Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Bumper plates offer several advantages over traditional iron plates. They come in standardized sizing, are quieter, and most importantly, much safer to drop when necessary. If you’re looking to invest in a bumper plate set, here are the top thirteen best bumper plates to choose from.
Whether you’re investing in bumper plates for home gym building or commercial use, making the right choice is important for your performance, convenience, but also your budget. Here’s a quick table breakdown of our top picks, then we’ll go into each set individually to help you find your best choice.
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the
REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates.
The bumper plates are no different, as they’re sold both in pairs or in sets, allowing you to choose the best combination to buy for yourself. Moreover, the same set is also available in competitive color coding.
Top 13 Best Bumper Plates Reviewed
- REP FITNESS BLACK BUMPER PLATES - Top Pick
- ROGUE ECHO BUMPER PLATES V2 - Runner-Up
- HomeGrown Lifting Bumper Plates - Budget Pick
- Synergee Bumper Plates
- Eleiko XF Bumper Plate - Premium Pick
- ROGUE BLACK TRAINING LB PLATES
- Titan LB COLOR URETHANE BUMPER PLATES
- BalanceFrom 2" Olympic Bumper Plate
- CAP Barbell Premium Bumper Plate Set
- HULKFIT 2" Sport Series Olympic Shock Absorbing Plates
- AMGYM LB Bumper Plates
- PINROYAL Bumper Plate
- Steelbody Olympic Rubber Bumper Weight Plate
1. REP FITNESS BLACK BUMPER PLATES - Top Pick
Our top choice for the best bumper plates comes from REP Fitness. REP is a trusted and reliable U.S.-based fitness brand used both in home gyms and commercially.
Their equipment is popular because it offers excellent quality for prices that fit most budgets.
The bumper plates are no different, as they’re sold both in pairs or in sets, allowing you to choose the best combination to buy for yourself.
- Width: From 1 to 2.8 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.7 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Virgin rubber
- Weight options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs
- Color: Black with white letters
- Good for: Olympic weightlifting, HIIT workouts, general fitness
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.
Photo by @fit4sv
As previously mentioned, the bumper plates can be bought separately in pairs for each weight or in value sets.
The set purchase options are as follows:
- 160lb - One pair of 45, 25, and 10 lbs
- 190lb - One pair of 45, 25, 15, and 10 lbs
- 230lb - One pair of 45, 35, 25, and 10 lbs
- 250lb - Two pairs of 45, one pair of 25, and one pair of 10 lbs
- 260lb - One pair of 45, 35, 25, 15, and 10 lbs
- 340lb - Three Pairs of 45, one pair of 25, and one pair of 10 lbs
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.
These come in a standard black color with slightly raised white letters that give an easy-to-read contrast look.
Positives:
Can be bought in separate pairs of value sets
Factory tested for more than 12,000 drops
The 10lb plates are made extra thick so they can be used separately
Best value for money
Could be better:
The steel insert ring can chip barbell sleeve coating over time
2. ROGUE ECHO BUMPER PLATES V2 - Runner-Up
Rogue is another well-known U.S.-based fitness brand. Their equipment can be seen used in plenty of home and public gyms, professional training facilities, and even in highest-tier competitions.
The Rogue Echo bumper plates are made to have good value for money, as they provide excellent commercial-grade quality for a surprisingly competitive price.
- Width: From 0.83 to 2.40 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.72 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 (1.968) inches
- Material: Virgin rubber
- Weight options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs
- Color: Black with white letters
- Good for: Olympic weightlifting, professional training facilities, general fitness
The bumper plates are sold both in individual pairs or in three value sets that go as follows:
- 160lb - One pair of 10, 25, and 45 lbs
- 230lb - One pair of 10, 25, 35, and 45 lbs
- 260lb - One pair of 10,15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs
This purchase option variety allows you to pick the best combination for yourself, making these bumper plates quite budget-friendly.
Pgoto by @mysidefitness
They’re made from quality Virgin rubber that offers a minimal bounce on impact and excellent durability for otherwise affordable plates. The rubber surface has a smooth black finish with bold white markings that are easy to read.
The plates follow the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standardized shape and size - 450 mm (17.72 inch) outer diameter, 50 mm (1.968 inch) insert hole diameter - meant for high-tier competition. The insert hole contains a steel ring for easy sliding on and off the barbell.
