Weight plates are a must for strength training. You need them whether you’re a beginner or a pro lifter. The plates are the ones that give the resistance that helps in the building of muscles and getting stronger. There are several kinds of weight plates on the market and it is not easy to decide which ones are the right for your needs.
Initially, contemplate the material. Plates can be made from cast iron, rubber, or bumper plates for Olympic lifting. Besides, the size and weight should be taken into account. Various exercises require different amounts of weight. You will need to use different plate sizes for your whole workout routine. The kind of material and the various weights are the important factors when buying plates. Reflect on what will be the most effective for your strength training.
Top 3 Best Weight Plates
- CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Weight Plate Collection 45 LB Single Black
- Yes4All Cast Iron Ruck Plate
- Zoomster Hi Temp Bumper Plate
The correct weight plates are a necessity for your fitness routine – the proper equipment assists you in achieving your goals, be it whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete. We realize how significant this is. Therefore, we came up with a list of the best weight plates after investigating and testing a lot of possible choices. Our collection is made up of tough, all-round plates which will provide the right amount of weight for your requirements. Continue to read to discover the weight plates that will be suitable for your fitness journey – these plates will enable a phase-up of your training.
1. CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Weight Plate Collection 45 LB Single Black
If you are looking for a tough and dependable weight plate for your exercises, go through the CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Weight Plate Collection.
Pros
- The solid cast iron construction and baked enamel finish make this weight plate durable and long-lasting.
- The grip holes on the plate provide a secure grip during use, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries.
- The raised numbers on the plate make it easy to identify the weight size, even from a distance.
Cons
- The weight plate may be a bit heavy for some users, making it difficult to handle or move around.
- The black baked enamel finish may chip or scratch over time with heavy use.
- The price of the weight plate may be a bit higher compared to other similar products on the market.
This weight plate has proved to be strong and simple to use for us. The grip holes are the reason why it is easy to handle, even if your hands are sweaty. The increased numbers make it easier for you to quickly locate the weight you are looking for. Made from solid cast iron with a baked enamel finish, this weight plate is constructed to be durable for intense workouts.
The downside of the plate is that it is quite heavy, so it might be hard for some people to move. Moreover, the black finish might chip or scratch over the years, but this doesn’t have any impact on the functionality of the product.
In conclusion, we advise the CAP Barbell Olympic Grip Weight Plate Collection if you are looking for a strong and sturdy weight plate. It is a wonderful addition to any home gym or fitness center with its solid construction and simple grip holes.
2. Yes4All Cast Iron Ruck Plate
The Yes4All Cast Iron Ruck Plate is the best option for a tough and versatile weight plate that you will need.
Pros
- Constructed of heavy-gauge cast iron and covered with a Black paint coating finish, this ruck weight stands for years without corrosion or breaking apart.
- The plate features a wide grip handle to easily add and remove it from your ruck. The smooth, high-quality handle of the Ruck Weight provides a comfortable and secure grip during your workout.
- Each Ruck Weight is specially designed with four rounded edges to fit into standard laptop compartments or elastic interior pockets. Plus, the smooth-edge design protects the floor and surrounding equipment from damage.
Cons
- The plate is only available in one color and weight size.
- Some users may find the plate too heavy or too light for their needs.
- The plate may not fit all types of rucksacks or backpacks.
We have been using this plate for rucking and military training and it has been a great addition to our workouts. It is strong and well-made, with a wide grip handle that is easy to add and remove from our rucks. The round corners make it possible to store and carry it easily.
The Yes4All Cast Iron Ruck Plate is also useful for the hip and posture stability strengthening. The weight of the backpack places your shoulders and back in the correct position, thus, it can help you to have a good posture in your daily life. In summary, this weight plate is highly recommended for people who want to add some more resistance to their rucking or strength training workouts.
3. Zoomster Hi Temp Bumper Plate
If you are searching for a set of bumper plates that are robust, secure, and eco-friendly, then the Zoomster Hi Temp Bumper Plate set is a good option.
Pros
- Made of recycled vulcanized rubber and featuring two-inch stainless steel inserts, it is environmentally friendly, more durable and safer than steel plates.
