Ultimate Bumper Plates Guide: All You Need To Know Before Buying

If you’re thinking about adding bumper plates to your home gym but you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place because in this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before buying them.

Bumper plates are a fantastic investment for anyone that’s serious about lifting. You can safely drop them from overhead, so they’re ideal for Olympic lifts and intense training sessions. It can be hard to choose the correct ones because there are so many options on the market, but we’ll let you know what to look out for. And, hey, if you don’t feel like doing any research, we even have a recommendation for you!

Ready to learn how to find your ideal bumper plates?

What Are Bumper Plates?

Bumper Plates are round weights with insert holes in the middle, primarily used in combination with a barbell for weightlifting and similar exercises.

Most commonly they’re made of some form of rubber due to the material’s natural shock absorption properties, as bumper plates are meant to be safe to drop to the floor during lifts, such as the Snatch, Clean & Jerk, Overhead Presses and similar.

Compared to traditional iron plates, they also create less noise and potential damage on the floor and barbell when dropped. This makes them much safer and more convenient to use in general compared to plates made from other materials, such as metal or concrete.

Bumper plates typically follow a standardized sizing meant to fit on Olympic barbells, so they’re quite convenient to buy without having to worry about getting the correct size. They come in a range of weight choices, with most manufacturers making options from 5 lbs to 45 lbs.

Sometimes they’re even color coded for easy recognition, especially if they’re meant to be used in competitions.

There are almost no downsides to bumper plates compared to metal ones, except perhaps the higher on-average price and requiring more storage space due to their size.

Types Of Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are most commonly categorized by their build material or intended use.

1. Bumper Plates By Material

The three most common materials seen in bumper plates include:

• Rubber Bumper Plates

The most common type of weight plates. Typically made from a steel or iron core that’s fully encased in solid rubber for protection. They’re designed to be durable and impact absorbent, to make them safe to drop.

They come in various quality and price ranges, from everyday budget home options to premium professional equipment. This purchase diversity makes them quite cost-effective, making them a common choice regardless of athlete level and intended workouts.

• Urethane Bumper Plates

These bumper plates are made of a high-density polyurethane material commonly called Urethane, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. Compared to rubber plates, Urethane plates have a smooth surface that’s non-absorbent and easy to clean, and they don’t have the common rubberized smell.

Urethane bumper plates are, on average, of higher quality than rubber plates, and less likely to crack or chip from wear and tear.

However, they can be noticeably more expensive and, unless you’re a serious competitive lifter, many people may not find their benefits to outweigh the cost compared to rubber bumper plates.

• Crumb Bumper Plates

Crumb plates are made from a mix of recycled rubber. They can easily be told apart from regular rubber plates based on their rugged texture. Crumb plates can be less durable than other types of bumper plates, but they provide excellent shock absorption and bounce if dropped.

However, due to their textured surface, they tend to chip and break easier than regular bumper plates. That said, they’re also the cheapest bumper plate options on average.

• Rubber-Sleeve Metal Plates

A solid steel or iron disc covered in a single protective rubber strap. On average more expensive than other bumper plates, but also tends to last longer due to the nature of the materials. However, dropping it is not as safe as regular rubber or urethane plates.

2. Bumper Plates By Intended Use

• Standard Training Plates

Standard bumper plates are designed for training in gyms and fitness facilities, where they may be used by athletes of various experience levels for different workouts. They are typically made of rubber, Urethane, or crumb and can come in a range of weights, usually from 10 lbs to 45 lbs.

Most commonly they’re made in black with contrasting letters. Although many manufacturers make them to fit a standard Olympic measurements, they’re not subjected to standardization of weight and size or quality. For this reason, they come in various prices, from affordable cheap plates to premium Olympic plates.

• Competition Bumper Plates

Often referred to as Olympic Bumper Plates, they’re designed to meet specific weight and size standards set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) for use in lifting competitions.

