Vulcan Absolute Competition Kettlebell Review by World Champion KB Fit Britt

Britt here, with a review of the Absolute Competition Kettlebells by Vulcan Strength. 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 Vulcan Absolute Competition Kettlebell? 🤔 👀 Read on to find out...

Note: I was sent 4 kettlebells to review, but I was not paid for the review and my opinions are my own.

Review Summary

  • Design & Features of the Vulcan Competition Kettlebell

  • How to Maintain Vulcan Kettlebells

  • Kettlebell Specifications

  • Cast Iron Kettlebell vs. Vulcan Kettlebell

  • Competition Kettlebell vs. Vulcan Kettlebell

  • Considerations for Kettlebell Sport Lifters

  • Value

  • Pros & Cons of Vulcan Kettlebells

  • Who Should (& Should Not) Buy the Pro Kettlebell

  • Britt Takes the Vulcan Kettlebells for a Spin (Snatch, Long Cycle, Crush Grip Squat, Two Hand Swing, Juggling)

  • Britt's 4 Favorite Kettlebell Exercises

Design & Features

  • The bright colors are unlike any other competition kettlebells I’ve seen and I LOVE it. The fun colors make me want to lift them and they look great on camera!

  • These kettlebells were designed by a Kettlebell Sport lifter and coach.

  • Handles are wider than other competition kettlebells, and they are designed this way to increase performance and decrease injury in Kettlebell Sport lifters.

    • The website says: “The Vulcan Absolute Kettlebell not only places the load of the kettlebell further down the forearm at a stronger point but distributes more of the weight onto the body of the lifter for increased comfort, control, and safety.”

  • This is really important if you are a Kettlebell Sport lifter, where overuse injuries abound from the high volume training.

  • If you’re not a Kettlebell Sport lifter, it’s great too because it’ll place less stress on your wrist anytime you do an exercise with the kettlebell in the rack position.

  • The kettlebell and the handle have a unique texture that make them grippier.

    • The website says: “The surface of the Absolute Kettlebell is blasted with micro glass beads to create a uniform texture that aids in gripping the handle of the Kettlebell.”

How to Maintain Vulcan Kettlebells

  • There is a light matte acrylic on these handles; they can rust over time if not properly cared for. 

  • Vulcan sends out an email with their recommendation on how to maintain the kettlebells after you purchase.

    • Use nonchlorinated disinfectant wipes on the kettlebells after use to remove sweat and prevent surface oxidation.

    • If they do rust, spray them with WD40 and use a brush or dry rag to remove the rust. 

Kettlebell Specifications

  • Constructed of Steel with unpainted steel handle (just a light matte acrylic).

  • 35 mm Handle diameter at top dead center of handle.

  • Height: 280 mm.

  • Diameter: 200 mm.

  • Window: 65mm at radiocarpal cup, 55 mm at apex of core to dead center-underside of handle.

  • Hollow Core construction.

Cast Iron vs. Vulcan Kettlebell

  • First, there’s an obvious size difference. The 8kg cast iron kettlebell is much smaller than the 8kg Vulcan competition kettlebell. Cast iron kettlebells get larger as they get heavier, whereas competition kettlebells stay the same size regardless of weight.

  • Cast iron kettlebells are solid cast, whereas Vulcan kettlebells are hollow cast. The cast iron kettlebell is denser and feels more bottom heavy than the hollow cast Vulcan kettlebell.

  • There’s a difference in the shape of the handle. The cast iron kettlebell handle is rounded into the kettlebell, whereas the Vulcan kettlebell handles go straight down and merge seamlessly into the bell of the kettlebell.

  • Thickness of the handle. The Vulcan competition kettlebell has a thicker handle than the cast iron kettlebell. The handles of cast iron kettlebells get bigger and thicker as the kettlebell gets heavier, while the Vulcan kettlebell handles are a uniform size.

  • Color. While most competition kettlebells are painted a color to indicate the weight, most cast iron kettlebells are black or grey (sometimes they have a colored ring around the handle to indicate the weight).

Competition Kettlebell vs. Vulcan Kettlebell

  • Note: we can compare competition kettlebells of different weights, since they are the same size regardless of weight.

  • Let’s compare a Kettlebell Kings competition kettlebell to the Vulcan competition kettlebell.

  • Right off the bat, the window sizes are different. The width of the window on the Kettlebell Kings kettlebell is just over 4.5 inches, while the width of the window on the Vulcan kettlebell is over 5.25 inches. The height of the window on the Vulcan kettlebell is also a little shorter than than the height of the window on the Kettlebell Kings kettlebell.

    • This will make a significant difference in how the kettlebell sits in the rack position; definitely something to consider if you’re a Kettlebell Sport lifter.

  • The handles are comparable; both Vulcan and Kettlebell Kings offer kettlebells with a 35mm handle (Kettlebell Kings also has a 33mm option).

  • The Vulcan kettlebell has a more ergonomic shape: the handle goes straight down and connects seamlessly to the bell, while the Kettlebell Kings kettlebell handle goes straight down, then the bell protrudes outward.

  • Both Kettlebell Kings and Vulcan competition kettlebells are hollow cast.

  • The Vulcan’s wider handle makes it ideal for two hand exercises and exercises where you switch hands, whereas the Kettlebell Kings handle is a tighter squeeze (your pinkies may need to lift off).

