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Kettlebell Showdown – Vulcan Strength vs Kettlebell Kings

Kettlebell Showdown - Vulcan vs Kettlebell Kings

You have a lot of options when shopping for new kettlebells. You can run down to Wal-Mart or Dick’s Sporting Goods and buy some inexpensive, plastic-coated kettlebells that’ll hold you over for a little while; you can order some half-decent scrap iron kettlebells from online fitness outlets or CrossFit shops; or you can spend a little bit more cash and buy some real kettlebells – and by real I mean kettlebells that are made of high quality materials, accurate to claimed weight, ergonomic & well-balanced, and durable enough to never crack, dent, or fall apart.

Even among the good kettlebells you have many options; many brands to choose from; but there are two brands in particular that I’d like to discuss now: Vulcan Strength and Kettlebell Kings. Both of these companies put out high-quality, professional-grade kettlebells; product that they themselves research, design, and continually try to improve upon.

Kettlebell Kings does nothing but design & sell kettlebells, giving them a slight edge in the market. While they do indeed offer many of the cheaper kettlebells like those that you’d find in a box-store or at a fitness outlet, they also offer two high-end kettlebell lines; namely their Powder Coated Training Kettlebells, and the Sport Competition Kettlebells. These are the two that I’ll be talking about and comparing to Vulcan.

Vulcan Strength, on the other hand, isn’t exclusively a kettlebell manufacturer. Rather they are a full strength training equipment manufacturer. In addition to kettlebells, they offer pro Olympic barbells, a massive selection of bumper plates, and even power racks. So while they are not hyper-focused on a single product like the Kings, they are indeed innovators; especially when it comes to kettlebells and barbells. Matter of fact, Vulcan Strength may be the most committed when it comes to kettlebell R&D, as I personally believe they have the best training kettlebells on the market right now.

In any case, I will be comparing both training and competition kettlebells from these two big companies. Again, you do have other options out there, but since these two are currently the most popular for serious athletes and because I have kettlebells not only from both of these companies, but from both product ranges, they are the two that I’ll be talking about.

Updated January 2018 – just keeping prices current.


Training Kettlebells

Vulcan Absolute vs Kettlebell Kings training kettlebells

Training kettlebells are just what they sound like; the standard kettlebell model for training. They tend to be constructed of cast iron rather than more expensive steel, they are typically finished in a black powder-coat rather than being in full color (though sometime they’ll have a hint of color), and the shape and size of each unit changes with the weight. These are the kettlebells that most of us will own in a garage gym, and what most commercial gyms and boxes will have. In terms of overall quality, features, and of course price, training kettlebells are the way to go 95% of the time.

Kettlebell Kings Powder Coated Kettlebells

Kettlebell Kings' Black Powder Coated Kettlebells

The Kettlebell Kings Powder Coat Kettlebells look very similar to the plethora of other basic, traditional-style training kettlebells out there, but they’re actually both different and better.

The most obvious difference between Kettlebell Kings’ training bells and the other brands is the overall finish. Kettlebell Kings’ are smooth and refined, having no surface imperfections to speak of. In addition to that, the powder coat finish is the smoothest in the industry, and without any loss of grip security. It’s basically a high-quality, comfortable finish that is secure and smooth enough for extended training sessions.

In addition to the refined surface and great feel of the finish, The Kings’ training kettlebells are also durable. They are single gravity-cast kettlebells with zero welds and zero flashing. They are also accurate, color coded for easy identification (colored rings around the base of the handles), and are stamped in both pounds and kilograms.

These are solid kettlebells. There are no imperfections to cut up your hands, the bases are flat and sturdy enough for ground work, they are warranted for life against defects, and the powder coat really is top-notch. A minor perk is that the logo and the weight identification is etched into the kettlebell, not glued or painted on. We’ve all seen those cheap kettlebells where the weight was a separate piece that eventually breaks off, leaving the unit looking trashy, and possibly missing identifying weight information.

Not only do these make a solid competitor to the Vulcan kettlebells, you can compare these to the likes of Rogue, Dragon Door, Onnit, and more.