These bumper plates were officially approved for use in the gender and age neutral 6-event United States Army’s Combat Fitness Test (ACFT).
Positives:
Fits IWF standards
Used by U.S. Army for fitness tests (ACFT)
Minimal bounce on impact
Could be better:
The lower weight plates (10 and 15 lbs) are thin and can crack if dropped in high-capacity exercises
3. HomeGrown Lifting Bumper Plates - Budget Pick
Being manufactured in Kentucky USA, these outstanding bumper plates provide users with an unbeatable price&quality balance, making it affordable for everyone who wants to get high-quality equipment without wasting their whole budget.
- Width: from 1.1 to 3.6 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.72 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: urethane binder, recycled crumb rubber
- Weight options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs
- Color: matte black with colored flecks
- Good for: weightlifting, bodybuilding, functional training
These budget-friendly bumper plates are crafted from a urethane binder and recycled crumb rubber combination that guarantees high durability and long-lasting serving. Also, they can be used for indoor and outdoor training and you can perform all possible types of lifting exercises.
The HomeGrown manufacturers provide a unique solution concerning the plate color coding: they’re covered with thick rubber of different color flecks depending on the weight. So, it’s super easy to define what weight you need in a moment.
Speaking about the HomeGrown plates’ big advantage, namely the price, these bumper plates are budget-friendly and cost half less than other alternatives of famous brands like REP or Rogue. This point makes them unique: they offer the same-quality functionality and performance, but you don’t need to pay great amounts of money for the world’s known brand.
The plates come with a 1-year money-back guarantee if you don’t like something. Customers must pay for return shipping in exchange for a replacement, while the shipping on the replacement item is free.
Positives:
Affordable price
top-notch material quality and sharp design
No rubbery smell
A great variety of weights included in the set
low bounce rate
Could be better:
Bumpers are wider than other brands' ones
The metal center is slightly uneven on the 10 lb and 15 lb plates that causes the plates not sit even on the bar
4. Synergee Bumper Plates - Budget Pick
Synergee is a family-owned, Canadian-based fitness brand founded in 2015. The founder, Joey Huneau, wanted to spend more time with his family while still maintaining his fitness goals, so he created an at-home gym.
He quickly recognized that other families had the same needs, so he created a fitness brand that offers high-quality workout equipment for home gyms at affordable prices. This unique and heartwarming story quickly made Synergee one of the top choices for home and garage gym owners.
- Width: From 1 to 3.05 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.50 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Rubber Polymer
- Weight options: 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs, and 55 lbs
- Color: Black (10, 15, 25, 35, 45 lbs), Green (25 lbs), Yellow (35 lbs), Blue (45 lbs), Red (55 lbs)
- Good for: Olympic weightlifting, competitive lifting, general fitness
The Synergee bumper plates come in standardized IWF rulebook competitive sizing.
They’re available in black for weights from 10 to 45 lbs, and in color for 25 (green), 35 (yellow), 45 (blue), and 55 (red) lbs.
This color scheme is an IWF standard for competition bumper plates used in weightlifting, such as the Olympic Games, as it makes it easy to visually tell how much the athlete is lifting by counting the colors.
Photo by @johnnynyr1981
Each weight size is sold in separate pairs, however, there are no value sets at the moment. This makes them ideal for somebody who is going for maximum capacity lifts, as they can be loaded up to 510 lbs in total on one sleeve (5 x 45 lbs and 2 x 15 lbs).
The rubber polymer has a smooth surface and has zero odors, even straight out of the box.
Positives:
Affordable price
Made from rubber polymer that has zero odors
Smooth surface that’s easy to clean
Could be better:
Notavailable in value sets
5. Eleiko XF Bumper Plate - Premium Pick
Eleiko is a Swedish brand of fitness products. They’re an excellent choice for athletes who don’t mind spending a little extra to get a premium product. These are the sort of bumper weights you’d expect to see in high-end fitness facilities or competitions.
- Width: From 2.28 to 3.43 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.72 inches, except for the 5 kg plates which are 12.6 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Crumb rubber
- Weight options: 5, 10, 15, and 20 kg, which equates to 11, 22, 33, and 44 lbs
- Color: Black
- Good for: Weightlifting, general fitness
Since this product is made by an EU-based brand, the main weight markings come in Kilograms (KG). However, as stated above in the product specifications, they’re nearly identical in weight to their LB counterparts. The three heavier weight plates (10, 15, and 20 kg) have a standardized 17.72-inch outer diameter, while the lowest weight (5 kg).
