Best Olympic Weight Plates and Barbell Plate Packages

Olympic Weight Plate Guide: Comparing Iron, Rubber, Bumper, and Urethane

Buying the right Olympic Plates or Plate Package is not as easy as it looks. Let's face it, whether you are buying an economical Olympic weightlifting plate set or investing in a premium set, you want to obtain the best combination of quality, price and functionality. So do you prioritize quality or price or functionality in the decision process? The smart answer is YES to all three factors. Let's begin by looking at a quick overview and understanding what the choices and options are in Weight Plates.

Weight Plate History

For decades a weight plate was a weight plate. Then starting in the 1960's physical fitness and free weight training exploded onto the scene and Olympic plates were the tool of choice. As training became more specific and specialized, innovation created different types of Olympic weight plates for better performance in each category. And the categories grew to offer a plethora of choices.

Iron Olympic Plates

Iron Olympic Plates are the beginning point of weightlifting plates. These are time tested and cost effective. Cast iron weightlifting plates are available in many styles such as slim line, deep dish, black or grey color, machined/non-machined accuracy.

These are available in two basic patterns:

• Standard old school barbell plates
• Gripping plates with handles

The Ivanko Premium OM Olympic Machined Barbell Plates are a crowd favorite in the standard Olympic plates for obvious reasons such as smooth finish, machined accuracy and Ivanko OM plates are available with a 1.25 LB size. Plus IRON COMPANY can put together a custom plate package for your requirements.

In the Grip plate category, IRON COMPANY offers eight options for your consideration. Grip plates offer control and safety which is a desirable feature in a commercial setting. The top three sellers are the Iron Grip Multi-Sided American Made Weight Plates, the Ivanko Barbell E-Z Lift Iron Olympic Plates with holes and the Ivanko E-Z Lift Iron Olympic Plates with Slotted Grips.

IRON COMPANY can also put together a custom plate package for your requirements.

Rubber Olympic Plates and Packages

Rubber-encased Olympic plates are very popular as the rubber-encasing helps reduce the "clanging" noise associated with bare iron plates and provides a protective surface around the plate and equipment during normal handling.

IRON COMPANY offers a selection of Rubber Olympic Plates.

One of the common misconceptions is that rubber-encased Olympic plates can automatically be used in ballistic type movement where plates are dropped. While rubber-encased barbell plates can provide impact resistance, the manufacturer's intended use should determine whether a specific plate is suitable for dropping. Solid rubber bumper plates are specifically designed for lifting applications where loaded barbells may be dropped onto an appropriate lifting surface.

The vast majority of rubber plates are Rubber Grip plates and once you've used grip plates, you understand the popularity. There is an ongoing debate regarding which grip handle configuration is superior. IRON COMPANY decided to offer different configurations and let the client decide. Same with plate color as different black and colored plate options are available.

One of the most difficult aspects is deciding on how many pounds of plates and what denominations. We understand this at IRON COMPANY and different plate configurations can be selected according to the lifter, facility and equipment requirements. And we're poised to provide a custom quote as needed. Our position is that we work for you.

Solid Rubber Bumper Plate Sets

Solid Rubber Bumper Plates

Bumper plates are solid rubber weight plates that are used primarily in Olympic lifting where the plates are dropped. Solid Rubber Bumper Plates will be 17.7" in diameter to evenly distribute the impact when dropped. And while all bumper plate diameters are the same, the plate thickness varies accordingly.

IRON COMPANY has several manufacturers that provide rubber bumper plates with a metal core where the advantage is a slimmer profile plate such as the Ivanko Barbell IWF Spec Calibrated Bumper Plates.

Rubber Bumper Plates come is in pounds and kilogram sizes with most common sizes being 10 lb., 15 lb., 25 lb., 35 lb. and 45 lb.. Plus if needed 5 lb. and 55 lb. Solid Rubber Bumper Plates are available. Bumper plates are constructed from either crumb rubber or virgin rubber. Crumb rubber is clearly the best seller with virgin rubber being used in colored Bumper plates to achieve a superior solid color for easier size identification.

IRON COMPANY offers many different models of Rubber Bumper plates.

Each model features several different plate configurations for your consideration.

Urethane Olympic Plate Packages

Urethane encased Olympic plates are generally a higher-priced option upon initial glance. From a performance standpoint, urethane is used as a durable encasement material, which can make it worth considering in heavy-use environments where longevity, aesthetics and functionality are important factors. When comparing urethane plates, apply the same quality / price / functionality factor used throughout the decision making process.

Another advantage available with some Urethane weightlifting plates is the option of customization with your logo. Build client loyalty and your brand at the same time. Help your club or organization stand out from everyone else.

IRON COMPANY has a selection of Urethane Olympic Plates for different training environments and purchasing requirements.

Specialty Olympic Plates

Specialty Olympic Plates are divided into three categories:

• Calibrated plates
• Technique plates
• Fractional plates

Calibrated Plates

IRON COMPANY is proud to offer the Ivanko CBPP Olympic Calibrated Powerlifting Plates that are within 10 grams accuracy and IPF approved. This is a serious tool for customers that are dedicated and disciplined in the powerlifting culture.

Technique Plates

Technique plates are the same diameter as 45-LB Olympic plate (17.7" diameter) but weigh only 5 lb. and 15 lb. or the KG equivalent. Technique plates, or "training plates", are constructed from recycled plastic from milk jugs and plastic bottles. Technique plates are used to build proper form and practice in ballistic type movements such as "power cleans" and Olympic lifts.

Fractional Plates

Fractional weight plates are sort of self-explanatory. When tiny adjustments or micro-loading is required, the fractional plate comes into service. Available increments vary by product, allowing lifters to make smaller changes in barbell weight than standard plate denominations allow.

Choosing the Right Olympic Weight Plates

So you have the facts and believe it or not, this has only scratched the surface. When you need more information, guidance and/or recommendation or just someone to help, reach out to IRON COMPANY.

About the Author: John Sisk

John Sisk is a former US Marine and is passionate about helping others achieve success in the arena of fitness. As a fitness industry veteran of over 40-years, John has the experience, product knowledge, and perspective that are second to none. John was founder and president of Legend Fitness for 29 years before teaming up with IRON COMPANY in 2006. With over 147 manufacturing partners, John has the right tools, experience, and expertise to ensure you get the best products for your fitness application, whether it is for military, commercial, or personal use. This is more than a job; it is a lifetime commitment to helping people. When not at IRON COMPANY, John can be found leading a Bible Study in the inner city or hiking the Appalachian Trail. Contact John here.