Noone said Kettlebelsl are the ” Best” strength tool. But generally for the most part they give people enough strength for there individual needs.
The claims about them shift around, so it is very hard to get them all, because people can bring up other claims.
But, the admission of kettlebell users here seems to be going to "kettlebells are not the best, but they do offer some benefit, and it is often enough". That is hardly a selling point of kettlebells and it is not found in the marketing claims of them.
What makes the Kettlebell superior is it gives great bang for Buck in one tool. One tool, bodyweight and tree pulling or whatvere you said is two tools.
Of course, if one has a single tool and makes the most out of it, it can be found to be sufficient. I do not do calisthenics and strand pulling because it is necessary, but because calisthenics are good for my goals and cheap (and I like them), and I do strand pulling because it is personally rewarding and also a great means of developing strength. Take for example Hit Richards, a man who does only bodyweight exercises (with a weight vest too):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAwfIMYSKrY and people who do calisthenics only (often in public parks) are growing.
Also, a single dumbbell of a set weight can be used in a way which maximizes its use. Better yet, get an adjustable dumbbell. A high cost kettlebell with a fixed weight does force people to make the best of it, but there is no reason why people cannot make the best of anything else.
A sandbag likewise offers...I think I wrote this before.
Kettlebell apologists sure become more realistic when pressed though...it is hardly the one stop ultimate tool, but just another possible tool which can be used to develop "enough" strength.
Also you failed to note the way the force is displaced when regards to a kettlebell press. Not only does this prove safer but the shoulders but gives greater range of motion. Though I dont know if this fact as been scientific validated I believe that it lead to greater neuromusular activation.
It does not prove safer, it limits the weight which can be held. I do not think there is a great range of motion in kettlebell lifts...the hand is in the same place on the body.
Yes, it is "different" from a dumbbell...but so are many other things and using this difference as the selling point hardly makes sense. One can make the same claims about sandbags, strands, any assortment of heavy objects, or different designs of bells.
Again, I am against the exaggerated claims and misleading marketing, and the near religious fervor people have about kettlebells sometimes. It is like the world of martial arts, with the ninja dojo down the street owned by a local guy fascinated with kanji decorations, and pupils eager to learn the Secret from the "right" school and having warrior fantasies.