9+ Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit | Unrivaled Guide 2023

Bumper plates are some of the most common types of weight plates you can buy. They are versatile, they’re quiet, they are durable, and they look great. Weight plates are an essential piece of gym equipment for anyone looking for strength training, and bumper plate sets are a great option. Along with plates, I consider power racks, barbells, and weight benches to be an essential part of any gym, especially a home gym.

Bumper Plates & Sets vary in specifications, materials, price, and quality, making it difficult when narrow down the candidates. In this article, we present the best bumper plates to buy in 2023. Basic rubber bumper plates, competition bumper plates, urethane bumper plates, and more are featured in this article.

Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit

Dumbbell plates are one of the most common weight plates found in commercial and private gyms. They are versatile, absorb noise, are durable, and of course, look beautiful.

To find the best dumbbell discs, you need to consider where you train, the style of training you use, and how much you are willing to spend. Below are eight of the best home gym shock absorbers on the market. From crushed rubber impact plates to competition plates, and even urethane impact plates, this article will help you find the best option.

Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit | Comparison Table 2023

High Quality | 5-Stars Picks | Great Prices

Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit | Reviews 2023

Product Overview:

The FringeSport 15lb to 55lb Savage Tie-Dye Tiger Stripe Bumper Plates is a set of weight plates designed for strength and conditioning weight training. The plates are made with a mix of low bounce and high durability, ensuring they will not easily chip or break. They are designed with color-coded tiger stripes to help easily distinguish between barbell weights for more efficient workout sessions. They are made with high-density 100% virgin rubber that naturally absorbs sounds and has a dead bounce, making them safe to drop in tight spaces. These plates are designed to fit into any 2” diameter Olympic barbell and have a steel insert that can take much more abuse without deforming the plates.

The customer who wrote the above review purchased a 370 lb Savage Bumper Plate set directly from Fringe Sports and was pleased with the design and availability of the product. They also found the price to be discounted and found Fringe Sports to have a better product than Rogue Fitness, which is considered the gold standard in the industry. The customer was also impressed with the fast shipping and responsive customer service when they realized a couple of plates were missing from their order.

Overall, the FringeSport Savage Tie-Dye Tiger Stripe Bumper Plates are a durable and visually appealing option for strength and conditioning training. The color-coded tiger stripes make it easy to distinguish between weights, and the high-density rubber construction ensures a safe workout. Additionally, the customer service provided by the company is highly responsive and efficient. They highly recommend the product to others.

Product Overview:

The REP FITNESS Black Bumper Plates are a durable and versatile option for strength and conditioning workouts and weightlifting. Each package includes two 10 lb black rubber polymer plates that are 1 inch thick and 17.5 inches in diameter with 2-inch steel collar openings. The plates feature a 1-year warranty on 10's and 15's and a 3-year warranty on 25's, 35's, 45's for home use only.

The bumper plates are designed to last, with steel inserts with hooks molded into the plate and low-bounce rubber that can withstand over 15,000 drops. The 10 lb plates are extra thick to increase durability and minimize the plate folding in on itself, while the 45 lb plates are thinner than most at 2.83" to allow you to fit up to 515 pounds on the bar.

The REP FITNESS Black Bumper Plates are suitable for powerlifting, Olympic lifting, or HIIT style workouts, and can also be used to stand on for deficit or elevated movements. They are perfect for home gym training, as rubber plates protect your floor, your barbell, and dampen the noise from lifting and dropping weights. The plates are made from high-grade rubber for low odor and low bounce. They are designed and manufactured in Denver, CO and REP Fitness carries a full line of strength and conditioning equipment including benches, barbells, dumbbells, racks, cardio equipment and more.

Product Overview:

The XMark Hi-Impact Bumper Plate is a weight plate designed for Olympic barbells and strength training. The package includes a 45 lb pair of XMark Hi-Impact Bumper Plates. The Hi-Impact high-density rubber results in a tough and durable weight plate with a slim profile and dead bounce. Precision-tooled stainless-steel inserts allow the Olympic plates to slide freely on any 2-inch Olympic barbell.

One of the main features of these bumper plates is that they are specially engineered for dropping. Solving an industry-wide problem, XMark followed IWF standards and reduced the diameter or height of the 10 lb plate leading to improved stability of the plate. XMark warrants 25, 35, and 45 lb plates to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a 3-year period, under normal residential use and conditions; Commercial Use for one year. However, cosmetic damage is not covered by warranty.

