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As someone with smaller hands who struggles to maintain their grip on average kettlebells, I know just how challenging it can be to find a kettlebell that I can actually hold onto to train the way I want.
To help others avoid similar issues, I’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best products on the market that feel as if they were made with smaller hands in mind.
So, what is the best kettlebell overall for small hands? The best kettlebell overall for small hands is the Rogue Powder Coat Kettlebell because it has a smaller handle diameter across all weights than other iron kettlebells on the market. It is also versatile and can be used for multiple movements/styles of training, has amazing grip-ability, and is affordable.
It can be hard to determine which kettlebells are going to function for those with smaller hands if we are not sure what specifics to look for in a kettlebell that make them better than other brands/models for smaller hands.
In this article I’ll discuss:
- The 3 most important factors to consider before purchasing a kettlebell for smaller hands
- The 5 best kettlebells on the market for small hands for specific uses
- What features make a kettlebell better than others on the market
The 3 Biggest Factors To Consider Before Purchasing A Kettlebell For Smaller Hands
The 3 biggest factors we need to consider before purchasing a kettlebell are:
- Intended Use
- Weight
- Handle Diameter
1. Intended Use
Before purchasing a kettlebell it’s important to assess what kind of training style and/or movements we plan to do the most, as this will determine the type of kettlebell that we will prefer and ultimately how much we need to spend to get the style of kettlebell we want.
2. Weight
Choosing which weight to purchase when we’re shopping for kettlebells is an aspect we need to consider, as we want to choose a weight that's handle diameter is not too wide to grip, that we can use for a number of movements, and that we will use for a long time.
To learn more about what kettlebell weight you should buy, check out my article on Is Your Kettlebell Is Too Heavy?
3. Handle Diameter
The handle diameter of the kettlebell is a big factor to consider before purchasing a kettlebell, especially for those with small hands, because this will likely affect the style /weight of the kettlebell that we will want to purchase, and determine whether we can actually use the kettlebell as we intended.
Wondering how much of a difference there is between handle diameters? Check out my other article 33mm vs 35mm Kettlebell Handle: Which One Should You Get?
Top 5 Kettlebells On The Market For Small Hands
The 5 best kettlebells on the market for small hands are:
- Rogue Powder Coat Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell Overall
- Kettlebell Kings 33mm Competition Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Competitors
- KHTO Fitness Edition Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Crossfit Training
- Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For General Fitness
- Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Beginners Or Small Spaces
| Handle Diameter | Price | Material | Training Style | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rogue Powder Coat | 30.5mm – 38mm | $$ | Cast Iron | General Fitness |
| Kettlebell King Competition Kettlebell | 33mm | $$$$ | Steel | Competition Use |
| KHTO Fitness Edition | 33mm | $ | Steel with Fillers | Crossfit |
| Rogue E-Coat | 30.5mm – 38mm | $$ | Ductile Iron | General Fitness |
| Kettlebell King Adjustable | 31mm | $ | Moving Parts | Beginner / At-Home Use |
1. Rogue Fitness Powder Coat – Best Kettlebell Overall
The Rogue Fitness Powder Coat Kettlebell is the best kettlebell overall for those with small hands because it has the best gripability, has varying sizes of handle diameters to accommodate hands of all sizes, and is a less expensive kettlebell.
The Rogue Fitness Powder Coat Kettlebell is made from cast iron and has a powder coating applied over the cast iron to give an extra layer of protection by keeping moisture from corroding the iron.
While this is an important feature, the bigger benefit to the powder coating for me is that it increases our ability to grip the kettlebell and provides a textured surface that retains chalk – which is ideal for those with smaller hands that struggle to maintain their grip on the kettlebell.
There is nothing worse for me than not being able to hold onto a kettlebell once my palms start to sweat, but this is not an issue I have to worry about with the powder coated kettlebell – and that is well worth the price for me.
The Rogue powder coated kettlebells are the best option for those with smaller hands not only because of the gripability from the coating, but also because they have a smaller handle diameter than other iron kettlebells on the market.
The handle diameter, along with other parts of the kettlebell (window & bell size), increases as the weight increases – which is a design feature that makes the kettlebell more versatile for one and two handed movements.
The downside to this is that the diameter does get thicker as the weight increases (from 30.5mm at 9lbs to 38mm at 88lbs), which is not ideal but is the best option for those wanting the versatility and price of an iron kettlebell – which is the majority of people.
