Britt here, with a review of the Atlas & Apollo kettlebells from Pro Kettlebell. Over my 12+ years of competitive lifting in Kettlebell Sport, teaching seminars, and coaching kettlebell group classes, I’ve used a lot of kettlebells, and in particular, competition kettlebells.

So what do I think of the Pro Kettlebell? 🤔 👀 Read on to find out...

Note: I was sent two pairs of Pro Kettlebells to use for this review, but I was not paid for the review and my opinions are my own.

Review Summary

• Design and features that make the Pro Kettlebell unique

• Atlas vs. Apollo comparison

• How the Pro Kettlebells stack up against cast iron kettlebells and other types of competition kettlebells

• Key considerations when using Pro Kettlebells for different styles of kettlebell training

• Pricepoint

• Pros & cons of the Pro Kettlebell

• Who the Pro Kettlebell is best for

Design & Features

• Pro Kettlebells have a unique construction. There are two things about these kettlebells that stand out immediately: 1) the “contoured arm rest” and 2) the open bottom of the hollow cast kettlebell.

  • Contoured Arm Rests: the indents, which Pro Kettlebell calls the “contoured arm rests”, change the way that the kettlebell rests on your forearm. The purpose is a higher degree of comfort in the rack and overhead positions. This is relevant for any exercise that utilizes the rack or overhead position, such as the press, clean, snatch, TGU. The design is meant to decrease pressure on the wrist and reduce pain and fatigue. The indents do create a different shape of the kettlebell and change the way it sits on your arm, so it will feel different in the rack and overhead positions than other kettlebells, and it’ll take time to get used to. Personally, I don’t feel the indents are necessary to lift safely and comfortably, so I’d say they’re more of a luxury than a necessity.

  • Open Bottom: I’ve seen hollow cast kettlebells before, but they usually have a small hole in the bottom that offers no utility, and can be a liability if debris gets inside of them and falls out while you’re lifting. The open bottom design offers utility as well as stability. The rim around the bottom can be used as a “second handle” when performing various exercises. The extra wide and flat design of the base makes these kettlebells a very stable platform for exercises like plank rows, pushups, and even handstands.

• A unique feature that Pro Kettlebell offers is the option to have the kettlebell painted, or simply covered with a clear coat. Most other competition kettlebell brands don’t give you an option, they just come painted. I got these kettlebells before they started adding the clear coat to every kettlebell, so they actually don’t have anything on them - which is why some of them got a little rusty. I’ve kept all of these kettlebells inside and they have held up well. These days, Pro Kettlebell sells all their kettlebells either with a clear coat, or painted.

• It’s important to note that even though the kettlebell will be painted or covered with a clear coat, the handles of all of the Pro Kettlebells are raw, meaning they have no clear coat or paint on them. This is done intentionally so that they don’t have to be sanded in order to hold chalk. For Kettlebell Sport athletes, this is a huge benefit because you don’t need to spend time sanding off paint or a clear coat before you chalk your kettlebell and start training. Be aware that this part of the kettlebell may rust when exposed to moisture and may need to be sanded from time to time.

• Made in the USA - this is the only competition style kettlebell that I know of that is made in the USA. If you know of any others, let me know in the comments.

Atlas vs. Apollo

• At the time of this post, Pro Kettlebell has two different types of kettlebells: the Atlas and the Apollo.

• The Atlas is approximately 20% smaller than the Apollo with a slightly thinner handle (34mm) that is wider across the top. The Atlas has a bigger window; the windows are about the same width, but there’s a noticeable difference in height (the Atlas has a taller window than the Apollo).

• The Apollo is very close in size to a traditional competition kettlebell, with a slightly thicker handle than the Atlas at 35mm, and a smaller window.

• At the time of this post, Pro Kettlebell sells Atlas kettlebells in 4kg increments from 4kg to 24kg, while the Apollo kettlebells are sold in 4kg increments from 8kg up to 32kg. If you’re looking for bells heavier than 24kg, you’ll want to go with the Apollo. However, if you want a kettlebell lighter than 8kg, the Atlas offers a 4kg option, which is really nice for beginners.

• While I liked the Apollo kettlebell and was impressed by its quality and ease of use, I was surprised at how much I gravitated toward the Atlas kettlebell.

• I didn’t see the value in a smaller kettlebell until I actually got my hands on it and realized that the versatility of its size, shape, handle and window size offer a greater utility that I was unaware I needed and would really like!

• I especially love the Atlas for Kettlebell Solo, which is the main style of kettlebell training I do and teach.

How Pro Kettlebell Stacks Up Against Other Kettlebells

• First, let’s look at the difference between cast iron and competition kettlebells. If you already know, feel free to jump ahead.

