Updated October 27, 2026 · 9 min read
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Reviewed hereBowflex SelectTech 8404.8★ · 7,700+ ratings on AmazonCheck price on Amazon →4.8★ · 7,700+ ratings
Bowflex SelectTech 840: six kettlebells in one
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is an adjustable kettlebell that replaces six bells, from 8 to 40 lb, with the turn of a dial. It has a 4.8-star rating from more than 7,700 buyers, one of the highest scores for home gym gear on Amazon.
Below: what buyers say, how it compares with classic kettlebells, whether 40 lb is enough, and the best exercises to do with it.
The short answer
Our verdict: the best space-saving kettlebell for home workouts. Easy to adjust, well made and loved by buyers.
Choose classic cast-iron bells if you train advanced moves like snatches.
Buy it if
- You want several kettlebell weights in one compact unit.
- You do swings, squats, rows and presses at home.
- You are short on floor space.
Skip it if
- You train cleans, snatches or kettlebell flows.
- You need more than 40 lb for heavy swings.
- You prefer the classic cast-iron feel.
What you get
There is one version. It replaces six kettlebells: 8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lb. You turn the dial on the base to choose the weight, then lift the kettlebell out. The listing includes a free trial of the JRNY app for guided workouts.
Key specs
| Spec | Bowflex SelectTech 840 |
|---|---|
| Weight range | 8 to 40 lb |
| Settings | 8, 12, 20, 25, 35, 40 lb |
| Adjustment | Turn of a dial in the base |
| Replaces | 6 kettlebells |
| App | JRNY (trial included) |
| Use | Swings, goblet squats, rows, presses, twists |
What 7,700+ buyers say: the box score
Amazon groups review mentions by topic. Here is the 840’s box score as of October 2026.
| TOPIC | WHAT BUYERS SAY | MENTIONS |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Solid and well made | 276 |
| Adjust | Easy weight changes with the dial | 144 |
| Value | Good value vs buying six bells | 131 |
| Ease | Simple to use | 95 |
| Space | Saves a lot of floor space | 90 |
| Function | Works well for most moves | 82 |
| Variety | Lots of exercise options | 75 |
| Shape | Mixed: feels different from a classic bell | 66 |
The takeaway: a 4.8-star average from more than 7,700 buyers is outstanding for home gym equipment. The only mixed topic is ergonomics: the 840 is bulkier than a cast-iron kettlebell, so it feels different in some moves.
How does it compare with regular kettlebells?
A classic cast-iron kettlebell has a round body and a smooth handle. The Bowflex 840 has a wider, flatter body that holds the weight plates. For swings, goblet squats, rows, deadlifts and presses, that is fine for most people. For advanced moves like cleans, snatches and flows, where the bell rests on your forearm, many lifters prefer a traditional kettlebell. If you mostly do basic strength and conditioning, the 840 is a great space-saver. If you train advanced kettlebell sport moves, buy cast-iron bells.
Is 40 lb enough?
For most beginners and intermediate lifters, yes. Many women start swings around 12 to 16 kg (26 to 35 lb), and many men around 16 to 24 kg (35 to 53 lb). Strong men may outgrow 40 lb for swings and deadlifts, but it stays useful for presses, rows and single-arm work. Use our kettlebell weight calculator to find your starting weight.
Bowflex 840 vs the rivals
Bowflex SelectTech 840
Amazon Basics cast iron
PowerBlock Elite EXP| Bowflex 840 | Amazon Basics kettlebell | PowerBlock Elite EXP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Adjustable kettlebell | Fixed kettlebell | Adjustable dumbbells |
| Range | 8 to 40 lb | One weight each | 5 to 50 lb per hand |
| Best for | Small spaces, variety | Classic kettlebell moves | Dumbbell training |
| Amazon rating | 4.8★ (7,700+) | Check listing | 4.6★ (2,600+) |
Buying several cast-iron kettlebells gives the classic feel but takes more space. Adjustable dumbbells like the PowerBlock suit presses and curls better. See our best kettlebells and best adjustable dumbbells.
Best exercises with the 840
- Kettlebell swing (two hands): hips drive the bell, arms stay relaxed.
- Goblet squat: hold the bell at your chest and sit down between your heels.
- Single-arm row: one hand on a bench, row the bell to your hip.
- Overhead press: press one bell overhead, keeping your ribs down.
- Russian twist: seated, rotate side to side holding the bell.
- Deadlift: bell between your feet, hinge at the hips and stand tall.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Replaces six kettlebells
- Changes weight with a dial
- 4.8★ from 7,700+ buyers
- Saves floor space
Cons
- Bulkier shape than a classic bell
- Not ideal for cleans and snatches
- 40 lb max may be light for strong lifters
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840 worth it?
Yes, if you want kettlebell training at home without a row of bells on the floor. It is one of the best-rated pieces of home gym equipment on Amazon. Advanced kettlebell athletes and very strong lifters may still prefer traditional cast-iron bells.
The value math
Buying six separate cast-iron kettlebells (8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lb) usually costs more than one adjustable kettlebell, and they need a long stretch of floor or a rack. The 840 sits in one small footprint in its base. If you only ever need one or two weights, buying one or two classic kettlebells is cheaper. If you want to progress through several weights, the 840 is usually the better value.
Setting up and using the 840
- Place the base on a flat, level floor.