The versatility of the powder coated kettlebell is why it is popular amongst athletes interested in general fitness who want to train with a variety of movements and styles. I would also recommend a powder coated kettlebell to anyone who is wanting to dabble in more specific styles of training (kettlebell sport or crossfit) but is not committed enough to justify buying a more expensive kettlebell.
The Rogue powder coated kettlebells come in a weight range of 13-88lbs which is a large enough range to accommodate most individuals training needs, except for those who are more advanced and looking to do heavier swings, goblet squats, and deadlifts.
This weight range doesn’t seem like a big deal to me because if our goal is to squat and deadlift more than that, we are likely better off using a barbell for those movements. Any kettlebell specific movements we want to do can likely be done within this weight range, especially for those interested in general fitness training.
The Rogue Fitness powder coat kettlebells takes the cake for the best kettlebell overall for small hands because of its coating that helps maintain grip, the smaller handle diameter compared to competitors, the versatility of the product, and its lower price tag.
Pros
- Best Gripability
- Versatile
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- Handle Widens As Weight Increases
2. Kettlebell Kings 33mm Competition Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Competitors
The Kettlebell Kings 33mm Competition Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for small hands for those who want to compete in kettlebell sport because it has a smaller handle diameter, it is built for high-repetition one-handed movements, and is the highest quality available.
The Kettlebell Kings are truly the gold standard for competition kettlebells, which is why they are used internationally for kettlebell sport. They are fabricated specifically for kettlebell competitors with their smaller window size to accommodate higher repetitions of one-handed movements, and their uniform sizing across all weights – which helps increase movement efficiency for competitors.
While the standard competition kettlebells have 35mm handles, this version of the competition kettlebell is designed with 33mm to help those with smaller hands be able to maintain their grip for longer periods of time. The 33mm decreases grip fatigue and allows for more time under tension for those training for kettlebell sport.
The downside to the 33mm handle for those competing at higher levels of kettlebell sport is that it is not approved for international competition; instead, the 35mm handle is the standard that must be used. Therefore, if we’re competing internationally we are likely better off with the 35mm to get accustomed to this grip.
The Kettlebell Kings 33mm competition kettlebell is available in a larger weight range (4kg/9lbs – 32kg/70lbs) to accommodate lifters of all levels of strength. It also stands out as a higher quality product because it is made of pure steel which tells me that this kettlebell is built for durability and is going to last me a long time. Other steel kettlebells on the market contain fillers (sawdust and ball bearings) to achieve their uniform size and weight – which is less durable and more likely to malfunction sooner.
Although the 3mm competition kettlebell is one of the most expensive on the market, I believe it is the best price for those with smaller hands looking to compete in kettlebell sport because of its design and durability.
Pros
- 33mm Handle
- Made Of Steel
- Built For Competitive Use
Cons
- Not Approved Internationally
- Most Expensive Style Of Kettlebell
3. KHTO Fitness Edition Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Crossfit
The KHTO Fitness Edition Kettlebell is the best product on the market for those with small hands interested in crossfit-style training because it has a 33mm handle diameter, is designed for high repetition one-handed movements, and is a great price.
Fitness edition kettlebells are the best option for those interested in crossfit-style training because they are designed with a window size that accommodates higher-repetition one-handed movements but is wide enough that we can also incorporate two-handed movements.
The KHTO fitness kettlebell stands out from other fitness edition kettlebells on the market because it has a 33mm handle – which is a better fit for those with smaller hands compared to the 35mm handle that other brands have.
As someone with smaller hands, the 33mm is my preference becauseI find that I have no issues getting a full grip on the handle at this diameter, and my grip does not fatigue as quickly as it would with a 35mm handle – which allows me to have more time under tension in training.
The fitness edition kettlebells are made of steel but do contain fillers (cement and sand) to make up their weight while staying uniform in size. The filler does make them less durable than the competition kettlebells that are made entirely of steel, because the fillers can loosen up over time and cause rattling within the kettlebell during use.
However, it is important to note that the use of fillers does dramatically decrease the price of the product, while only decreasing the durability slightly.
Although the KHTO fitness kettlebells are cheaper, they are still good quality because they are made with a single cast (all one mold, not welded together) and have a steel outer shell which is the most durable material for kettlebells.
