We get this question all the time at Iron Edge: what's the difference between the Pro Grade and Classic kettlebells?

The Number One Difference

The most noticable, and arguably the most important, difference between the Pro-Grade and Classic kettlebells is the standardisation of the Pro Grade bells versus the variation in size and shape of the Classic bells.

The standardisation of the Pro Grade bells means that they all look exactly the same, regardless of weight.  And having the same dimensions makes progressing with weight easier; once you have mastered the technique with one weight, that technique will transfer to the next and all you have to do is accommodate the weight difference. 

The Classic kettlebells vary in size, with the handles and bodies of the bell getting progressively bigger as the weight increases.  This means two things:

1) progressing to the next weight is more difficult because you will have to adjust your technique for a bell of different size and shape.

2) as handle size increases with the weight of the kettlebell, the heavier the bell the harder your grip will have to work, which is great if you're after forearms of steel, but if you're wanting the rest of your body to get a really good workout before your grip gives out then this isn't ideal.

Comfort Factor

The Pro Grade kettlebell is the bell the Russians designed for competition.  Kettlebell sport competitions revolve around very high rep ballistic lifts, therefore the bell used must be as ergonomic as possible.

The Pro Grade bell has a body that rests very evenly across your biceps and forearm in rack position, making it very comfortable to rack - so even for heavy, low rep work the Pro Grade is the more comfortable bell.  The handle of the Pro Grade is optimal for the vast majority of hand sizes, and won't blow your grip out like the fatter handles of the Classic bells.

The smaller Classic kettlebells (20kg and under) aren't quite as comfortable to rack, and put a bit more pressure on the forearm.  Having said that, many women prefer to start with a smaller, less intimidating bell so prefer the Classic 8kg and find it more comfortable to use.

Flight of the Kettlebells

As mentioned above the Pro Grade has been designed specifically for high rep ballistic work, this means its size and shape have been chosen so it is very well balanced and moves beautifully through the air for ballistic lifts.  It also means it is the perfect bell if you want to try your hand at juggling - a fantastic way to strengthen up your connective tissue while having a bit of fun.

Getting a Handle on the Handle

The Pro Grade bell has a raw steel handle which is ideal for chalking.  If prepared properly, a chalked handle will give you just the right amount of grip without tearing your hands to pieces.  So if you're into snatches or high rep swings, a chalked handle will allow you to get more reps out or lift heavier.

The Classic kettlebell is powder coated all over so the handle isn't ideal for chalking.  The Classic is definitely suitable for most lifting, but isn't great for high rep work.  And you do need to be careful with the powder coating because if you bang bells together, or drop one, and chip the paint on the handle and it can turn into a bit of a hand-ripper.

Anyone looking to specifically build their grip strength or grip endurance would be best grabbing the thicker handle of  a Classic kettlebell.

Steel vs Iron

The Pro Grade bell is made of steel, whereas the Classic is a cast iron bell.  This isn't really a significant difference, steel is more durable than iron but you'd be hard pressed to break a Classic bell (they still come with a lifetime guarantee).  The raw steel handle of the Pro Grade, as discussed above, is one advantage of a steel bell.

So there's a bit of a rundown of the differences between the Pro Grade and Classic kettlebells.  The Pro Grade bell is without doubt superior, but many people are more than happy with the Classic bells and find they meet all their training needs and for superhuman grip strength/endurance the Classic bell is actually preferable.

For more information you can check out our website here.

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