The 20 kg (45 lbs) plate is intentionally made to be thinner to allow stronger athletes such as powerlifters to fit more weight on their barbells. The weight plates are made from 100% recycled crumb rubber following strict EU health and safety guidelines, making them more environmentally friendly.
Photo by @la_ruche
The compressed recycled crumb rubber is soft yet durable, and it provides almost no sound from dropping and shock absorption. The crumb texture is rugged and, along with the lipped edges, makes the plates easier to grip and hold on to when carrying around the workout area.
It’s important to point out that, even though most brands sell bumper plates in pairs and even value sets, Eleiko sells its plates individually. This can make them quite expensive, especially if you’re just starting out your home or garage gym and are unsure which sizes to get.
However, an experienced athlete that knows what they’re buying will find these bumper plates to be better than anything found in commercial gyms.
Positives:
Made from 100% EU-standard recycled rubber
The 45 lbs discs are intentionally made narrower to allow you to put more weight on the barbell
The 45 lbs discs are intentionally made narrower to allow you to put more weight on the barbell
The rugged texture makes them easy to carry as they’re not as slippery as smooth surface plates
Could be better:
The most pricey option on the list
Rogue Fitness takes another top-five spot on our best bumper plates for home gym owners list. Specs-wise, these plates are made according to the same high standards as Rogue Competition Plates, which have seen use in all competition levels and categories.
However, these plates are made for training and commercial purposes and feature a unique look that makes them stand out in any home or public gym.
- Width: From 1.25 to 2.50 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.72 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 (1.98) inches
- Material: Rubber
- Weight options: 25, 35, 45, 55 lbs
- Color: Primary black color with IWF color-coding stripes and markings (green, yellow, blue, red)
- Good for: Weightlifting, competitive training, general fitness
For anybody interested, the same if bumper plates are also available in Kilograms. The plates are sold in individual pairs or as part of three training sets.
They’re made to fit standardized IWF measurements.
They also feature a unique take on competitive color coding - they combine an all-black, gloss-matte-gloss finish plate with colored markings and stripes that wrap around the full perimeter.
Photo by @jettscollierswood
The plates scored 94 out of 100 on the Durometer rating, meaning they have good shock absorption and practically no bounce, even when dropped from overhead lifts.
The steel insert discs on them are chrome plated to extend their life cycle and protect the barbell sleeves when adding or removing weights.
These are excellent training plates especially for practicing competitive lifts, however, they’re not beginner-friendly since they’re not available in either 10 or 15 lbs.
Positives:
Unique color scheme combining the sleek black look with colored stripes and markings
A durometer rating of 94 means practically no bounce even when dropped from overhead lifts
The same set can be purchased in both lbs and kg markings
Steel insert disc is chrome plated to extend its lifecycle and protect the barbell
Could be better:
No 10 or 15 lbs plates, fewer weight combinations as a result, not beginner-friendly
If you’re serious about weightlifting and are looking for a set of competition-ready bumper plates, look no further.
The Titan Fitness Urethane bumper plates have some of the highest build quality and are made to last through even the hardest weightlifting demands. That said, these properties are reflected in the noticeably higher price.
- Width: From 0.94 to 2.2 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.71 inches (450 mm), except the 10 lb which is 16.3 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 (1.99) inches
- Material: Urethane
- Weight options: 10, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs
- Color: Black, green, yellow, blue, red (competitive color coding)
- Good for: Competitive weightlifters, powerlifters, high-level athletes
We highly recommend these plates for athletes serious about competitive weightlifting. First of all, they’re made from highly durable urethane that will easily outperform any rubber plates over time.
They follow IWF standardized sizing and typical green/yellow/blue/red competitive color coding.
Photo by @innovationfitnessnj
One thing you’ll immediately notice on these plates is the insert hole is surrounded by an extra thick chrome hub.
This feature provides extra protection to the barbell and will easily withstand even the highest-weighted drops.
Positives:
Made from durable Urethane
Extra thick chrome hub surrounding the insert hole
The durability and color-coding made it an excellent choice for competitive weightlifters
Could be better:
Premium price, not budget-friendly and not for beginners
BalanceForm bumper plates are a budget-friendly choice for beginner to intermediate athletes. They’re sold both as individual plates or in sets, so you can combine your purchase however you’d like.