The downside to the KHTO kettlebells is that they are only available in pounds and have limited weight increments (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50lbs) to choose from – which may not work for everyone. However, I do feel that they are a better/more affordable option for those interested in crossfit-style training rather than kettlebell sport.
Pros
- 33mm Handle
- Budget-Friendly
- Works For One-Handed and Two-Handed Movements
Cons
- Contains Fillers
- Limited Weight Range
4. Rogue Fitness E-Coat Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For General Fitness
The Rogue Fitness E-Coat Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for small hands for those who are interested in training for general fitness because it has a smaller handle diameter than other iron kettlebells, is corrosion resistant, and is very versatile.
The E-Coat kettlebell is a great kettlebell, which is why I rated it the best overall kettlebell in my other article on the best kettlebells for the money.
The E-Coat kettlebell is so versatile because like other iron kettlebells, it increases in size and shape as the weight increases – this is beneficial because it makes the kettlebell suitable for one-handed movements (which tend to be weaker), and two-handed movements (which tend to be stronger).
It stands out from other iron kettlebells because it is made of ductile iron instead of cast iron which is more durable, and is electrocoated with a glossy e-coat finish that was adapted from the automotive industry – because of its ability to adhere to metal and resist corrosion. The durability of the product is a attractive feature because it will require less maintenance to prevent rust and will last a long time, which makes me more willing to spend money on it.
The kettlebell has a weight range of 9-88 lbs which I feel is an appropriate range for most individuals interested in general fitness training. The handle diameter of the Rogue Fitness E-Coat kettlebell changes as the weight increases with the 9-18lb kettlebells having a 30.5mm handle, the 26lb kettlebell having a 35.5mm handle, and the 35-88lb kettlebells having a 38mm handle.
Although the kettlebells that are 35lbs and up have a larger diameter than I think is ideal for those with smaller hands, it is the best option when we compare it to other iron kettlebells on the market – which have larger handle diameters than this at the same weights.
Although the steel kettlebells have a more consistent handle diameter across all weights, they are also more expensive and less versatile for general fitness training. Ultimately, we need to make the decision between a consistent handle diameter, or a higher price for less versatility.
Pros
- Versatile
- Corrosion Resistant
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- Wider Handles At Heavier Weights
Kettlebell swings are a popular movement for those interested in general fitness, but are not the only movements I suggest for developing strength and power in the lower body; check out my other article for the 7 Best Kettlebell Swing Alternatives.
5. Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Kettlebell – Best Kettlebell For Beginners/Small Spaces
The Kettlebell Kings Adjustable Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for small hands for beginners and/or for those that have a limited amount of space to store equipment because it has a smaller handle diameter, it takes up very little space, and is cost effective.
The Kettlebell Kings adjustable kettlebell is ideal for beginners and those with limited space available because it is designed so that we can adjust the weight of the kettlebell by adding or removing weight to the frame – which accommodates the faster progression that beginners normally experience, rather than having to frequently purchase heavier weights as we get stronger.
The Kettlebell Kings version is designed well for an adjustable kettlebell because it is adjusted with weight plates rather than other more annoying methods. Some adjustable kettlebells on the market are adjusted by adding/removing sand or water to change the weight – which is much more time consuming than using weighted plates.
Another reason the Kettlebell Kings adjustable kettlebell caught my attention was because it has a larger weight range than many other similar products on the market. The weight range it offers is from 10-40lbs with many weight increments. Other adjustable kettlebells on the market are only available in weight ranges of 5-20lbs.
The reason I feel that this adjustable kettlebell is the best for those with small hands is because the handle diameter is 31mm – which is an ideal size for those who struggle to grip regular kettlebell handles.
Pros
- 31mm Handle
- 10-40lbs Weight Range
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- Less Durable
- Not Made For Competitive Or More Serious Use
Another product that I recommend for beginners or those with limited pace available, is the Kettle Gryp which converts dumbbells into a kettlebell. Check out my full review of the Kettle Gryp: Pros, Cons, Is It Worth It?
