Weight Plates
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Introducing Weight Plates
Weight plates are a key part of strength training, but knowing which type to buy can be tricky. Whether you're setting up your home gym or expanding your knowledge, it’s essential to understand the differences between the types of plates. We’ll guide you through the most common weight plates, so by the end, you’ll know exactly what each one offers and which is the right fit for you.
What Size Weight Plates Do I Need?
Choosing the correct weight plate size depends on your goals, budget, and equipment. There are three main types: Olympic, standard, and studio weight plates. Let’s explore each of them.
Standard Weight Plates
Standard plates come with a 1-inch diameter hole, which means they are only compatible with standard bars—not Olympic bars. These are affordable and ideal for beginners or home gym setups on a budget. They also offer flexibility; if you already have standard bars, you can easily share the plates between equipment, which saves space and cost in your home gym.
Olympic Weight Plates
Olympic plates have a 2-inch diameter centre hole, which is the industry standard. This size is used across commercial gyms and in competitions, meaning the barbell you train with at the gym will be the same as the one used in competitions in terms of weight, thickness, and length. Olympic plates are more versatile than standard plates, providing a greater range of exercises with added stability on the bar. They are perfect for advanced lifters, as the wider sleeve on the bar allows more weight to be loaded. Additionally, most power racks and weight benches are designed to accommodate 7ft Olympic bars.
Studio Weight Plates
Studio plates are designed for group exercise classes, such as exercise to music classes or HIIT workouts. These plates are typically small, rubber-coated, brightly coloured, and often feature handles, making them easy to identify, grip, and store. They usually have a 1.18-inch centre hole. While studio plates are great for high-rep, low-weight classes, they aren’t suitable for heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, or bench presses. For those, Olympic plates and barbells are a better choice.
What Size Weight Plates Do I Need?
Choosing the correct weight plate size depends on your goals, budget, and equipment. There are three main types: Olympic, standard, and studio weight plates. Let’s explore each of them.
Bumper Weight Plates
Bumper plates, often referred to as bumpers, are designed for 50mm (Olympic) barbells. They feature an iron or steel core with a thick rubber coating to absorb shocks, meaning they can be dropped from overhead without damaging the bar, the floor, or the plates. These plates are popular for Olympic lifts, as they reduce noise and wear. Manufacturers use either recycled rubber or high-quality virgin rubber. Some bumper plates are urethane-moulded, making them extremely durable—perfect for long-term use.
Rubber-Coated Plates
Rubber-coated plates have an iron or steel core with a layer of rubber on top. This makes them tougher and safer to use while also protecting your floors. You’ll see them in most gyms, and they don’t have the strong smell some rubber products have. These plates are strong, durable, and built to last.
Urethane Bumper Plates
Urethane bumper plates are known for being more durable than rubber plates. Urethane is harder, meaning these plates resist cuts, scratches, and general wear much better. They also handle compression well, so they can take a lot of heavy use. What’s great about urethane plates is that they don’t fade or break down in sunlight, making them ideal for outdoor or garage gyms. Another bonus—they won’t leave marks on your floors or walls, and they don’t have the strong rubber smell you get with some other plates.
Competition Weight Plates
Competition-grade bumper plates are built to meet strict International Weightlifting Federation IWF standards. They’re designed with a steel core and a rubber coating, and they’re thinner than regular bumper plates, so you can fit more weight on the bar. These are ideal for serious lifters who need high-quality plates for heavy lifts.
Fractional Plates
Fractional plates are small weight plates that allow for incremental increases in load, starting from as low as 0.125kg. They’re ideal for those who want to progress gradually, especially advanced lifters who need smaller jumps in weight to push their limits safely.
Technique Weight Plates
Technique weight plates are perfect for safely practising complicated Olympic lifting. They are the same size as competition plates but much lighter, so you can focus on getting your form right without the pressure of heavy weight
Cast Iron Plates
Cast iron weight plates are the old-school, tough choice for lifters. They have a simple, rugged design—usually dark with easy-to-read weight markings—and come in both standard and Olympic sizes. These plates are built to last and are perfect if you’re looking for something durable and affordable. They’re great for strength training, as long as you’re not dropping them from overhead. If you want something reliable without the extra bells and whistles, cast iron plates are a solid pick.
Tri-Grip Weight Plates
With three handles on their circumference, tri-grip weight plates are easy to carry and load onto bars, perfect for plate-based exercises such as Russian twists, front raises, goblet squats, plate drags, and halo rotations. This design reduces the risk of the plates slipping from your hands. However, they’re not meant to be dropped, so they’re best suited for controlled lifts, not Olympic lifting.
