Bowflex SelectTech kettlebell review: smart space-saving strength

Is the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Kettlebell worth buying? Yes — if you want one compact kettlebell that covers 3.5, 5.5, 9, 11, 16 and 18 kg without cluttering a home gym, and you’re happy to pay £179.95 for the convenience.

First impressions

At £179.95, this is an expensive single kettlebell, but the appeal is obvious: one unit replaces six fixed weights and the current price is the all-time lowest recorded. For a home setup where floor space matters, that matters more than it would in a commercial gym. The black/red finish is pure Bowflex SelectTech, and the adjustable dial system is the headline feature: turn the selector, change the load, keep training.

What do you actually get?

The key selling point is the weight range: 3.5, 5.5, 9, 11, 16 and 18 kilograms. That spread makes it useful for swings, goblet squats, presses, rows and conditioning work, especially if you want to progress in small steps rather than jump straight from one fixed kettlebell to another. Bowflex also specifies an ergonomic handle, with molded sections around the metal plates for durability and comfort.

The included free JRNY trial is a bonus for new members, with trainer-led Strength, Core and Yoga classes, but it is dependent on iOS 14.0 or Android 9 or later. That makes it more of an optional extra than a core reason to buy.

How does it perform in a home gym?

For general home training, the big advantage is convenience. Instead of buying multiple bells and storing them on a rack, you get one adjustable unit that covers a sensible range for most accessory work and conditioning. The small-increment adjustment is particularly useful for people who want to build strength gradually rather than make big jumps.

The limitation is obvious too: the maximum load is 18 kg, so stronger lifters will outgrow it for heavier swings, squats and presses. If you already know you need 24 kg, 32 kg or more for lower-body power work, this is not a replacement for a serious fixed kettlebell collection.

Is the build quality good enough?

Bowflex has a strong reputation in adjustable home equipment, and the 4.7/5 rating from 9,609 reviews suggests buyers are generally happy with the construction and usability. The ergonomic handle and metal plate design should suit regular home use, but this is still a precision adjustable product rather than a simple cast-iron bell. That means you should treat it as a convenience tool first and a forever piece of heavy-duty kit second.

Is it good value for money?

At £179.95, it is not cheap, but the value case is stronger than the sticker price suggests. The list price is £219.00, so you’re saving 18%, and the current price is also the all-time lowest. Compared with Bowflex’s own SelectTech Adjustable Dumbbell 552 at £171.99 and 4.7 stars, this kettlebell sits in the same premium ecosystem but offers a different training pattern. The Bowflex 1090i single adjustable dumbbell is £300.00, which shows how expensive the brand’s adjustable range can get when you move into larger, more complex products.

Against the BRAINGAIN 15 in 1 Adjustable Dumbbells 24kg Pair at £219.99 and 4.6 stars, the Bowflex kettlebell is less about total load and more about simplicity, footprint and kettlebell-specific movement quality. If you want a pair of adjustable dumbbells, the BRAINGAIN set gives more total weight for a similar outlay. If you want one kettlebell that is easy to store and quick to change, Bowflex makes more sense.

What should buyers watch out for?

The main warning is the 18 kg ceiling. That is enough for many home users, but not enough for advanced kettlebell training. The second issue is that adjustable equipment always carries a premium for convenience, so if you only need one fixed bell, a standard cast-iron kettlebell will usually be cheaper and simpler.

Final take

This is a well-rated, cleverly designed adjustable kettlebell with a very strong convenience-to-space ratio. It makes sense for home gym users who want multiple kettlebell weights in one compact unit and are comfortable paying £179.95 for that flexibility. If you want heavier loading, or you prefer the durability and simplicity of fixed kettlebells, look elsewhere.