What size kettlebell should I get? For most beginners the honest answer is two or three bells, not one, because a swing, a goblet squat and an overhead press each call for a different weight. Below we use a starting chart from StrongFirst, a kettlebell training school, and guidance from Harvard Health, then price those sizes in the Tru Grit cast iron kettlebells we list, compared with buying from Tru Grit direct.
A quick health note first: Harvard Health says it may be a good idea to check with your doctor before trying kettlebell exercises, especially if you have osteoporosis or problems with balance. If you have not trained in a while or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before you start.
Shopping for dumbbells instead? See what weight dumbbells to buy.
What size kettlebell should I get? Start with a published chart
StrongFirst publishes a simple starting chart on its kettlebell page. It defines “strong” as a woman who can do strict pushups with ease, or a man who can bench press more than 225 pounds. Everyone else falls under “average strength.”
| StrongFirst category | Bells it suggests (lb) | Same sizes in our Tru Grit range? |
|---|---|---|
| Average strength woman | 18, 26, 35 | Yes, all three |
| Strong woman | 26, 35, 44 | Yes, all three |
| Average strength man | 35, 53 | Yes, both |
| Strong man | 53, 70 | Yes, both |
Note that the chart lists a set of bells, not a single size, and every size on it is one of the ten sizes our Tru Grit Cast Iron Kettlebells come in, so you can follow the chart without hunting for odd weights.
Kettlebell weight for beginners: swing, goblet squat and press
Harvard Health’s three kettlebell moves article gives a practical test: begin with a moderately challenging weight that lets you do five to 10 good repetitions of an exercise. The strength coach quoted there adds that if you are not fatigued by the end, it is too light.
Apply that test to each lift and you see why one bell rarely covers everything:
- Swing: a two-handed movement where, per Harvard Health, you thrust your hips forward on the way up rather than squatting the weight. Because the hips drive it, most people can swing more than they can press.
- Goblet squat: you hold the bell at your chest with both hands. The legs do the work, so the bell that passes the five to 10 rep test here is usually heavier than your press bell.
- Press: one arm, overhead. This is the lift where the rep test usually lands on your lightest bell.
Try bells at a gym before you buy if you can. Harvard Health and StrongFirst both recommend having a trainer or qualified instructor show you the swing; StrongFirst’s SFG prep guide says to find an instructor, in person or online, and get coaching on basic form.
How many kettlebells do I need?
Following the StrongFirst chart, two or three. Here is what those sets cost in Tru Grit cast iron at our current prices (our own calculation, before shipping):
| Set | Bells | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Average strength woman | 18 lb ($65) + 26 lb ($98) + 35 lb ($110) | $273 |
| Strong woman | 26 lb ($98) + 35 lb ($110) + 44 lb ($130) | $338 |
| Average strength man | 35 lb ($110) + 53 lb ($170) | $280 |
| Strong man | 53 lb ($170) + 70 lb ($205) | $375 |
You do not need the whole set on day one. Harvard Health suggests adding heavier kettlebells as you progress, or slowing the tempo to make a lighter bell harder.
Handle and window size
Harvard Health says to use a kettlebell with a handle wide enough to grip with two hands, and notes that some handles can be slippery.
The Tru Grit listing describes a matte black powder coat that it says holds chalk for grip, a smooth machined flat base, and color-coded handles. It does not publish handle diameter or window width for each size. If you have large hands or want to be sure two hands fit for swings, call us at 866-777-2590 before ordering.
Cast iron vs competition kettlebell
There are two common styles, and the difference is size, not weight:
- Competition kettlebells keep the same outside dimensions at every weight. As one example, Rogue’s competition kettlebell listing (roguefitness.com/rogue-competition-kettlebells) states the same dimensions across all weight increments with a 33mm handle, and uses colored handle bands to tell weights apart because the bells look alike.
- Cast iron kettlebells, like the Tru Grit bells we list, are not sold as a constant-size line, so heavier bells are physically bigger. Tru Grit says its bells are made from iron ore rather than scrap metal in a single casting, a manufacturer claim.
For general home training (swings, goblet squats, presses), cast iron is the usual starting point.
Kettlebell vs dumbbell: which should you buy first?
Harvard Health notes that a kettlebell’s weight is offset from the handle, which makes it more challenging to control, and a separate Harvard Health piece, Try this: swinging with kettlebells, says kettlebells can substitute for dumbbells in exercises like biceps curls, lunges and squats. If your plan centers on swings and full-body work, start with kettlebells. If you want lots of pressing and isolation work, dumbbells such as the Hex Rubber Coated Dumbbells may fit better, and the dumbbell guide linked above covers sizing.
Our kettlebell prices vs Tru Grit direct
Tru Grit sells the same Cast Iron Kettlebells on its own site. When we checked on October 7, 2026, its price for every size matched ours: 12 lb $50, 18 lb $65, 26 lb $98, 35 lb $110, 44 lb $130, 53 lb $170, 62 lb $185, 70 lb $205, 80 lb $225 and 88 lb $245.
Two honest caveats. Tru Grit’s site was advertising a checkout discount code at the time, and it calculates parcel shipping at checkout. We ship free freight on orders of $999 or more and charge a flat $200 below that. A starter set of two or three bells is well under $999, so for kettlebells alone, buying direct from Tru Grit may cost you less delivered. Our pricing makes more sense when the bells are part of a larger order, for example alongside the Home Gym Starter Bundle ($1,014.99, a barbell, collars, 260 lb of bumper plates and two medicine balls). Tru Grit’s site also showed some sizes as sold out, so call us to confirm stock.
Kettlebell storage
The Modular Kettlebell Storage Hook ($55.08) is a wall-mounted hook made of 11 gauge steel, listed with 150 lb of storage and supplied with two lag screws and washers. We could not find this hook on Tru Grit’s own site to compare prices.
The hook lists a 3/4″ pin size, the same pin size listed on Tru Grit’s modular wall storage beams, such as the 48″ Vertical Beam ($110.06) and 96″ Vertical Beam ($200.06). The beam listings say lag screws are not included. If you plan to hang several hooks on one beam, call us to confirm the fit for your setup.
For more layouts, see our garage gym storage ideas, and check how much space you need for a garage gym before you add more equipment. The home gym buying guide covers what to buy first, and you can browse everything we list from Tru Grit Fitness. Read our return and refund policy before ordering heavy items.
Frequently asked questions
What kettlebell weight for beginners is a good starting point?
StrongFirst suggests 18, 26 and 35 lb bells for a woman of average strength and 35 and 53 lb for a man of average strength.
How many kettlebells do I need?
Usually two or three, per the StrongFirst chart, because swings, goblet squats and presses need different weights.
Is cast iron or competition kettlebell better for home use?
Cast iron suits most home training. Competition bells keep the same size at every weight, which mainly helps if you train for kettlebell sport.
Kettlebell vs dumbbell: can a kettlebell replace dumbbells?
For many moves, yes. Harvard Health says kettlebells can substitute for dumbbells in curls, lunges and squats.
Should I see a doctor before starting kettlebells?
Harvard Health suggests checking with your doctor first, depending on your health and medical history, especially if you have osteoporosis or balance problems.
