Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Review

Adding a kettlebell to your home gym can be a game changer since it can work your entire body, but you usually need to purchase multiple weight options to coincide with specific movements. Unless that is, you go with an adjustable kettlebell like the Bowflex SelectTech 840. This adjustable kettlebell replaces six individual bells with weights ranging from eight pounds to 40 pounds, and adjusting the weight is effortless since it only requires a twist of the wrist.

The $150 price tag makes it a good option for those on a tight budget, but this is also one of the market’s most accessible adjustable kettlebells, as you can purchase it at your local sporting goods store. The compact design is ideal for those who don’t have a ton of available space, and while the plastic design isn’t the most durable, it does feel relatively comfortable on your skin during overhead movements or goblet squats (it’s a bit softer than cast iron or bare steel). Due to the max weight of 40 pounds and the relatively affordable price tag, we think this adjustable kettlebell is an ideal fit for entry-level kettlebell athletes. 

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

This adjustable kettlebell system replaces six individual kettlebells and features an easy-to-use dial to adjust the weight so you can get straight to your workouts.

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Main Takeaways

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Video Review

Our Reviews Writer, Jake, breaks down everything there is to know about this adjustable kettlebell, from the features to a full demo, during his detailed review.

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Highlights

• Price: $150
• Weight: Ranges from eight to 40 pounds (8,12, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40)
• Materials: Plastic with a welded steel handle
• Dimensions: 12.5” H x 8.8” L x 7” W

Like similar products, Bowflex designed the SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell to be a space- and money-saver. The compact design means you can stash it virtually anywhere in your home, and the fact that it replaces six individual kettlebells saves you a chunk of change. In comparison, if you were to purchase six Rogue Fitness Kettlebells in the same weight range, you’d spend around $340. $150 is a pretty solid price point for the 840 (but you could argue that spending the same money on the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell may be more “worth it” as it offers a cast iron shell and handle).

Aside from the welded steel handle, this adjustable kettlebell features a plastic build. Despite the plastic shell being pretty thick, this is still a pretty fragile product in the grand scheme of things — especially compared to other adjustable kettlebells that feature a steel or cast iron build. In fact, Bowflex even states on the adjustment mechanism not to drop it. We don’t think the occasional drop will cause severe damage, but it’s still a risk we don’t recommend you take. As far as the handle goes, we found it to be a little slick, but some people may find that helpful as you can easily rotate your hand during kettlebell snatches and similar lifts. 

Pros

• This adjustable kettlebell requires minimal space and can be stored virtually anywhere.
• The eight- to 40-pound weight range is ideal for beginner to intermediate kettlebell athletes.
• The $150 price tag is about half of what you’d have to pay for a set of cast iron kettlebells in the same weight range.

Cons

• The plastic build raises concerns about durability. 
• The weight caps out at 40 pounds.
• The steel handle is pretty slick and thinner than what some athletes may want.

Training With the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Overall, we were pleased with this kettlebell during our training sessions. Since the adjustment mechanism is effortless to use, we could seamlessly transition from kettlebell swings to a clean and press during workouts. The plastic build was also relatively comfortable on our skin when the bell was in the racked position, despite it not featuring the typical kettlebell shape.

While we made sure not to drop it, we also feel the plastic shell is thick enough to handle some accidental drops along the way — just be sure you don’t make a habit of it. The handle wasn’t our cup of tea since it’s thinner than what we prefer and a bit slick, but both traits may be what others are looking for. 

Adjustability and Weight Options

A perk of adjustable kettlebells is the luxury of utilizing multiple weight increments in any workout session. Because of this, we find it important to have an easy-to-use adjustment mechanism, and the Bowflex 840 passed the test. Since you only need to house the bell in its cradle and twist the knob to the weight you want, you can dedicate more time to your actual kettlebell workout.

In our eyes, this is a superior design to other models that require you to pull apart the outer shell and use a wrench to loosen a nut that holds the weight plates in place — like the Titan Fitness Adjustable Competition Style Kettlebell.

Once again, this kettlebell replaces six individual kettlebells — eight, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds. This may not be heavy enough for more advanced athletes, but beginners and some intermediate-level lifters may find this range to suit them perfectly. Unfortunately, Bowflex does not offer a heavier kettlebell or an expansion package, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for a heavier option.

Materials

This is not an indestructible product, as it’s almost entirely made from plastic — aside from the steel handle. However, the outer shell is pretty thick. So as long as you don’t lose your grip during your swings and let it fly and crash into concrete, we think it’s durable enough to last you a good five years or so.

That said, we still recommend you treat it with caution during your workouts. It’s also important to remember that the cradle features a thinner plastic build, so you want to be gentle when housing it.

