Kettlebell Buyer's Guide

MED Kettlebell Chains

Not only are kettlebells functional in building power, strength, and conditioning, but they are the perfect tool for the advanced minimalist. MED Kettlebell Chains athletes looking to purchase new kettlebells should select their bells based on certain criteria:

1. What is their current double kettlebell military press 5RM?

2. How do the kettlebells fit and feel when racked?

3. What is the price, durability, and quality of the brand?

Although one could certainly complete MEDKC with a single kettlebell, I advise athletes to choose the unique advantages that double kettlebells offer. Double kettlebells require higher skill, promote advanced loading parameters, and build more succinct progressive overload over a single bell.

With these components in mind, owning an identical set of of high-quality kettlebells is advised. The major caveat in month 1’s selection is that they must be able to press the double kettlebells overhead at least five times. The kettlebells should have handles that are free of ridges, are durable enough to withstand high-use, and are cast-iron Hardstyle kettlebells.

My first set of DragonDoor RKC Kettlebells: Double 24kg

Choosing the Perfect Kettlebell

After discussing the parameters listed below, I have provided links to my top three cast-iron kettlebell brands.

The Limiting Factor: How Much Can You Military Press?

Purchasing kettlebells for MEDKC has a limiting factor: What is the athlete’s five repetition (5RM) max double kettlebell military press strength?

MED Kettlebell Chains is built on five foundational movements:

1. The Double Kettlebell Clean

2. The Double Kettlebell Military Press

3. The Double Kettlebell Push Press

4. The Double Kettlebell Front Squat

5. The Double Kettlebell Overspeed Front Squat

Both Chain A and Chain B require a double clean. Chain A, the grind focused chain, utilizes the military press and front squat, while Chain B, the ballistic focused chain, options for the power and speed focused push press and overspeed front squat.

Since athletes are typically limited by their overhead pressing strength in Chain A’s military press, the athlete’s first set of bells is based on their 5RM.*

*Selecting 5RM bells would provide the most stimulus for power and strength. However, those coming to MEDKC who may have experienced fatigue or HPA Axis dysfunction from training might be better served with 7-10RM bells.

If an athlete can comfortably double kettlebell press 24kg bells five times, but may struggle to press 28kg bells three times, they should defer to the 24kg set for month 1. Similarly, if the athlete is able to push press 16kg kettlebells five times, but not press 16kg bells more than twice, they should defer to 12kg or 14kg bells for month 1.

However, by the end of month 1, the athlete may decide that they’ve gotten strong enough to “bell up.” I am confident with the twice weekly MED style of training that they will experience gains in strength and power and make appropriate adjustments in month 2.

Handle and Window Size for Your Anthropometry.

Cast-iron kettlebells typically vary handle window sizes (the space between the handle and the body of the bell) and handle circumference based on the mass of the bell.

In my personal collection of DragonDoor RKC bells, you can see a smaller handle window from the 12kg on the far right, to a larger handle window on the 36kg on the far left. You can also see that as the bell’s mass increases, the thickness of the handle gains circumference.

Depending on the athlete’s anthropometry, there will always be certain bells sizes that fit comfortably on the forearm and others that hurt when pressed against the forearm. Although it might take some getting used to, with proper technique this will become a non-issue.

Ideally before buying new kettlebells the athlete will be able to test the feel of double kettlebells in the rack position. With the handle sitting across the bottom of their palm and their forearm vertical, the kettlebells should sit snuggly but not cause damage to the radius and ulna bones.

The kettlebells should fit snugly against the forearms (far left). As the bells are pressed overhead, they should maintain the same fit on the arms.

Since MED Kettlebell Chains’s progressive overload model is based on 2-4kg jumps from month to month, there isn’t concern that the bells will grow to an uncomfortable size. And although the thickness of the handle will increase, it will do so in manageable jumps that will improve grip strength.

However, depending on the thickness and muscle mass of one’s wrist, they might need to opt for wrist guards in the beginning or throughout the program. I recommend a pair like this. Once technique is dialed in, the wrist angle and technique on the kettlebells should allow for pain-free movements.

Quality, Price, and Shipping.

You get what you pay for. But even then, there are many popular brands that produce high-quality kettlebells at minimal prices. But just to be clear, make sure your kettlebells meet these parameters:

1. They should be constructed of cast-iron.

2. They should have smooth handles that are free of ridges.

3. They should be identical in size and shape.

Brands

DragonDoor RKC

My kettlebell brand of choice is DragonDoor RKC. I have invested many thousands of dollars in these durable, military grade, e-coat kettlebells and am very happy with their smooth handles and durability.

Pros:

1. They are the original cast-iron kettlebell. Their sizes set the standard for other brands.

2. Their finish does not chip or tarnish.

3. They maintain their value and can be purchased secondhand.

Cons:

1. They are expensive and shipping is also expensive.

2. Their shipping speed is quite slow.

E-coated DragonDoor RKC 32kg kettlebells. These are two of my favorite bells because of how hefty they feel. MEDKC training with double 32kg bells is no joke!

Strongfirst

I have also been very impressed with StrongFirst kettlebells. I own a 44kg “bulldog” and 48kg “beast” kettlebell that I purchased after an SFG 1 certification. I am thoroughly impressed with their construction, feel, and look. They share the same proportions as DragonDoor RKC bells, but their finish is more consistent and smoother.

Pros:

1. Nearly identical proportions to DragonDoor RKC kettlebells.

2. High quality e-coat finish with a glossy finish.

3. They have a high resale value.

Cons:

1. They are even more expensive than DragonDoor RKC bells.

2. They are often out of stock.

3. Their shipping speed is also slow.

4. There aren’t many in existence to buy secondhand.

My StrongFirst 48kg “beast.” This bell holds a special space in my heart because it is the bell I completed the Beast Tamer Challenge with. It is perfectly wighted and constructed.

REP Fitness

Even though the two listed bells above are the highest-quality in the industry, I have a particular affinity for REP Fitness kettlebells. Having made so many suggestions for home gym equipment to my clients, I am a huge fan of REP Fitness’s free shipping and availability.

Pros:

1. Free and quick shipping at an affordable price

2. One can collect multiple bells for the price one would pay for fewer.

3. They have a comparable handle and window size to the above brands with ridge-free and smooth handles.

Cons:

1. They are not e-coated and chip slightly with high-use.

2. They may rust if not maintained.

My two 24kg REP Fitness kettlebells in the wild. I use them for a majority of my MEDKC training. Since these kettlebells are inexpensive, I keep them in my truck for ready use in outdoor training.

Invest in the Best

I hope that this post has presented the parameters that my athletes consider when purchasing kettlebells for MEDKC. I am a fan of spending more money on the highest-quality items I can because I know that they will last for life - “one and done.”

But just to be clear, any set of kettlebells will be functional for the program. As long as you have two bells with identical weight that you are able to military press five times, you will be in great shape for training in month 1.

After month 1, the athlete has the choice whether to “bell up” or add volume to their current programming. These options will be based off of the athlete’s consistency with the program and their training goals.

Have more questions? Make sure to let me know in the MED Kettlebell Chains Facebook Group!

John Parker

May 30, 2021