Best Weight Plates 2024: recommended for strength training

Weight plates are usually made from one of four different materials: Iron, steel, plastic and sand, and rubber.

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Best Weight Plates

The best Weight plates are an integral part of any home gym setup, providing versatility for a wide range of exercises. When looking for the best weight plate, it’s important to find ones that are strong, don’t bounce too much, fit securely on an Olympic barbell, and look good to keep you motivated during your PR-crushing workouts.

But it’s hard to say what the “best” weight plates are because they vary so much depending on your training style, goals, and budget. This detailed guide is meant to help you make an informed choice. It’s important to remember that weight plates, like other home gym equipment, are personal, and what works for you might not work for someone else. Below we have mentioned the best Weight plates.

Best Weight Plates Comparison Table

ProductCAP Barbell Sporzon! Cast Iron Step Fitness Club Quality XMark Fitness Trademark Innovations Fractional
Plate TypeOlympic Grip1-Inch GripOlympic GripOlympic GripFractional Weight
MaterialCast IronCast IronCast IronCast IronSteel
Available Sizes2.5 lbs – 45 lbs2.5 lbs – 45 lbs2.5 lbs – 45 lbs2.5 lbs – 45 lbs0.25 lbs – 2 lbs
Compatibility2-Inch Olympic Bar1-Inch Standard Bar2-Inch Olympic Bar2-Inch Olympic Bar2-Inch Olympic Bar
Grip DesignTextured GripSmooth GripTextured GripTextured GripN/A
Plate ColorBlackBlackBlackBlackSilver
Additional Features/AccessoriesN/AN/ABarbell Set, Weight Plates, Barbell ClipsN/AN/A

CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plate

Best Weight Plates
SpecificationDetails
Weight2-Inch Olympic Grip Plate
MaterialCast Iron
Grip Diameter2 inches
Plate DiameterVaries (depending on weight)
CompatibilityOlympic barbells
Available WeightsMultiple options available (e.g., 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, etc.)

The 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plates from CAP Barbell were our top choice because they come in different weight ranges, from 2.5 to 45 pounds. And because they come as singles, pairs, and sets, you can easily find what you need and stock up. The weight plates are made of solid cast iron and have a protective enamel coating on them, so you can be sure they will last a long time. What’s awesome? The plates have holes that make them easy to hold on to. Even better, these holes get bigger as you move toward the heavier end of the weight range. This makes it easier to hold on to the plates as they get heavier and heavier. Overall, it is one of the best Weight plates that you can buy.

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Pros

  • Made from durable cast iron material
  • Available in various weights for progressive training
  • Allows for precise and consistent weight increments during workouts
  • Suitable for both home and gym use

Cons

  • May be more expensive compared to standard 1-inch plates
  • Requires an Olympic barbell for proper usage

Sporzon! Cast Iron 1-Inch Grip Plate

Best Weight Plates
SpecificationDetails
Weight1-Inch Grip Plate
MaterialCast Iron
Grip Diameter1 inch
Plate DiameterVaries (depending on weight)
CompatibilityStandard barbells
Available WeightsMultiple options available (e.g., 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, etc.)

Cast Iron Grip Plates from Sporzon! are a cheap way to get more weight plates. Since the weight plates are only sold individually, you can mix and match them until you have a set that fits your needs perfectly. The weight of each plate ranges from 2.5 to 45 pounds. And since they come in 1-inch or 2-inch diameters, you can easily match them to any barbell you already own. The plates are made of solid cast iron and have a baked enamel finish that is supposed to stop rust and corrosion. And since they have big holes on the inside, you should be able to hold on to them easily, even if you’re sweating. Thus, it is one of the best Weight plates that you can buy.