• Cast iron kettlebells are different sizes based on their weights, often come in black or grey only, and are solid hunks of metal. Their handles and window sizes vary and typically smaller kettlebells have a smaller window and handle and the larger, heavier kettlebells have a large window and handle. This requires an adaptation period to get used to the different size bells as you change weights.

• Competition kettlebells are uniform in size and have a standard size diameter handle to afford consistency in feel when moving from weight to weight. They may or may not be hollow cast, meaning the center of the bell is empty which moves the center of mass up. They often come in weight specific colors or are black with a weight specific color ring around the horn of the kettlebell. 

Cast Iron vs. Pro Kettlebell

• First, there’s an obvious size difference. Even the 16kg cast iron is much smaller than the 12kg Atlas kettlebell. The handle of the cast iron bell is a little thicker than the handle of the Apollo.

• There’s a difference in the bell shape. The cast iron is almost a perfect sphere, whereas the Pro Kettlebells are not, due to the contoured arm rest and this part that sticks out on either side, where their logo and weight stamp is.

• There’s a big difference in the base of these kettlebells. Obviously, the base of the cast iron is much smaller, and it’s also much less stable. I would not recommend doing anything like pushups or planks on this cast iron kettlebell, at least not one this small.

• You’ll notice there’s a difference in the shape of the window, and that the sides of the handle point outward slightly, which makes holding the cast iron kettlebell for a Goblet Squat more comfortable, because you can wedge your hands into the side of the kettlebell. BUT, with the Atlas & Apollo you also have the option to use the rim as a second handle and that makes it quite comfortable as well.

• The cast iron bells are not hollow cast, so they feel more bottom heavy (aka heavier) than the Pro Kettlebells do. The 12kg cast iron feels a LOT heavier than the 12kg hollow cast Atlas kettlebell.

Competition Kettlebell vs. Pro Kettlebell

• Note that we can compare any size competition kettlebell with any size Atlas or Apollo since all of these kettlebells are the same size regardless of weight.

• First, let’s compare the standard competition kettlebell to the Apollo.

  • You can see that the standard competition kettlebell is taller, due to the design of the Pro Kettlebell having a wider base, which means it gives up some of its height.

  • Both of these kettlebells are hollow cast, meaning the center of the kettlebell is hollow and most of the weight is concentrated towards the top part of the kettlebell. This generally makes the kettlebell feel lighter. However, you’ll notice that the standard competition kettlebell has just a small hole, while the Pro Kettlebell is open.

  • The windows are approximately the same size, although the standard competition kettlebell’s window is slightly smaller, and the handle is flatter across the top, while the Pro Kettlebell is slightly rounded along the top.

  • Both have a 35mm handle.

  • Pro Kettlebell has the contoured arm rests, which we don’t have with the standard competition kettlebell, which makes a difference in the rack and overhead positions.

• Now we’ll compare the standard competition kettlebell to the Atlas.

  • There is a similar size difference as between the Atlas and the Apollo.

  • The Atlas has a thinner handle than the standard competition kettlebell, coming in at 34mm, and it also has a larger window.

  • The Atlas has the same contoured arm rest and bell shape differences as the Apollo.

  • As far as stability goes, this standard competition kettlebell is pretty stable. I’ve done a handstand on them. That being said, there’s still a chance they could tip and they are not quite as stable as the Pro Kettlebells are.

  • I also really like that Pro Kettlebell sells 4kg Atlas bells because that’s a great starting weight for beginners — we use 4 & 6kg kettlebells a lot for Kettlebell Solo. Many competition kettlebell brands do not have this option.

Key Considerations for Different Styles of Kettlebell Training 

• Kettlebell Solo

• Wider handle is great for two hand exercises like Deadlifts, Squats, and Swings - as well as exercises like Thigh Rainbows where we switch hands.

• Much less likely to hit the legs on Swings, ABHs, A & U Turn Handoffs. 

• Smaller kettlebell is easier to maneuver through the legs for Shin Circles, Thigh Circles, and Figure 8s.

• Juggling & Kettlebell Partner Passing

• I love to juggle kettlebells and do Kettlebell Partner Passing (KPP). 

• The balance of a kettlebell is crucial to the way you deliver a pass or flip it to yourself, as any asymmetries in the bell will disturb the path of travel and make a challenging endeavor even more challenging.

• I wasn’t sure how well the Pro Kettlebells would work for flipping, since the contoured arm rests, wide base, and open bottom change the shape of the bell quite a bit. But after testing them out for both juggling and KPP, I can confirm that both of the Pro Kettlebells made for smooth passing and catching.

