Rogue Kettlebells Review: Which Kettlebell is Right for You? (2024 Update)
iStock
The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.
When it comes to the world of home fitness, kettlebells are one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment you can own. Whether you’re looking to build lean muscle or break a sweat with a high-intensity cardio workout, a kettlebell can help you train your entire body.
On the surface, most kettlebells look quite similar—more or less, like a heavy iron cannonball with a handle.
While the design is similar across the board, when you get into the details, you’ll find some major differences between various kettlebell models.
Today, we’re going to examine the Rogue Fitness line of kettlebells, one of the most well-respected, recognizable brands in the fitness industry.
We’ll break down what’s different with each kettlebell, and help you choose the perfect one to elevate your home gym training sessions in 2024.
What Kinds of Kettlebells Does Rogue Make?
Rogue Kettlebells
- Max Weight: 203 pounds
- Best for: Home or gym use
We’ll start with the original, the Rogue Kettlebell. Each kettlebell is made from first run iron ore, not iron scraps, ensuring only the highest-quality iron is used. The result is a high-quality kettlebell at an affordable price point, great for beginners and experts alike.
It’s finished with a matte-black powder coat finish, designed to provide extra traction and hold more chalk, for a safer workout when you’re swinging and lifting your kettlebell. Unlike other competitor brands, Rogue makes the base of each kettlebell perfectly flat, so it doesn’t wobble around on the ground.
For a final touch, each kettlebell has a color-coded handle to quickly identify the weight you want. If you’re digging through a rack of kettlebells looking for the right weight, the color makes it much easier to find the right size.
Interestingly, while Rogue takes pride in being based in the United States, this product is imported from China.
Pros:
- Flat bottom
- Powder-coat finish holds more chalk
Cons:
- Imported from China, which some may find odd with Rogue’s heavy USA branding
Rogue E-Coat Kettlebells
- Max Weight: 88 pounds
- Best for: Home or gym use
If you want to step up the quality a bit, the Rogue E-Coat Kettlebell is one of the best kettlebells on the market.
This kettlebell is manufactured in Michigan, and features an upgraded finish. With the standard powder coating, a very common finish for cast iron equipment, you lose some of the iron’s natural grip, and the powder coat may chip and break down over time.
Rogue’s e-coating was initially developed for the automotive industry, designed to provide enhanced grip, protection against rust and corrosion and a light, even application. This light finish allows you to feel more of the natural iron casting texture, and while it still holds chalk nicely, it’s easier to clean than a powder coating.
Pros:
- The e-coat is a nice upgrade from the standard powder coat finish
Cons:
- The kettlebells only go up to 88 pounds. This is probably enough for most users, but advanced trainees may need to use heavier weights at times
Rogue Powder Coat Kettlebells
Rogue
- Max Weight: 88 pounds
- Best for: Home or gym use
If an American-made kettlebell appeals to you, but you don’t want the e-coat, the Rogue Powder Coat Kettlebell is a classic design with a powder coat finish, built in the USA.
While the e-coat can have a bit of a glossy appearance, this powder coat gives the kettlebell a matte finish, for a classic, subdued appearance. You won’t have the color-coded bands with these kettlebells, but they’re still exceptionally high-quality, and a great choice for anyone who doesn’t want the e-coat finish.
Each kettlebell is precisely cut and smoothed by machine for a perfectly flat bottom and weight tolerance of three percent, resulting in a high-quality, very accurately-weighed kettlebell.
Pros:
- High-quality machining to standardize the weight
- Nice matte finish
Cons:
- Weights only go up to 88 pounds
- Don’t include the color-coding that Rogue’s standard, non-USA-built line includes
Rogue Thompson Fatbells
- Max Weight: 150 pounds
- Best for: Home or gym use
For the most unique kettlebell in Rogue’s line, look no further than the Rogue Thompson Fatbell.
The handle is actually inside the bell, instead of attached to the outside. Rather than swinging around as you move, the kettlebell moves as one with your hand.
The upside? Because the weight isn’t swinging, you don’t have the impact on your joints typically found with standard kettlebells, which can swing around and hit your wrist.
However, the internal handle means you can only use one hand at a time, so for those who prefer to do two-handed exercises, like swings, squats and deadlifts, you’re going to be a bit limited here.
This is a very unique design, and some prefer the feel, but it does limit your movement options a bit.
Pros:
- Internal handle to prevent swinging and excess joint strain
Cons:
- You can only use one hand at a time, and some prefer a standard handle
Rogue Competition Kettlebells
- Max Weight: 48 kilograms / 105 pounds
- Best for: Gyms and competitions
Rogue’s Competition Kettlebells are like the bumper plates of the kettlebell industry—each kettlebell is the exact same size, regardless of the weight, with a flat base for added stability.
With most other options, heavier weights mean a bigger kettlebell, which could change the technique of your exercise. With standard sizes across the board, you can easily move up and down between weights, without having to adjust to the new size.
With color-coded bands, and weights displayed in both pounds and kilograms, these are professional-grade kettlebells, and some of the best on the market.
