So now you know about the iron used to make our kettlebells made in America, but what about the history of cast Iron kettlebells themselves. It’s time to take a trip back to 17th century Russia. (You may want to bring a jacket…and a weight belt). Back then, American made kettlebells were used as counterweights on large weighing scales. Those scales were used to weigh dry goods at the market. 2020’s best made in America kettlebells were essentially cannon balls with handles. You had to be strong to lift those USA made kettlebells so the strongest Russians would lift kettlebells while working. (The weaker Russians would also become the strongest Russians by lifting the kettlebells! Of course, they had to show off a bit and that’s when weightlifting was essentially born. By the 19th century, that showmanship eventually turned into strongman events when the strongest would display their physical strength. Those events evolved into organized weightlifting, and the Russians still lead the world in national strongman competitions which have lasted to this day.
Kettlebells are traditionally made of cast iron. Here’s a brief history of one of mankind’s most important manufacturing materials. Cast iron has been around since the 5th century BC. From the beginning, cast iron was being made into pots, pans, weapons and architectural components. As iron working evolved over the centuries, manufacturers modified the process and the metallurgy to create a family of useful types of iron including white iron, gray iron, malleable iron, ductile iron, wrought iron and, of course, the varieties of steel. The evolution of the types of iron materials is a testament to the versatility of this very important material. In 1882, as the industrial age was growing throughout the United States, Goldens’ Foundry and Machine Company was established in Columbus, Georgia. More than a century later, the metallurgists, engineers and foundry men and women are producing the latest varieties of modern cast irons, from ductile irons (renowned for their steel-like properties) to special heat-treated and austempered irons.
As cast iron kettlebells made the trip from the market to the gym, kettlebells began to be used for strength training, in a similar fashion to dumbbells. Athletes quickly realized the many benefits kettlebell training offers. These days, cast iron kettlebell is used for dynamic resistance training, offering cardio and strength endurance, balance, agility and movement. This functional fitness training application differentiates cast iron kettlebell training from the simple muscle isolation training you get with dumbbells and barbells. Kettlebell training involves tempo-style kettle swinging, often in a pendulum-style movement. As a result, the body’s core must work harder to stabilize in reaction to the gravitational pull from the iron kettlebells. That dynamic range of motion builds your core muscle and provides you with an amazingly functional, total body workout. It also increases both strength and endurance!
Sophia –
Love the cast iron kettlebells I bought from Goldens’ Cast Iron. They are tough and good-looking too! 5 out of 5 stars.
Susan –
I just purchased a cast iron Kettlebell from Goldens Cast Iron last week. It was actually a nice shopping experience. Customer service answered back pretty quick! Thanks, Goldens!
Maria Smith –
These Kettlebells really made my morning and evening workouts! Very nice set of Cast Iron Kettlebells too! Getting stronger every day! Thanks!
Brent –
I gotta say. One of the best cast iron Kettlebell sets I bought so far. I will recommend this product to friends. Good customer service too!
Jonathan Shefftz (verified owner) –
Expanding their consumer products from cast iron grills to cast iron weights during the pandemic, brilliant move, love it: the *only* reasonably priced extensive in-stock selection of kettlebells and dumbbells!
My only suggestion is to increase the upper weight range of the kettlebells. The dumbbells go up to 50 lb, but the kettlebells max out at 44 lb, which is quite modest for a basic kb squat.
Richard –
You have no idea how long I’ve been looking for kettlebells! I can’t find kettlebells anywhere, specially made in this country. I’m sick of cheap foreign kettles. Gave my old ones to Goodwill. These Goldens kettlebells are friggin nice! Good quality. I’m pleasantly surprised! Thanks!
Emma –
I bought kettlebells from Goldens’ Cast Iron a few days back. It is really an excellent quality strength training kettlebell product. I am highly satisfied with Goldens’ Cast Iron.
Nancy –
It was a nice shopping experience with an impressive delivery infrastructure. Enjoyed my workout sessions with these kettlebells which I bought from Goldens’ Cast Iron.
Robert –
Is the price for a set???
KD (verified owner) –
Great product!!! It is hard to find weights or any other fitness equipment right now. Price is reasonable and quick delivery.
Mike (verified owner) –
I have the 44lb one and it’s awesome. My other kettle bells are kettlebell king brand and the golden kettle bell has a bit less refined of a look but I’m my opinion that just means it has more character. I also like the handle on the golden bell better than the Kettlebell king handles .
Hunter Smith (verified owner) –
These are really nice kettlebells. I have some Kettlebells from other manufacturers (Rogue, Kettlebell Kings), but my favorite might be my 44lbs KB from Golden: it’s study, well-built and looks good after near daily use for six months. The grip is a little thicker than some other KBs, but it’s comfortable to get my hands into it and probably helps to build grip strength. Plus, it shipped out to me and arrived very quickly.
Brett Poirier (verified owner) –
Couldn’t be happier!
I, like many others, got my Kettlebell at the start of the pandemic. I’ll be honest Golden Cast Iron was not my first choice but they had workout equipment available when no one else did and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
12 kg kettlebell and haven’t looked back. I’m ordering my second one today so I can do two at a time in my workouts and I’m sure I’ll eventually build even further.
Timothy Joutras (verified owner) –
Bought single 8, 12, 16, and 20 kg kettlebells. Like them a lot. Simple but effective. Though they will rust, so make sure to dry them if they get wet. Excellent customer service.
William Bell (verified owner) –
I have bought both dumbbells and kettlebells from Goldens. These are high-quality no frills weights. They feel great in your hands and look good in a blue-collar way. Just honest good iron. That’s all you need. And the prices are very good as is the customer service. The Iron Age is definitely here!!
Telly (verified owner) –
So far I’ve ordered three sets of kettlebells from these guys. The quality is top notch, and the customer service is speedy and excellent. Keep up the good work!
Fitz (verified owner) –
Your Kettlebells are fantastic. I have a 12kg, a 16kg, and a 20kg … really looking forward to when you guys have some 24kgs that you’re ready to sell.
Andy T (verified owner) –
Very nice kettlebell. Especially like that it is ductile iron and less likely to crack or break than those made Frome regular (grey) cast iron. Great customer service!
Ben –
I’m so happy with these kettlebells. Working out with them has made a huge improvement in my life. The quality is fantastic, the handle is a nice thickness – not too big, not too small – and the width of the handle is perfect, big enough to fit both hands comfortably. I’m looking forward to getting some additional sizes at some point soon.
John Simmons (verified owner) –
I have the 8 and 12 kg kettlebells from Golden. I have enjoyed these very much to build my upper body strength. My next purchase will be the 20 kg. I just order on line and pick the bells up at the office in Columbus. I live just across the river in Phenix City. By the way I am 71 years old. I also am happy to support a local business.
Yury Zaverukha (verified owner) –
I love my kettlebells( 16kg). My daughter brought for me 12.25.2020. I do exercise even in my 62 years old .
I’m feeling well. Highly recommended for everyone.