Are cast-iron or competition (steel) kettlebells better?

Across the reviewers we read, cast-iron bells like the Amazon Basics and REP Fitness models are praised as durable, affordable, and ideal for general training and swings, while their size grows with weight. Competition-style steel bells such as the Bells of Steel keep a uniform size and handle across all weights, which specialist communities say matters most if you train cleans, snatches and consistent technique. Beginners generally do fine with cast iron; serious or competitive lifters tend to prefer steel.