During the pandemic that began in 2020, there was an enormous demand for home workout equipment. The demand was so strong that it was nearly impossible to find weights in stock online or in retail stores.
While the social distancing restrictions have eased, leading to the surge in home gyms, there is still a strong market for workout equipment. If strength training is at the heart of your exercise regimen, you have most likely had experience shopping for weight plates.
I know what you’re thinking. Aren’t all weight plates the same? The answer is a definitive no. While you can still go with just the basic black weight plate that your grandpa used, there have been many advancements in the weight plate industry.
This article will discuss some of the most popular brands and styles to help you make the right decision for you and your home gym.
1. Rogue Echo Bumper Plates
Rogue is one of the industry leaders in providing budget-friendly weight plates. These bumper plates are made from stainless steel and are covered in quality virgin rubber. The durability and performance are exceptional, especially considering the price range.
The Rogue Echo Bumper Plates are sold in pairs and sets with free shipping included when purchasing a set.
2. Synergee Bumper Plates
Synergee Bumper Plates are the perfect combination of rugged and sleek, with outstanding customer reviews. They are compatible with any standard barbell and have a thin profile, making them easy to handle and allowing you to stack as many plates as you need.
Synergee, as a company, dedicates itself to providing home workout equipment to working moms and dads at an affordable price. They are also committed to protecting the environment, as their carbon-neutral pledge indicates. Synergee has a commitment to carbon-removing technology with every shipment made.
3. Fringe Sport Bumper Plates
Fringe Sport Bumper Plates are another popular choice in the weight plate market. The first thing you’ll notice about these plates is the different color schemes available. With certain colors designated for certain weight sizes, you can easily tell which plate is which. The colors are also great for the aesthetic of your home or public gym.
Fringe Sport Bumper Plates are made with steel inserts and virgin rubber. They boast the perfect amount of bounce with their products while ensuring quality for a weight plate that will perform and hold up for years.
4. American Barbell Bumper Plates
The American Barbell Pro Series bumper plates are a highly-rated product with outstanding customer reviews. These were the first plates to be manufactured using urethane for the exterior. The result is a high-quality bumper plate with the perfect amount of bounce.
These weight plates are also offered in different colors, adding another quality that is sure to attract buyers. Plates can be ordered by the pair or by the set.
5. Vulcan Alpha Bumper Plates
Vulcan is one of the top strength training equipment companies around, and their Alpha Bumper Plates are part of the reason. Their research has shown a 25% decrease in noise levels when the plates are dropped compared to competitors.
The patented rubber compound used for the Alpha Bumper plates allows them to be dropped on any surface and not be damaged. While all bumper plates are designed to hold up to being dropped on rubber or wooden flooring, Alpha Bumper plates can withstand drops of up to nine feet on surfaces such as asphalt or concrete.
6. Strength Company Olympic Iron Plates
While some people and most gyms are switching to bumper plates for their safety and durability, there is also still a massive market for old-fashioned iron plates. One of the leaders in that market is the Strength Company and its Olympic Iron plates.
This American-made product is every bit as durable as its bumper-plated counterparts. The look and design may look the same, but with cutting-edge technology, the plates are slimmer and easier to handle than ever before.
The Olympic Iron Plates can be bought in pairs or as a set.
7. Rogue Calibrated Steel Plates
Another popular option for those looking for steel-weight plates is the Rogue Calibrated Steel plates. Using cutting-edge technology and precision, they can guarantee accuracy in their weights within 10 grams.
These plates are cut razor-thin and allow the user to stack more weight on the bar or rack. They are also color-coded for easy recognition and organization.
Like all Rogue products, these plates can be purchased by the pair or by the set.
8. Rep Fitness Equalizer Plates
Weight plates have been around for decades, and there have been tremendous innovations in how they are made and look. But perhaps one of the simplest yet useful options created is designed holes cut into the sides of the plates for easier carrying.
If this feature is important to you, one of the best-reviewed products out there is the Rep Fitness Equalizer plates. On weight plates that are 25 pounds and up, six hexagonal holes are cut into each plate’s side. This gives the plate a unique, stylish feature and allows the user to handle and move it with ease. In addition, they are covered with a urethane coating for added protection.
These plates are very popular and often sell out. They are offered in pairs from 2.5 pounds to 45 pounds.
9. CAP Olympic Grip Plate
For those shoppers looking for an economical solution to their weight plate needs, the CAP Olympic Grip Plate is a great option. While these may not have the technology and details of the other products listed in this article, they are still made from durable cast iron and coated with a baked enamel finish.
The quality you are getting for the price you are paying makes this product a great value. For those home gym warriors looking to build muscle or lose fat without breaking the bank, the CAP Olympic Grip plate is perfect. The three-hole grip design makes these plates easy to handle as well.
10. Again Faster Color Bumper Plates
A relative newcomer to the weight plate industry is Again Faster. But, while they may be new, the quality and performance of their Color Bumper Plates are second to none. With stainless steel inserts and a virgin rubber exterior, Again Faster Color Bumper plates provide durability and that perfect dead bounce sweet spot.
The color-coded plates make them easier to differentiate and are approved for the Army Combat Fitness Test. They are available in pairs and sets.
11. Pinroyal Bumper Plate
Another economical but quality option is the Pinroyal Bumper Plate. With a stainless steel insert and recycled rubber exterior, these plates are both high quality and environmentally friendly.
If you’re looking for a sleek-looking, high-quality bumper plate with a reasonable price tag, look no further than the Pinroyal Bumper plate. They are sold on Amazon in pairs ranging from 10 to 45 pounds.
Buying Guide
Since there are so many options to choose from, you must consider a few things first before making deciding which weight plates are best for you.
1. Budget
While there are a lot of options on the market, there is also a wide range of prices for each product. The more features a weight plate mentions, the higher the price will typically be. That said, you can still find a quality product for a reasonable price if money is your top priority.
2. Bumper Plates
To bumper plate or not to bumper plate, that is the question! Many home gyms and weight lifters who tend to drop their weights while lifting will opt for rubber-coated weights over the traditional iron ones. These are usually more expensive, but if durability is a concern, you may save money in the long run with the bumper-plated options.
3. Hand Grips
While not at the top of most people’s priority list, the convenience of these strategically placed holes should not be ignored. It may seem like a small detail, but when you are in the middle of a workout and trying to change weight plates, these handy holes can make a world of difference.
4. Your Goals
The way you train and your fitness goals significantly impact which type of weight plates are best for you. For example, rubber plates are best for people who engage in Olympic lifting or are at risk of dropping the barbell. On the other hand, metal plates are best suited for power lifters and those confident they will not drop the barbell.
Conclusion
As you can tell from this list, there are tons of options out there when shopping for weight plates for your home or commercial gym.
Once you’ve decided what features are most important to you, do your research and shop for the best deal. While demand for home gym equipment is still at an all-time high, don’t feel pressured to overspend, thinking you have no alternative.
Whatever you decide, use all necessary safety precautions when handling any weight plate. When used properly, these products can be used safely to improve muscle strength, conditioning, and weight loss.
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This article is published by our independent team of health and wellness pundits that publish original and informative content to empower readers to take charge of their health and embark on a physically, mentally, and emotionally balanced lifestyle.
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