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10 Best Weight Plates 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

CAP Barbell 100 lb Elite Olympic Bumper Plate Set, Black

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,203
Material
Plate Design

Most important from
669 reviews

Material
While the plates may arrive oily and have a rubber smell, these issues are easily remedied with a bit of cleaning.
Plate Design
The color-coded lettering adds a fun touch to the plates' appearance.

The CAP Barbell 100 lb Elite Olympic Bumper Plate Set is designed for those who engage in weightlifting and need a durable and versatile set of weights. These plates are made with a sturdy cast iron core, coated with virgin and recycled rubber that helps protect your floors and equipment from damage. The steel inserts ensure a secure fit on standard Olympic barbells with a 2-inch center hole, which is a key feature for anyone serious about their lifting regimen.

This set includes pairs of 10lb, 15lb, and 25lb plates, offering a good range of weight increments suitable for various levels of strength training and workouts. However, the weight set does not go beyond 25lb increments, which might be a limitation for advanced lifters seeking heavier weights in a single purchase. The plates are uniform in diameter, enhancing their functionality, especially for exercises that require consistent height from the ground. One notable feature is the odorless rubber coating, making these plates suitable for home gyms without the unpleasant scent often associated with rubber products.

While the construction and build quality of the plates are excellent, the fact that the set ships in multiple boxes might be inconvenient, as they could arrive on different days, potentially delaying your full setup. CAP Barbell's reputation, with over 30 years in the industry, assures reliability and quality. However, the 30-day manufacturer warranty is relatively short and could be a concern for users looking for long-term investment. This weight plate set is best suited for intermediate lifters looking to augment their strength training with reliable and well-constructed plates.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,203
Material
Plate Design

Most important from
669 reviews

Material
While the plates may arrive oily and have a rubber smell, these issues are easily remedied with a bit of cleaning.
Plate Design
The color-coded lettering adds a fun touch to the plates' appearance.
#2

CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

Rating
10.0
Material
Weight Increments
Hole Diameter

Most important from
14652 reviews

Material
Durable cast iron construction with a sleek, glossy black finish adds both longevity and visual appeal.
Weight Increments
Smaller weight increments, like 2.5-pound plates, offer versatility for gradual progression and lighter resistance exercises.
Hole Diameter
The 2-inch hole diameter fits standard Olympic bars perfectly, ensuring wide compatibility.
Plate Design
Built-in grip holes make loading and unloading safer and more convenient, especially for solo exercises.
Thickness
Despite being solid and sturdy, the plates maintain a manageable thickness that stacks well on bars.

The CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Weight Plate is a solid and reliable choice for those looking to add weight plates to their home gym or fitness routine. Made from durable cast iron with a tough black baked enamel finish, this plate is built to resist wear and last through intense workouts. Its 2-inch hole diameter fits standard Olympic bars, making it compatible with most gym setups. One of the plate’s standout features is the built-in grip holes, which make it easier and safer to handle, especially when loading or unloading weights. This also helps when using the plate alone for warm-ups or various exercises.

The raised numbers on the plate make it simple to identify the weight quickly, which is helpful during workouts. The plate is about 1.34 inches thick, which is typical for a 45 lb plate and allows for easy stacking on the bar. While it is a single plate rather than a set, it is a versatile option for strength training, endurance, and balance exercises. Because it is a cast iron plate, it can be somewhat noisy when dropped and may chip if not handled carefully. The 45 lb increment is fairly large, so if you want smaller weight increments, you may need other plates as well.

With a high customer rating and CAP Barbell’s long-standing reputation in fitness equipment, this plate remains a trustworthy and practical choice for most users looking for reliable, sturdy weight plates.

