Our Take
The Onnit Primal Bell is a cast-iron kettlebell moulded into the shape of a great ape's head, available here at 16kg. It's aimed at lifters who want a conversation-starting piece of home gym kit without sacrificing functionality. It sits at the premium novelty end of the market, priced notably higher than standard competition-style bells of equivalent weight.
Key Features
Cast-iron construction with the ape-head design integrated into the mould, not added separately
16kg load, suitable for swings, goblet squats, Turkish get-ups, and most standard kettlebell movements
Single flat-bottomed base allows the bell to stand upright for storage
Handle diameter is comparable to a standard kettlebell, though the irregular head shape can affect rack position
Textured handle surface provides grip without being excessively rough on the palms
Available across a weight range; this 16kg sits mid-range in Onnit's Primal Bell line-up
Our Verdict
Buy this if you're kitting out a home gym, already own functional bells, and want something distinctive that will actually get used. If you're building a practical training toolkit on a budget, or prioritise competition-style technique, a standard cast-iron or competition bell at a fraction of the price is the smarter choice.
