Head to head
CAP Cast Iron 35 lb vs Amazon Basics Cast Iron 35 lb
Two budget 35 lb iron bells compared: handle, finish, dimensions, and value.
#3 in our rankings · Best classic cast iron
CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb
Best for: Lifters who want a traditional bare-iron bell for swings and grinds, with chalk-friendly grip.
#4 in our rankings · Best budget cast iron
Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb
Best for: Beginners and home gyms that want a solid first bell without paying for a premium brand name.
Our recommendation
Buy the CAP if you want a bare iron handle that takes chalk well and a traditional single-piece feel. Buy the Amazon Basics if you want a wide textured grip and a compact body at a similar budget tier. Both are solid 35 lb bells, and the choice comes down to handle preference.
Handle
The CAP's bare iron handle takes chalk well and suits high-rep work, with a 1.61-inch diameter. The Amazon Basics wide textured grip suits two-handed swings without chalk, with a 1.50-inch diameter.
Finish
The CAP uses a powder-coat style iron finish on single-piece iron, while the Amazon Basics uses a painted surface that resists rust but can chip with heavy chalk use.
Size and storage
The Amazon Basics body is compact at 8.4 by 5.3 by 9.4 inches, which stores easily. The CAP is a traditional shape that suits a rack or a corner equally well.
Choose CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb if…
- You use chalk and want a bare iron handle
- You prefer a traditional single-piece bell
- High-rep swing work is your main training
Choose Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb if…
- You want a wide textured grip without chalk
- Compact storage matters
- You want a budget first bell from a familiar brand
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb | Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Construction | Single-piece cast iron | Solid cast iron, painted surface |
| Weight | 35 lb | 35 lb |
| Handle diameter | 1.61 inches | - |
| Finish | Powder-coat style iron finish | - |
| Use | Swings, squats, presses, Turkish get-ups | Swings, goblet squats, presses |
| Handle | - | Wide textured grip, 1.50 inches |
| Dimensions | - | 8.4 x 5.3 x 9.4 inches |
| Best for | Lifters who want a traditional bare-iron bell for swings and grinds, with chalk-friendly grip. | Beginners and home gyms that want a solid first bell without paying for a premium brand name. |
| Skip if | You train on hard floors you must protect, or you want an adjustable bell that covers several weights. | You want a competition-standard handle, or you train on floors that need vinyl protection. |
Strengths and limitations
CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb
Strengths
- Single-piece cast iron construction is effectively indestructible in home use, with no coating to chip and no moving parts.
- The 35 lb weight is a versatile working weight for swings, goblet squats, and presses for many lifters.
- Bare iron handle takes chalk well, giving a secure grip for high-rep sets and heavy swings.
Limitations
- Bare iron can mark floors and is noisy if set down hard, so a mat is sensible on hard surfaces.
- Fixed weight means progress needs another bell, so a set costs more and takes more space than an adjustable model.
- Handle diameter of 1.61 inches suits most hands but may feel thick for smaller hands on long sets.
Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb
Strengths
- Solid cast iron body gives the dense feel of a proper bell at a budget tier, with a painted surface that resists rust in a garage or spare room.
- Wide textured grip suits two-handed swings and goblet holds, and the compact 8.4 by 5.3 by 9.4 inch body stores easily.
- The 35 lb weight covers the most common beginner-to-intermediate swing and squat work in one bell.
Limitations
- Painted surface can chip with heavy use and chalk, exposing iron underneath over time.
- Fixed weight means a second bell is needed for lighter technique work or heavier swings.
- Handle finish is functional rather than refined, and purists may prefer a bare machined handle.
How they fit the wider field
- CAP Barbell Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb: ranked #3 (Best classic cast iron) in The Best Kettlebells.
- Amazon Basics Cast Iron Kettlebell, 35 lb: ranked #4 (Best budget cast iron) in The Best Kettlebells.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Made your call?
Questions, answered
Which 35 lb bell is better for beginners?
Both suit beginners. The Amazon Basics textured grip needs no chalk to feel secure, while the CAP rewards lifters who already use chalk.
Will either mark my floors?
Yes, both are bare or painted iron, so a mat is sensible on hard floors. Vinyl bells are the safer choice for floors that must stay pristine.
Is 35 lb the right weight?
For many lifters, 35 lb is a versatile working weight for swings, squats, and presses. Beginners should learn form on a lighter bell first if swings feel uncontrolled.