KK Sample prices:

  • 8 kg – $66.99 shipped
  • 16 kg – $84.99 shipped
  • 24 kg – $109.99 shipped
  • 36 kg – $149.99 shipped

Vulcan Strength Training Kettlebells

vulcan-absolute-kettlebell-line-strength

Vulcan Strength has done away with the classic, cast-iron kettlebells even when it comes to their non-competition bells. Vulcan’s Training Kettlebells are single piece, gravity cast from steel just like their Absolute Competition bells. They have minimal surface imperfections, no toxic fillers, a fantastic powder coat that offers a stellar grip, and best of all; each and every bell in the training line up is the exact same size – just like competition bells.

Vulcan Absolute Training are the same size as just like competition Absolutes

Just like the Absolute Competition Kettlebells, Vulcan’s Training Kettlebells are all the same size.

Prices for Vulcan Training Kettlebells are pretty low when you consider that you’re basically buying uncolored competition bells for the same price that you’d pay for standard cast iron bells. You get the advantage of a larger hand opening on the lighter kettlebells, a consistent handle diameter and hull size among all weights, and a more balanced unit due to the use of steel over iron. About all you give up is the colored bands – and that doesn’t seem like so much considering the advantages.

Vulcan Strength Absolute Training Kettlebells

Of course, if you like the scaling sizes of basic training kettlebells (as in you like the small size of the lighter bells) then you’re going to want to stick with something like the Kettlebell Kings Powder Coated Training Kettlebells. You will also find that there are no Vulcan Training Kettlebells over 32 kg at this time, so if you need heavier than that you’ll need to look elsewhere as well. Still, for standard sizes these are the bomb, and hard to pass up.

Vulcan Sample prices:

  • 8 kg – $43.99 pre-shipping
  • 16 kg – $59.99 pre-shipping
  • 24 kg – $90.99 pre-shipping
  • 32 kg – $119.99 pre-shipping

Competition Kettlebells

Competition Kettlebells - Vulcan vs Kettlebell Kings

Competition kettlebells are designed specifically for the snatch and the clean & jerk. They have a handful of special features that make them different from basic kettlebells, and the most important of these is that each and every kettlebell in a competition set is the same size; only the weight changes. This means the handle diameter, handle opening, and the overall size of the bell is exactly the same whether you’re using 8 kg, 48 kg or anything in between. This uniformity allows you to maintain the same form at all times (the same rack position, same resting position on forearm, etc.)

Another fairly obvious difference between training and competition kettlebells is the use of color on the center mass. Just like in Olympic weightlifting, the colors are simply a way to identify the weight of the kettlebell from a distance. This is generally meant for spectators at a Girevoy Sport competition, but the colors can also helpful for easy identification in a gym setting – so much so that even training kettlebells are getting color added to them (usually around the base of the handles).

Vulcan Strength Absolute Competition Kettlebells

Vulcan Competition Kettlebells Vulcan’s Absolute Kettlebells are one of the most well-designed comp kettlebells currently on the market. They are constructed of high-quality steel rather than being cast from iron, and there are no fillers, no toxic chemicals, and they will never crack or dent. The entire kettlebell is blasted with micro glass beads to create a uniform texture before being painted or powder coated (depending on version – Vulcan has switched from paint to powder coat), and the handle is left as unfinished steel; which provides a great, natural grip both with and without chalk.

As with all competition kettlebells, every kettlebell in the Absolute set has the same exact dimensions – that is to say that the 8 kilogram Absolute is the same size as the 36 kilogram Absolute. The handles are a consistent 35 mm in diameter, the height of each unit is 280 mm, and maximum diameter of the hull is 210 mm. They are sold in 2-kilogram increments from 8 to 36 kg, and with the exception of the 16, 24, and 32 kilogram Absolutes, all are guaranteed accurate to within 1% of stated weight (the 16, 24, and 36 are actually accurate to within 100 grams!)