There’s also an excellent value bundle that features a set of weights and the BalanceForm Olympic barbell, making it an excellent 2-in-1 purchase for those just starting out their home or garage gym.
- Width: From 1 to 2.36 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.75 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Rubber
- Weight options: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs
- Color: Available in all-black with white markings, all-black with colored markings, or competitive color-coding
- Good for: Weightlifting, general fitness
The plates feature standardized sizing at 17.75 inches in outer diameter and a 2-inch inner hole diameter that fits Olympic barbell sleeves.
They come in a large color variety, from all-black with white markings, all-black with colored markings, and the standard competitive color coding set.
That said, the competitive color coding is somewhat misleading, as the rubber these plates are made of, is not as durable as we’d hoped for, and wouldn’t withstand competition.
Photo by @innovationfitnessnj
We noticed bending under high pressure, even from the higher-weight plates, so we can’t recommend these for advanced lifters that often drop weights as part of their exercises.
The best plates are best suited for beginner to intermediate-level athletes and lighter exercises.
Positives:
Highest number of color choices on the list
Available in sets that also feature a 7ft Olympic barbell
Each plate can be bought individually so any necessary replacement is easy
All plates are marked both in lbs and kg
Could be better:
The rubber is not as durable and will bend under high pressure, recommended for lighter exercises
CAP Barbell is a Texas-based company that has been making weightlifting equipment since 1982. Their main catalog includes everything from barbells, weight plates, dumbbells, racks, and more recently cardio machines.
Considering how long they’ve been operating, there’s a good chance that experienced athletes reading this have used and trust their products.
- Width: From 1 to 2 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.75
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Virgin rubber
- Weight options: 10,15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs
- Color: Black
- Good for: Weightlifting, general fitness
The CAP bumper plates are made from commercial-grade virgin rubber that will hold well over time with moderate usage.
The shape and size of the plates are designed to fit the standard Olympic barbell.
The 2-inch center insert hole is covered with a steel ring that absorbs impact and creates less noise.
Photo by @bodyworks_home_fitness
Positives:
Virgin rubber holds form well over time
The rubber smell quickly fades out of the box
The steel inner rings can withstand higher impact
Could be better:
Both the plates and information markings are black, so they’re not as clear to make out visually
The HulkFit Bumper Plates are designed for various workouts, including weightlifting, and general strength training.
The plates are made of solid rubber, have a steel ring insert for added durability, and are available in a range of weights from 10lbs to 45lbs.
- Width: From 1 to 2 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.75 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Composite rubber
- Weight options: 10,15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs
- Color: Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue, Red, Purple
- Good for: Weightlifting, general fitness
Photo by @fungui88
Positives:
Sold in singles, pairs, or sets so purchase variety is quite high
The stainless steel insert ring is noticeable thicker than on similar plates
Each bumper color coded and labeled in both lbs and kgs
Could be better:
Not all sizes are readily available
- Width: From 1 to 3.3 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.5 inches
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Natural rubber
- Weight options: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs
- Color: Black with white markings
- Good for: Weightlifting, HIIT, general fitness
The AMGYM bumper plates are sold both in pairs or in sets, allowing for a variety of purchase options.
There are a total of seven sets to choose from, most of the products listed, and their contents are as follows:
- 100lb - 2 x 15 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs
- 140lb - 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs
- 150lb - 2 x 15 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs
- 160lb - 2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs
- 210lb - 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs
- 260lb - 2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 15 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs
- 370lb - 2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 15 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 35 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs, 2 x 55 lbs
All plates come with a 3-year warranty, which is a nice bonus.
Positives:
7 set combinations, most on the list
3 year-purchase warranty
Stainless steel insert hole ring makes it easy to slide them on and off
Could be better:
Initially strong rubber smell, best left to air went, preferably in sunlight, for a few days after unpacking
The PINROYAL bumper plates are affordable Olympic-sized plates. They’re made from environmentally friendly recycled rubber with a stainless steel insert hole ring.
This results in better absorption and dispersal of force than most affordable plates, which protect the floor and equipment when dropped.
- Width: From 1 to 3.4 inches
- Plate Diameter: 17.5
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Recycled rubber
- Weight options: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs
- Color: Black
- Good for: Weightlifting, HIIT, general fitness
All the plates are purchased separately except the 10 lbs weights which come in pairs.