XMark strength and fitness equipment is found in homes, garage gyms, school weight rooms, and gyms across the U.S. It is important to note that all products made from rubber have a distinct smell, but the smell will generally dissipate over time. XMark Fitness offers a large selection of strength training equipment including weights, bumpers, barbells, ez curl bars, benches, dumbbells, and specialty strength equipment. The XMark Hi-Impact Bumper Plates are a durable and versatile option for strength training, and the warranty provides added peace of mind for the customer.

Product Overview:

The Synergee Bumper Plates are designed for strength conditioning workouts and weightlifting, and they are sold in pairs and sets. They are made of rubber polymer, and they are designed to have a low bounce when dropped, which protects the center ring and allows for more control during training. This design allows you to predict where the bar will travel when dropped, making them a trustworthy bar to use in smaller spaces or when working out with others.

The Synergee Bumper Plates are highly versatile and can be used for a variety of exercises and training programs. They are perfect for home gyms, CrossFit boxes, and school weight rooms. They are suitable for any Olympic or power lifter, body builders, or toners/sculptors. The plates fit on a standard Olympic, power-lifting, or hex barbell or any other bar with a 2”-diameter sleeve.

This package includes 2 25lb plates. Each plate is 1.77 inches thick, 17.5 inches in diameter, has 2 inch collar openings, and made from Rubber Polymer. Additionally, the company offers a No Sweat Guarantee, which means quick, hassle-free, and caring customer service. If there is an issue with your product for any reason, Synergee will send you a new one quickly and absolutely free. The company's 100% customer satisfaction is their number one goal. The plates also have white letter markings that are highly visible, even from a distance. These plates are a must-have for any workout that uses Olympic lifts.

Product Overview:

The ARCHON ATLAS Bumper Plates are a set of weightlifting plates that can be purchased in pairs, sets, or as individual plates. They are designed to withstand the weight and punishment of your workouts and are constructed with minimal bounce and a high level of durability. They have a 450mm diameter and are color-coded for easy identification of poundage.

 The plates come with a 1-year warranty on the 10-15 lb plates and a 3-year warranty on the 25-45 lb plates. ARCHON is a company that designs and manufactures fitness equipment with a focus on quality and functionality. They are passionate about helping customers achieve the best possible version of themselves.

Product Overview:

The Zion Fitness Onyx 2 Inch Lb Bumper Plates Set is a set of Olympic weight plates made of durable rubber and stainless steel inserts. These plates are designed to be used with any 2" Olympic barbell and are perfect for a wide range of exercises including weighted sit-ups, bent-over rows, squats, lunges, and presses. They can also be used for deadlifts, curls, and bench presses.

The plates have a standard IWF diameter of 450mm and are designed to have minimal bounce and surface imperfections. They are also guaranteed to be within 1% of the marked weight, ensuring optimal results for users. The plates are available in different weight variants, including 10lb, 15lb, 25lb, 35lb, and 45lb, making it easy to increase muscle strength with regular use.

The Zion Fitness Onyx Bumper Plates come with a warranty of 90 days for the 10-15lb variant plates and 2 years for the 25-45lb variant plates. It's important to note that the 10-15lb bumper plates are not designed to be used alone on a barbell as they will "taco". These plates are perfect for home, professional gyms, and commercial gyms. They are reliable, durable, and designed to make it easy to reach your fitness goals.

Product Overview:

The AMGYM LB Bumper Plates are Olympic weight plates designed for strength training and weightlifting. They are made of virgin rubber, making them a real bumper plate, and are designed to withstand repeated drops. The 160 lb set includes 2x10lb, 2x25lb, and 2x45lb plates, which fit all Olympic barbells with 2-inch sleeves. These plates are perfect for performing Olympic lifts, squats, and deadlifts safely and confidently. They have a low bounce and protect any type of floor and your bars.

The plates come with an expertly designed stainless steel "hooked" insert that remains firmly seated, keeping balance. AMGYM Bumper Plates are available in 6 weights: 10LB, 15LB, 25LB, 35LB, 45LB, and 55LB, good for strength training, weightlifting, CrossFit, etc. They also come with a 3-year warranty. The plates are sold in packages, with 2 plates per package for the 10lb, 15lb, and 25lb plates, and 1 plate per package for the 35lb, 45lb, and 55lb plates.

