One of the questions that we get most often from people looking to buy a kettlebell is – why are Black Iron Strength® kettlebells more expensive than traditional kettlebells? We think that this is a very fair question.

No doubt there is a substantial price difference, but there are unique features that account for the price difference. I like to say that we added a high-performance motor to a rowboat. View: Black Iron Strength® Kettlebells.

What are the unique features of the Black Iron Strength® kettlebells that account for the cost difference? This video highlights the revolutionary features:

1. Rotating handle with premium IGUS bearings
2. Handle with premium knurling
3. Factory machined from solid steel with military hard chrome finish
4. Manufactured in the USA
5. Military hard chrome finish
6. Flat edges instead of a round ball
7. Antimicrobial Copper handles

Rotating Handles with Premium IGUS Bearings

Let’s start with the obvious difference of the rotating handles. The rotating handles have premium IGUS® bearings for a smooth rotation. Rotating handles play two roles – reducing injury and generating power and speed. How?

• Reduction of injury: The rotating handles prevent torque on your wrists and forearms, which will diminish the impact of the force on your forearm. This is important because it lessens the risk of overuse injuries such as tendonitis. A recent review by Garage Gym Fanatics states, ‘The kettlebell is much more smooth. The kettlebell moves with your hand instead of you moving the kettlebell. It alleviates the pressure on your wrist.’ Anytime that you don’t have to force a movement, it decreases the risk of injury. In addition, the rotating handle protects the hands from callouses because the rotating handle moves with you. The handle is not slipping and sliding in your hand.
• Speed and power – Another advantage is the speed and power at which you can train. With a rotating handle, you can move faster with the kettlebell and you do NOT have to do a “release and catch” with overhead movements.  The rotating handles allow the user to generate more POWER since they can move faster.  ‘It is unlike anything else in the market and allows you to safely generate a high amount of velocity as you swing. This in turn provides greater force than any traditional kettlebell. The effective workout that this function unleashes is unparalleled.’ Efren Ramirez (Google Review)

Our competitors do not have a rotating handle. The handle is fixed part of the kettlebell. The kettlebell is one single unit, which is much less costly than a kettlebell with a rotating handle because of the labor and factory time.

Handle with Premium Knurling

The handle of the Black Iron Strength® kettlebell not only rotates, but also has premium knurling. This creates a superior grip along with a positive grip.

Our competitors do not have knurling on the handle so the user can perform a ‘catch and release’. A handle without knurling is significantly less because there is an additional labor and factory time involved with the knurling process.

Factory Machined from Solid Steel with Military Hard Chrome Finish

Black Iron Strength® kettlebells are machined from solid steel except for the 10, 12.5, and 15 lb. which are machined from aluminum. A distinguishing feature in the manufacturing process of Black Iron Strength® kettlebells is the use of proprietary technology using a 25-ton press-through. This manufacturing process makes Black Iron Strength® kettlebells virtually indestructible. Black Iron Strength® kettlebells are a custom product that is built to order.

Our competitors’ kettlebells are cast iron not solid steel. Cast iron is much less expensive than steel.

Manufactured in the USA

Black Iron Strength® kettlebells are produced from USA steel as well as manufactured and machined in the USA. The only component of the kettlebells not made in the USA are the IGUS® bearings for the rotational handles. We selected these bearing because of their superior quality and durability.

Our competitors’ kettlebells are cast iron or rubber coated cast iron and manufactured overseas. These kettlebells come out of mold where hot cast iron is poured into the mold. The costs are significantly lower because there is much less labor and production.

Military Hard Chrome Finish

Black Iron Strength® kettlebells have a military grade hard chrome finish on them. The finish is also rust resistant. Military hard chrome is durable. It is so durable that it is used on parts of US Navy ships that are exposed to severe conditions.  

Our competitors generally have a baked-on paint application, which chips and is prone to rust. Paint is a less expensive application as well as less labor intensive than military hard chrome. In the long run, paint is much less durable.

Patented Flat Edge Instead of a Round Ball

Black Iron Strength® kettlebells have a US patented flat edge on the face of the kettlebells so they lay flat on the outside and inside of the user’s arm/forearm. This design is much more ergonomically correct for using kettlebells during training because it takes away the pinpoint pressure on the forearm from the round shape of the traditional kettlebell.

