I thought about that too, would be interesting to feel. Seemed like it could potentially be dangerous though. Lol on the bottom up presses, at least the trade off would be doing smooth curls similar to cable curls.
Well, here's the thing. Kettlebells are actually really good ergonomically. It's not a matter of a problematic traditional design that could obviously be improved but isn't because people are too bound by tradition to embrace innovation.
I think a rotating handle would be really hard to hold onto. Just like rotating barbell sleeves require a hook or mixed grip when the weights get challenging, or like a Rolling Thunder style handle is more of grip challenge than a fixed handle.
shop.blackironstrength.com
In my mind, the humble kettlebell should be reasonably affordable and in the home of anyone who wants to pursue training.Kettlebells
Quick Hits Black Iron Strength® Kettlebells are the highest quality kettlebell available on the worldwide market. They are a revolutionary design with a patented rotating handle, which takes Kettlebell training to another level. Available from 10 lbs. to 75 lbs...
Not a thick handle but it rotates. More than I'd spend on a kettlebell though!
I did that street challenge bar hang, having the bar rotate freely made it exponentially harder.
Do you think hanging from a pair of Rolling Thunder would be about the same difficulty?
Hard to say, it depends how thick the handle and how easy it turns. You could flick the challenge bar with your finger and it rolled easy.
I think you'd have to actually try both to compare. The Rolling Thunder is 2-3/8" which is pretty thick (harder), but probably doesn't spin as freely (easier), as I believe those challenge bars use well-lubricated bearings (harder). Not sure how having two separate grip points facing in different directions and splitting the weight between them would affect the difficulty.
D͟o͟ ͟n͟o͟t͟ ͟p͟u͟t͟ ͟a͟ ͟s͟o͟f͟t͟ ͟c͟o͟a͟t͟i͟n͟g͟ ͟o͟f͟ ͟a͟n͟y͟ ͟k͟i͟n͟d͟ ͟o͟n͟ ͟t͟h͟e͟ ͟b͟o͟d͟y͟.
Maybe a very thick grade of leather would work or just a bead blasted finish, but no rubber or plastic. Coatings of any kind are the sort of thing that quickly become an irritant when you combine pressure, sweat and body hair.
Also consider moving the swell up a little and possibly eliminating the flat bottom and have it rounded like the top.
I have to say I approach this as a thought experiment, I don't really believe there is a big enough market that alternative designs are going to generate sales and interest compared to traditional shape. It would have to offer a genuine and notable improvement in some manner with no negatives, to be accepted by established users and instructors.
I rendered these out today before I saw your post about the material choice. Great point on the rubber/plastic finish. I'll look into bead/blasted, powder coated etc. I understand where your coming from on the thought experiment. Just lots of exploration on my end and learning along the way thanks to the input. ended up looking like a jet engine.Kettlebells
Quick Hits Black Iron Strength® Kettlebells are the highest quality kettlebell available on the worldwide market. They are a revolutionary design with a patented rotating handle, which takes Kettlebell training to another level. Available from 10 lbs. to 75 lbs...
Not a thick handle but it rotates. More than I'd spend on a kettlebell though!
Again, I'd push the bulk up a little to reduce elongation. Also, they're already going to be too unstable for things like renegade rows or parallettes. Visually they might look better with a boat nose and tail than the vase/lamp look they currently have.