The AMGYM LB Black Bumper Plates are constructed with a durable 2-inch steel internal ring, which allows them to maintain their shape in between uses. They are IWF standard 17.5 inches in diameter and have a 2-inch center hole. They are made of 100% High-Density natural rubber and have a solid stainless steel insert. They are perfect for use in a home gym, as they allow you to safely drop heavy weights from overhead, which is an essential aspect of Olympic Weightlifting movements, and also allow you to safely miss lifts when beginning to learn technique-based weightlifting or attempting heavy overhead lifts.

Product Overview:

The BalanceFrom Color Coded Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plate is designed for strength training and weightlifting. These plates are constructed of high-density rubber with solid stainless steel inserts that can withstand repeated drops and have minimal bounce. The inner ring of each plate has a diameter of 2 inches and fits any Olympic barbell, dumbbell bar, or sled with a 2-inch diameter. The plates are color coded for easy identification and labeled in both lbs, and kgs, which makes it easy to select the desired weight.

The BalanceFrom Color Coded Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plate is available in both singles or sets, with a variety of weight options such as 160lbs, 210lbs, 260lbs, and 370lbs. This allows you to select the right weight for your level of fitness and training goals. The plates are suitable for a variety of strength training exercises, including Olympic lifts, squats, and deadlifts.

It's important to note that the 10lb plates can bend when dropped alone while on a barbell, and the 10lb plates are thin, so they may not be as durable as the heavier plates. Also, the 10lb plates should not be used alone, which limits their versatility.

Product Overview:

The HD Bumper Plates 2" are a set of high-quality rubber weight plates designed for use with Olympic barbells. These plates are sold as singles, so customers can purchase the exact weight they need. The plates are made from a durable rubber polymer that has a low bounce and high durability, and feature new artwork with raised lettering and a distinct black matte finish.

These plates are designed to meet the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standards, with a regulated diameter of 450mm and a collar opening of 50.4mm. They also have an average of 90 on the Shore A Durometer scale, which ensures a consistent dead blow with minimal bounce. The HD bumper plates come in a selection of weights, including 10lb, 15lb, 25lb, 35lb, and 45lb, making them suitable for a wide range of fitness levels and workout goals.

In addition to being suitable for use with an Olympic barbell, these plates can also be used as standalone equipment for effective workouts. They feature high-durability stainless steel inserts to protect the plates and barbell, an embossed letter finish, and are made from all-black quality virgin rubber. The company offers a 5-star experience guarantee and promises that if customers are not 100% satisfied, they will take the plates back for a full refund.

How To Choose The Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit | Ultimate Guide 2023

While fitness equipment is not made specifically to be thrown away (warranties are often voided if the manufacturer can prove negligence in the handling of the equipment), there are certain types of equipment that are better suited for CrossFit. Bumpers fall into this category.

Not only are they more durable than metal plates, but the thick rubber used in bumper plates also protects the gym floor and dumbbells.

How do I choose the best bumper plate for me?

Many bumper plates look very similar. However, minor differences between them can make a difference in your training, and it is important to know which features are important when looking for the best bumper plate for your home gym.

Bounce

No one likes to see a barbell fly across the room after completing a push-up. Not only is it annoying, it is also dangerous, especially if you are training in close proximity to other athletes. Look for dumbbell plates that are labeled "low rebound," and be sure to read customer reviews by filtering for the keyword "rebound.

Hardness

Rubber compounds are measured with the Shore A durometer system, which rates their hardness, ranging from 0 to 100 points, with a higher score meaning a harder compound. Optimal bumpers have a Shore A hardness of 80 or higher.

Size

Bumpers should be sized close to or exactly to IWF specifications. This means

Mouth diameter 440 mm (17.7 inches)
Hub opening is 50.4 mm (1.5 in.).
There are slight differences between bumper plates, especially for 10s and 15s. Manufacturers often design lighter bumpers with a slightly smaller diameter to ensure thickness and less deformation. Many also make the bumper opening slightly wider (50.6 mm) to make it easier to get in and out of the bar.

Weight Tolerance

Weight tolerance indicates how much heavier or lighter a weight plate is than its indicated weight. The best weight plates have weight tolerances of 1% or less. For example, a 45 lb. plate cannot be heavier than 45.45 lbs. and lighter than 44.55 lbs. Weight tolerances of up to 3% are acceptable for general training purposes and recreational athletes only.

Collar

For most CrossFit athletes, black plates are sufficient. Colored bumpers are fun, but often more expensive. Color is only important if you are doing Olympic lifts, in which case you will need plates that meet IWF color code specifications. It should be noted, however, that some people remember color better than weight. Many athletes who are new to CrossFit find that colored plates make it easier to remember the weight lifted.

