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The kettlebell swing is a staple in my program and probably every lifter’s training program at one point or another, regardless if you’re at a beginner or more advanced level.
Over time I’ve discovered that there are kettlebells that are better suited for two-handed swings, and those that I would never use again.
After doing my research, I’ve found the best 5 kettlebells for two-handed swings on the market for different lifters preferences.
But, What Is The Best Overall Kettlebell For Two-Handed Swings? The Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat is the best kettlebell overall for two-handed swings because it’s window size accommodates a two-handed grip, it has the best gripability, it’s corrosion resistant, and it’s durable enough to be dropped.
It’s important to understand that not all kettlebells are created equally, and we want to make sure that the kettlebell we’re purchasing is actually going to work for two-handed swings before spending money.
In this article I’ll discuss:
- The 3 most important factors features we need for kettlebells for two-handed swings
- The 5 best kettlebells on the market for two-handed swings based on your needs
- What factors make a kettlebell better than other products on the market for swings
The 3 Most Important Factors To Consider Before Buying A Kettlebell For Two-Handed Swings
The 3 most important kettlebell factors to consider for two-handed swings are:
- Window Size
- Weight
- Budget
Window Size
The window size of the kettlebell we choose is an important factor to consider before purchasing a kettlebell for two-handed swings because if we don’t get a kettlebell that can accommodate two hands, we will not be able to perform the movement comfortably.
Weight
The weight we select when purchasing a kettlebell for two-handed swings is important because we need a kettlebell that is heavy enough that we will have to use our hips to give the kettlebell momentum (rather than our arms), but not so heavy that our technique falls apart.
To learn more about what weight you should get for the movements you plan to train, check out my other article Is Your Kettlebell Too Heavy? (How To Know)
Budget
Our budget is important to consider because it will determine the quality of kettlebell that we are able to purchase for two-handed swings, and it can also affect the amount of weight we are able to purchase because heavier kettlebells cost more, and the kettlebell swing is typically a stronger movement.
Interested in doing kettlebell swings but don’t have the right equipment? Check out these 7 Alternatives For Kettlebell Swings that you could do instead!
Top 5 Kettlebells For Two-handed Swings On The Market
The top 5 kettlebells for two-handed swings are:
- Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat – Best Overall
- Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell – Best For The Money
- KHTO Fitness Edition – Smaller Hands
- Eleiko Training Kettlebell – Best For Larger Hands
- Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell – Best For Beginners/At-Home Use
1. Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat – Best Overall Kettlebell
The Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebell is the best kettlebell on the market for two-handed swings overall because it is the highest quality, it has the best gripability, and it’s suitable for most individuals for two-handed movements as it increases in size as the weight increases.
The Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat is the best option for two-handed swings because it is suitable for the majority of people for two handed swings because it increases in size as the weight increases. This also makes the kettlebell more versatile, which is important because it is unlikely that we’re just purchasing a kettlebell for just one movement.
The powder coating on the kettlebell puts this kettlebell ahead of other kettlebells on the market for two-handed swings because it has the best gripability. This is important because it tells me that I will still be able to hold onto the kettlebell even once I start to sweat and that I’ll be able to train without having to worry about my grip.
In addition, the kettlebell is durable enough that it can be dropped without having to worry about the kettlebell breaking or malfunctioning – which is a bonus because lifters tend to drop kettlebells upon completing their two-handed swings. This is reassuring because we want a product that isn’t going to fall apart after only a few uses, especially when we’re paying more money for a higher quality product.
The Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat kettlebell is available in both pounds and kilograms which is more suitable for those with specific preferences. The kilogram version is available from 4kg-92kg and the pound version is available from 5lbs-100lbs – which is a good weight range for beginner to advanced lifters.
Pros
- Great Gripability
- Corrosion Resistant
- High Quality Build
- Good Weight Range
Cons
- More Expensive
2. Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell – Best For The Money
The Rogue Fitness E-Coated Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for two-handed swings for the money, because it’s window size can accommodate two-hands, it’s made of very durable material, it’s versatile for different styles of training, and it’s affordable.
The Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell is great for two-handed swings because it’s window size is large enough to accommodate two-hands, which is crucial for two-handed swings. However, it is not so big that we could still perform one-handed movements without too much discomfort – which lends to the versatility of the kettlebell.