- Compatible with 2″ weight barbells. These crumb bumpers all have the same standard diameter(17.5inches), you can mix and match to load your bar.
- Bouncy rubber plates allow you to drop a fully loaded barbell without damaging your equipment or floor. They are soft enough to eliminate the reverberating clang of steel.
Cons
- The 160 pounds Bumper Plate set comes in 2 separate packages and may not be delivered at the same time. Please wait patiently or contact us if you need further assistance.
- The 10lb plates may bend slightly if used alone.
- The plates may have a strong rubber smell when first opened.
For the past few months we have been using the Zoomster Hi Temp Bumper Plate set and we have been amazed with their performance. The crumb rubber design gives the best shock absorption, thus it is suitable for the high-intensity workouts where you need to drop the weights. The rubber material is softer than steel plates, and it also helps to protect the floor from damage.
The stainless steel inserts are a pleasant addition, ensuring a tight fit on the barbell. The plates are easy to load and unload, and the standard diameter guarantees the most 2″ weight barbell compatibility.
One thing to remember is that the 160-pound set is available in two separate packages and may not be delivered at the same time. Nevertheless, the seller offers superb customer service and will be at your service if necessary.
In general, the Zoomster Hi Temp Bumper Plate set is a perfect solution for those who want a durable, safe, and eco-friendly set of bumper plates. They are slightly more expensive than some other alternatives, however, the quality is worth the cost.
4. AboveGenius Cast Iron 2-Inch Olympic Weight Plates Set
If you are in need of a budget-friendly weight plate set for your home gym, then the AboveGenius Cast Iron 2-Inch Olympic Weight Plates Set is a good option to look into.
Pros
- The set includes 2X2.5lb, 2X5lb, and 2X10lb plates, providing a variety of options for your workout.
- All plates feature a durable, black powder coated finish to prevent rust and corrosion. They are also labeled in both LB and KG for easy recognition.
- The 2-inch Olympic center hole fits snugly against your Olympic bars or 2” dumbbell bars, making barbell squats, bench presses, and other workouts safer.
Cons
- Some customers have reported that the plates have a strong chemical smell when first unpacked.
- The plates may not be as accurate in weight as more expensive options.
- The set only includes a limited range of weights, so you may need to purchase additional plates if you require heavier weights.
From our point of view, the AboveGenius weight plates are a good choice for people who are on the lookout for a cheap option for their home gym. The plates are well-made and long-lasting, while the black powder coated finish makes them look sleek and professional. The 2-inch Olympic center hole fits perfectly into your barbell, thus, the workout is secure and safe.
The set has a variety of weights, thus enabling the users to do a lot of different exercises and workouts. Nevertheless, it should be mentioned that the set is limited to a few weights, thus, if you need heavier weights, you might have to buy extra plates.
In general, we would advise the AboveGenius Cast Iron 2-Inch Olympic Weight Plates Set for those who are in need of a cheap and dependable option for their home gym.
5. Marcy Classic Olympic Cast Iron Grip Plates
If you are searching for a high-quality weight plate for your home gym, the Marcy Classic Olympic Cast Iron Grip Plates are the ones to go for.
Pros
- The rust-resistant finish ensures that the plates will last for years of daily use.
- The grip pattern on the 10-, 25-, 35-, and 45-pound plates makes them easy to handle.
- The 2-inch center hole fits most Olympic weight bars.
Cons
- Sold individually, which can be more expensive if you need multiple plates.
- Some users may prefer weight plates with a rubber coating for quieter lifting.
- The plates can be quite heavy, making them difficult to move around.
We just bought the Marcy Classic Olympic Cast Iron Grip Plates for our home gym, and we have found them to be of high quality. The rust-resistant finish has proven to be quite durable and the absence of any wear or tear has been observed after several months of use. The grip pattern on the bigger plates is a nice thing since it makes them easier to manage when loading and unloading them from the bar.
