7 Best Macebells For Powerful Workouts

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Macebells, also known as steel workout maces, are a powerful workout tool for strength, coordination, and balance. Find out what models are the best on the market.

Swinging around a macebell does not only feel and look impressive. It also offers a variety of health benefits. Choosing the right model benefits your workouts even more and allows you to do so for many years to come.

Best macebell picks

  1. Yes4All Steel Mace Bell
  2. Onnit Steel Mace
  3. Retrospec Steel Macebell
  4. SFS Steel Mace
  5. CAP Barbell Steel Mace Series
  6. Synergee Steel Mace
  7. Rogue Slater Slammer

Keep in mind that you may prefer certain features and dimensions over others. Sometimes macebells lower on the list are better for you personally. Additionally, brands can change their products and prices over time.

Most people want to start with a macebell of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) and invest in heavier models as they get stronger. Stronger men can choose a model heavier than this and weaker women can choose a model lighter than this.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of macebells. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Material, length macebells, grip texture, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
  • Price
  • Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best macebells reviewed in depth

On top of looking at the quick overview of the best macebells it can be helpful to review the specific models more in-depth.

By doing this you can be even more certain that your pick of choice is the best for your personal situation and training goals.

1. Yes4All Steel Mace Bell

The Yes4All Steel Mace Bell is great when it comes to the most important features does this at a budget-friendly price. Something where Yes4All stands out is the wide variety of weights available.

This means individuals who are new to macebell workouts can get a model with a low weight to get started. Strong individuals more experienced can get up to a 30-pound (13.6 kg) macebell.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Available in 7 different weights ranging from 5 – 30 pounds (0.45 – 13.6 kg)

Cons

  • A few shipping errors here and there

Macebells typically have a handle diameter of either around 1.26″ (3.2 cm) or around 1.5″ (3.81 cm). For reference, the diameter of a standard pull-up bar is typically around 1.25″ (3.18 cm).

The models with thicker handles will be more challenging when it comes to grip.

Up to 10 pounds (4.5 kg) the macebells from Yes4All have a 1.26″ (3.2 cm) diameter handle. Weights heavier than that come in 1.65″ (4.19 cm) diameter handles.

Additionally, the length of the Yes4All varies from weight to weight. The standard 10-pound model has a total length of 37.4″ (95 cm). This is relatively standard and basically what will be the best for most people.

Another area where the Yes4All Steel Mace Bells are relatively standard is the knurling. You have both a strap in the middle and at the end of the handle which can be useful for a variety of exercises.

One downside of the Yes4All macebells is that there are a few shipping errors here and there. These are typically damaged boxes and/or chipped macebells. This is definitely not desired but still allows you to get in a good workout.

2. Onnit Steel Mace

Onnit is an online fitness brand that offers a few equipment options like their steel maces. In this equipment category they are definitely one of the top options. When a brand has its name to defend this generally benefits the customers too.

In some cases brand names come at a steep price but this is not the case with the Onnit macebells. While they are not completely at the bottom of the list, the steel maces from Onnit are still relatively low-priced. Especially for their quality.

Pros

  • Relatively low priced
  • Onnit brand reputability
  • Available in 5 different weights ranging from 7 – 25 pounds (3.18 – 11.34 kg)
  • A lot of positive customer reviews

Cons

  • Product description does not mention the length and handle diameter of all macebells

Onnit offers 5 weights of macebells. These include 7, 10, 15, 20, and 25-pound (3.18, 4.54, 6.8, 9.07, and 11.34 kg) models.

The smallest macebell is 30.5″ inches (77.47 cm) long. This is relatively short but the other models are a lot longer up to 40.5″ (103 cm) for the 25-pound model.

A downside of these steel maces is that not all the specifics are mentioned in the product description. For example, there is no mention of handle diameters or the length of a few weights.

One customer does mention he/she loves the feel of the handle of the Onnit Steel Maces but many people would like to see more details before investing in a piece of fitness equipment.

Something that stands out is the high number and ratio of positive customer reviews. This will be partly due to fans of the Onnit brand but also without a doubt because of the quality of these macebells.

3. Retrospec Steel Macebell

Retrospec offers a variety of macebells in two different designs at seven different weights. Whether you are a complete macebell training beginner or someone looking to take it to the next level, you can find the best macebell for you.

At the time of writing, the prices of Retrospec are typically a bit higher than the Yes4All models. Even so, Retrospec is still one of the more budget-friendly options on this list.

In combination with the high ratio of positive customer reviews, the Steel Macebells from Retrospec are definitely an option to consider.

Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Available in 7 different weights ranging from 5 – 30 pounds (0.45 – 13.6 kg)
  • Very positive customer reviews

Cons

  • The handle of the 10-pound model is on the thicker side

Individuals more experienced can choose the weight they know they need. Individuals new to macebell training can start with the 10-pound Retrospec macebell and work up as they get stronger.

Slightly weaker individuals can start with the 5 or 7-pound (2.27 or 3.18 kg) models. Stronger individuals could consider the 15-pound (6.8 kg) model but keep in mind that this will be challenging.

The 5 and 7-pound macebells have a length of 27.5″ (70 cm). All the other weights from Retrospec have a 93 cm length. These shorter versions may be a bit too short for the average person but for lighter macebells this is relatively common.

Retrospec Steel Macebell customers are generally very happy. One customer mentions he/she loves the sturdy grip of the Retrospec models more than other macebell brands.

4. SFS Steel Mace

While they don’t have as many reviews as other brands, from the positive ratio it is clear that most customers really like the Steel Maces from SFS.

One potential downside or upside depending on your training goals is that the handle diameter of the typical 10-pound starting weight is on the larger side.