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Pros

  • Constructed from sturdy cast iron material
  • Features a 1-inch grip diameter, suitable for standard barbells

Cons

  • Not compatible with Olympic barbells without adapters
  • Smaller grip diameter may be less comfortable for some users

Step Fitness Club Quality 4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set

Best Weight Plates
SpecificationDetails
Weight4-Weight Deluxe Barbell Set
MaterialCast Iron
Grip DiameterStandard 1 inch
Plate DiameterVaries (depending on weight)
CompatibilityStandard barbells
Included Weights2 x 5 lbs, 2 x 10 lbs, 2 x 25 lbs, 2 x 45 lbs

The weight plates are made out of recycled materials and have hard plastic shells around them. This might make them not last as long as some of the solid cast iron options. But on the bright side, they will be easier on your floors and your wallet. The Deluxe Barbell Set from Club Quality comes with everything you need to start lifting. The set comes with nine pieces: a barbell and eight weight plates. Still, it is one of the best Weight plates that you can buy.

When combined with the weight of the bar, the plates range from 2.75 to 11 pounds each, giving you a total of 60 pounds to work with. The weight plates are made out of recycled materials and have hard plastic shells around them. This might make them not last as long as some of the solid cast iron options. But on the bright side, they will be easier on your floors and your wallet.

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Pros

  • High-quality cast iron construction ensures durability
  • Comes with a complete set of weights for versatile training options
  • Standard 1-inch grip diameter fits most standard barbells

Cons

  • Not compatible with Olympic barbells without adapters
  • May require additional storage space due to the larger number of weights included

XMark Fitness Olympic Plates

Best Weight Plates
SpecificationDetails
MaterialCast Iron
Weight Options2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, 10 lbs, 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs, 55 lbs
Diameter17.72 inches (45 cm)
CompatibilityOlympic barbells
FinishBaked-on enamel
Grip DesignTri-grip for easy handling

The Olympic Plates from XMark are strong and won’t damage your floors too much. Each weight plate weighs between 2.5 and 45 pounds. Since they come in pairs and sets, you can choose a total set weight between 70 and 275 pounds. Unfortunately, if you want a lot of the 2.5-pound weights that are good for beginners, you’ll have to buy a set that weighs at least 115 pounds.

The weights are made of strong steel and have a rubber coating that won’t scratch floors. The rubber coating on the weights makes them easy to hold, and the large holes along their sides make them even easier to hold. Overall, it is one of the best Weight plates that you can buy.

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Pros

  • Made from durable cast iron material
  • Available in a variety of weight options for progressive training

Cons

  • May be slightly more expensive compared to standard plates
  • Limited weight options compared to other plate sets

Trademark Innovations Fractional Weight Plates

Best Weight Plates
SpecificationDetails
MaterialSteel
Weight Options0.25 lbs, 0.5 lbs, 0.75 lbs, 1 lb
Diameter5.5 inches (14 cm)
CompatibilityStandard barbells
FinishBlack powder-coated
QuantitySet of 8 plates (2 of each weight option)

The Trademark Innovations Fractional Weight Plates set is a great choice for anyone who wants a wider range of weights. Each of the eight weight plates in the fractional weight plate set weighs between 0.25 and 1 pound. This light range is great for people who are just starting to lift weights, or for those who want to slowly build up the intensity of their workouts over time. For now, it is one of the best Weight plates that you can buy.

Even though the weight plates are small, they look like they will last. They are made of strong steel. And to make sure you don’t mix them up, they are each a different color. You can use the fractional plates alone or with another set of weight plates. In either case, they’ll help you take your workouts to the next level on your own terms.

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Pros

  • Black powder-coated finish adds durability and aesthetic appeal
  • Comes in a set of 8 plates, offering a range of weight options

Cons

  • Not suitable for Olympic barbells due to smaller diameter
  • Limited weight options may not cater to advanced weightlifters

FAQs

What are weight plates?

Weight plates are round discs made of different materials, like cast iron or rubber, that can be added to barbells, dumbbells, or weightlifting machines to make exercises more difficult and increase resistance.

How should I store weight plates?

A weight plate tree or rack can be used to store weight plates in a way that keeps them organized and easy to get to. Make sure to store them somewhere dry to keep them from rusting, and don’t put plates that are too heavy on top of plates that aren’t as heavy to keep them from getting bent.

How accurate are weight plates in terms of their stated weight?

The actual weight of a weight plate can be a little bit different from what it says it weighs. The weight measurements are usually more accurate on plates that are better made. But if your training depends on knowing your exact weight, it’s always a good idea to use a reliable scale to check the accuracy every so often.

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