The rubber is carefully cut into a precise shape with a smooth surface that’s easy to clean.
The plates have a low bounce and don’t create much noise, even when dropped from overhead.
Positives:
Made from recycled natural rubber
Smooth surface, easy to clean
Fairly quiet compared to similar plates
Could be better:
The individual plates are somewhat expensive, making them harder to recommend over similar products
Finally, we have the Olympic-sized plates made by Steelbody.
All plates are sold individually, which allows you to buy combinations suited to your needs, making them an economical purchase for your home gym.
- Width: From 1 to 3.5 inches thick
- Plate Diameter: 17.5
- Insert Hole Diameter: 2 inches
- Material: Rubber
- Weight options: 10, 25, 35, and 45 lbs
- Color: Black
- Good for: Olympic lifts, HIIT, general fitness
The plates are made from solid rubber that provides a dense, but elastic structure that will maintain shape over time, and is resistant to wear and tear.
The surface on them is smooth, easy to clean, and non-absorbent (water-resistant).
Positives:
Made from elastic rubber that keeps its shape even after high-impact drops
Solid individually, so finding your best combination and replacing broken plates is less expensive
Smooth water-resistant surface
Could be better:
The 10 lbs plates can’t be used individually without the risk of bending, even from low impact
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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.
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.
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
Bumper Plates vs Traditional Iron Plates — What are the Differences?
Material
Versatility
Safety
Convenience
Sizing
Cost
What To Look For in Bumper Plates?
Material Quality
Ease Of Use
Durability
Versatility
Weight Tolerance
Value for Money
FAQ
Are Bumper Plates Any Good?
Is It OK to Bench With Bumper Plates?
Should I Squat With Bumper Plates?
Is It OK to Drop Bumper Plates on Concrete?
Are Bumper Plates Worth the Money?
Conclusion
- TECHNICAL AND COMPETITION RULES & REGULATIONS // IWF: https://iwf.sport/wp-content/uploads/downloads/2020/01/IWF_TCRR_2020.pdf
- Weightlifting-China's Chen and Li win gold // Reuters: https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/weightlifting-chinas-chen-wins-gold-mens-67kg-2021-07-25/
- Bumper plates // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbell#Bumper_plates
- What Is Barbell Whip? // GymCrafter: https://gymcrafter.com/barbell-whip
- Weightlifting Overhead Pressing Derivatives: // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6548056/
- Unique Aspects of Competitive Weightlifting // Springer: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF03262294
- Effects of the Barbell Load on the Acceleration Phase during the Snatch in Elite Olympic Weightlifting // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7281229/
- Comparison of Different Methods of Determining Power Output in Weightlifting Exercises // ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/223128764
- Injury Rates and Profiles of Elite Competitive Weightlifters // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1322916/
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by expert with proven experience. When writing the article we use our expertise and data from open sources with strong reputation, scientific or medical based. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles) PhD in Sport Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCP, physiotherapists and other. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.
Deborah Greco
I recently bought the REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates for my home gym, and they are absolutely amazing! As a beginner weightlifter, I was worried about damaging my barbell or floor while practicing, but these plates have been a game-changer. They have a smooth surface and a naturally low bounce, which gives me confidence while doing overhead lifts. Plus, the steel ring around the insert hole protects my barbell sleeves and makes it easy to slide the plates on and off. And the best part? They were the cheapest bumper plate set I could find that still met the competitive weightlifting standard! Overall, I highly recommend these plates to any beginner or experienced weightlifter looking for quality, durable plates at a reasonable price.
Ihor Shymechko
Good afternoon @Mike. Thank you for your question.
For beginners and intermediate athletes, it’s best to start with weight plates that are not too heavy and allow for gradual increases in weight. Standard cast iron plates are a good option as they are affordable, durable, and come in a variety of sizes. They can also be used for a wide range of exercises, including squats, deadlifts, and bench press.
Rubber-coated weight plates are also a good option as they are quieter and less likely to damage floors if dropped. They are a bit more expensive than cast iron plates but offer added benefits like increased grip and comfort.
Ultimately, the best weight plates for beginners and intermediate athletes depend on personal preference and budget. It’s important to choose weight plates that are appropriate for your fitness level, allow for gradual progress, and fit comfortably on your weightlifting bar.
Mike
What weight plates are the best for beginners and intermediate athletes?