Weight Plates
Loadable plates for barbells, available in cast iron, rubber-coated, or bumper varieties.
Free WeightsMid-Range
Features
- Olympic 50mm or standard 25mm openings
- Bumper plates for dropping safely
Pros
- Scale your training indefinitely
- Bumper plates protect floors
Cons
- Heavy to move and store
- Bumper plates cost noticeably more
Buying guide
- Bumper plates matter if you deadlift or do Olympic lifts and need to drop the bar.
- Cast iron is the most economical option per kilogram.
- Buy small fractional plates to allow gradual progression.
Maintenance
- Store on a rack rather than the floor
- Check rubber coating for splitting over time
Best for
- Barbell training
- Progressive overload programs