Pros:
- Standard sizing for every weight
- Color-coded handles
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than other models
Rogue Rubber Coated Kettlebells
Rogue
- Max Weight: 70 pounds
- Best for: Commercial gyms, CrossFit
If you own a gym, CrossFit box or sports performance center, where your equipment is used all day long by multiple people, you may want to consider Rogue’s Rubber Coated Kettlebell line.
While the shape matches the standard Rogue kettlebell, the protective urethane rubber coating around the bell is designed for longevity. Standard powder coating often chips and cracks as bells are dropped or slammed together, so the rubber coating adds an extra layer of protection to extend the life of your kettlebell.
The handle is not coated in rubber, so you’ll enjoy the same grip as the rest of the Rogue kettlebells, with an extra-durable coating.
Pros:
- Rubber coating around the bell minimizes chips and scratches
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than standard kettlebells
Rogue Monster Kettlebells
- Max Weight: 203 pounds
- Best for: Serious athletes, strongman training, advanced lifters
Finally, for the superhumans out there, we have the Rogue Monster Kettlebells.
The lightest monster kettlebell is 97 pounds, and they range all the way up to 203 pounds. For powerlifters, strongmen or very advanced trainees who need to move a lot of weight, Monster kettlebells are for you.
These are an extension of Rogue’s standard kettlebell line, which means they’re made in China, powder-coated and come with color-coded handles for easy use.
Not everyone will need weights this heavy, but if you’re stronger than most and want to move some heavy weights, you’ll love the Rogue Monster Kettlebells.
Pros:
- Heavy weights for the strongest lifters
Cons:
- The heaviest options can be quite bulky, and difficult to use
What Exercises Can You Use Rogue Kettlebells For?
Kettlebells are most commonly used in functional exercise, and commonly used as CrossFit equipment. The shape and handle allow users to perform kettlebell swings, as well as explosive Olympic lifts, like cleans, snatches, jerks and more.
In strength and conditioning centers, many athletes use these swings for explosive movement training, and the bell shape and handle makes them perfect for goblet squats, an exercise that involves holding the weight in front of your chest rather than across your back.
You can also substitute these for dumbbells, allowing you to perform nearly any dumbbell movement with a kettlebell instead.
Pros of Rogue Kettlebells
Rogue is known for producing extremely high-quality equipment for serious athletes, and all of its kettlebell options are built to last. You’ll get a high-quality piece of equipment, regardless of which option you choose.
High-quality materials, machine finishing and varying finishing options make Rogue kettlebells some of the best on the market.
Also, many of the brand’s kettlebell options are made in the USA.
Cons of Rogue Kettlebells
With Rogue, it’s hard to find a con. Individual kettlebells may have features that some users don’t like, but as an entire line of kettlebells, it’s hard to beat Rogue.
This quality comes at a cost, and they are more expensive than other brands.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Rogue Kettlebells
Type
Because kettlebells share very similar designs, with the exception of the Thompson fatbells, you really only need to decide which finish you like, powder-coating or E-coat, and then decide if you want to pay extra for kettlebells made in the USA.
Once you know what finish you like, any of the kettlebell lines should do the trick.
Weight
All of the Rogue kettlebells come in a range of weights, so you may need to purchase a few when outfitting a home gym. It’s hard for us to recommend exactly which weight to use, as it’s very individual and depends on your fitness levels.
Related Post: The Best Barbells to Buy for Your Home Gym
How Rogue Kettlebells Stack Up Against Other Products
While there are many kettlebell options on the market, it’s tough to find a brand that does it any better than Rogue.
Many manufacturers use recycled iron scraps, but Rogue uses first-run iron ore. And while not all of its kettlebells are manufactured in the United States, many of them are, which is a nice option for those who prefer to buy domestically produced goods.
Rogue also uses high-quality finishes; other brands that use cheaper finishes may be more prone to rust or chipping.
FAQs
How do you clean Rogue kettlebells?
Using a wet washcloth should be plenty to wipe off the chalk and sweat after a tough workout.
Where are Rogue kettlebells made?
Rogue’s standard kettlebells are imported from China, but their USA-made options are built in northern Michigan.
How much does each color of kettlebell weigh?
Each kettlebell will be individually marked, but for most of the color-coded options, white weighs nine pounds, grey weighs 13 pounds, pink weighs 18 pounds, blue weighs 26 pounds, yellow weighs 35 pounds, dark gray weighs 44 pounds, green weighs 53 pounds, orange weighs 62 pounds and red weighs 70 pounds.
The Monster kettlebells re-use colors, but they’re big enough that you won’t accidentally mistake them for the lighter weights.
Final Thoughts
A kettlebell is a fantastic addition to any home gym, regardless of your training goal. When you’re looking to upgrade your workout, any of the options from Rogue will be a great investment.
Whether you’re a competitive powerlifter, CrossFit athlete or simply someone who wants to lose weight at home, Rogue makes a kettlebell option for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
