Kettlebells and dumbbells – a comparison

1. The handles
   
   Dumbbells typically have a knurled handle that helps with grip retention; kettlebell handles are smooth to allow the handle to move in your grip during ballistic exercises like swings, snatches, and cleans.
   
2. Shape
   
   Dumbbells are like mini barbells: they have two weighted ends with a handle in the middle. The shape of the weighted ends vary from hexagonal to round to cylindrical. Hex ends allow for easier storage and control while in use on the ground, as for example when doing pushups off the handle of the dumbbell, allowing you to get lower (for increased range of motion) or for pushing off and lifting. The kettlebell is spherical with a flattened base for support when in use on the ground (and for easier storage) with a handle on top like its namesake, the kettle. This means there is only one weighted end. The round shape is especially useful for “catching” exercises like the Figure 8 to stall (catch) where you pass the kettlebell between your legs and launch it into your opposite hand in a whipping motion.
   
   You can also do an advanced version of the clean where you catch the bottom of the sphere instead of the handle. The sphere also makes the pressure on your arm more comfortable when holding the kettlebell against the forearm as in cleans and snatches. There is a fun pull-up exercise where you pull up on the handle with both hands, let go of the handle and catch the base (sphere) instead of the handle. The possibilities are endless.
    
3. Grip positions
   
   With dumbbells you are pretty limited in how you can grip them. With the exception of tipping them on one end and doing pushups (assuming you have a firm floor surface and you trust your wrist strength), there isn’t much variability. Due to the transversal (crosswise) asymmetrical shape of the kettlebell, there are many ways to position the kettlebell, including Rack Position, Bottoms Up, Side handle, and Palm grip.
   
   
4. Balanced vs. unbalanced
   
   The key difference between kettlebells and dumbbells is that the weight of kettlebells is offset and unbalanced. The handle of a kettlebell weighs much less than the sphere of the kettlebell, whereas dumbbells are balanced from end to end. In addition to allowing for a variety of different drills and grip positions as mentioned above, the offset weight makes a kettlebell more “functional” than a dumbbell. Functional meaning more applicable to common, everyday tasks. Most everyday items that you pick up in your environment are not perfectly balanced.
   
   
5. Incremental weight increases
   
   Kettlebells tend to increase in 4 kilogram increments, whereas dumbbells increase by as little as one or two pounds, or 5 pounds for heavier weights. The 4-8 kg increments are relative to the original measurement system used in Russia. Because kettlebells have not yet entered the mainstream market, keeping the kilogram measurements makes global use of the kettlebell more consistent.

So whether you are using kettlebells or dumbbells, you are going to get a great workout. One tool is simply more versatile than the other. Pick up a weight and get stronger!