This kettlebell is designed to increase in size as the weight increases, which is exactly what we want because two-handed swings are stronger movements and will have larger window sizes; the lighter weights which are more suited for one-handed movements, will have a window size that is ideal for those movements as well.
I think versatility is important because although we’re looking for a kettlebell that works best for two-handed swings, it’s unlikely that this is the only movement that we want to train with our kettlebell.
The Rogue E-Coat kettlebell is the best kettlebell for the money for two-handed swings because it is so durable. It is made with ductile iron (which is more durable than cast iron but not as durable as steel), is painted electronically to achieve a thinner and more even coating, and has a glossy finish that is resistant to chipping and corrosion – which is also easier to clean.
The durability is important for two-handed swings because many lifters choose to drop their kettlebells when they’re done with their set and we don’t want a kettlebell that is going to fall apart after being dropped a handful of times.
The price for the E-Coat kettlebell is very reasonable, and the fact that it is also quite durable sets this kettlebell apart from many other kettlebells on the market for two-handed swings.
The Rogue E-Coated kettlebells are available from 9lbs-88lbs which may not be a large enough range for those who are more advanced and can go heavier with their kettlebell swings, but is likely sufficient for all beginner and intermediate lifters. It is also only available in pound increments, which I know is not everyone’s preference.
Pros
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy To Clean
Cons
- May Not Be Heavy Enough For Advanced Lifters
- Only Available In Pound Increments
To learn more about the best kettlebells you can get for the money, check out my article on the Best 5 Kettlebell For The Money (That Are Still Well Made).
3. KHTO Fitness Edition Kettlebell – Best For Small Hands
The KHTO Fitness Edition Kettlebell is the best kettlebell on the market for two-handed swings for those with small hands because it has a 33mm handle diameter that minimizes grip fatigue, has a medium-size window that suits smaller hands, and is a great price.
Fitness edition kettlebells are the best option for those with smaller hands because they typically have medium sized windows which is exactly the right amount of space for those with smaller hands to fit their two-hands comfortably. If the window size is too large it reduces the amount of control we have over the kettlebell, and makes the kettlebell impossible to use for the occasional one-handed movements (if we want some versatility with the kettlebell we’re purchasing).
The KHTO fitness kettlebell is also a good fit for those with smaller hands because it has a 33mm handle – opposed to the 35mm handle that other brands have. I think the 33mm handle is important because if the handle is too wide for our grip, our grip is going to fatigue way faster than we like and it will limit the amount of time under tension we want. The last thing I want is for my grip to give out while I’m swinging a kettlebell at high velocities.
The fitness edition kettlebells are an affordable option for two-handed swings but they are only available at this price point because they are slightly less durable as they contain fillers (cement and sand) to make up their weight while staying uniform in size. The fillers make the kettlebell less durable because they can come loose over time, which results in rattling within the kettlebell while we’re swinging it.
That being said, I do think the KHTO fitness kettlebells are good quality because they are made with a single cast (all one mold, not welded together) and have a strong outer shell made of steel – which is the most durable material used for kettlebells.
The KHTO kettlebells are also at a lower price point because they have a limited weight selection to choose from. The kettlebells are only available in pounds and have limited weight increments (10, 20, 30, 40, and 50lbs) – which may not work for everyone. However, for those that will work at these weights for their two-handed swings, I do feel that they are the best option for smaller hands.
Pros
- 33mm Handle
- Budget-Friendly
- Versatile
Cons
- Contains Fillers
- Limited Weight Range
Fitness edition kettlebells are great for one-handed and two-handed swings; to learn the differences between these movements, check out my article 1 Arm vs 2 Arm Kettlebell Swing: Pros, Cons, Which Is Best?
4. Eleiko Training Kettlebell – Best For Larger Hands
The Eleiko Training Kettlebell is the best kettlebell on the market for two-handed swings for those with larger hands because it has a wider and larger window size, it has a large weight range, and it holds chalk well.
The Eleiko Kettlebell stands out as a great product for those with larger hands because it has a wider, more rectangular window than other kettlebells on the market. In addition, it increases in size as the weight increases which is typical for iron kettlebells, and what makes them ideal for two-handed swings.
