Adjustable Kettlebells: Complete Guide 2025

What Are Adjustable Kettlebells?

Adjustable kettlebells are designed to allow users to change the weight by adding or removing plates. In practice, a single tool can replace an entire set of fixed-weight kettlebells, making them a versatile choice for home gyms, personal trainers, and athletes looking to optimize space and budget.

This solution has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially thanks to the rise of home workouts and the need for compact yet effective equipment.

Advantages of Adjustable Kettlebells

Space-Saving Design

Instead of buying 4–5 different kettlebells, an adjustable version lets you switch weights in seconds within a single unit, reducing clutter and keeping your training area tidy.

More Cost-Effective

A full set of fixed kettlebells can cost hundreds of euros. With an adjustable kettlebell, you get multiple weight options in one tool, making it a smart investment for those who want both quality and variety.

Versatility for Different Workouts

With adjustable kettlebells, you can switch from endurance to strength exercises without needing additional equipment. For example:

• Swings (medium or heavy weights for power and conditioning)
• Turkish get-ups (moderate weight for control and stability)
• Goblet squats (heavy weight for legs and core)
• Snatch and clean (moderate to heavy weights for explosiveness)

Gradual and Safe Progression

To build strength and endurance, you need to increase the load progressively. Adjustable kettlebells allow you to add weight in small steps, avoiding big jumps that can stall progress or increase injury risk.

Ergonomic Handle: A Key Factor

The shape of the handle directly affects comfort and safety. For ballistic exercises like snatch and jerk, a well-rounded handle supports the natural carpal grip, reducing stress on wrists and forearms.

⚠️ Beware of cheap models with rectangular or triangular handles: they can be uncomfortable and even harmful in dynamic movements.

Weight Range That Fits Your Needs

Being able to move from light weights (8–12kg) to heavy weights (24–32kg) makes adjustables suitable both for general fitness and advanced athletes working on powerful swings, deep squats or heavy kettlebell deadlifts.

Disadvantages of Adjustable Kettlebells

Stability and Balance

Not all models are as compact as fixed kettlebells. If internal plates have play, you may feel slight instability during snatch or jerk.
Some models address this with double-grooved plates or spacers, but it’s still a compromise compared to a classic competition kettlebell.

That said, there are also modular kettlebells that are well-balanced and stable. For more details, check our post on how to eliminate vibrations in modular kettlebells.

Adjustment Time

• Modular kettlebells → quick change, often with snap or lever systems.
• Composable kettlebells → require tools (like an Allen key) to tighten plates.

If you often change weights mid-session, a quick-adjust model makes a big difference.

Training Feel

Some cheap adjustable kettlebells are bulkier or have unnatural weight distribution, making them feel different from a fixed one.

However, if the adjustable kettlebell is designed with dimensions close to competition standards, the feel can be surprisingly similar. In fact, considering the not-always-excellent quality of many competition kettlebells with filling, a well-made adjustable can even offer a better experience.

The parameters to check for a tool that is comparable to what you’ll find on the platform are:

• Regulation handle: curvature and diameter suited for carpal grip.
• Total height: no more than 1 cm taller than a competition kettlebell.
• Ball diameter: 210 mm, as required by official kettlebell sport regulations.

With these features, you can safely perform all major kettlebell lifting movements (snatch, jerk, long cycle) with the same feel.
The only recommendation: keep a pair of competition kettlebells at competition weight for testing and final prep.

Adjustable Kettlebells vs Fixed Kettlebells

Common Mistakes with Adjustable Kettlebells (to Avoid)

• Not tightening plates properly → risk of vibration or noise.
• Choosing too narrow a weight range → may become insufficient within months.
• Buying cheap models with awkward handles → discomfort or injury.
• Dropping adjustables on the floor → can damage the mechanism.

Maintenance and Safety

• Regularly check that plates are secure.
• Avoid floor drops: use a mat or protective base.
• Clean the handle for optimal grip.
• If adjustment uses screws, lubricate periodically.

Conclusion: Are Adjustable Kettlebells Worth It?

If you want versatility, space saving and cost-effectiveness, adjustable kettlebells are a great choice.
If you prefer an identical feel to competition models or need frequent quick weight changes, a set of fixed kettlebells may be better.

If you’re looking for a model that’s well-balanced, durable, and ranges from 12 to 32 kg, check out the FlexiBell 2, designed to combine solidity and practicality (with shipping included).

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Adjustable Kettlebells

Q: Are adjustable kettlebells suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! They let you start with light weights and progress gradually without buying new equipment.

Q: Can you do swings, snatches and cleans with an adjustable kettlebell?
A: Absolutely. Stability depends on the model: choose a well-balanced one for explosive movements.

Q: What’s the ideal weight range?
A: Beginners: 12–16kg • Intermediate: 16–24kg • Advanced: 16–32kg.

Q: Are adjustable kettlebells safe?
A: Yes, if used correctly. Make sure plates are tightened and avoid floor drops.

Q: Can they replace a full set of kettlebells?
A: For most users, yes—especially in home gyms. For kettlebell sport athletes, keeping at least competition-weight pairs is still recommended.