If you’re looking to build out a gym (home or otherwise), you cannot overlook the classic gym must have: free weights.
Weight plates are the type of weight used to add poundage to your barbell or dumbbells. There are a few different things to think about when it comes to buying weight plates depending on your fitness goals and intended usage. Let’s break down the different options:
The main difference between olympic and standard plates is the size of the hole used to fix them to your barbell. Standard plates have a 1-inch diameter opening and Olympic plates have a 2-inch diameter opening.
Olympic plates are the most common style in today's day and age. Most barbells and plate loaded machines being manufactured are made for use with olympic plates.
Please read our full article comparing olympic plates vs standard plates for more information!
Cast iron or steel plates are old-school and the most commonly used weight plates. These are usually a cheaper choice. They are durable, but can rust, and are a great option for traditional bodybuilding workouts
Coated Iron & Steel plates will come covered with a thin layer of either rubber or urethane. This can be beneficial to prevent rust and scratches, and they are usually a little easier to grip and move around.
Rubber coating serves its purpose and is a fine option if you are storing your plates indoors. Urethane is a stronger, more durable material than rubber and is usually a bit more expensive.
Bumper plates (not to be confused with coated plates) have a much thicker protective covering and a steel core. These (usually brightly colored) plates are incredibly durable and can withstand being dropped. Bumper plates are great for workouts where weight is being lifted and dropped quickly - like olympic lifting and crossfit style movements (deadlifts!).
Industry standard tolerance is +/- 5% from the listed weight. There are plates that have tight tolerances, but this will come with a higher price.
For true accuracy when it comes to weight plates, the best option is to buy calibrated plates. As opposed to the other types of plates, these are built to be more true to weight. This accuracy becomes important if you are competing in powerlifting or weight lifting competitions.
For this reason, calibrated plates which are made with either cast iron or machined steel are typically used in competition or elite sports environments.
Change plates allow you to customize your lifting even further. These weigh less than regular weight plates, so that you can incrementally add more poundage. They're usually found in 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 or 1.00 (lb or kg) plates.
The amount of weight you want to lift and what features are important to you can help you determine the right weight plates to add to your gym.
No matter the type, weight plates are necessary to take your gym setup to the next level!
The OSB Cast Iron Olympic Weight Plate Sets by Body-Solid 255lb Set Includes: (2) 45lb. (2) 35lb. (2) 25lb. (2) 10lb. (4) 5lb. (2) 2.5lb. plates ...
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The Iso-Grip Urethane Plates by York Barbell York applied an ingenious innovation to the standard multi-hole grip plate and developed the “ISO-Gri...
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The Iso-Grip Urethane Olympic Plate Sets by York Barbell York applied an ingenious innovation to the standard multi-hole grip plate and developed...
View full detailsSynergee Color Bumper Plates - Singles and Pairs Our Synergee Bumper plates are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, we don’t charge you for ...
View full detailsSynergee Color Bumper Plate Sets Our Synergee Bumper plates are durable and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, we don’t charge you for shipping; we onl...
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The Armor Series Solid Urethane Olympic Plates by Intek Strength FEATURES Stainless steel center hub minimizes rust and corrosion Hard shore bla...
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The 2" Deep Dish Olympic Plates by York Barbell The York Barbell Deep Dish Olympic weight plates are attractive with their deep-set inner surface ...
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The OBPX Chicago Extreme Olympic Bumper Plates by Body-Solid Tools The Chicago Extreme Bumper Plates are the most durable plates in the Body Solid...
View full detailsThe OBPX Chicago Extreme Olympic Bumper Plates by Body-Solid Tools The Chicago Extreme Bumper Plates are the most durable plates in the Body Solid...
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The OBPXC260 260lb Chicago Extreme Colored Olympic Bumper Plate Set by Body-Solid The Chicago Extreme Bumper Plates are the most durable plates in...
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The ORST Rubber Grip Plate Set by Body-Solid Body-Solid Rubber Grip Olympic Plates surpass competitor’s weight plates in quality, accuracy, reliabi...
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The OST Cast Grip Plate Set by Body-Solid Fully-integrated, Quad-grip design guarantees safer and easier performance than any other plate on the m...
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The 2" Cast Iron Olympic Weight Plates by York Barbell The York Barbell Standard Olympic Weight Plates are the meat & potatoes of the York lin...
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The 2" Cast Iron Olympic Weight Plate Sets by York Barbell The York Barbell Standard Olympic Weight Plates are the meat & potatoes of the York...
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The OBPH USA Premium Olympic Bumper Plates by Body-Solid Body Solid Full Commercial / Premium Bumper plates are Made in the USA with recycled mate...
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Body-Solid Tools USA Premium Rubber Olympic Bumper Plates 260lb Set OBPH260 Body Solid Full Commercial /Premium Bumper plates are Made in the USA ...
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Kraft Raw Steel Cast Grip Olympic Plate Sets by Intek Strength | MADE IN USA Check out Intek Strength's newest product for 2022 - made in the USA,...
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Legacy Cast Iron Precision Milled Olympic Plates by York Barbell These plates carry the York Barbell legacy as well as a dedication to being preci...
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The Legacy Precision Milled Cast Iron Plate Sets by York Barbell These plates carry the York Barbell legacy as well as a dedication to being mille...
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The 230lb Cast Iron Olympic Plate Set by TDS Fitness Equipment This olympic plate set includes a pair of each weight from 10lbs to 45lbs. Made of...
View full detailsSynergee Cast Iron Weight Plates - Singles and Pairs Our Synergee Cast Iron Weight Plates are sleek and durable. Whether used on their own or lo...
View full detailsSynergee Cast Iron Weight Plate Sets Our Synergee Cast Iron Weight Plates are sleek and durable. Whether used on their own or loaded onto a barbe...
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The G2 Dual Grip Thin Line Rubber Encased Olympic Plates by York Barbell The G2 Thin Line Olympic Weight Plates feature an innovative interlocking...
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