- Turn the dial to the weight you want and make sure it clicks fully into place.
- Lift the kettlebell straight up out of the base. The plates you do not need stay behind.
- To change weight, set the bell back into the base squarely, then turn the dial.
- Always return it to the base after your set, not on its side.
Some owners search for help when the bell sticks in the base. Keeping the base clean and level, setting the bell down straight and turning the dial fully to a setting usually prevents this. If problems continue, contact Bowflex support, as the product is covered by a warranty.
A 4-week beginner plan
| Week | Workout (3 days a week) |
|---|---|
| 1 | Goblet squat 3 × 10, two-hand swing 3 × 10, single-arm row 3 × 8 each side |
| 2 | Add 2 reps to each set, same weights |
| 3 | Move up one weight on swings and squats if form stays good |
| 4 | Add overhead press 3 × 6 each side and Russian twists 3 × 10 |
Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets. Warm up with 5 minutes of brisk walking or a jump rope, and stop any exercise that causes pain.
Who the 840 suits best
- Beginners: the lighter settings (8 and 12 lb) make it easy to learn form.
- Women: the range covers most swing, squat and press weights.
- Men: great for presses, rows and conditioning; strong lifters may want heavier bells for swings.
- Older adults: one compact unit is easier to store and use than several bells. Start light and ask a doctor if you have joint or back issues.
- Apartment dwellers: it replaces a whole rack of bells.
Kettlebell safety and form tips
- Hinge at the hips on swings; your arms guide the bell, your hips power it.
- Keep your back flat and your core braced.
- Do not let the bell drag you forward at the bottom of the swing.
- Train on a non-slip floor with space around you.
- Never drop the 840 from height; set it down under control.
Care and storage
Wipe the handle after sweaty workouts and keep the base free of dust and debris. Store it indoors in its base, away from damp garages and direct sunlight. Do not try to take the plates apart; the mechanism is designed to work as a unit.
Is it a good gift?
Yes. It is one of the most popular home fitness gifts because it saves space and suits many fitness levels. Pair it with an exercise mat and a workout guide for a complete starter kit. For more ideas, see our gifts for gym lovers.
Our final word
The Bowflex SelectTech 840 is one of the smartest buys for a small home gym. It gives you six kettlebells in the space of one, adjusts in seconds and has outstanding buyer ratings. Choose it for swings, squats, rows and presses, and add a classic cast-iron bell later only if you move into advanced kettlebell training.
Kettlebell training benefits
Kettlebells are popular because one tool trains strength, power and conditioning at the same time. Swings build the glutes, hamstrings and back while raising your heart rate. Goblet squats strengthen the legs and core. Presses and rows build the shoulders and upper back. Because many kettlebell moves use the whole body, short workouts of 20 to 30 minutes can be very effective, which makes the 840 a great fit for busy schedules.
How the 840 fits into a home gym
Many home gym owners build around a few versatile pieces. A good starter setup is an adjustable kettlebell like the 840, a set of resistance bands, a doorway pull-up bar and an exercise mat. Add a weighted vest for harder walks or a rowing machine for cardio. Together, these cover strength, conditioning and cardio in very little space.
Common questions before buying
Is it loud? The plates can clink a little when you set the bell down in the base, but in use it is quiet. Can two people share it? Yes, that is one of its biggest advantages: each person just turns the dial to their weight. Does the shape bother you? For most people doing swings, squats and rows, no. If you have trained with classic bells for years, it takes a few sessions to get used to the wider body. Is it durable? Buyers rate quality as the top positive topic. Treat it gently, return it to the base after each set and avoid drops.
Who should look elsewhere
If you compete in kettlebell sport, practise long cycles of snatches and jerks, or need 50 lb and above for heavy swings, a set of competition or cast-iron kettlebells will serve you better. Everyone else, especially people training at home in limited space, will find the 840 one of the most convenient pieces of equipment they own.
Tips for your first week
Start one or two settings lighter than you think you need. Kettlebell swings use your hips in a way many people are not used to, and it takes a few sessions to learn the hinge. Film yourself from the side with your phone to check that your back stays flat and your arms stay relaxed. Keep sessions short, about 15 to 20 minutes, and focus on clean, controlled reps. Once your form feels natural, move up one setting at a time. The beauty of the 840 is that the next weight is always just a turn of the dial away, so progress is easy to track week by week.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bowflex SelectTech 840 worth it?
Yes, for home workouts in small spaces. It replaces six kettlebells and has 4.8 stars from more than 7,700 buyers.
What weights does the Bowflex 840 have?
8, 12, 20, 25, 35 and 40 lb.
Can you do kettlebell swings with the Bowflex 840?
Yes. Swings, goblet squats, rows and presses all work well.
Is the Bowflex 840 good for snatches?
Its bulkier shape is less comfortable for cleans and snatches than a classic kettlebell.
Does it need the JRNY app?
No. The app adds guided workouts, but the kettlebell works without it.
Is 40 lb heavy enough?
For most beginners and intermediate lifters, yes. Strong lifters may want heavier bells for swings and deadlifts.
How we reviewed it
We did not test this product in person. This review is based on the manufacturer’s specs, the Amazon listing for every model and color, Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews, checked in October 2026, plus how it compares with the rivals listed above. No brand paid for this review, and prices and ratings change often, so check the current listing before you buy. Read our full method.
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