Weight Plates

1. What are weight plates?

Weight plates are round discs that you load onto a barbell to adjust training weight. They’re essential for strength training and allow for flexible weight selection based on the exercise and fitness level.

2. What types of weight plates are there?

• Bumper Plates: Solid rubber plates, great for Olympic lifting and protecting your floor.
• Iron Plates: Durable classic cast iron plates, usually without coating.
• Grip Plates: Cast iron plates with built-in handles for easier carrying and loadling.
• Add On Plates: Small fractional plates for fine-tuning your weight increments.

3. What diameter options do weight plates come in?

The most common inner hole diameters are 30 mm and 50 mm. 30 mm plates fit standard bars, while 50 mm plates are designed for Olympic bars. Always check your bar’s diameter to ensure compatibility.

4. How do I choose the right weight plates?

• Compatibility: Match the inner hole size to your bar.
• Material: Choose cast iron for durability, rubber for protection, or plastic for beginners.
• Weight Range: Look for a range of sizes to allow for progressive training.
• Handles: Gripped plates are easier to move and load.

5. What are high-quality weight plates made of?

Premium plates are typically made of solid cast iron or dense rubber. Rubber-coated plates are quieter and protect your floor. Bumper plates are made for drops in Olympic lifting. Plastic plates are lighter and more affordable, ideal for beginners but less durable over time.