What to look for when purchasing a bumper plate for a home gym.

 Construction

Building a full-fledged home gym can be expensive and frustrating without proper planning. When purchasing bumper plates for a home gym, one of the most important qualities to consider is how they were constructed. High-quality bumper plates are highly functional and durable and will help you get the most out of your workout.

Material: Rubber bumpers are commonly used. Depending on your budget, training style, and aesthetic sense, you can choose high-temperature bumper plates made of recycled (crushed) rubber, virgin rubber, or urethane.

Recycled rubber is less expensive than virgin rubber, but it is less durable, looks worse, and smells much worse. Alternatively, bumper plates are available in urethane, a high-end material that is more durable has little or no odor looks better and is more expensive than rubber.

Quality of construction

bumper plates are expensive, but having to constantly repair or replace them is much more expensive in the long run. Instead of spending money on inexpensive bumpers, choose options with durable materials, better warranties, higher durometers, and more accurate weight tolerances. Home gyms can invest in better quality plates to provide greater functionality and the ability to optimize their workouts.

COLOR Aperture Diameter

Olympic dumbbells, not just Olympic Movement, have a weight sleeve diameter of approximately 1.96 inches. Therefore, Olympic weight plates are designed to fit the size of an Olympic bar. Some plates have narrower openings than others, depending on the plate's intended use.

For example, competition plates have an opening of approximately 1.97 inches (50 mm) to fit snugly around the weight collar. Standard and basic bumpers are closer to 50.8 mm, so they fit a little less close to the bar.

When looking for bumper plates, check the dimensions of the barbell sleeve. Most people will be using an Olympic bar, so the collar opening should be as close to 50.4 mm as possible. This is the International Weightlifting Federation standard.

DUROMETER

A good brand will indicate the durometer of all barbell plates. The durometer index is a measure of the hardness of a material. The index ranges from 0 to 100, with the higher the index, the harder the material.

The harder the material, the more resistant it is to dents and damage from drops. When looking for skid plates made of high-density rubber, a durometer of 70 or higher is all that is needed. The higher the rating, the greater the resistance.

Steel Insert Method and Material: In impact plates, the insert is just as important as the plate material. Stainless steel inserts are the gold standard, as many other metal inserts are prone to deformation when dropped repeatedly. It is also important to check whether the insert is barbed or just a ring. Barbed inserts are less likely to drop off and render the plate unusable.

Color coding

Many plates are basically black plates, sometimes with accent colors on the sides to make the weights stand out.

However, when you start looking at competitive or Olympic plates, you will notice that they are colored. This is no coincidence; these colored plates have a beneficial purpose. The colors allow people to easily and quickly identify the number of kilograms (pounds) on each plate.

The International Weightlifting Federation has established specifications and rules for all equipment used in weightlifting competitions, including color plates with a specific coding system.

Training plates

To choose the right bumper for you, you must first determine whether a standard bumper, or training plate, is sufficient, or whether you need a competition bumper to train in a more professional environment.

Competition bumpers are thinner, more durable, and much more expensive than standard bumpers. So if you are competing in powerlifting or Olympic lifting, competition bumper plates are a great choice.

If you are willing to spend the money and own a competition plate, one of the advantages of using this plate over standard bumpers is the advertised weight reliability. Tolerances are very tight, usually within +/- 10 grams, and you will know that you are lifting the specified weight. In addition, competition plates are durable and conform to IWF standards, while training plates have a wide range of weight tolerances.

If you do not plan to compete or have a limited budget, training plates will suffice. With modern manufacturing techniques, the weight of most standard plates is not far off the stated weight, but they are not calibrated and cannot be used for competition.

Also, the durability of the plates should not be overlooked, as they can last a lifetime if cared for. In other words, competition plates are for serious lifters who have spent some money.

What are the advantages of athletic plates?

When choosing a plate for your home gym, you will notice that there are several different types of weight plates. One of the most commonly used weight plates in home gyms is the bumper plate and for good reason. Bumper plates offer tremendous benefits to anyone looking to build a home gym or upgrade their weight plates.

The main advantages are

Versatility and functionality

Dumbbell plates are the most versatile style of weight plate. Whether you are training for Olympic weightlifting, weightlifting, CrossFit, bodybuilding, or just general health purposes, weight plates can withstand all the abuse you put them through.

