The BowFlex SelectTech 840 replaces a full rack of kettlebells with one adjustable unit, and most buyers rate it highly for that alone. But read past the star rating and a specific complaint keeps surfacing: the handle doesn't feel like a real kettlebell. We read through 7,695 reviews to see exactly what reviewers mean by that, and whether it actually gets in the way of training.
What the reviews actually say
We read through both the critical and positive reviews specifically discussing the handle and grip.
Where the grip works fine
For basic movements, most reviewers report no issues. One buyer: "The grip is comfortable and solid. It's shaped more like a traditional kettlebell than I expected, which helps with swings, presses, and squats." Another: "The handle is easy to hold and has enough room for exercises that can be done with one or two hands." Even reviewers who noted a difference from real kettlebells often still rated it positively: "Grip isn't the same as a regular kettle bell so the grip gives a sense of being off to me" was paired with an overall 4-star review, not a complaint that broke the purchase.
Where the handle gets in the way
The complaints center on movements that rely on gripping the "horns" of a traditional kettlebell. One reviewer explained it directly: "the curved sections beside the handle let you get a secure, comfortable grip for many movements. This model does not have functional horns in the same way, so some exercises feel awkward or unstable." Another was more blunt: "The handle of a kettlebell is oval. The handle on the bowflex model doesn't have this feature. Using this product in a typical kettlebell manner is very difficult." A third reviewer who used real kettlebells regularly said: "the straight shape (no divet in on the side) doesn't allow you to hold it by the horns which really limits what you can do with this kettlebell."
The reviewed product
BowFlex SelectTech 840 Adjustable Kettlebell
Reviewers consistently praise the space-saving adjustability and rate the overall product highly, but a recurring group specifically calls out the flat, horn-less handle as limiting for grip-dependent kettlebell movements like Russian twists and two-handed holds. It performs well for basic swings, presses and squats.
Check price on Amazon →Frequently asked questions
Why doesn't the BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell feel like a real kettlebell?
The main reason, per multiple reviewers, is the handle shape. Traditional kettlebells have an oval, curved handle with "horns" beside it that let you grip in different positions. The BowFlex 840's handle is straighter and more compact to fit its internal weight-adjustment mechanism, which reviewers say removes that curved grip option.
What exercises are hardest to do with the BowFlex kettlebell's handle?
Reviewers specifically mention moves that rely on gripping by the horns or holding the bell against the forearm, like the Russian twist and "catcher's squat and press." One reviewer who owns real kettlebells said this style of grip is "very difficult" on the BowFlex model. Basic swings, presses, and squats are reported to work fine.
Is the BowFlex SelectTech 840 kettlebell still worth buying?
Most reviewers say yes, based on the 4.8-star average and 86% five-star share. The handle complaint is real and recurring, but it's usually paired with continued satisfaction with the product overall — reviewers who mention the grip issue often still rate it 4 or 5 stars for the space savings and adjustability. It's better suited to swings, presses, and squats than to horn-grip-dependent kettlebell drills.
Does the handle feel slippery as well as differently shaped?
At least one reviewer reported this as a separate issue: "The handles are slippery, the sides are just plastic. There's nothing to help you grip and once you sweat a little, your hands will slide all over." This wasn't universal in the reviews, but it's worth knowing if you sweat heavily during workouts.
Would someone switching from real kettlebells notice the handle difference?
Based on the reviews, yes, most likely. Reviewers who already owned traditional kettlebells before buying the BowFlex were the ones most likely to flag the handle as a limitation, with one writing: "I never really appreciated the round shape of the bell or the hanger-like shape of the handle of a regular kettlebell until I had this one in my home." Buyers new to kettlebell training were less likely to mention it as a problem.
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Prices, ratings and review counts change on Amazon in real time — figures above were accurate as of the data-capture date and may have shifted since. Always check the current price on the product page before buying.