• One thing I really like about the Pro Kettlebells for Juggling & Kettlebell Partner Passing is that the open bottom of the kettlebell keeps sand, gravel, and other debris from getting stuck inside the kettlebell, whereas a regular hollow cast kettlebell has a hole in which a stuff gets stuck and inevitably flung at yourself or your partner as the bell flips.

• Kettlebell Sport

  • The contoured arm rests are in large part a design feature of the Pro Kettlebell for Kettlebell Sport lifting, where the kettlebell will rest on the wrists frequently over a long duration. These could be a game changer for the Kettlebell Sport athletes out there. 

  • On the website, it says that both Atlas & Apollo kettlebells are approved for IKO competitions. That being said, they may not be at all competitions you go to. Ideally, you practice with the same bell that you’ll be competing with.

  • The Atlas could also be a good transition size kettlebell for a younger or smaller athlete.

• Hardstyle

  • Historically, people used cast iron kettlebells for hardstyle. These days there are many hardstyle practitioners who prefer competition kettlebells because of their standard size regardless of weight, which makes executing precise techniques more consistent. 

  • The Pro Kettlebells are great for double kettlebell hardstyle lifting because they’re easier to fit between your legs and you don’t have to take as wide of a stance.

  • Contoured arm rests change the feeling of the rack and overhead position, so that’s something to consider. It may make them feel more comfortable for you, or less comfortable. 

  • The downside of Pro Kettlebells for hardstyle at this point is that the heaviest weight is 32kg — no bulldog (40KG) or beast (46KG) for the RKC or StrongFirst folks out there.

Pricepoint

• Pro Kettlebells are definitely on the more expensive end for kettlebells. Competition kettlebells in general are more expensive than cast iron kettlebells or kettlebells you’ll find at a sporting goods store or on Amazon.

• One BIG reason to support this brand and pay more is that these kettlebells are made in the USA, which is much more costly than getting them made overseas. So if you want to support American made goods, that’s a great selling point for getting a Pro Kettlebell. I personally prefer a made in USA brand, and as far as I know, this is the only competition style kettlebell that is made in the USA.

• These kettlebells were designed by kettlebell lifters and coaches. They have put a lot of effort put into designing these kettlebell and making it more functional.

• It’s a small business, so the higher price point makes sense.

• Consider what you’ll be using the kettlebell for. If you’re just starting out with kettlebells, it might make more sense to get a cheap one before you upgrade. However, if you’re ready to commit to kettlebell training or you’re an advanced lifter who’s already committed, it makes total sense to invest in a high quality kettlebell. Most kettlebell training requires some level of technique, a high quality kettlebell makes executing that precise technique much easier. A good kettlebell will last a lifetime.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: 

• Pro Kettlebells are high quality kettlebells made in the USA. 

• They have a unique design that includes contoured arm rests for comfort and a wide base with an open bottom that provides utility and stability. 

• They have some options you won’t find with other competition kettlebell manufacturers, like the smaller Atlas competition kettlebell, 4kg kettlebell, and the ability to choose clear coat or paint. 

• Versatile and can be used for Kettlebell Solo, Kettlebell Sport, hardstyle, juggling, KPP, and general fitness

• Cons: 

• There are currently no kettlebells heavier than 32kg available. This may or may not matter for you depending on your training.

• There are shipping charges, whereas some kettlebell manufacturers offer free shipping.

• Pricepoint is high. That being said, as someone who has owned many kettlebells and seen lots of different types… you definitely get what you pay for. 

Who Should Buy this Kettlebell?

• Who this kettlebell is for

  • Someone who is looking for a high end kettlebell that will last a lifetime

  • Someone who wants a versatile bell that can be used for any and all types of kettlebell training

  • Kettlebell collectors

  • Kettlebell Sport athletes and enthusiasts

  • Hardstyle practitioners that prefer competition over cast iron bells

  • Kettlebell Solo members and enthusiasts

  • Kettlebell Partner Passing and juggling enthusiasts who are into a wide variety of freestyle tricks

• Who this kettlebell is NOT for

  • Someone with a low budget

  • Someone who is just getting started and unsure about whether they’ll enjoy kettlebell training

  • Someone who doesn’t care about the quality of their kettlebell

Quick Recap

The 5 things that set Pro Kettlebell apart from other kettlebells are…

• The smaller Atlas competition kettlebell

• Contoured arm rests

• Open bottom hollow cast

• Option for clear coat or color painted

• Only competition bells made in the USA
  

I recommend the Pro Kettlebell because it’s a high quality kettlebell, it’s a functional work of art and when used correctly, can turn your body into a functional work of art!

Thank you to Pro Kettlebell for designing and manufacturing these awesome kettlebells in the USA, and for the opportunity to test them out and review them. 

If you have any questions about these kettlebells, drop them in the comments. If you’ve tried Pro Kettlebells already, let me know your thoughts down below!