One of the major advantages of the Absolute Kettlebells is that they are ergonomically designed to increase performance while lowering the incidence of injury to the wrists and forearms. To use Vulcan’s words: The design of the Vulcan Absolute Kettlebell allows the handle of the kettlebell to sit further down on the lifters forearm, bringing the majority of the weight proximal to the lifters body. All other designs of competition kettlebell handles fit higher up on the lifters wrist displacing the majority of the weight to a more distal position away from the lifters body.

Of course I have a small collection of Absolutes, and I can say without a doubt that they are among the nicest kettlebells I’ve ever owned. They aren’t cheap, but they’re balanced, accurate, functional, and refined. As I expand my collection to include more weight variety, it will almost certainly be with more Absolutes.

Vulcan Absolute example prices:

  • 8 kg – $65.79 pre-shipping
  • 16 kg – $109.88 pre-shipping
  • 24 kg – $149.04 pre-shipping
  • 32 kg – $187.02 pre-shipping

Kettlebell Kings Sport Series

Kettlebell Kings Sport Competition Kettlebells

Like Vulcan Absolutes, the Sport Series from Kettlebell Kings are single-piece steel, gravity cast kettlebells. There is no welding, no fillers (like saw dust or ball bearings), and of course all bells in the series have the same dimensions. The handle diameter is the international standard at 35 mm, and every unit is guaranteed to be accurate within 0.3 kilograms; which is reasonably accurate.

The Kettlebell King Sports and the Vulcan Absolutes look very much alike, but they do have some differences that you should know about. The most important difference between the two is the shape and size of the handle opening; or the window. Kettlebell Kings went with a smaller, more compact opening. The idea behind this is easier hand insertion, with the goal being a more comfortable hand position in both the rack and overhead position.

This small window really is a huge benefit for the competition lifts, and competitive athletes supposedly do prefer this condensed window to a larger one. If your interest in competition kettlebells stems from a desire to train the competitive lifts then you may very well favor the Sports over the Absolutes. However, if the extent of your kettlebell training is two-handed swings and other basic WOD-type movements (as it is for myself), then go with whichever window size appeals to you most; or just stick with basic units and save some money.

Vulcan Absolute Competition hand opening vs the KK Sports

The difference in handle opening isn’t even remotely subtle.

Another difference between the KK Sports and the Vulcan Absolutes is the finish. Up until recently both were painted, but Vulcan is transitioning over to colored powder coat while Kettlebell Kings is still using paint. I guess it’s tough to maintain color consistency with paint for some reason, or at least it’s easier with powder coating. Doesn’t really matter why; finish material isn’t really that big of a deal anyway.

Kettlebell Kings Sport example prices:

  • 8 kg – $78.99 shipped
  • 16 kg – $108.99 shipped
  • 24 kg – $146.99 shipped
  • 32 kg – $162.99 shipped

Absolute VS Sports?

Both are top-tier competition kettlebells, but which is better depends entirely on what you intend to use them for. For competitive lifting and/or training consisting of the standard jerk, snatch, and long cleans, the Kettlebell King Sports are likely the way to go – handle design and window opening is designed exclusively for these movements.

For someone who wants the size consistency and color scheme of competition kettlebells but intends to use them for standard strength training movements (including two-handed movements) and less comp movements, then either brand will do. That said, for larger than average athletes, Vulcan Absolute is maybe a better choice because it’s more accepting of two hands. At the end of the day, both manufacturers are offer an accurate, gravity-cast, steel unit with no welds or fillers, and both are warranted for life against cracking or denting. You can’t go wrong.

It is worth mentioning that with the introduction of Vulcan’s Training Kettlebells, it may not even be necessary for you to buy competition kettlebells at all. Vulcan’s training set offers almost all of the advantages of competition kettlebells at a much lower price, only without the benefit of coloring. Each unit is the same uniform size, they are cast from steel instead of iron, and they offer the same ergonomical advantages as the Absolutes. Color them yourself with acrylic paint if you care about that.

To read about a few more brand options, check out my Kettlebell Guide here.


 

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{ 12 comments… add one }
  • Brady November 21, 2016, 5:07 pm

    Is there a standardized color chart for kettlebell weights?