Our competitors’ kettlebells are round shaped cannon balls and this creates a “pinch point” when there is contact on the user’s arm/forearm. The round ball kettlebell is significantly less expensive because it is produced out of a mold and made overseas.

Antimicrobial Copper Handles

Black Iron Strength® offers antimicrobial copper handles as an option. We are the only company to offer this option since these handles have a US patent. Antimicrobial copper kills all germs including COVID-19. In 2017, a peer-reviewed medical study done by the American Journal of Infection Control, proved that fitness equipment with antimicrobial copper handles were 94% cleaner than other handles. Given this information and with the current pandemic, The New York Times highlighted how Alchemy Properties chose Black Iron Strength® products with antimicrobial copper handles for a condo project.

Our competitors do not offer antimicrobial copper handles because Black Iron Strength® holds the US patent on this handle.

Black Iron Strength® kettlebells are a revolutionary design. There are three US patents on Black Iron Strength® kettlebells. The manufacturing process and the unique features, such as the rotating handle, account for the cost difference. It is like adding a high-performance motor to a rowboat. A rowboat will get you across the lake. However, if you put a high-performance motor on the boat, you get speed and power.  The Black Iron Strength® kettlebell gives you speed and power as well as a lifetime of use and a safer strength training tool. View kettlebells.

Please do hesitate to reach out with more questions. Thank you for taking the time to learn about the difference between our kettlebell and the traditional kettlebell. We take pride in manufacturing quality strength equipment. Learn more about the revolutionary features of Black Iron Strength® kettlebells in this product video.

In today’s era of modern strength training, an old time strongman’s training secret is being rediscovered – thick bar or fat bar training. Research has shown that people, who train with thick bars or fat bars, will develop greater muscle growth and increased strength gains. Many gym goers are unfamiliar with thick bar training, but the benefits are undeniable. If you are not training with thick bars, you are limiting your workout gains. Once you incorporate thick bar training into your workout, it will become clear why this training technique was so important to strongmen. View: Black Iron Strength® Thick Bars

Let’s examine and learn more:

• What is the history of thick bar training?
• Who trains with thick bars today?
• What is thick bar training?
• What are the benefits of thick bar training?
• Should you only train with a thick bar?

What is the history of thick bar training?

During the 19th century, lifting heavy weights became popular to promote health and increase strength. Gymnasiums, which included free weights, sprang up throughout cities in Europe. With the increase and popularity of weight lifting, competitions arose where strongmen would show off their feats of strength. These contests became popular throughout Europe and the United States. It is important to note that although the majority of the participants were men, women also competed. Strongmen and women would compete in local contests as well as international events, such as the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. These events included lifting a barbell with people inside and lifting a horse off the ground. As a result of the popularity of weightlifting in the late 1800’s, weight lifting was included as an event in the first Olympics in 1896. To prepare for the feats of strength, strongmen had to train with free weight equipment. However, with the sport in its infancy, retail stores selling free weight equipment did not exist. Therefore, much of the equipment was homemade and often items were retrieved from scrap yards. Through trial and error from making their own equipment, strongmen accidentally discovered that working with a thick bar improved their strength gains. To learn more about the history of thick bar training and strongmen, check out Oldtime Strongmen.

Who trains with thick bars today?

Thick bar (also known as fat bar) training is incorporated in the strength training regime of college and professional teams. To enhance performance and decrease the risk of injury, these athletes train with thick Olympic bars, thick handle custom dumbbells, thick handle custom barbells, and thick handle attachments. With the increase in boutique athletic facilities catering to athletic performance and one-on-one specific training, these thick handle training tools are included in training programs to improve strength and muscle gains in athletes. For years, power lifters have understood the importance of training with thick handle equipment to increase their lift performance. In the military, special operation units value the importance of incorporating fat bar training into their routine because of the positive aspects of fat bar training. 

What is thick bar training?

Thick or fat bar training is simply using thicker diameter handles on Olympic bars, dumbbells, barbells, cable attachments, or chin-up/pull-up bars in an existing strength training program. The diameter for standard handles are typically 1 to 1 3/8 inches. The photo below compares a 1 3/8 inch handle to a 1 3/4 inch handle on  Black Iron Strength Strap Grips with Antimicrobial Copper handles.

For purposes of the remainder of the blog, the focus is on thick Olympic bar training, but as discussed many training tools have thick handles.