Most commonly, they’re made of higher quality rubber, such as the styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) plates used in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. This does, however, make them more expensive than commercial rubber bumper plates. They also have to be color-coded by weight in the following order:

• Red – 55 Lbs
• Blue – 45 lbs
• Yellow – 35 lbs
• Green – 25 lbs
• White – 10 lbs

Some lightweight competitions also include:

• Light Blue – 5 lbs
• Light Green – 2.5 lbs
• White – 1.25 lbs

• Technical Bumper Plates

As the name suggests, Technique Bumper Plates are designed primarily for practicing competitive lifting techniques. They’re usually the same size and dimensions as competitive plates, but they’re much lighter, including 5 lbs, 2.5 lbs, and 1.25 lbs options.

Technique plates are excellent for beginners and athletes practicing their lifting form, but they’re also very good for steadily increasing your maximum lift capacity.

Bumper Plates vs Traditional Iron Plates — What are the Differences?

1. Material

Bumper plates are made of various forms of rubber depending on their quality, while traditional plates are made out of cast iron.

2. Versatility

The main advantage of bumper plates is their ability to safely be dropped when necessary without breaking the plate, damaging the floor, and risking athlete injury.

This alone puts bumper plate versatility much higher than traditional iron plates.

3. Safety

Bumper plates were intentionally designed to be safer to use than iron plates. Compared to cast iron, which is a stiff material, rubber has elastic properties that offer natural shock absorption.

This makes them safer to drop as they will cause less damage to the floor and other equipment, such as the barbell.

Bumper plates are a necessity when performing competitive lifts that often result in the athlete dropping the weights, and are generally safer to handle than iron plates for similar reasons.

4. Convenience

Bumper plates make significantly less noise than iron plates, both when in motion and especially if dropped.

Iron plates tend to make a clunking noise when rotating, which can be quite distracting when working out, and may affect the people around you, especially if you work out at home. Additionally, iron plates can transfer vibrations created by exercise motion, which can shake the barbell.

5. Sizing

Most bumper plate manufacturers follow a set sizing and weight standard set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). The outer diameter for bumper plates is set at 450 mm (17.72 inches), while the inner circle diameter is 50 mm (1.97 inches), which is meant to easily fit on 1.9-inch sleeves of a typical weightlifting barbell.

The thickness of the plates can vary between manufacturers, but generally, the heavier the plate is, the thicker it will be. Traditional iron plates are typically made to fit standard 1-inch thick barbells, so a majority of them won’t even fit on your Olympic-sized barbell.

There are also no general rules on the size of iron plates.

This can make it difficult to switch them between exercises – especially if you’re dealing with multiple sets from different manufacturers – as their visual representation may not be as clear compared to standardized bumper plates.

6. Cost

Although they edge out iron plates in almost every performance and convenience metric, bumper plates tend to be more expensive due to a higher cost of materials and a more complicated manufacturing process.

What To Look For in Bumper Plates?

1. Material Quality

Material quality is an important consideration when selecting bumper plates. Bumper plates are typically made from rubber or urethane, which can affect their durability, and performance, and impact their price. Rubber bumper plates are a popular choice because they are relatively affordable and offer good shock absorption.

Urethane is the most common material in premium bumper plates, as it’s more resistant to chipping, cracking, and fading. However, urethane plates are also more expensive than rubber ones, which may make them less accessible for some budgets.

The lower-quality cheapest bumper plates may release a strong odor and are not as durable as urethane ones. This doesn’t mean that all urethane plates are exclusively better than rubber ones, as different quality rubber also exists. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games used weight plates made from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR).

The safety of bumper plates is also impacted by the material quality. Low-quality bumper plates may crack or break when dropped, which can be dangerous for the lifter and damage the floor or equipment.

2. Ease Of Use

Most bumper plate manufacturers make standardized Olympic and Functional fitness bumper plates so that their products can be easy to use, fit in kinds of sports and fitness facilities, and feel familiar to everybody from beginners to professionals.

This standard sizing allows athletes to easily memorize their weight capacity and visually pick out plates without having to look around for weight indicators on them.

Even plate size allows you to easily swap them out. All of this results in a smoother, more streamlined workout experience.