    • jburgeson November 21, 2016, 5:57 pm

      There is. Just search for kettlebell color chart and you’ll see a few. There are a lot of kettlebell organizations around the world though, and I’m not entirely sure that they share the same scheme. There is clearly a consistency among American and Russian kettlebells though – or there seems to be from my North America vantage point.

  • Randall November 28, 2016, 1:25 pm

    Thanks for the post, it’s timely as I’ve been eyeing the Vulcan training bells for months. There just isn’t a lot of info or reviews out there.I’m tired of the forearm beatup of hardstyle bells and don’t want to pay for comp bells.

    Have you had a chance to use the V training bells or is this just a comparison look at the two brands and styles?

    • jburgeson November 28, 2016, 1:47 pm

      I have both training and comp kettlebells from both brands, so I’ve used them all. Admittedly I’m not a huge kettlebell at least as far as my own personal training goes, but as a 6’4″ simpleton I do like Vulcan’s bells more mostly because of the larger openings. I still think KK’s bells are nicer than most other brands out there, and KKs has reasonable pricing, but like I mentioned in the article, when I expand my collection it will be with the Vulcans. Also, even as a non-expert, I do appreciate the consistent dimensions among even the training bells from Vulcan.

  • Mike February 23, 2017, 7:19 pm

    Thank you, this is a very helpful view. I’m trying to decide between the Vulcan competition vs. training bells. Price is not a concern since I’m only buying a set of three and plan to have them for life. I like the idea of raw steel and the color of the comps, but what is your opinion on the difference of the grip feel? Is the grip feel of the Vulcan training bells superior? Lastly, how would you rate the Vulcans (either one) for two-handed swings? I’m heard some say the ergonomics of iron bells (i.e. dragon door or particularly the kettlebell kings metrixx) are superior for two handed swings which are more common with hard style training (which I plan to do).

    Thank you!

    • jburgeson February 24, 2017, 11:42 am

      I personally like the bare steel over powder coat, but honestly for kettlebells there is nothing wrong with powder coat. Chalk is involved either way and that certainly does a lot to minimize any differences in feel, though black powder coat does have somewhat of a texture whereas raw steel is just smooth… though if you’ve lifted with bare steel bars you know that that bare steel’s smoothness doesn’t equate to slickness or anything like that.

      I’m the wrong person to speak on behalf of comp-style bells for two-handed movements because I have such giant hands that I actually don’t find any of them ‘comfortable’ for that. You very well may be better off with classic, round-handled iron bells considering your training plans. Still, because of my lack of exposure to the two-handed swings I feel as though I should defer you pretty much anywhere else for an educated answer to that.

  • JOHN SANSONE May 31, 2017, 2:22 pm

    Interesting. Most of the competitors I’ve spoken too don’t care for the Vulcans. KB Kings seem to be the preferred, followed not-so-closely with Kettlebells USA Paradigm Pro Elite. I have some of all the above brands. I prefer the Kings ,especially for jerks, followed by the KB USA’s, and Vulcan’s close behind.. I certainly prefer the latter to my old Perform Betters. Must be that “inner-core” technology. :-)

  • Chee July 10, 2017, 11:22 pm

    Do either of the competition bells have rods in the middle?

    • jburgeson July 10, 2017, 11:26 pm

      Both are hollow, so I’m going to say no… but still, what do you mean. What have you seen with a rod in it?

      • Chee July 11, 2017, 11:41 pm

        I have seen some competition kettlebells that are supposed to be ‘hollow’ on the inside, but in fact also have a metal rod in the middle that vibrates during lifting when contacted with other bells. If you look in the opening in the bottom, does either have a rod on the inside connecting the sides?

        • jburgeson July 11, 2017, 11:48 pm

          I just ran down there with a flashlight and looked into both the Vulcans and KKs. No rods or any other random things in any of them, just a hollow steel shell.

  • JOHN SANSONE December 14, 2017, 6:31 pm

    You’re thinking of Kettlebells USA Paradigm Pro Elite comp bells. They have the “rod” on the inside (for support), noticeable from the hole in the bottom. I’ve used them a lot, and have to say that I haven’t noticed any vibration in mine.

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