Metal or cast iron plates cannot withstand the kind of training you do while dropping weights. You can train indoors or outdoors with training plates!

Ideal for indoor use

Steel plates scratch the floor when dropped and are very annoying, not least because they make a lot of noise. Instead of worrying about this, you can invest in an impact plate.

Most impact plates are made of rubber, which protects the floor and prevents it from bouncing when dropped. This reduces the risk of breaking other objects. The bumpers soften the sound, so you can train in relative silence. So even if you train late into the night, you won't wake anyone up.

Durability and Robustness

The typical plate is quite sturdy, but it doesn't stand up to the bumpers that come late. Made of durable rubber, they can withstand thousands of drops without feeling wear and tear. With steel plates, you might get lucky and drop a few drops before they break. For home gyms, it is not unrealistic to assume that bumper plates will stand up to use well within the warranty period.

Best Bumper Plates & Sets for Crossfit | Video Explanation

FAQs

What is the difference between a bumper and a weight plate?

Bumpers are a type of weight plate. There are many different types of weight plates, including steel plates, steel sheets, and change plates. A bumper is a weight plate constructed or covered with rubber to improve durability and reduce noise when dropped.

Why do I need a bumper plate for CrossFit?

Because of the frequent dropping and moving of dumbbells in WODs, it is important to use bump plates in CrossFit workouts rather than other types of weight plates. Using weight plates protects the floor, the dumbbells, and the plates themselves.

Is it easy to do weightlifting with barbells?

Dumbbell discs have a greater rebound force from contact with the floor than metal discs, making deadlifts easier. However, make sure that a big PR on a bumper plate still counts.

Do bumper plates damage concrete?

The good news is that this does not happen if you use good bumper plates. Even a somewhat inferior bumper plate will not damage the concrete or the barbell. In the unlikely event that they are elevated on concrete and damaged, the lower bumper plate will be damaged.

Why are bumper plates frowned upon?

The reason is that because the bumper plates are larger, the weight on each side of the barbell will put a larger lever arm on the bar than the same weight on the steel plate, causing it to bend more.

When should I use bumper plates?

Bumper plates are weights made of a steel core and a hard rubber exterior. Therefore, they can be used for exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and power cleans, where the weights are often dropped to the floor at the end of a set. Bumper plates are made of rubber and can be dropped to the floor.

Are the bumper plates large?

Bumper plates tend to be thicker than their metal counterparts because they require a larger surface area to absorb impact. This can negatively affect the weight an elite strength athlete can load on a barbell.

Why Does Crossfit Use Bumper Plates?

What Are Crossfit Plates Called?

Are Urethane Bumper Plates Better?

Urethane bumper plates are a type of weight plate made from a durable, high-density plastic material called urethane. Compared to traditional rubber bumper plates, urethane bumper plates have a few advantages:

• Durability: Urethane is a more durable material than rubber, which means that urethane bumper plates are less likely to crack or break over time.
• Odor resistance: Rubber bumper plates can sometimes have a strong smell, especially when they are new. Urethane bumper plates are odor-resistant, which can make them a better choice for gyms or workout spaces where odor is a concern.
• Tighter weight tolerances: Urethane bumper plates are often manufactured to tighter weight tolerances than rubber bumper plates, which means that the weight on the barbell will be more consistent from one lift to the next.

However, urethane bumper plates also tend to be more expensive than rubber bumper plates, which may be a consideration for some people.

Are Competition Bumper Plates Worth It?

Competition bumper plates are a specific type of bumper plate that meet certain weight and size requirements set by various organizations that hold weightlifting competitions. They are typically made to very tight weight tolerances and may be calibrated to ensure that they are exactly the weight they are supposed to be.

Whether competition bumper plates are worth it depends on your goals and priorities. If you are a serious weightlifter who competes in competitions, or if you are training for a specific weightlifting event, competition bumper plates may be worth the investment. They will allow you to train with the same equipment you will be used in competition, which can help you to develop your technique and get used to the equipment.

However, if you are a casual CrossFit athlete or just someone who enjoys weightlifting as part of your fitness routine, competition bumper plates may not be necessary. Standard bumper plates will work just as well for most exercises and are often much less expensive than competition plates.

Are Urethane Bumper Plates Better Than Rubber?

How Many 45 Lb Bumper Plates Fit On A Bar?

What Do Crossfitters Call Their Gym?

