What weight kettlebell should a beginner buy?

Consensus across r/kettlebell and mainstream fitness coverage points to 12 kg (~26 lb) and 16 kg (~35 lb) for most men, and 8 kg (~18 lb) and 12 kg for most women, as the practical starting bells for swings and goblet squats. Lighter 5–15 lb sets are useful for pressing and Turkish get-ups but get outgrown quickly on ballistic movements.