While most iron kettlebells are versatile because they increase in size as the weight increases, the Eleiko training kettlebells are not as versatile because of the rectangular shape of the handle – which would be uncomfortable in the turnover of more advanced movements like the clean, or snatch and could lead to us hitting our wrist. Although if our primary focus is on two-handed movements then the kettlebell will be a great fit – particular for those with larger hands.
The Eleiko kettlebell is made of cast iron and has good gripability, not quite as good as the powder coat or e-coat but better than steel. I feel confident that we would be able to maintain our grip relatively well using this kettlebell even without chalk, but with the addition of chalk I have complete confidence that sweat would not hold us back from holding onto this kettlebell in tough workouts.
The Eleiko Training Kettlebell is available in a weight range from 4kg-56kg, which is a great range because it will work for all kettlebell users regardless of whether we’re at a beginner or an advanced strength level.
Pros
- Wider/Larger Window Size
- Great Weight Range
- Durable
Cons
- May Not Be As Versatile
Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell – Best For At-Home Use
The Yes4All Adjustable Kettlebell is the best kettlebell for two-handed swings for beginner and/or at-home use because it has a wider window size to accommodate two-hands, it has a powder coated handle for increased gripability, and it saves space for those who have limited space available.
The Yes4All adjustable kettlebell is a great product for beginners and for those with limited space available, because it is designed with multiple weights in one product. The kettlebell can be adjusted by adding or removing weight to the frame which eliminates the need to purchase multiple kettlebell weights – which can get expensive.
This is ideal for beginners as they will progress through weights at a faster rate than a more experienced lifter would, and it is ideal for those who workout at-home because it will take up much less space than buying all the weights separately.
The Yes4All adjustable kettlebell is my top recommendation for adjustable kettlebells for two-handed swings because it is easily adjusted with weight plates rather than other more challenging methods that require us to fill up the kettlebell with water or sand. It also has a powder coated handle that is great for gripability, and is extremely rare to find on an adjustable kettlebell.
In addition, the Yes4All kettlebell is a step above the rest because it has a larger weight range than many other similar products on the market. Its weight range is 5-40lbs with many weight increments, while other adjustable kettlebells on the market are only available in weight ranges of 5-20lbs.
Pros
- 5-40lbs Weight Range
- Powder Coated Handle
- Budget-Friendly
Cons
- Not Suitable For Competitors
- Less Durable
Best Kettlebells For Two-Handed Swings: Buyer’s Guide
The features that makes some kettlebells on the market better than others are:
- Kettlebell Style
- Handle Diameter
- Durability
- Versatility
- Gripability
Kettlebell Style
The style of kettlebell we choose is important so that we get a kettlebell that is designed to accommodate two-handed movements, so that we’re getting a kettlebell that is going to work for two-handed swings rather than spending money on a more expensive kettlebell that isn’t designed for two-handed movements.
Competition Style Kettlebell
A competition kettlebell is designed for kettlebell sport which is a sport based around high repetition one-handed movements – which is accomplished by incorporating a smaller window size; as a result, the kettlebell does not have a window size large enough to perform two-handed movements comfortably.
Fitness Edition Style Kettlebell
A fitness style kettlebell is designed primarily for those interested in competing in crossfit which has more variety in the movements performed by including both one-handed and two-handed movements; therefore, the window size is slightly wider. While this kettlebell may not work for those with larger hands because the window is still narrower to complement one-handed movements, it will likely be perfect for those with smaller hands.
Iron Kettlebells (E-Coat Or Powder Coat)
Iron kettlebells are designed with general fitness in mind because unlike competition and fitness edition kettlebells, they change in size as the weight changes – which allows for more versatility in our training. The lighter the weight, the smaller the window size – which is ideal for one-handed movements; but as the weight increases, the window size increases as well – which is perfect for two-handed swings which are a stronger movement.
Adjustable Style Kettlebells
Adjustable kettlebells are typically only recommended for beginners or those who workout at home, because they are not the most efficient for those who are performing higher repetitions of more skilled movements like the clean, jerk, and snatch. However, for the two-handed swing, an adjustable kettlebell will perform similarly to a regular kettlebell because of the nature of the movement.
Handle Diameter
The handle diameter is important to consider before buying a kettlebell for two-handed swings because we need to ensure that the grip is suitable for us to swing the kettlebell for multiple repetitions without losing our grip – if it’s too wide, our grip will fatigue quickly; but if it’s too narrow, it will be uncomfortable to grip.