This will be more challenging for your grip (forearm) muscles. On the one hand, this can train these muscles more. On the other hand, this could shift the focus from shoulder strength and mobility to forearm strength.

People with smaller hands likely want to choose some of the macebells with a thinner handle or the 7-pound weight. For individuals with bigger hands or a desire to work grip strength a bit more, the other SFS models can be the right choice.

Pros

  • Available in 4 different weights ranging from 7 – 20 pounds (3.18 – 9.07 kg)
  • Positive customer reviews

Cons

  • The handle of the 10-pound model is on the thicker side
  • Not as field-tested as more popular brands

The length of the 10-pound SFS macebell is 40″ (101.6 cm). This is slightly below average but still more than enough for most people to get in a good workout.

A nice detail is that the people at SFS are confident in the quality of their products. They encourage potential customers to use their macebells to slam tires similar to a sledgehammer.

5. CAP Barbell Steel Mace Series

Pros

  • At the time of writing available in 3 different weights ranging from 7 – 20 pounds (3.18 – 9.07 kg)
  • Even heavier models have the compact 1.25″ (3.18 cm) diameter handle

Cons

  • A bit pricier than other models
  • At the time of writing the 10-pound model is not in stock

The Steel Mace Series from CAP Barbell do their job in their weight categories but they do this at an above-average price without really offering that many extra additional features.

Another downside is that at the time of writing, the generally recommended macebell weight of 10 pounds is not in stock.

Even if you would like the CAP Barbell brand enough to buy their macebell, you would have to go for weights that are not standard and not always ideal.

All in all, the CAP Barbell Steel Mace Series are likely still worth the health benefits their equipment offers. The thing is that most of the other options on this list will offer something similar or better at a lower price.

6. Synergee Steel Mace

Pros

  • Available in 7 different weights ranging from 5 – 35 pounds (3.18 – 15.9 kg)
  • At the time of writing only brand that offers a 35-pound (15.9 kg) model

Cons

  • Pricier than most of the other options

The Synergee Steel Maces are another model of macebells with a slightly thicker 1.6″ (4.06 cm) diameter handle. This will require more grip strength but also train this area of your fitness more.

Most people prefer the smaller macebell handles but this thicker grip could align with your training goals and/or the size of your hands.

One thing where Synergee stands out is that they offer the heaviest macebell weight at 35 pounds (15.9 kg). For the extremely strong veterans this could be what they need for their macebell workouts. Even if is for only a few specific exercises.

For lighter weights, most individuals want to choose some of the cheaper options of equal and higher quality.

7. Rogue Slater Slammer

Rogue Slater Slammer
Product image from Rogue Fitness

Pros

  • Rogue brand reputability
  • Adjustable weight from 25 – 53 pounds (11 – 24 kg) with sand or other filler material
  • Thicker part at the end for better grip

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No handle knurling
  • Thick handle with 1.9″ (4.8 cm) diameter

This last “macebell” is a relatively unusual option from Rogue. The first reason for this is that this macebell is adjustable. You can screw off the top and add or remove filler weight like sand to adjust it.

Secondly, the handle of the Rogue Slater Hammer is really thick compared to most other macebells at 1.9″ (4.8 cm) diameter.

Additionally, the starting weight of this piece of fitness equipment is 25 pounds (11 kg). That is more than most normal people will be able to use for a macebell workout.

The only “normal” aspect of this macebell is its length. 37.5″ (95.3 cm) is relatively standard when it comes to macebells.

As you may notice, this Rogue Slater Slammer is not normal and not for normal people. If you want to be able to use this maceball you will need uncommon shoulder and grip strength, uncommon skills, and a high budget.

How do you choose a macebell?

At a first sight, the different macebell brands can look very similar. However, by taking a more in-depth look at a few key features it becomes easier to choose the best macebell for your personal situation. Some of these include:

  1. Length of the macebell: Macebells are made for swinging and the length of this equipment will influence how this feels a lot. The exact optimal length will vary from person to person but generally a length of around 40 inches (102 cm) allows you to start with your hands closer to the ball and hold the handle farther away as you get stronger and more skilled.
  2. Weight: One of the most important things about choosing a macebell is going for the right weight. Many people underestimate the challenge of a macebell compared to something like dumbbells of the same weight. Due to the swinging and leverage, you generally want to start with a low weight and build up from there.
  3. Handle thickness: The thickness of the macebell handle influences in what ratio you work your muscles. Thicker handles work your grip (forearm) muscles more than thinner handles. The ideal diameter depends on your fitness goal and hand size.
  4. Material: Some macebells come with plastic parts. While these can be slightly cheaper in the short term, you pereferably want a steel macebell for long term durability.
  5. Grip texture: The handles of macebells are typically knurled (engraved) to improve your grip. How much area of the handle is knurled and how deep influences how comfortable and sturdy your grip is. This is especially important if your hands tend to get sweaty during macebell workouts.

By taking a closer look at these areas in the macebells you can choose the model that is the best for you.

FAQ

What weight macebell should I start with?

Most people want to start with a macebell of 10 pounds (4.5 kg). Strong men can start with one model heavier and weak women with one model lighter. As you get stronger and more skilled you can consider heavier macebells.

This is likely less than you would expect but because of the rotation momentum and leverage, the best starting weights are very different from traditional fitness equipment like dumbbells.

What do you use a macebell for?

Macebells are typically used for specific macebell exercises but also can be used as resistance in more standard exercises. The specific macebell exercises are typically focused on improving shoulder strength, shoulder mobility, and coordination.

What does macebell training do?

Macebell training can mainly help you improve your shoulder strength, shoulder mobility, and coordination. Additionally, macebell training works other muscles like the ones in your core a nice amount.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.