Best Kettlebells For Small Hands: Buyer’s Guide
The features that make a kettlebell better than others include:
- Window Size
- Kettlebell Style
- Budget
- Durability
- Versatility
- Gripability
Window Size
Purchasing a kettlebell with the right window size is important so that we don’t end up with a kettlebell that we can’t use, or that is dysfunctional for the movements we plan to train
If we’re competing in kettlebell sport or crossfit-style training that has higher-repetition one-handed movements then we are going to prefer a kettlebell that has a smaller window size because it allows for a smoother transition to the racked position that is a key position for many one-handed kettlebell movements.
If we’re interested in doing a wider variety of movements that are both one-handed and two-handed then we are going to want a kettlebell that has a window size that is smaller at lighter weights to suit one-handed movements, but increases at heavier weights to accommodate 2 hands in the window.
Interested in learning more about kettlebells for two-handed movements? Check out our article on the Best Kettlebells For Two-Handed Swings.
Kettlebell Style
Choosing the right style of kettlebell is important so that we have a kettlebell that is going to function optimally for our style of training, and so that we are not spending money on a more expensive style of kettlebell than we need.
Competition Style Kettlebell
If we’re competing in kettlebell sport then we are going to want a competition kettlebell, because it is built specifically for this style of high-repetition training – but for smaller hands we are likely going to want a 33mm version, unless we are planning to compete international where the standard is the 35mm handle.
Fitness Edition Style Kettlebell
If we are not competing in kettlebell sport but we are planning on training with higher repetitions such as crossfit-style training then we are going to want a fitness edition style kettlebell because it is made to accommodate the higher-repetitions but has a slightly larger window to accommodate not only one-handed movements, but also 2 handed movements and is slightly cheaper than the competition kettlebell.
E-Coat Or Powder Coat Style Kettlebell
If general fitness training is more our style, then we are going to want an iron kettlebell such as the e-coat or powder coat. They are the preferred style of kettlebell for general fitness because they have a more versatile size and shape that changes based on the weight we are using.
Interested in learning the differences between powder coated kettlebells and competition kettlebells? Check out my article Powder Coat vs Competition Kettlebell: Pros & Cons.
Adjustable Style Kettlebells
I would only recommend adjustable kettlebells for those who are beginners and quickly progressing through weights, and those who have a limited amount of space to work with.
For beginners adjustable kettlebells are ideal because it doesn’t make sense for them to purchase a standard kettlebell at a weight that will only be appropriate for a short amount of time.
Adjustable kettlebells are also suitable for those who workout at home but have a limited amount of space available for equipment, because they are compact and they allow us to work with different weight increments without taking up as much space as having multiple kettlebells would.
Budget
Our budget is an important factor to consider before purchasing a kettlebell because it will determine how many kettlebells we are able to purchase, and what style of kettlebell we should look at to get the best kettlebell for the money.
Steel Kettlebells
The most expensive kettlebells on the market are going to be steel kettlebells, with competition-style kettlebells being the most expensive. However, if we are interested in training more seriously this is likely a price we are going to want to pay to get the product that is going to work the best for us.
Iron Kettlebells
Iron kettlebells are moderately priced and are generally the go-to for those who want a kettlebell that is going to be versatile and do alot for the price. That being said, I usually recommend that we get 2 of these kettlebells (one lighter weight and one heavier weight) to get the most out of both upper body and lower body training.
Wondering what the differences between steel and iron kettlebells are? Check out my other article Cast Iron vs Steel Kettlebells: Pros, Cons, Differences.
Adjustable Kettlebells
Adjustable kettlebells are going to be the best option for those who want to get the best bang for their buck when purchasing just one kettlebell, because it is much cheaper to get a kettlebell that can adjust to multiple weight increments than to buy these weights separately. Although, we should be aware of what we are giving up when we purchase adjustable kettlebells vs a standard kettlebell to keep costs low.
Durability
The durability of a kettlebell is an important feature because if I’m spending money on a product that I intend to use for a long time, I want to make sure that it's actually going to last – especially when buying a higher-end kettlebell.
The most durable products on the market are made of steel, but we should be aware that although some kettlebells that are made of steel contain fillers (sawdust and ball bearings) that could come loose over time.
So if we’re looking for the most durable procut on the market we should be sure that it is pure steel and contains no fillers – especially if we’re dropping the kettlebell frequently in training.
The iron kettlebells with a coating (e-coat or powder coat) are going to be less durable than steel kettlebells, but do have extra protection from corrosion that the steel kettlebells do not. Although, it should be mentioned that we can get rust off our kettlebell quite easily so that should not be a dealbreaker.
