1. Cast Iron Plates
Cast iron discs are the most affordable option, therefore people just starting their exercise journey regularly buy them. They are a long-lasting investment, but because they lack a protective coating, they could eventually develop dents and scratches. If you want to perform big deadlifts, it is preferable to invest in thick rubber coating because they are not intended to be thrown around (unlike bumper plates). Cast iron weights, however, will be adequate if you're a beginner seeking to bench press with a squat rack. They frequently have grasping holes (such as the tri-grip system with Primal Personal Cast Iron Plates in the picture), which make them simple to load and move about.
Use for – beginner on a budget, using the weight disc on its own, exercises that don’t require dropping barbell
2. Rubber Coated Plates
Cast iron plates and rubber coated plates have extremely similar designs. Additionally, they include a gripping feature that makes them simple to load onto a barbell and effective in a number of workouts as a substitute for kettlebells or dumbbells. The layer of rubber covering, which offers you a few more advantages, is the main difference. First of all, rubber will soften the impact and reduce noise produced by iron plates whether you are loading, stacking, or moving the discs around.
The rubber coating protects your flooring from scratches and dents, protecting both the equipment and your floor. They are far more compact than bumper plates, making them the perfect balance for small homes. For a modest price increase, they are a great benefit over cast iron plates, albeit they are still not appropriate for throwing with big weights like bumper plates.
Use for – Ideal for small space home gym, using the weight disc on its own, exercises that don’t require dropping barbell, quiet barbell work, floor protection, with squat and power racks.
3. Black Bumper Plates
The most durable and sturdy alternative is bumper plates. They include a thick layer of rubber, which makes them ideal for exercises where the goal is to lift the most weight possible quickly. When dropping the barbell from above during an activity like an overhead squat, they will be a fantastic choice for CrossFit. It's still preferable to use them in conjunction with appropriate gym flooring to add an extra layer of padding. Bumper weights have a broader diameter, which raises the barbell higher and makes it easier to reach.
If you're searching for a plate to use on its own, this is not it because the plates lack a holding feature. The black bumper disc is the one to choose if you need the best quality on a tight budget because it is somewhat less expensive than the colourful ones. Because of their thick protective rubber coating, they are very durable and long lasting. The plates are simpler to roll because their edges are flat. Additionally, since they are all the same diameter, the weight is dispersed equally when the barbell is dropped rather than being concentrated on the broadest plate. A Great Value Black Rubber Plate are the Jordan Lifting Club Black Bumper Plates, shown above
Use for – CrossFit, exercises that require dropping barbell, heavy weightlifting, gyms, home gyms
4. Coloured Bumper Plates
The colour is certainly the biggest distinction between these bumper plates and black bumper plates. Even while it can appear like a little upgrade, it has advantages. For example, competitions are usually held with coloured bumper plates; therefore, practising on the same equipment will be beneficial if you're preparing to compete and want to have a feel for it. Red will always weigh 25 kg, blue will weigh 20, yellow will weigh 15, and green will weigh 10 kg. Black and grey may occasionally weigh 5 kg and 2.5 kg, respectively. As a result, you can easily locate your plates by colour or a mix of colours anytime you enter a gym. as you can see the Escape Coloured Bumper Plates are a hugely popular for CrossFit Facilities and shows their Toast Rack to house them.
Use for – CrossFit, exercises that require dropping barbell, heavy weightlifting, gyms, home gyms, competitive lifting
5) Stainless steel Olympic plates
They are a great option for those who want a durable and long-lasting set of plates. They are made from a high-quality material that is resistant to rust and corrosion, making them ideal for use in a home gym. Stainless steel plates are also very strong and can withstand heavy weights, making them a good choice for powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters. So consider as shown the Watson Stainless Steel Olympic Plates , which are made to the highest, exacting standards.
Here are some of the benefits of using stainless steel Olympic plates:
- Durability: Stainless steel is a very durable material that is resistant to rust and corrosion. This makes it ideal for use in a home gym, where the plates may be exposed to moisture and other elements.
- Strength: Stainless steel is also a very strong material that can withstand heavy weights. This makes it a good choice for powerlifters and Olympic weightlifters.
- Aesthetics: Stainless steel plates are available in a variety of colors, so you can choose a set that matches your home gym décor.
- Price: Stainless steel plates are typically more expensive than other types of plates, such as cast iron or rubber. However, they are a good investment if you are looking for a durable and long-lasting set of plates.
Concluding Thoughts
There are various uses for each type of plate. Cast iron plates might be sufficient for you if you're looking for a beginner-friendly choice that won't break the bank or if you want to utilise the plates by themselves without a barbell. Rubber coated plates are for you if you're willing to spend a little more money to have a quieter, stronger solution that is better for your flooring but still offers a comfortable grip.
However, you should get bumper plates if you intend to lift heavy objects and carry out exercises like CrossFit that involve dropping the barbell frequently. The coloured bumper plates are for the highest competitive standards. Consider your fitness goals and intentions before making a purchase because if you buy cast iron plates and then decide to start heavy lifting a month later and need bumper plates, you will end up spending money twice rather than saving money by purchasing the cheaper plates in the first place. It's crucial to choose the right equipment for your needs because exercising is an investment in your health and wellbeing. Otherwise, you risk hurting yourself by using equipment that isn't right for you.