33mm Handle
The 33mm handle is typically only available with kettlebells that are made of steel, but they are a great option for those with smaller hands because the smaller diameter makes it easier to grip the handle without fatiguing our grip as quickly.
35mm Handle
The 35mm handle is the default handle size for steel kettlebells, and it is generally the right size for those with average-to-large hands, or for those with smaller hands who want to emphasize strengthening their grip by purchasing a slightly larger handle diameter.
Iron kettlebells
Iron kettlebells are different from steel kettlebells because their handle diameter changes in size depending on the weight we’re using and across different brands. The handle size increases in diameter as the weight increases, but not all websites list the exact measurements for the handle at each weight – if we’re unsure if it’s the right size for us, we can always email the manufacturer for more information.
To learn more about how the 33mm and 35mm handles can affect our performance and to get a better idea of which one might be better for you, check out my article 33mm vs 35mm: Which One Should You Get?
Durability
The durability of a kettlebell is one of the most important features to consider before purchasing a kettlebell – especially if we plan on using it on a daily basis, and/or we want to drop the kettlebell while training.
The kettlebells that are the most durable are steel kettlebells, but only kettlebells that are made of pure steel and do not contain fillers. Those with fillers are less durable because the fillers (sawdust and ball bearings) could come loose over time.
If we plan to drop the kettlebell frequently, we will prefer a kettlebell made of solid steel or cast iron, because they are less likely to break when dropped.
The iron kettlebells are less durable than steel kettlebells, but the ones with a coating (e-coat or powder coat) will have extra protection from corrosion because the coating keeps moisture away from the metal.
Adjustable kettlebells and plastic kettlebells are the least durable kettlebells and cannot be dropped, because the adjustable kettlebells have moving parts that could easily break and the plastic material could crack.
Versatility
The level of versatility a product has is important because even though we’re purchasing a kettlebell for two-handed swings, it is unlikely that this is the only movement that we’ll be performing with the kettlebell.
The iron kettlebells are the most versatile kettlebells on the market because they change size based on the weight we select, making them more suitable for a wider variety of movements (one-handed and two-handed).
On the other hand, the competition kettlebells are the least versatile because they are designed specifically for kettlebell sport which caters to higher repetition of one-handed movements, which reduces the amount of movements we are able to do with them because of the smaller window size.
The fitness edition kettlebells are more versatile than the competition kettlebells because of its slightly wider window size, which allows us to get a two-handed grip on the handle but is a consistent size and does not change as the weight increases like the iron kettlebells do.
Gripability
The ability to maintain our grip is an important factor to consider when choosing a kettlebell for two-handed swings, because if we cannot maintain our grip on the kettlebell then we will not be able to complete all repetitions without stopping, or we could end up throwing the kettlebell across the room.
The kettlebells with the best gripability are the powder coated kettlebells, because the coating creates the perfect texture to grip, and is very chalk-friendly which will absorb the moisture from our hands to reinforce our grip, even when we start to sweat.The e-coat kettlebells also have goo gripability due to the coating but it does not hold chalk as well as the powder coat because of its glossy finish.
Steel kettlebells do not have the same level of gripability as the iron kettlebells, but we can increase our grip by applying chalk to our hands and the kettlebell itself to absorb moisture when our hands get slick.
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
- Best 5 Kettlebells For Small Hands
- 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?
- 5 Best Competition Kettlebells (Crossfit or Kettlebell Sport)
- 7 Best Kettlebell Swing Alternatives (With Pictures)
- Kettlebell Gloves or Chalk: Which Is Better? (Pros & Cons)
- 5 Best Kettlebell Gloves To Protect Your Hands
- 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 Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat takes the cake for the best all around kettlebell for two-handed swings because of its window size, its versatility, its durability, and its gripability. This kettlebell does a great job of meeting all the criteria I’m looking for in a kettlebell for two-handed swings, and other movements as well.
The Rogue Fitness E-Coat Kettlebell is a close second because of its window size, but falls short of the title because it does not have the same level of gripability as the powder coat, and it has a smaller weight range.
Finally, the third runner up is the Eleiko Training Kettlebell because they are beginner-friendly, they have a wider/larger window size, and they come in a decent weight range; but unfortunately they are not versatile enough to keep up with the other 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.
