The Bowflex SelecTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Our review of the Bowflex SelectTech 840 — a dial-adjustable 8-40 lb kettlebell that replaces six separate bells.
Product Brand: Bowflex
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 149
Price Valid Until: 2027-08-24
Product In-Stock: InStock
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The Bowflex SelectTech 840 replaces six separate kettlebells with one dial-adjustable unit — a genuine space-saver for anyone who doesn’t want a row of iron lining their wall. Here’s how it performs.
What Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840?
The SelectTech 840 adjusts across six fixed weight settings — 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb — selected with a single twist of the dial on top of the bell, replacing what would otherwise be six separate kettlebells taking up floor space. The mechanism locks in with an audible click when a weight is fully selected; if the dial sits between settings it won’t release, which is a deliberate safety feature.
An injection-molded plastic shell covers the internal steel plates, which keeps it from clanking against the floor and protects both the bell and your flooring from the scratching that bare cast iron causes over time.
How It Performs in Practice
Adjustment genuinely takes a couple of seconds — meaningfully faster than most adjustable dumbbell systems — which matters for kettlebell training specifically, since swings, cleans, and snatches are often performed in circuits where you want to change load between exercises without breaking momentum. The 8–40 lb range comfortably covers beginner through low-intermediate strength levels for most kettlebell movements.
The plastic shell, while durable in normal use, is not designed to be dropped from height repeatedly — Bowflex’s own guidance and independent reviewers both note this. Treat it the way you’d treat any adjustable-weight equipment: set it down deliberately rather than letting it drop.
Pros and Cons
- Fastest weight adjustment of any kettlebell system in this review
- Replaces six kettlebells in one compact footprint
- Plastic shell protects both bell and flooring
- Genuinely affordable at ~$149
- 40 lb ceiling will be too light for more advanced lifters
- Fewer increments than owning individual bells (six fixed settings only)
- Plastic shell isn’t built for repeated dropping
Who Is It For?
The SelectTech 840 is an excellent fit for beginners through low-intermediate lifters who want kettlebell training without dedicating a shelf to six separate bells — especially in circuit-style or conditioning-focused workouts where fast weight changes matter. Advanced lifters who regularly need 44 lb+ for swings or cleans will outgrow the top end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weights does the Bowflex 840 kettlebell offer?
Six fixed settings: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, and 40 lb, selected by turning the dial on top of the bell until it clicks into place.
Is the plastic shell durable?
Yes for normal training use — it’s designed to withstand regular kettlebell movements without cracking. It isn’t designed to be repeatedly dropped from overhead, so treat it like any adjustable-weight equipment and set it down under control.
Should I get this instead of fixed kettlebells?
If space and budget are considerations, yes — one 840 replaces six individual bells for less than the cost of buying them separately. If you only ever use one specific weight for all your training, a single fixed kettlebell in cast iron may feel more solid underhand.
Final Verdict
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is the fastest-adjusting, best-value kettlebell option for anyone training in the 8–40 lb range — a genuinely useful space-saver rather than a gimmick. If you need heavier loads or prefer the feel of solid cast iron, look elsewhere; for most home gym owners building out functional training equipment, this is an easy top pick.
See our Best Home Gym Equipment Under $500 roundup for more budget-friendly picks.
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