JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 review: Paired with its companion app, JaxJox’s smart kettlebell offers coaching smarts as well as interchangeable weights…
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JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0
BUY IT NOW:
$249.99 / £250 (subscription $24.99 / £24.99 per month), jaxjox.co.uk
Pros:
- Decent top weight
- Counts reps, sets and weight
Cons:
- Bulky with a big footprint
- Hardware and premium app are pricey
Grip: 4/5
Comfort: 4/5
Weight range: 4/5
OVERALL: 4/5
Another space-saving selectable kettlebell that’s great if you’re tight on room, the JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 works much the same as the Bowflex Selecttech 840, with a hard plastic shell that houses a set of interchangeable weight plates. But unlike most cast-iron kettlebells, this one also has a brain that brings your swing training to life. So it’s a kettlebell and a coach.
JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 features
The JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 packs motion sensors inside that not only track reps, sets and power, but let you follow complete drill-by-drill workouts on your smartphone, or join on-demand coach-led classes, tracking stats as you go. You’ll have to pay a Peloton-style premium to access all of them, though.
It will also spit out a FitnessIQ score, which is essentially just a number that goes up the more you train. However, it’s a good way to benchmark your weekly progress and incentivise your workouts.
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The weight options are slightly heavier than the Bowflex across the range. They shift up initially in 3kg and then 2.5kg increments and include six weights: 5.5, 8.5, 11, 13.5, 16.5 and 19kg. The automatic switching at the press of a button is a shade easier than the Bowflex, too.
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Like the Bowflex, the JaxJox KettlebellConnect 2.0 is notably bulky. That means it’s sometimes more awkward to use and doesn’t feel as natural as your regular kettlebell alternatives. That may be a trade-off worth making for the connected smarts and space-saving gains, but if you’re a beginner the heft and shape might work against you. On the plus side, the handle is wide enough for double-handed drills and offers a good non-slip grip.
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The other thing to note is that the JaxJox needs power for the selection and smart training features, so you need to stow it near a plug. You will get around 14 hours of training time on a single charge, though.