While iron plates are typically smaller in outer diameter which can make them easier to carry around, bumper plates are made from rubber or urethane that will reduce noise and absorb impact if dropped.

These safety features are particularly important in athlete groups that tend to drop weights the most, such as beginners and those pushing for maximum, and are all but necessary for competitive lifters.

3. Durability

A bumper plate set is typically more expensive than traditional iron plates, so you want to make sure you invest in high-quality plates that will last a long time. To judge each set’s durability, we compared them to our own experience and considered other bumper plate reviews from our colleagues, since we all have different athletic needs that give us different perspectives.

Bumper plates are designed to absorb impact when dropped, which will naturally result in wear and tear over time. Low-quality bumper plates may crack or break, which can be dangerous for the lifter and can also damage gym floors and equipment.

To make sure your set lasts, look for bumper plates made from high-quality rubber or urethane materials and check that they meet the correct size and weight standards.

It may also be worth investing in more expensive plates if the workouts you aim for naturally result in dropping the barbell more often, such as when performing competitive lifts.

While durability is arguably the most important factor to consider when purchasing bumper plates, this may not be the case for everyone.

If your intended exercises don’t involve dropping the weights often, if at all, then you may not need to overstress about durability and instead look for other plate characteristics.

4. Versatility

Due to their safety features and standardized sizing, bumper plates are used in all kinds of fitness training – including Olympic weightlifting, Functional fitness, and more.

Olympic lifting exercises, the Snatch and Clean & Jerk, and similar exercises involve lifting heavy weights overhead and often result in dropping the barbell to the ground, which is where the shock-absorbing properties of the bumper plates come into play.

Bumper plates are commonly used in Functional fitness workouts too, as they can not only be used for lifting, but also for high-intensity exercises such as weighted burpees, push-ups, and box jumps, for example.

If you perform exercises such as squats or deadlifts, bumper plates are a good choice if you want to protect your gym floor and barbell from occasional drops.

However, a bumper plate set can be used for so much more than just traditional weight exercises. You can use a weight plate as an elevated platform or stepping stone for various cardio exercises. A lighter-weight plate can be ideal for practicing mobility through exercises such as Halos or side rotations.

You can bump the intensity of many exercises by simply holding on to a bumper plate to create weight resistance – for example, weighted dead bugs, side bends, single-leg deadlifts, etc.

5. Weight Tolerance

Bumper plate weight tolerance refers to the degree to which the actual weight of the plate matches weight stated by the manufacturer. No pair of bumper plates can have technically the exact same weight, so minimal deviation is expected. In general, bumper plates manufacturers are allowed to have a weight tolerance of plus or minus 1% of their stated weight to appeal to pass a quality standard.

For example, a 45lb bumper plate should weigh between 44.55lbs and 45.45lbs.

This tolerance is important for ensuring that athletes can accurately track the amount of weight they are lifting, as having plates with noticeable weight difference is at best inconvenient, but also increases risk of injury.

6. Value for Money

To judge each set of plates for their value for money, the main consideration was how they perform compared to similar products in that price range. It is to be expected that a more expensive set of weight plates will be of higher quality than the cheapest bumper plates.

However, even cheaper plates can have great ROI, so they get perfect 10s in the value category.

Ultimately, value for money ultimately comes down to your personal needs. If you plan on doing exercises where dropping your barbell is common, trying to save up on weight plates can easily cost you more in the long run, since even the best budget bumper plates will break more easily. In this case, buying premium competition bumper plates will cost you more upfront, but will prove to be a better long-term investment.

However, if you intend on using them for exercises that won’t see you dropping weights too often, buying an expensive bumper plate set can be an unnecessary waste of money.

These are Olympic bumper plates that follow a standardized sizing set for competitive weightlifting with 450 mm (17.7) in outer diameter and a 2-inch diameter insert hole in the middle.

The insert hole is covered in a steel ring that protects the barbell sleeves and lets you easily slide the weights on and off. The plates are made of Virgin rubber, which is more durable and smoother on the surface than regular rubber. It also provides a naturally low bounce, which will protect the barbell and floor even if you drop them.

