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Cast Iron Or Competition Style?

In his recent article "The Get-up and the Shoulder Mobility Dilemma" Tony Gracia descibes the aforementioned dilemma as such (bolding mine):
Most people use cast iron kettlebells, which means that as the kettlebell gets heavier, they also get physically bigger—the spherical part of the kettlebell increases in diameter. At a certain point, the increase in diameter of the kettlebell starts to significantly change the physics of the system and once this happens it becomes difficult, sometimes even unrealistic, to maintain the vertical alignment described above. This is because the center of mass of the heavy kettlebell needs to be directly over the shoulder joint. When the kettlebell becomes physically large enough, it forces the arm forward so that the spherical portion of the kettlebell can sit directly above the shoulder.
This applies equally not just to get-ups, but to all overhead lifts with kettlebells. Suggested solutions include adding dumbbell, barbell and "fatbell" getups to training and a plethora of remedial/mobility drills. Am I correct in thinking that using competition bells for heavier lifting may be a better alternative?
 
Am I correct in thinking that using competition bells for heavier lifting may be a better alternative?
Maybe for some people. Not for me. I'll always stick with cast iron kettlebells.

The bigger size isn't really an issue that they try to make it out to be. For the majority of people, using up to a 40-48kg Kettlebell is really the most they should use before moving to another implement for heavier loading.
 
Am I correct in thinking that using competition bells for heavier lifting may be a better alternative?
I think you're assuming facts not in evidence. You'd want to at least compare the size of a 16 kg and a 48 kg cast iron bell with a competition bell and also know the weight distribution for the lighter sizes since much of the inside is, I believe, empty in the lighter sizes.

-S-
 
I own and have primarily used Cast iron e-cost bells. Perhaps due to that familiarity the few times I’ve been somewhere that only had competition they have not felt right and always distracted from the quality of the workout. I own Rogue, KBUSA, and Strongfirst and I definitely prefer the Strongfirst bells at this point. The quality is top-notch and they have the most consistent balance as I go up in size. Over time I hope to switch everything out for SF bells, but no rush there.

I’ve used a lot of the old RKC and Perform Better bells at various gyms in my travels and I could see why people who’ve only used those often prefer comp bells. But the newer bells from good places are top notch. I’ve never used KK e-coat bells, but obviously they’re also well loved.

To each their own, though.
 
Finding comfort or enjoyment or easy on your hands, some of the things that were mentioned by those preferring competition style bells, aren't our concern at StrongFirst.

I respectfully disagree. There is such a thing as a "best training plan" - it's the one you'll do consistently because you enjoy doing it. When I come home after a stressful day at work I want to enjoy what I do.
 
If I was to do it all over again I'd get an adjustable competition bell (12kg to 32kg). If ever you start doing doubles then you only need to get one extra bell.

Same. I recently bought a second Titan Fitness adjustable so now I finally have two. I ended up with a Kettlebell Kings adjustable because they didn't cancel my order. And of course I have singles of comp bells. Not sure what I'll do with them.

I would recommend comp bells all the way, especially the adjustable ones that go from 12 -32. The one from Titan Fitness normally costs $260 but they always have special deals - I picked up my second adjustable for like $220 on one of their deal days. For around $500 you essentially get a complete set of doubles from 12 - 32 kgs.

Cast iron bells have more room for two-handed swings. My current collection includes a 36 and a 40 that I use for two-handed swings. My philosophy on swings is that swings with 32 kgs or else should be done one-handed.
 
I respectfully disagree. There is such a thing as a "best training plan" - it's the one you'll do consistently because you enjoy doing it. When I come home after a stressful day at work I want to enjoy what I do.
+1

Earlier in this thread, I posted my preference for comp bells, and my particular favorites, the KBUSA Paradigm Pro comp bells with 35mm handles. That's because, after using a variety of bells, comp and cast iron, those are the ones I enjoy using the most, and it's worth it to me to buy the bells I most enjoy.

