Where to Start?

Mike Kerce · 03-05-2010, 01:12 PM

if you're not training for or participating in competition, is there any reason to buy competition KBs? i'm just trying to get into kb training and i want to buy quality equipment, but what should a newb be looking for when buying KBs? does it matter, or should i just pick up what i can find and give it a whirl? thanks to any that can provide some advice.

Bill Ripley · 03-06-2010, 04:19 AM

No reason to buy comp bells. There are plenty of people making quality bells that are much cheaper. Start with Pavel's program minimum - swings and get ups - and move on from there. And for gods sake keep the swings shoulder height or lower.

Mike Kerce · 03-06-2010, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Ripley

No reason to buy comp bells. There are plenty of people making quality bells that are much cheaper. Start with Pavel's program minimum - swings and get ups - and move on from there. And for gods sake keep the swings shoulder height or lower.

ha - i'm really glad you said that. the CF style of "American" KB swings always seemed somewhat pointless to me, and like a good way to get hurt. glad i won't ever have to do them again.

Derek Weaver · 03-06-2010, 03:47 PM

I would actually spring for the competition KBs.

If you think you're going to be doing long sets and progressing to heavier bells, the uniform handle and uniform size of the 'bell itself will ensure proper and consistent technique as you progress.

Perform Better runs deals all the time. I think they are either having a sale or will be having one soon.

I wouldn't go through the AKC for the KBs. They were definitely more expensive last time I checked.

Muscle Driver is also a good place to check out for GS style KBs

Pat McElhone · 03-07-2010, 07:05 PM

Where do you live? Many Fitness stores carry Body Solid KBs. I have paid between $1-$1.2/lb for these bells. In Chicago area, they are sold by Fitness Factory Outlet. Some of these bells are very, very good in quality (as good as Dragon Door's), other not so good (rough finish, handles too large for the bell). If you can avoid mail order, you will save a ton in shipping and ensure the bell is a good one before buying it.

I recommend you buy the book Enter the Kettlebell. It is a very good resource and a good starting point. Buy a 35lb bell and swing it, snatch it, clean and jerk it. If after that you really, really love it, the buy competition bells as you collection grows. But, you can get a lot of training out of 35lb bell. Good luck.

Mike Kerce · 03-08-2010, 04:43 AM

thanks to all who gave feedback. i'm checking out all the sites you posted.

Gary Ohm · 03-08-2010, 08:14 AM

Great advice so far. Check out http://thekettlebellking.myshopify.com/ as well. Bert is the owner and is great to deal with. His prices are less than $1 a pound with very reasonable shipping. I don't get a commission, but tell him hi for me anyway.

James Evans · 03-08-2010, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill Ripley

And for gods sake keep the swings shoulder height or lower.

Why the antipathy towards these? Seriously. Is it just the association with CrossFit? I've seen Dan John say why don't you just snatch? Why can't you do both?

I always did DB swings to overhead (and still do). I've never seen Ross Enamait challenged for promoting this. When I bought kettlebells I just carried on with this style. I read an article by Glassman wanking off about the increase power output of the American Swing and how it maximised the Tanqueray to Watts Metric and that almost put me off doing them but in 4 years I've never had any injuries or even suggestion of pain.

I'm curious, not playing devil's advocate.

Allen Yeh · 03-08-2010, 09:38 AM

Nothing to do with CF but I don't like swings above head/shoulder height either. Especially for people that aren't even familiar with swings to begin with.

I can't look at videos here at work but from what I recall I thought Ross E. only goes up to shoulder height for swings as well?

James Evans · 03-08-2010, 10:05 AM

Above head as far as I'm aware and he favours one hand swings. I lean towards DBs for one hand swings because of this.

If I'm teaching DB swings I just encourage the learner to swing as high as they find comfortable. Some people go to overhead naturally, some to chest height, some to eye level.