    • This is why I LOVE Vulcan kettlebells for Kettlebell Solo, the style of kettlebell training I do and teach.

Considerations for Kettlebell Sport Lifters 

  • As a Kettlebell Sport lifter, you know that just a little change in how the kettlebell sits can make a BIG difference, especially over the course of a 10 minute set.

  • Since the Vulcan kettlebell sits on the forearm differently than other competition kettlebells, there will be an adjustment period.

  • If you’re an advanced lifter adding Vulcan kettlebells to your collection, I recommend going down in weight and working your way back up to your competition kettlebell to give yourself time to adapt to the way the Vulcan kettlebell sits on your forearm.

  • If you’re a new Kettlebell Sport lifter in the market for competition kettlebells, it will make less of a difference since you don’t have an adaptation to a specific style of kettlebell yet. I still recommend taking your time before going up in weight to allow your arm time to adapt to whatever type of kettlebell you’re using.

Value

  • The Vulcan Kettlebells are some of the most affordable competition kettlebells out there, and they are a GREAT value.

  • At the time of filming, a 16kg Vulcan kettlebell costs $92.99.

  • Compare this to Bells of Steel (16kg kettlebell is $119.99) and Kettlebell Kings (16kg kettlebell costs $142.99).

  • Keep in mind that Kettlebell Kings offers free shipping, while Bells of Steel and Vulcan do not.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: 

    • Vulcan Kettlebells are high quality competition kettlebells.

    • Great value; one of the least expensive competition kettlebells out there.

    • Ergonomic design made for increased performance and decreased injury risk.

    • Unique paint colors and texture.

    • While they are tailored to Kettlebell Sport, they are extremely versatile and can be used for kettlebell hardstyle, Kettlebell Solo, Kettlebell Partner Passing, fitness, juggling, etc.

  • Cons: 

    • No free shipping.

    • Handles may rust even if kept indoors. While you can do maintenance to prevent this, it’s a con if you want a no-maintenance kettlebell.

    • There are no 4 or 6kg kettlebell options, which is the weight I recommend most for beginners and Kettlebell Solo students.

Who Should (or Should Not) Buy this Kettlebell?

  • Who this kettlebell is for

    • Anyone looking for a high quality, affordable kettlebell that will last a lifetime.

    • Someone who loves the aesthetics of having a beautifully bright color painted kettlebell.

    • Someone who wants a versatile kettlebell that can be used for any style of kettlebell training.

  • Who this kettlebell is NOT for

    • Someone who wants a competition kettlebell lighter than 8kg (18 lbs).

    • Someone who wants a no-maintenance kettlebell.

    • Someone who’s looking for free shipping.

    • If you don’t like bright colors, these are not for you. BUT, Vulcan has another competition style kettlebell in black you can get instead.

Britt Takes the Vulcan Kettlebells for a Spin…

  • Snatch

    • The wider window makes a difference for insertion timing and the feel of the overhead position.

    • While it was an adjustment to my technique, it felt good once I got the hang of it.

  • Long Cycle

    • Similar to the Snatch, you’ll need to adjust timing on your insertion and the rack position will feel different.

    • I had a harder time making a smooth adjustment on the Clean than the Snatch.

    • While it didn’t feel bad, I liked the Vulcan kettlebell better for the Snatch.

  • Crush Grip Exercises

    • The grippy texture of the Vulcan kettlebell makes it an excellent kettlebell for crush grip exercises; it felt very secure in my hands.

  • Two Hand Swing

    • I love the wider handle of the Vulcan kettlebell for Two Hand Swings. It felt very comfortable, and I was able to keep both hands (and pinkies) wrapped around the kettlebell handle.

  • Juggling

    • The Vulcan kettlebell is great for Two Hand Juggling because of the wider handle.

    • For Single Hand Juggling, the Vulcan is not very forgiving - if you mess up the timing or pressure, the kettlebell gets wobbly.

    • The Vulcan kettlebell may be a better option for more advanced jugglers who already have their technique honed in, as opposed to beginner jugglers.

Britt’s 4 Current Favorite Kettlebell Exercises

  • Shin Thigh Circle Figure 8

    • Full body exercise that works your arms and legs and will make your glutes sore. Plus, it’ll get your heart rate up!

  • Shoulder Rainbow

    • One of my favorite exercises for the shoulders, triceps, and obliques.

  • Thigh Rainbow

    • Hands down, the most famous Kettlebell Solo exercise. Everyone loves to hate Thigh Rainbows — they burn so good!

  • Around the Body Handoff

    • This exercise has gotten a lot of hate on social media, but I happen to think it’s a great exercise for improving balance, coordination, core strength, grip, rotational strength, proprioception, and body awareness.

Final Thoughts

It took me a long time to get around to finally getting my hands on some Vulcan Kettlebells and spend time training with them. I had heard mixed reviews over the years, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that I absolutely LOVE these kettlebells and find myself gravitating towards them every time I work out. The bright colors definitely have something to do with it!

I recommend the Vulcan Absolute Competition Kettlebell because it’s a great value, it works well for any style of kettlebell training, and I love it for Kettlebell Solo, the style of training that I do and teach.

Thank you to Vulcan Strength for designing these kettlebells and especially for painting them in these bright beautiful colors, and for sending them to me and giving me the opportunity to review them!

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

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