtctdmb]

So what brand cast iron bell do you recommend?

[@KatsKettlebellDojo]

If you're in NZ, then Equipfit, Elite Fitness or Industrial Athletic are all good. Equipfit has slightly more powder coating than the other two, but they're all good quality.