People can make arguments about why one style or the other is "better," but barring obvious flaws like sharp handle seams that rip up your hands or dimensions that make it impossible to find a comfortable resting place on the forearm, training results are not going to vary in any significant way. So then it comes down to personal preference, and it seems odd to me to assert that personal preference is irrelevant.
 
I think you're assuming facts not in evidence. You'd want to at least compare the size of a 16 kg and a 48 kg cast iron bell with a competition bell and also know the weight distribution for the lighter sizes since much of the inside is, I believe, empty in the lighter sizes.

-S-

Depends on how heavy you want to go and how you will lose them. Comp bells don't go heavier than 48 kg (which for most people is heavy enough). If you plan on primarily using the heavy ones for two-hand swings, go with a cast iron as you'll have a bit more room for your hands. If you want to do single-arm work then you should consider handle thickness. Cast iron KBs tend to have thicker handles. Some consider this an advantage because it increases grip strength. I don't want my grip to give out and limit my set. There are plenty of supplemental ways to increase grip strength if that is your goal.
 
There is such a thing as a "best training plan" - it's the one you'll do consistently because you enjoy doing it. When I come home after a stressful day at work I want to enjoy what I do.

Yes, we'll agree to disagree. My plan works with my training time, my gear, and my injury history, and delivers results.

-S-
 
I’ve used a lot of the old RKC and Perform Better bells at various gyms in my travels and I could see why people who’ve only used those often prefer comp bells.
I think this is an important distinction. Even if SF kettlebells are the best possible choice, it doesn't follow that any cast iron bells would be a better choice over competition ones.

There's a lot of variety in the former. I have cast iron KBs from different manufacturers and handle diameter in particular varies wildly - my 16 kg's is the same as the 20 kg's with both being larger than the 24's, and the 28 has a thicker handle than the 32 (and all the lighter kettlebells). Online sellers rarely if ever include that information. My wife has had some difficulties with transitioning from 24 to 28 and I believe the thick (as compared to her relatively small hands) handle may be to blame. Meanwhile, all competition bells have a known and manageable (for most) handle diameter.
 
@TimothyGander for some reason, 28kg bells cast iron typically have very large handles as well. For example, mine has a 40mm handle but 24kg and 32kg have a 38mm handle. This of course varies by brand, but it’s fairly consistent and I’ve never figured out why that size specifically has the larger handle that is otherwise only on 40kg+ bells.
 
28kg bells cast iron typically have very large handles as well.
Interesting. I have only that weight from that particular manufacturer (no-name company in Eastern Europe) and thought all their bells must be made like that. I wonder what may have caused the 28 kg bells to have oversized handles all over the world.
 
Interesting. I have only that weight from that particular manufacturer (no-name company in Eastern Europe) and thought all their bells must be made like that. I wonder what may have caused the 28 kg bells to have oversized handles all over the world.
Client with an Apollo 28, normal in every way, the bell.
 
I did a brief stint with Kettlebell Kings competition bells and didn't like them. For clean and pressing they were great, but for high rep hardstyle snatching it was different. I'm sure my technique needed to be tweaked for the comp bell vs the cast iron, but the area the comp bell was landing on my forearm ended up getting aggravated. Never had this issue with a cast iron bell. I ended up selling the comp bells and buying Rogue Powder Coat Cast Iron Bells to match the rest of the bells I have.
 
Am I correct in thinking that using competition bells for heavier lifting may be a better alternative?
The weight and arm moves together so the center of gravity is still centered in the joint. Minimal difference in how it affects the arm and working muscles. So, it does not matter.
Edit: as we are talking about the TGU.
For jerks, presses, front squats and so on, when the bell is racked the size of the bell makes a big difference in where the centre of gravity ends up

Edit: the handle size is smaller on competition so heavy lifts will be easier to complete. Compare a 28mm barbell to a 32mm barbell. My guess is your max weight is less on the 32mm.
 
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