The Backstory
You may remember about a year ago, there were zero kettlebells to be found. As the pandemic hit, kettlebells were one of the first items to get snatched up as many were forced to work out at home as their gyms had closed. At this time, most kettlebells needed to be shipped from overseas, so the wait time was long for a number of reasons. Therefore, none were available.
Nevertheless, Rogue quickly got to work and soon released a couple of kettlebell options cast by Cadillac Casting, Inc who has made automotive parts for years in Northern Michigan. First, they released an E Coat option, and then came the Powder Coat.
In general, both of these are excellent kettlebell picks. You can’t go “too wrong” with either of these options. They are extremely similar, but one of them may be a better option for you. Let’s discuss.
What are the Differences?
As you can tell from a side-to-side picture, they are very similar. The primary difference is within each of their names. It’s how they are coated.
The E Coat has a smooth feel and is also going to limit basically all corrosion. The maintenance on this is going to be very little over time. The fit and finish of this type of kettlebell is superb. However, it’s not quite as “grippy” as a typical Powder Coat Kettlebell, although, it is still easy to grip.
With a rougher surface, the Powder Coat option will be a tad easier to grip, but it’s also going to get knicked up a little easier over time. While this won’t affect the functionality, it’s something to consider. For example, and this hurt to do, a video below shows how much easier it is to scratch the surface.
Therefore, it is likely that after a few years of home gym use, the Powder Coat version will continue to scuff up. The E Coat version will likely still look pretty new. The E Coat Kettlebell you see in the pictures is about 1 year old.
In addition, both use industrial-grade cast iron. Class 30 Gray Iron is used on 13 through 44 lbs (cast by Ocso industries in South Central Ohio) for the Powder Coat option, while ductile iron for 53 and up (Cadillac, Michigan). Rogue states that: “Cadillac’s use of single-piece ductile cast iron creates a kettlebell that is stronger and tougher than standard gray cast iron.”
Other Notes
Outside of the finish there are very little differences. Most other features have no noticeable difference.
- These two options are the only kettlebells Rogue sells that are made in the USA. The traditional Rogue Kettlebells, Competition, and Rubber Coated options are not.
- The prices are the same. Overall, they are competitively priced kettlebells.
- Both include a flat base, which makes it easy to store and pick up from the ground.
- Both can be paired with chalk to improve grip.
- Sizes range from 9-88 LB for E-Coat and 13-88 with the Powder Coat option. Therefore, if you need higher weights, you’ll have to get a different type.
- Handle diameter’s are the same: 1.2″ (13-18 LB), 1.4″ (26 LB), and 1.5″ (35LB-88 LB)
Conclusion
In the end, the E Coat option is probably the better long-term option for most home gym owners. While it’s not as grippy, the difference is minimal. Many would not tell the difference without having the other options side by side or have an extensive history with kettlebells. However, they are both solid Made in the USA options.