When first unpacked, they do have a slight rubbery smell, but the manufacturer recognizes this and recommends letting them air out for a few days before use.

The plates were factory-tested to withstand more than 12,000 drops from 8 feet with no issues, so they’re safe to drop even from overhead lifts. The material quality is excellent and with proper use, they will last you a long time. The 10 lb plate is intentionally made extra thick (1 inch) to extend its life cycle compared to competitors’ light plates.

The 10 lbs and 15 lbs plates come with a 6-month warranty for both home and commercial use, and the 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs plates come with a 3-year warranty for home use and a 1-year warranty for commercial use.

FAQ

Are Bumper Plates Any Good?

Bumper plates are the most versatile weight plates you can get. Due to their standardized dimensions, they fit in all types of fitness training, including Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, Functional fitness, etc.

Bumper plates are also safer to use than traditional iron plates because they absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury. They are also less likely to damage gym floors or equipment, making them a good choice for home gyms and commercial fitness facilities.

Is It OK to Bench With Bumper Plates?

Yes, bumper weights will work for bench press exercises as well as any other weight plates.

Should I Squat With Bumper Plates?

Yes, bumper plates are the best for use in squatting. Losing balance or strength when doing squats is common, especially if you’re going for maximum capacity and repetitions, so dropping the bar with plates happens more often than in other exercises.

Rubber plates have better shock absorption, so dropping them is safer than other weight plates.

Is It OK to Drop Bumper Plates on Concrete?

Bumper plates are designed to be dropped without damaging the floor or the plates themselves, but it is generally not recommended to drop them on concrete. Dropping bumper plates on concrete can result in damage, and also creates a loud noise that can be disruptive to others.

If your only workout surface is concrete, we recommend getting a weightlifting mat or proper gym flooring to cover it.

Are Bumper Plates Worth the Money?

Bumper plates tend to be more expensive than traditional iron plates, but they offer several advantages. They’re arguably the best choice if you have a home gym, as dropping them creates less noise and is safer for you and the workout surface. If you plan on doing exercises that involve dropping weights from overhead, such as Olympic lifts, then bumper plates can be a valuable investment.

They’re also the most versatile style of weight plates, as you can get them in standardized sizing that fits all kinds of workouts from Functional fitness to Olympic lifting.

Conclusion

Bumper plates are safer, more durable, and environmentally friendly than traditional iron plates. They fit a variety of uses from strength training, weightlifting, Functional fitness, and other workout types.

All things considered, we highly recommend the the best bumper plates you can get are REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates. They have everything you would want in bumper plates and we can’t see anyone disliking them. They’re made in standard Olympic sizing and offer great purchase customization, since REP lets you buy them in sets or individual pairs.

Do you have a favorite set of weight plates? Do you prefer working out with iron or bumper plates? Let me know in the comments, and remember to follow me on social media for more workout tips and fitness product reviews.

References:

1. Dr. Tamás AJÁN “TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS” IWF: https://iwf.sport/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2020/01/IWF_TCRR_2020.pdf
2.  Junko Fujita and Ece Toksabay “Weightlifting-China’s Chen and Li win gold” Reuters July 25, 2021 https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/weightlifting-chinas-chen-wins-gold-mens-67kg-2021-07-25/
3. “Bumper plates” Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell#Bumper_plates
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7. Ingo Sandau and Urs Granacher “Effects of the Barbell Load on the Acceleration Phase during the Snatch in Elite Olympic Weightlifting” Sports (Basel). 2020 May https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC7281229/
8. Naruhiro Hori, Robert Usher Newton, Kazunori Nosaka, Michael R. McGuigan “Comparison of Different Methods of Determining Power Output in Weightlifting Exercises” ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/ publication/223128764
9. Gregg Calhoon, MS, ATC and Andrew C. Fry “Injury Rates and Profiles of Elite Competitive Weightlifters” J Athl Train. 1999 Jul-Sep; 34(3): 232–238 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc /articles/PMC1322916/
10. Photos are made by Torokhtiy Media Team.