The thing to remember is that these plates are sold separately, so if you want a whole set you’ll have to buy several plates. This can be more expensive than buying a set of plates, but it does give you the freedom to buy only the plates you need. Besides, if you are in search of weight plates that do not make a lot of noise when you lift, you may want to go for plates with a rubber coating.
In conclusion, we advise the Marcy Classic Olympic Cast Iron Grip Plates to anyone who is searching for a top quality weight plate for their home gym. They are strong, easy to use, and they fit most Olympic weight bars.
Buying Guide
One of the main points to be aware of when purchasing weight plates is to look at the factors that will help you select the best product for your needs. Here, we will discuss the important aspects to consider when buying weight plates.
Material
The composition of the weight plates is a key issue to look at. Weight plates can be made of different materials, for example, cast iron, rubber, and steel. Cast iron plates are strong and cheap, but they may rust in time. Rubber plates are noiseless and safe, but they are also costly. Steel plates are the most expensive ones but they are the most durable and the ones that last the longest.
Weight
Weight plates are available in various sizes and weights. Hence, you need to select the appropriate weight for your requirements. It is advisable to begin with a weight that is easy for you and then increase it as you become more powerful. Besides, it is essential to take into account the weight increments that are provided because some weight plates can only be increased in 5-pound intervals, while others can be increased in smaller ones.
Size
The dimension of the weight plates is another significant factor to take into account. Some weight plates may be too big for your barbell, and some may be too small. It is necessary to select weight plates that fit your barbell correctly to ensure safe and efficient lifting.
Durability
Durability is a significant factor that one should take into account when opting for weight plates. You need to select the weight plates that are made to last and can tolerate heavy use. Look for weight plates that are coated with a durable material or finish that does not rust or corrode.
Price
Price is always in mind when you are buying weight plates. Although the cheapest option may be tempting, it is necessary to think about the quality and the durability of the weight plates. Buying the best weight plates may seem expensive at first, but you will save money in the long run as these plates will last longer, and you will not need to buy new ones frequently.
Through the analysis of these main factors, when buying weight plates, you can be sure that you pick the one that best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main characteristics to consider in weight plates for a home gym?
While choosing the weight plates for a home gym, there are some main features to take into account. Firstly, check for plates that are made of materials that are strong and long-lasting, like cast iron or steel. Besides, look at the size of the plates and make sure they fit your barbell or weightlifting equipment. In addition to that, be aware of the weight increments offered, since having a range of choices will help you in your fitness journey.
What is the difference between weight plates with handles and traditional ones in terms of their usability?
The weight plates with handles are a useful choice for home gym users, as they facilitate the loading and unloading of the plates onto a barbell. Nevertheless, they may not be suitable for all kinds of equipment and can be costlier than the traditional plates. In the end, the decision between handles and the normal plates is based on the individual’s choice and particular needs.
What are the advantages of opting for Rogue weight plates as opposed to other brands?
Rogue weight plates are famous for their high-quality construction and durability, which is why they are the favorite among weightlifters. Besides, Rogue provides a large number of weight increments and styles, which, in turn, allows the users to personalize their workout experience. On the contrary, Rogue plates are more costly than other brands, therefore, you should think about your budget when buying them.
What are the factors that you should take into account while buying a weight plate set?
Before buying a weight plate set, think about the size and the amount of the weight increments of the plates, and also the general quality and the durability of the set. Moreover, take into account the type of equipment you’ll be using the plates with and make sure they are compatible. Last but not least, think about your budget and try to find a set that gives you the best price for your money.
What is the process of determining the weight plates’ strength and quality for deadlifting?
While assessing the longevity and the quality of weight plates for deadlifting, it is recommended to choose plates made from high-quality materials such as cast iron or steel. Also, check the plate’s construction, making sure that it is not cracked or has any defects. Lastly, check the weight increments and pick the plates that will help you in your deadlifting journey.
What are the factors that make the 45-pound weight plates more expensive?
The price of weight plates can be different due to a number of things, such as the materials used, the manufacturing process, and the brand. Besides, plates with higher weight increments, like 45-pound plates, may be more expensive since more material is used to make them. In the end, the price of weight plates is a matter of a compromise between quality and budget.