Stability

During our kettlebell workouts with the Bowflex 840, we couldn’t help but notice a wobble in the “stem” that holds the weight plates into place. While it didn’t knock us off our flow, it could be an annoyance to some athletes.

Grip

While the “proper” texture for a product is subjective, we found the grip on the steel handle to be decent. However, it’s still pretty slick and in a way, made it feel as though our hands were sweating even when they weren’t. Now, you could argue that the slickness makes it easier to rotate the bell in your hands during your kettlebell clean and jerk, but overall we felt a bit compromised at times, and that’s something you don’t want to have to worry about. 

Another thing here is that it’s thinner than most of its competition. This might be fine for someone with smaller hands but will likely be less than ideal for many athletes. On the other hand, the width of the window left plenty of room for both hands during kettlebell swings.

What to Consider Before Buying the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell

Like all home gym equipment, you need to keep a few factors at the front of your mind before making your purchase. For us (and most people), we always like to consider the price, and similar to adjustable dumbbells, we think it’s vital to focus on the adjustability and the available weights, in addition to the overall construction.

Price

Once again, the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell will run you around $150. While it’s much cheaper than purchasing multiple cast iron or competition kettlebells, and the compact nature is a nice touch, we think it’s a bit pricey as it is primarily made from plastic. You can purchase the REP Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell for around the same price, and it features a cast iron shell, handle, and plates. 

Now you can also find some cheaper ones online, but those will likely feature a lot of wobble with the plates, and we don’t like the design as much as the plates are exposed. All things considered, the 840 will likely still be worth it for those who are new to kettlebell training and don’t need heavy weight. 

Adjustment Process and Available Weight

Since adjustable kettlebells are intended to allow you to switch your weight in the middle of your workouts for specific movements, it’s doubtful that you want one that involves a lengthy process. That’s certainly not the case with the 840, as you’re only required to twist the dial on the top of the bell. It’s super easy and only takes a few seconds, meaning you’ll spend less time adjusting and more time sweating.

It’s also important to know how much available weight you’ll have for your kettlebell workouts. The SelectTech 840 features eight, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds of weight. This is a solid range for beginner to intermediate lifters and is pretty standard with adjustable kettlebells, aside from a couple of outliers. 

Construction

You should have a solid understanding of the materials used in the manufacturing process of any product, and that’s no different here. Once again, the Bowflex 840 features a primarily plastic build. This could be a cause for concern for those who work out in their driveway or in a garage with concrete flooring. But we think it’ll be fine if you’re working out in your living room. 

And while the plastic shell felt pretty comfortable on our skin when we held it overhead, we understand why some people would prefer a cast iron or steel build. 

Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell Vs. The Competition

There’s no shortage of adjustable kettlebells on the market, and while they’re pretty similar in fashion and functionality, they can still vary a bit. Regardless of the product, it’s always important to compare multiple options and, in this case, land on the best possible adjustable kettlebell for your specific needs — whether that be pricing, the warranty, or the materials used.

We decided to compare these adjustable kettlebells since they offer a similar weight range and are around the same price. If money is the ultimate factor, then the Titan Fitness Adjustable Kettlebell will likely be the one for you. 

If you’re partial to a cast iron grip, then the REP Fitness one is hands down your best choice. Even though Titan’s is also made from cast iron, the handle appears to be more slick. And while the weight options are pretty similar, the Bowflex 840 has a wider range, meaning your workouts have more possibilities. However, it’s made from plastic and only has a two-year warranty. While this is still longer than what Titan Fitness offers, if you’re looking for the best warranty, REP or Kettlebell Kings will be the way to go.

While you ultimately know what is best for your wants and needs, we still want to steer you in the right direction. While we think all of these adjustable kettlebells can service your fitness goals, you may find one of them to be the “best” for your current situation and long-term goals. 

Places to Buy

You can purchase the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell directly through the Bowflex website, off Amazon, or at your local sporting goods store.

Warranties

Bowflex offers a two-year warranty covering any manufacturing defects on the SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell. This does not include normal wear and tear or negligent use, such as it cracking after a drop.

Company Information

Bowflex has been a hot commodity among fitness equipment manufacturers for over 30 years with its wide range of cardio and strength equipment. To speak to a team member, you can call them at 1-800-605-3369.

In Conclusion

Adding a solid adjustable kettlebell like the Bowflex 840 in your home gym can be a game changer. Not only does the compact nature of this kettlebell free up space, but it also frees up some cash for more gear, like a weight bench. While it features a plastic build, and the steel handle might be a little slick for some, the weight range of eight to 40 pounds, the convenient adjustability, and the competitive price tag make it an ideal choice for those just venturing into kettlebell training. 

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