Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell Review: Smart Adjustable Weight, But Is It Worth It?
By Isaac · · 7 min
Disclosure: This review contains Amazon affiliate links. If you buy through them, The Isaac Standard may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This never affects the rating — recommendations are based only on hands-on testing.
What it is & who it's for
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is a smart adjustable kettlebell that lets you switch between 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 pounds with a simple turn of a dial. It's designed for home gym owners who want the versatility of multiple kettlebells without the floor space or the expense of buying a full set.
It's a clever concept, and Bowflex is a trusted name in home fitness. But the 840 is not a traditional kettlebell—it's a hybrid that trades some of the feel and function of a classic cast-iron bell for convenience. This review is for anyone considering this as their primary kettlebell, especially if you're a beginner or intermediate lifter looking to save space.
Specs at a glance (manufacturer-claimed)
| Metric | Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell |
|---|---|
| Weight range | 8 to 40 pounds |
| Available weight settings | 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lbs |
| Assembly | shipped fully assembled |
Design and Build: Clever but Bulky
The 840's standout feature is the dial on the side. Turn it to your desired weight, and the internal plates lock in place. It's genuinely intuitive—no fumbling with pins or plates. The handle is comfortable, with a textured grip that feels secure even when your hands get sweaty.
But the design has a big trade-off: the kettlebell is much larger than a traditional one. The base is wide and the overall footprint is bulky, which can make certain exercises feel awkward. For example, goblet squats are fine, but snatches and cleans might feel clunky because the weight sits farther from your body. Also, the plastic housing feels durable, but it's not indestructible—dropping it on a hard floor could crack it.
Performance: Smooth Adjustments, But Weight Distribution Is Off
Switching weights takes about 5 seconds. The mechanism is smooth, and the plates lock securely—no rattling during swings. That's a huge plus for anyone who likes to superset or drop weight mid-workout.
However, the weight distribution is not like a traditional kettlebell. Because the plates are stacked vertically inside a plastic shell, the center of gravity is higher and more forward. This changes the feel of ballistic movements like swings and cleans. You'll need to adjust your form, and some advanced kettlebell users may find it frustrating. For beginners, though, it's forgiving enough to learn the basics.
Value and Convenience: Who Is This For?
At around $300 (check current price), the 840 is a premium investment. But if you compare it to buying six individual kettlebells, you're saving money and a ton of floor space. It's ideal for apartment dwellers or anyone with a small home gym.
The convenience is real: you can do a full workout without leaving your spot. But if you're a serious kettlebell enthusiast who prioritizes the feel of a cast-iron bell, you might be better off with a traditional adjustable kettlebell like the Kettlebell Kings adjustable, which has a more authentic shape.
Key limitations (the parts the marketing doesn't cover)
- Bulky and Awkward for Advanced Moves The large plastic base and high center of gravity make it hard to do advanced exercises like snatches or Turkish get-ups. The weight feels 'floaty' compared to a solid cast-iron bell, which can compromise your form and increase injury risk.
- Not Drop-Safe Unlike traditional kettlebells that can take a beating, the 840's plastic housing can crack if dropped repeatedly. This limits its use for high-intensity workouts where you might need to drop the bell between sets.
- Pricey for What You Get At $300, you're paying a premium for the convenience. A traditional adjustable kettlebell (like the Kettlebell Kings) costs less and offers a more authentic feel. If you're on a budget, you could buy two or three fixed kettlebells for the same price.
How it compares
Compared to the traditional cast-iron kettlebells, the 840 is a compromise. It's more convenient and space-saving, but it lacks the authentic feel and durability. If you're a beginner who wants a single piece of equipment to learn with, the 840 is a good choice. But if you're an experienced lifter, you'll likely be frustrated by the weight distribution and bulk.
The Kettlebell Kings adjustable kettlebell is a direct competitor. It has a more traditional shape, uses a screw-on mechanism, and is cheaper. However, it doesn't have the quick-dial convenience of the 840. The Bowflex is easier to adjust mid-workout, but the Kings feels more like a real kettlebell.
Who should buy / skip
Worth considering if:
- You're a beginner or intermediate lifter who wants a single kettlebell for home workouts
- You have limited floor space and want to avoid buying multiple kettlebells
- You value quick weight changes during a workout
Look elsewhere if:
- You're an advanced kettlebell user who prioritizes authentic feel and technique
- You plan to do high-intensity workouts that involve dropping the bell
- You're on a tight budget—there are cheaper alternatives
The Isaac Standard verdict
3.5 / 5. The Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell is a clever, convenient tool for the right person. If you're a beginner or casual lifter with limited space, it's a solid investment that will grow with you as you progress. But if you're serious about kettlebell training, the bulk and weight distribution will likely frustrate you. It's a good product, but not a great kettlebell.
Frequently asked
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840 Kettlebell safe to drop?
No, it's not designed to be dropped. The plastic housing can crack if you drop it repeatedly. You should always place it down gently.
How does the weight adjustment work?
You turn the dial on the side to select your desired weight (8, 12, 20, 25, 35, or 40 lbs). The internal plates lock into place automatically. It takes about 5 seconds.
Can I do all kettlebell exercises with this?
Most basic exercises like swings, squats, and rows work fine. But advanced moves like snatches and Turkish get-ups may feel awkward due to the bulky shape and higher center of gravity.
Is it worth the price compared to buying multiple kettlebells?
If you're short on space and want the convenience of multiple weights, yes. But if you have room for a few traditional kettlebells, you might get a better workout for less money.
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