Hex Weight Plates
Hex weight plates are very practical due to their hexagonal shape which keeps them from rolling around, making them perfect for studio classes. The hex shape ensures the plates stay put. However, they’re not ideal for deadlifts, where round plates make things smoother.
Crumb Rubber Plates
Made from recycled rubber, crumb rubber weight plates are an environmentally friendly option. They are durable, provide a good bounce for controlled drops, and are typically more affordable than urethane plates. Due to their recycled nature, colours may vary, and they can yellow slightly over time if exposed to direct sunlight, but this doesn't affect their performance or durability.
Colour Options
Weight plates come in various colours, following a standardised colour-coding system set by the IWF and International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). This makes it easy to identify weights quickly in both training and competition settings. You’ll find options from traditional black to vibrant, competition-standard colours. Here's the common colour and weight scheme:
Which Type of Weight Plate Is for Me?
Choosing the right weight plate depends on your workout style and goals. Here are a few scenarios to help guide your decision:
For Home Gyms
If you plan on doing Olympic lifts or dropping weights, bumper plates are essential. The BodyMax Olympic Rubber Crumb Bumper Weight Plates are a great option. For non-drop lifts, standard iron plates can help save on costs, like the Taurus Premium Standard Cast Iron Weight Plates.
For Powerlifting and Bodybuilding
Simple iron or steel plates are reliable and durable for non-drop exercises. Coated plates, such as the Taurus Camo Olympic Rubber Bumper Weight Plates, last longer, but it’s up to you whether you need the extra durability.
For Functional Fitness Gyms
Bumper plates, like the Taurus Coloured Olympic Bumper Weight Plates, are a must, along with change plates and fractional plates, such as the Taurus Fractional Weight Plates, for safe, gradual progressions.
For Commercial Gyms
Rubber-coated plates are durable and cost-effective. The Taurus Competition Olympic Bumper Weight Plates are a solid choice. For functional training areas, bumper plates like the Taurus TPU Olympic Weight Plates are recommended for versatility and long-term use. Check out our case studies to see how we can transform your space!
Fitshop Top Picks
Finding the right weight plates depends on where you are in your fitness journey. Whether you’re a beginner, experienced, or a pro, we’ve got the best options for you. Check out our top picks to find what suits your needs best:
Beginner:
Advanced:
Expert:
Accessories:
Don’t forget to complete your gym setup with essential accessories. These items help keep your space organised and make it easier to switch between exercises.
Barbells
A solid barbell is key to any strength training setup. Whether you're lifting heavy or working on technique, options like the Taurus Olympic Barbell and BodyMax Olympic Barbell provide durability and performance. Check out our barbell buying guide to ensure you get the right bar to complete your setup.
Collars and Clips
Collars are essential for keeping your plates secure during every lift. Taurus Olympic Magnetic Collars provide a strong, magnetic grip that ensures your plates stay firmly in place. The BodyMax Olympic Lockjaw Collars Set offers a robust and secure hold, making it easy to keep your plates stable during intense workouts. For a more traditional option, the BodyMax Olympic Barbell 2" Spring Collars/Clips provides reliable spring clips, giving you a simple, effective way to secure your weights.
Storage Options
Keep your gym space tidy and organised with storage solutions like the Taurus Elite Plate Tree, Taurus Bumper Plate Rack or Taurus Olympic Plate Tree. For a compact all-in-one solution, the BodyMax Storage for Olympic Bar & Weight Plates is perfect for storing both bars and plates.
Why Buy Your Weight Plates from Fitshop?
Fitshop is the longest-established fitness equipment retailer in the UK and Europe’s #1 for home fitness. When you choose to buy from us, you’ll enjoy a range of great benefits, including:
- Expert sales staff offering impartial advice in-store, online, over the phone, via email, live chat, and social media.
- Try before you buy: Most of our weight plates and equipment can be tested in-store, including demos of compatible workout apps. Find your nearest store here.
- Interest-free finance: Available both online and in-store to help you invest in your purchase. Find out more here.
- Delivery: We offer delivery across the UK with various options through our trusted courier partners. Learn more here.
- Aftercare: Our dedicated team provides world-class support, available 7 days a week to help with any questions or queries.
SALES TEAM
If you’d like to learn more about our range of barbells or have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our in-house commercial sales team at sales@fitshop.co.uk or call us on 0141 737 2250.