Why You Can Trust CNET JaxJox KettlebellConnect review: Six-in-one smart kettlebell gets you ripped and saves space, too
The adjustable JaxJox KettlebellConnect ranges from 12 to 42 pounds -- all in a single kettlebell.
If you're serious about home kettlebell workouts, the JaxJox KettlebellConnect presents a unique space-saving alternative to the half-dozen different weights you'd otherwise have littering your floor. Not only is this a six-in-one weight system, but it also has a related JaxJox app that automatically logged my reps, sets, pounds lifted and the total time I spent using the kettlebell.
I even paired my Fitbit to the app, where it tracked my steps, calories burned and miles traveled for a more complete picture of my
fitness
(this was somewhat hit-or-miss, which I'll discuss more later on).
My main hesitation is the price. This thing costs a whopping $349 -- the same as Apple's overpriced HomePod smart speaker. That said, a quick perusal of Amazon shows that kettlebells don't always come cheap. Some cost just $12 each, while others cost $65 or more. So if I split the difference and say $30-$40 is a rough average cost of a single kettlebell, $349 doesn't seem quite as ridiculous.
JaxJox KettlebellConnect
The Good
The Bad
The Bottom Line
Overall, the KettlebellConnect is a clever compact gadget that makes weight lifting goals easier to manage via the app. It's well worth consideration if you're a fan of kettlebell workouts... just don't bank on a reliable Fitbit integration.
At a glance, KettlebellConnect is, well, just one kettlebell nestled in a rechargeable, battery-powered base.
But if you press the plus or the minus button on the base, weight cylinders inside attach to the kettlebell -- or drop off the kettlebell -- in 6-pound increments. KettlebellConnect ranges from 12 to 42 pounds, which gives you six weights in one.
An automation plays on the small display screen as the KettlebellConnect adds or drops weights.
JaxJox claims the kettlebell will last about 14 hours on one charge; I found that to be about right during my testing. You can always keep it connected to power 24/7, too, if you don't want to bother with a draining battery.
There's also a free JaxJox app. Enter details about your level of fitness and create daily and weekly weight lifting goals for yourself.
It successfully tracked my kettlebell stats for the week, but struggled to log my daily steps via the Fitbit integration.
Note that you have the option to buy a compatible JaxJox heart rate monitor and smart scale, too, if you want JaxJox to track your health even more closely. I didn't use these devices during my testing.
The app is straightforward enough, if not a little bare bones. One tab in the list of menu items says "workout videos," but there's only a short promo video for KettlebellConnect and other advertisements on the page. Instead I turned to YouTube for inspiration and I suggest you do the same if you're just getting started with kettlebell workouts.
The JaxJox app didn't always update my Fitbit steps, either. Some days it would say I didn't walk at all (when I clearly had).
Everything else went smoothly. Whenever I finished a workout, I'd set the kettlebell back in its base and the app would update instantly with my new workout stats. Make sure you place the kettlebell down firmly enough that you hear a beep, though. It won't connect correctly otherwise and then it won't log your stats.
Yes, the app could use a little work, but I had a lot of fun testing out KettlebellConnect. And unlike ClassPass Live, Mirror, and the Peloton Bike and Tread, there's no monthly subscription built-in to using this thing. It's a simple, convenient six-in-one weight you can use easily at home.