Become a Workout Warrior with the Best Steel Maces

When involved in strength training, there’s something primally satisfying about moving heavy weight. The rush of adrenaline from lifting a massive deadlift or bench pressing a new PR keeps us hungry for more and more progress. Functional strength equipment, like kettlebells, can also provide that warrior-like boost as you swing and press those primitive instruments for set after heart-pounding set.

Steel maces — or macebells — are another fantastic fitness accessory, providing an asymmetrical load that can target multiple muscle groups for a truly dynamic routine. With looks that harken back to the days of the caveman, these elongated clubs can be the perfect ingredient for total-body training. However, not every macebell hits with the same gusto. Here are our picks for the best steel maces to add to your fitness regimen.

The Benefits of Training with Steel Maces

Much like the aforementioned kettlebells, the benefits of training with steel maces lies in the equipment’s unbalanced structure. The weight is concentrated at the balled end of the shaft, while you grip the functional fitness accessory along the knurled handle. Controlling this unbalanced weight requires multiple muscle groups to work cohesively, making macebells optimal for dynamic training.

Additionally, macebell exercises can help you improve grip strength as you clasp onto the knurled handle throughout the prescribed exercises. Your forearm flexors and extensors are constantly challenged as you work through different modalities, and the overall thickness of the steel mace lends itself to better grip training.

Lastly, because of the dynamic composition of macebell exercises, training with these fitness accessories can also double-up as a form of cardio. When flowing through movements, your heart will increase, giving your workouts a, ahem, double-edged sword approach.

What to Look for When Choosing a Steel Mace

When searching for a steel mace to add to your exercise routine, the first factor to consider is the equipment’s weight. Macebells range from 5–30 pounds, typically, but don’t think you need a heavier weight to push your training progress. The unbalanced nature of macebells puts a different strain on your body, and if you’re brand-new to the discipline, a lightweight model could be more than a challenge. A good starter weight is around 10 pounds.

Next, you want to look at the grip featured on your steel mace. Most macebells feature a diamond knurling, similar to a standard barbell. This is designed to dig into your palms for better weight security.

Lastly, the most durable macebells are made of steel and cast iron, but there are rubberized and plastic options available. While these options can be cheaper, we’d recommend going for the more durable metal silhouettes.

Courtesy

BEST OVERALL STEEL MACE

Set for Set Steel Mace

• $40.00 at setforset.com

If you’re looking to re-energize your functional training, the Set for Set Steel Mace is our go-to pick. We appreciated the split knurling system that allowed for easier hand placement, and the matte black powder coating gives it that aggressive, ready-to-work aesthetic. The handle is slightly thicker than other macebells, though, which could be a problem for those with smaller appendages.

Onnit

BEST UPGRADE STEEL MACE

Onnit Steel Mace

• $40.00 at Onnit

Onnit makes fitness equipment with attitude — just look at their Primal Kettlebells. The brand’s lineup of steel maces carries on this aesthetic thanks to a fully-knurled handle providing excellent grip. The knurling is aggressive enough for ample security, but won’t tear up your hands. Plus, Onnit has a plethora of workout how-to’s through the Onnit Academy to get you started in mace training.

Amazon

BEST BUDGET STEEL MACE

Yes4All Steel Mace Bell

• $31.00 at Amazon

If you don’t want to break the bank with your first steel mace, this 10-pound option from Yes4All can provide plenty of functional training opportunities, all at a smaller hit to your wallet. Split knurling grip gives you multiple hand placement options, and the one-year warranty ensures confidence if your training gets a little too intense for the device itself.

Amazon

BEST STEEL MACE WITH FULL KNURLING

Retrospec Steel Macebell

• $34.00 at Amazon

Don’t fret about losing your grip with this effective steel mace. The diamond pattern is present through a majority of the handle, allowing you to mix up your grip without fear of lessened security. The all-steel design of this Retrospec mace indicates exceptional durability, too, so plan to keep this training tool in your arsenal for quite some time.

Amazon

BEST STEEL MACE FOR BEGINNERS

Synergee Steel Mace

• $72.00 at Amazon

With highly-visible white labeling and a split-knurl design, the Synergee steel mace can be a great introductory tool for this functional training discipline. While we’d like to see a more aggressive knurling for our taste, this macebell offers the widest range of weights from 5–40 pounds, giving you a variety of resistances to choose from for your personal training needs.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, the 10-pound macebell is sold out. The price shown represents the 15-pound model.

Amazon

BEST THIN-HANDLED STEEL MACE

CAP Barbell Steel Mace Series

• $52.00 at Amazon

For smaller-handed athletes, we recommend the CAP Barbell steel mace series. As makers of some of the most trusted fitness equipment, we appreciate CAP’s attention to detail in the dry powder coat finish and diamond knurling. Plus, the heat fusion coupling method used in manufacturing promotes exceptional durability.

Editor’s Note: At the time of publication, only the 15-pound macebell is available.

Onnit

BEST STEEL CLUBS

Onnit Steel Clubs

• $56.00 at Onnit

Steel clubs can add even more versatility to your mace training, and we really appreciated the quality hammered into this paired set from Onnit. With a different center of gravity than other steel maces, we were able to mix up our training effectively without any fear of grip loss or security. The powder-coated finish ensures durability, and the high contrast lettering makes it easier to identify the club weight before use.

Amazon

BEST SLEDGE HAMMER MACEBELL

Tribe WOD Sledge Hammer

• $190.00 at Amazon
  $216.00 (12% off)

Sometimes you just need to hammer out your training, and what better tool than a sledge hammer? This fitness accessory from Tribe WOD beefs up the typical construction equipment thanks to a rubberized head that can withstand slams without the need for a tire. The standard model weighs 25 pounds, but for added intensity, Tribe WOD also makes add-on weights so you can cater your resistance to your liking.

Related Topics