Or an adjustable Kettlebell from Kettlebell Kings or so which goes from 12-32kg. Great for the Price.
I really wish they had a 16-40KG option. Or that SOMEONE did (that was also good quality), and in a cast iron shape rather than sport...but I guess one can't have everything in life. But at this point in time this would be my "only one bell" choice for the rest of my life.
I'm still torn on if I'll buy heavier bells than my current KK 32KG, or I get one of these with the eventual goal of having a set of adjustable doubles.
---
As to the question at hand. To use an old adage; "There is no replacement for displacement". Generally true, specifically false. But I believe the main emphasis of strong
first is best. That doesn't mean strong only. There is probably some Pareto principle at play here.
This kind of reminds me of a podcast episode Dan John and Pat Flynn did where they had an "only one bell" discussion for the average bloke. Both of them decided on the 20KG. I'm still thinking 24KG might be better.
My main thing is still S&S. I still find a 16KG useful even though I can do untimed Simple with my 32KG. But when I'm feeling like I'm having an off day, or I feel like my immune system has taken a hit and I'm on the verge of a "I might be getting sick" vibe. I can still crack out the 16KG and sneak in an "easy" day with plenty of rest between sets.
Some days I just want a change of pace and I'll substitute swings for snatches, or high pulls with the 16KG, and reduce rests. I can also sling that bell pretty good in the 1H and 2H swing and just really focus on mechanics and good technique.
Likewise goblet squats with a lighter bell I can substitute in cossack squats.
Or the TGU's I'll do in reverse fashion and start with a clean and press, then just do alternating or back to back TGU's on the same side without setting it down. I'm up to three B2B sets on each side, or just alternating and not setting the bell down at all for all ten sets. Gives my heart a bit more workout, but then I recover pretty quickly and usually feel pretty good that day. Endorphin high? This still makes me think I can continue to squeeze more strength out of even a light bell like the 16KG.
...and I still am working on doing BU getups with it.
So even with a lighter bell I think consistency is key, and workout frequency can also be upped with less downside. Perhaps almost daily training sessions.
For example, it would be an interesting long term experiment to use a weight at 80-90% of technical 1RM and see how many times a week one could reasonably train, and then compare it to say a weight at 50% 1RM and see what kind of strength gains would occur over a long term period. I already know when I'm working in the heavier spectrum I can only get in about 3 sessions a week. I'll bet I could go 6-7 days a week with just the 16KG.