The least durable products on the market are going to be adjustable kettlebells and plastic kettlebells – because they have many moving parts, and can break quite easily.
Versatility
The level of versatility a product has is an important factor to consider for those looking to train a wider variety of movements, rather than simply the snatch, clean, and jerk.
The competition kettlebell is probably the least versatile because it was built with a specific purpose in mind, which is to be used in kettlebell sport. The fitness edition kettlebell is slightly better because of its wider window size which gives more room to place two hands on the handle to incorporate more than just one-handed movements.
The kettlebells with the best versatility are going to be the iron kettlebells because they are built for general fitness with their varying sizes across different weights. Those who want the most versatility in a kettlebell are going to want an iron kettlebell that allows for a wider variety of movements (one-handed and two-handed movements).
To get the most out of your kettlebell, you need to know how to rack the kettlebell properly without smashing your wrist/forearm; if you’re struggling with this, check out my article for 7 Tips To Keep The Kettlebell From Hitting Your Wrist.
Gripability
The ability to maintain our grip is an important factor when choosing a kettlebell, because if we cannot hold onto the kettlebell then we are not likely to get much training done.
The gripability of the kettlebell is one of the most important factors for me when choosing a kettlebell, because if I cannot maintain my grip then I am not going to have a good training session and I’m less likely to reach for that style of kettlebell again.
The best gripability is going to be the powder coated kettlebells because the coating creates the perfect texture to grip, and also hold chalk really well which is necessary when our hands start to sweat. The e-coat is a close second but does not hold chalk as well because of its glossy finish.
Steel kettlebells do not have the same level of gripability as the iron kettlebells, but can be improved when our hands and the handle itself is chalked.
Other Kettlebell Resources
- Is Your Kettlebell Too Heavy? (How To Know Using Examples)
- How To Keep Kettlebell From Hitting Your Wrist (7 Tips)
- Cast Iron vs Steel Kettlebells: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Powder Coat vs Competition Kettlebell: Pros & Cons
- Plastic Kettlebell vs Iron Kettlebell: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Best 5 Kettlebells For The Money (That Are Still Well Made)
- How To Get Rust Off A Kettlebell? (4 Steps For Restoring)
- 1 Arm vs 2 Arm Kettlebell Swing: Pros, Cons, Which Is Best?
- E-Coat vs Powder Coat Kettlebells: Pros, Cons, Differences
- Adjustable vs Standard Kettlebell: Pros, Cons, Differences
- 33mm vs 35mm Kettlebell Handle: Which One Should You Get?
- Kettlebell Window Size: What Is It? How Big Should It Be?
- Kettle Gryp Review: Pros, Cons, Is It Worth It?
- 7 Best Kettlebell Swing Alternatives (With Pictures)
- 5 Best Competition Kettlebells (Crossfit or Kettlebell Sport)
- Kettlebell Gloves or Chalk: Which Is Better? (Pros & Cons)
- 5 Best Kettlebell Gloves To Protect Your Hands
- Best 5 Kettlebells For Two-Handed Swings
- 3 Best Rubber-Coated Kettlebells
- 7 Best Kettlebell Apps For Both iOS & Android
- How To Chalk A Kettlebell Properly (4 Steps To Follow)
Final Thoughts
The Rogue Fitness Powder Coat takes the cake for the best all around kettlebell for small hands because of its versatility that makes it ideal for most lifters, its gripability that helps keep our hands glued to the handle, and of course it's handle diameter that is smaller than other brands on the market. It really does a great job of meeting all the criteria I’m looking for in a kettlebell for those with smaller hands, while still being affordable.
The KHTO Fitness Kettlebell is a close second but falls short of the title because it is not available in as many weight increments – giving those with smaller hands less weight options to choose from.
Finally, the third runner up is the Kettlebell Kings 33mm Competition Kettlebell which has a great handle diameter and is extremely durable, but unfortunately not versatile enough to keep up with the iron kettlebells for the price.
About The Author
Amanda Parker has a passion for competing and coaching in both powerlifting and weightlifting. She uses her knowledge from her Kinesiology Degree, CSCS, and Precision Nutrition certification to coach athletes and lifestyle clients for performance in training and nutrition. Connect with her on Instagram.