What are the benefits of thick bar training?

1. Increased hand, forearm and upper body strength as well as endurance

As a result of thick bar training, your hand, grip and upper body strength will increase as well as your endurance. This increase in strength is a result of the muscles of the hand, forearms and the upper body having to work harder to manage and control the thick bar. If you lightly grip the thick bar, you will lose the bar. When these muscles are having to work harder, it increases the stimulation to the muscle and nerve fibers, which is referred to as neural drive. When muscle and nerve fibers are stimulated with a greater demand, it will lead to an increase in strength and endurance.

2. Improved performance

As a result of increased strength, it will have a positive impact on your sports performance as well as everyday activities. This especially correlates with sports that rely on upper body strength, such as combative sports, martial arts and weight lifting. Hand, forearm and upper body strength is vitally important in sports such as tennis, hockey, football, and basketball. Improved performance is why professional and college sports are including thick bar training in their programs. However, even with when performing everyday tasks such are gardening, you will benefit from thick bar training because of the increase in strength and endurance.

3. Reducing injuries
When you are training with a thick Olympic bar, the thick bar will distribute the weight more evenly so you are incorporating more muscles in the upper body. When training with a smaller diameter bar, your forearms and wrist are doing the majority of the work, which increases your chance of injury. The muscles of the wrist and forearm are smaller than some of the other muscle groups of the upper body such as the lats, deltoids, and pectorals. Since your wrist and forearm muscles are smaller, there is an increased chance of injury because the smaller muscles have a lesser capacity to absorb the forces generated by the movement. Not only are you less likely to get injured when lifting a thick Olympic bar, the benefits also transfer to sports and everyday tasks. This is an obvious ’cause and effect’ that happens – when you are stronger, you are less likely to get injured in a sport or everyday activity. For example, tendinitis of the wrist, which is an inflammation of the tendons in the wrist, is less likely to happen if the wrist and forearms are stronger. Also, the stronger your wrist and forearms are, there is much less stress to your rotator cuff.  Tendinitis and injury to the rotator cuff are only two examples of injuries caused by weak hand and forearm strength.

Should you only train with a thick Olympic bar or fat bar?

With the strength gains attributed to thick bar training, one might conclude that it would be best to train only with thick Olympic bars. The saying, ‘variety is the spice of life’ applies here. There is no denying the importance of incorporating thick bar training in your workout routine. However, a variety of exercise routines is important because it prevents boredom as well as overuse of a particular group of muscle. Overuse can definitely contribute to injury.

Why does Black Iron Strength® lead the industry with thick Olympic bars?

Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Bars have two distinct features – Rotating Sleeves and Antimicrobial Copper Finish. No one else in the industry can offer these features because they are protected by US Patents.

Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Bars have a feature that separates them from the competition – rotating sleeves. These rotating sleeves are a stand-alone feature. Black Iron Strength is the only thick Olympic bar on the market that has been awarded a US utility patent. The rotating sleeves reduce the chance of injury because they lessen the stress on the user’s wrists, elbows, and forearms. A thick Olympic bar with a rotating sleeve reduces the rotational inertia of the weight plates and distributes the forces equally.

Black Iron Strength® also introduced a Thick Olympic Bar with an Antimicrobial Copper finish as an option. (Military hard chrome is still available.) Black Iron Strength has been awarded a US patent for the finish. Germs including super bugs have a natural enemy – Antimicrobial COPPER! Multiple independent research studies have proven that antimicrobial copper kills all germ, including COVID-19, 24/7/365. Antimicrobial copper works naturally so there is no special cleaning or maintenance. A recent peer-reviewed study published in the American Journal of Infection Control demonstrates the effectiveness of antimicrobial copper in a fitness environment. The study showed that equipment with antimicrobial copper handles had a lower bacteria count by an average of 94%.

These stand-alone features are why Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Bars have become the choice with professional and college teams. Safely training athletes so they can perform on the field is a paramount goal in the weight room. This is why such top tier programs as the Clemson Tigers Football, Ohio State Football, University of Michigan Football, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Twins MLB, Columbus Blue Jackets NHL, and St. Louis Blues NHL train on Black Iron Strength® thick Olympic bars.

Click here to learn more information about Black Iron Strength® Thick Olympic Bars and why Black Iron Strength® are the choice of college and professional teams.