Clubbells vs macebells – compare steel Indian clubs and steel mace for functional training

Confused about the difference between Indian clubs and steel macebells? Not sure which one is best for your training goals? Here’s everything you need to know about macebells vs clubbells.

What are steel Indian clubs aka clubbells

Indian clubs – sometimes called “clubbells” – are a functional fitness tool based on Indian clubs that were introduced to the UK in the 19^th century. These ancient versions were used first as a weapon, then as a training tool for armies and athletes, before eventually being used as an Olympic sport.

Our Steel Indian clubs are designed to feel instinctively good to hold, rotate, and swing for a range of functional movements.

What is the steel mace aka macebells?

Macebells or steel maces belong to the same functional fitness tool family as Indian clubs but have some significant differences in design. Whereas Indian clubs have more of a tapered shape, macebells have a thinner handle ending with a round ball shape. This gives macebells their distinctive uneven weight distribution which encourages the body to constantly adjust and counterbalance the weight.

Our steel mace macebells are built to feel great in the hands and give you access to a vast range of unconventional workouts and exercises.

Are clubbells and macebells the same thing?

No, clubbells and macebells are not the same thing. Clubbells are Indian clubs, with a handle that tapers away to a club shape. Macebells are steel maces, with a straight long handle that ends in a small round ball. Both our clubbells and macebells are made from super strong welded steel, with a matte black finish for the ultimate in quality, hand feel, and workout results.

Differences between Indian clubs and steel mace's

Given that Indian clubs and steel mace macebells are different tools, should you choose one over the other or can you use both? We think Indian clubs and steel maces both have a legit place for functional fitness, strength training, rehab, or to support more niche training styles.

Both of them give you a training stimulus you just won’t get from more regular forms of strength or resistance training like barbells, dumbbells or even other unconventional tools like kettlebells and sandbags.

The main difference is in the shape and design, which translates into a different feel as you swing or rotate the tool. Indian clubs are tapered, so the weight is more evenly distributed down the handle. Macebells have the majority of the weight concentrated in the ball at the end, making it less even especially when you rotate the mace around.

How to choose between Indian clubs and macebells

In an ideal world, you’d have access to Indian clubs and steel maces for your training. And ours are so affordable that maybe you can! But if you really need to choose, here’s what we think.

Macebells are great for working on joint mobility (especially shoulders), muscular awareness, and balance as you build strength. You can easily build a full body flow using macebells because they lend themselves well to swinging and rotational movements. They’re a truly unique tool that will give you a completely different kind of workout.

Indian clubs are great for building mobility alongside functional strength, and are a better direct swap for strength tools like a kettlebell. They can be used for strength exercises or for movement-based flows and are a good choice for prehab, rehab and warm ups as well as your main workouts.

Why are Indian clubs and steel mace good for functional training

Both options are a really amazing way to target muscles and movement patterns that are often neglected in more traditional workouts and training styles. Indian clubs and steel macebells both instinctively encourage you to work the shoulder joints, core, torso, and thoracic spine using flowing, rotational exercises.

If you want more mobility, better joint health, better range of motion, and a natural way to rehab after injury then one of these tools should definitely be in your training collection. And given that Gravity Fitness steel mace macebells start at 4kgs and Steel Indian clubs start at 2kgs, we've got an option for every level.

Best quality Indian clubs and steel macebells next day delivery

Convinced that you need one or both for your home gym or on-the-go training collection? Don’t just take our word for it – you can read glowing reviews (and more ideas of how to use) on our online store. Check out our Indian steel clubs and steel macebells to see what we mean.