Kettlebell sport · Equipment
Competition Kettlebells
Weights, colours and dimensions at a glance – with clear guidance for training and competition.
The main overview shows the IUKL technical requirements. You will find the WKSF specifications separately as a comparison for international competitions.
Uniform dimensions according to IUKL
| Feature | IUKL requirement |
|---|---|
| Total height | 280 mm · 28 cm |
| Body width | 210 mm · 21 cm |
| Handle diameter | Usually 35 mm IUKL requirement: 32–35 mm |
| Weight tolerance | maximum ±50 g |
| Applies to | Men, women and youth |
The 2025 IUKL edition specifies the same dimensions for all three groups. Different weights do not change the external size.
Competition kettlebells are often made of steel. Material, surface treatment and internal construction must also be checked for the specific model; the name “competition” alone does not mean it is approved for competition.
Recognising the weight: the IUKL colour code
Each colour stands for a weight. The weight and the RAL number complement the illustration.
RAL 3017
RAL 5005
RAL 1003
RAL 4008
RAL 6037
RAL 2004
RAL 3028
RAL 7004
RAL 9010
Screen colours are only approximations of the RAL colours. The IUKL table lists 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 and 40 kg. Additional training weights and their colours are not automatically defined by this table.
Which kettlebell you use in competition depends on discipline and category. Note the performance classes and the competition announcement.
International: WKSF comparison
For a WKSF competition, the WKSF requirements apply. They are not identical to the IUKL in every detail.
Show WKSF dimensions and colours
| Feature | WKSF |
|---|---|
| Height / body diameter | 280 / 210 mm |
| Handle diameter | 34 mm |
| Inner handle height | 55 mm |
| Further handle dimension in the original | 123 mm (“Distance from handle”) |
| Weight tolerance | ±100 g |
Colours according to WKSF: 8 kg blue, 12 kg brown, 16 kg yellow, 20 kg purple, 24 kg green, 28 kg orange, 32 kg red, 36 kg grey, 40 kg white, 48 kg gold.
The additional 123 mm dimension is not clearly labelled in the English document and is therefore not shown here as a dimensioned handle opening. Source: WKSF 2023–2027, July 2025 update, section 7.
Choosing the right kettlebell
Before buying, compare weight, handle size and design with your competition plans. If possible, train with the model you will use on the platform. Even with the same external dimensions, handle surface and weight distribution can feel different.
You can get competition kettlebells and accessories from PowerTeam.cc · Mark Dorninger.
Sources & rules version
IUKL: International Rules of Judging, valid from 01/01/2025, section 4.2–4.3, page 9. Original PDF checked for this overview.
WKSF: International Rules 2023–2027, July 2025 update, section 7, pages 8–9.
Research: September 2026. The overview summarises the versions mentioned. For a specific competition, the applicable competition announcement and later rule changes are binding.