Rating
10.0
Material
Weight Increments
Hole Diameter

Most important from
14652 reviews

Material
Durable cast iron construction with a sleek, glossy black finish adds both longevity and visual appeal.
Weight Increments
Smaller weight increments, like 2.5-pound plates, offer versatility for gradual progression and lighter resistance exercises.
Hole Diameter
The 2-inch hole diameter fits standard Olympic bars perfectly, ensuring wide compatibility.
Plate Design
Built-in grip holes make loading and unloading safer and more convenient, especially for solo exercises.
Thickness
Despite being solid and sturdy, the plates maintain a manageable thickness that stacks well on bars.
#3

CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Weight Plate, 10 lb, Set of 4 plates

Rating
9.9
Material
Hole Diameter
Plate Design

Most important from
14652 reviews

Material
Well-coated for durability, preventing rust and chipping.
Hole Diameter
Uniformly made and fit well on 2-inch bars, with only slight wiggle room.
Plate Design
Great grip holes make them easy to handle without a bar.

The CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Weight Plates are made of solid cast iron which makes them very durable and long-lasting. The set includes four 10 lb plates, totaling 40 lbs, which is ideal for both beginners and intermediate users looking to add incremental weight to their workouts.

Each plate has a 2-inch center hole, which fits standard Olympic bars, making them versatile for various exercises. The plates also feature grip holes, making them easy to handle, and they are coated with a black baked enamel finish to prevent rust and increase longevity.

The plates' thickness and design might not be suitable for those with limited storage space or those looking for more compact weight plates. Additionally, the black finish, while durable, might show scratches over time. With a 30-day manufacturer warranty, these plates are a reliable option for anyone looking to enhance their strength training routine.

Rating
9.9
Material
Hole Diameter
Plate Design

Most important from
14652 reviews

Material
Well-coated for durability, preventing rust and chipping.
Hole Diameter
Uniformly made and fit well on 2-inch bars, with only slight wiggle room.
Plate Design
Great grip holes make them easy to handle without a bar.

Buying Guide for the Best Weight Plates

When it comes to buying weight plates, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you get the best fit for your fitness needs. Weight plates are essential for strength training and come in various types, sizes, and materials. Understanding the key specifications will help you make an informed decision and enhance your workout experience.
MaterialWeight plates are typically made from cast iron, rubber-coated iron, or bumper plates made from dense rubber. The material affects durability, noise level, and floor protection. Cast iron plates are durable and cost-effective but can be noisy and may damage floors if dropped. Rubber-coated plates reduce noise and protect floors, making them suitable for home gyms. Bumper plates are designed for Olympic lifting and can be dropped from overhead without damaging the floor or the plates themselves. Choose the material based on your workout environment and lifting style.
Weight IncrementsWeight plates come in various increments, typically ranging from 1.25 kg (2.5 lbs) to 25 kg (55 lbs) or more. Smaller increments allow for gradual progression and fine-tuning of your lifts, which is important for beginners and those focusing on strength gains. Larger increments are useful for experienced lifters who need to add significant weight to their lifts. Consider your current strength level and training goals when selecting the weight increments that will best support your progress.
Hole DiameterThe hole diameter of weight plates is crucial as it determines compatibility with your barbell. Standard plates have a 1-inch hole diameter, while Olympic plates have a 2-inch hole diameter. Olympic plates are more common in commercial gyms and are designed to fit Olympic barbells, which are more durable and can handle heavier loads. If you already own a barbell, ensure the plates you choose match its diameter. If you're starting from scratch, consider investing in Olympic plates and a compatible barbell for greater versatility and durability.
Plate DesignWeight plates come in different designs, such as standard, grip, and calibrated plates. Standard plates are simple and cost-effective, while grip plates have built-in handles that make them easier to carry and load onto the barbell. Calibrated plates are precision-made for competitive lifting and have a more accurate weight. If you prioritize ease of use and safety, grip plates are a good choice. For competitive lifters or those who require precise weight measurements, calibrated plates are ideal.
ThicknessThe thickness of weight plates affects how many plates you can load onto a barbell. Thinner plates allow for more weight to be added, which is important for advanced lifters who lift heavy. Bumper plates tend to be thicker due to their rubber construction, which can limit the total weight you can load. Consider your current and future lifting capacity when choosing the thickness of your plates to ensure they meet your long-term training needs.

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