CrossFitters may refer to their gym as a "box". This term is thought to have originated from the idea that CrossFit gyms are often small, unassuming spaces that look more like a box than a traditional gyms. Some CrossFit gyms also have unique names that reflect the culture and values of the community.

Why Are Bumper Plates Expensive?

Bumper plates are typically more expensive than traditional weight plates due to their construction and materials. Bumper plates are made of high-density rubber or urethane, which is more durable and less likely to crack or break than other types of weight plates. Bumper plates are also designed to be dropped from overhead, which means they need to be able to withstand impact without damaging the plates or the floor. This requires a more complex manufacturing process and higher-quality materials, which contributes to the higher cost of bumper plates compared to other types of weight plates.

Are Crossfitters Fit?

CrossFit is a fitness program that combines elements of strength training, gymnastics, and metabolic conditioning. The program is designed to be challenging and can be adapted to suit a wide range of fitness levels and abilities. CrossFit athletes engage in a variety of functional movements, such as lifting weights, running, jumping, and climbing, which can improve strength, agility, and endurance.

While not all CrossFitters are necessarily "fit" in the traditional sense, the program has been shown to be effective for improving overall fitness and health. Studies have found that CrossFit can lead to improvements in cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, and body composition. However, like any fitness program, the effectiveness of CrossFit will depend on a variety of factors, including individual goals, commitment to training, and proper technique and coaching.

How Do I Choose A Bumper Plate?

Choosing a bumper plate can depend on several factors such as the type of training you plan to do, the level of experience you have, and your budget. Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a bumper plate:

1. Type of Training: Consider the type of training you will be doing. If you plan to do Olympic weightlifting exercises like the snatch and clean and jerk, you will need bumper plates that meet the standards for those lifts. You will need plates that are calibrated, so they weigh the same as other plates of the same size. If you plan to do CrossFit-style workouts, you will need bumper plates that can withstand being dropped from overhead and that have a low bounce.
2. Material: Bumper plates are typically made of rubber or urethane. Rubber bumper plates are less expensive and have a moderate bounce, while urethane bumper plates are more expensive, but have a lower bounce and are more durable.
3. Weight: Bumper plates come in different weights, ranging from 10 lbs to 55 lbs. Consider what weight increments you will need for your training and choose plates accordingly.
4. Diameter: Bumper plates come in different diameters, and you will want to choose plates that are appropriate for your barbell. Olympic barbells have a 2-inch sleeve diameter, while some training bars have a 1.9-inch sleeve diameter.

Who Makes The Best Urethane Bumper Plates?

There are many reputable brands that make high-quality urethane bumper plates. Some of the top brands include Rogue Fitness, Eleiko, and American Barbell. These companies have a long history of producing high-quality strength training equipment and have earned a reputation for their attention to detail and quality control.

When choosing urethane bumper plates, it's important to consider factors such as durability, thickness, and overall quality. Look for plates that are made from high-density urethane and have a solid steel core for added durability. The plates should also have a low bounce rate and be designed to withstand heavy use over time.

Ultimately, the best urethane bumper plates will depend on your specific needs and budget. Take the time to research different brands and read reviews from other customers before making a final decision.

Why Is Urethane Better Than Rubber?

Urethane bumper plates are often considered superior to rubber bumper plates for a number of reasons:

1. Durability: Urethane is a much harder and denser material than rubber, which makes it more durable and less likely to crack or deform over time. This makes urethane bumper plates ideal for heavy use in commercial gyms or home gyms.
2. Low Odor: Urethane does not have the same strong odor as rubber, which can be off-putting to some users. This makes urethane bumper plates a more attractive option for those who are sensitive to strong smells.
3. Easy to Clean: Urethane bumper plates are easy to clean and maintain, as they are resistant to water and chemicals. This makes them ideal for use in commercial gyms, where equipment is frequently used by many people.
4. Low Bounce: Urethane has a lower bounce rate than rubber, which means that when dropped, the plates will not rebound as high. This can help reduce the risk of injury and make it easier to control the barbell during lifts.

Overall, while rubber bumper plates have their own benefits, such as being more affordable, urethane bumper plates are often considered a higher-end option due to their superior durability, low odor, ease of cleaning, and low bounce rate.

What Is The Difference Between Bumper Plates And Competition Plates?

Bumper plates and competition plates are two types of weight plates commonly used in strength training, but they have some important differences.

Bumper plates are typically made of rubber or urethane and are designed to be used for Olympic lifting and other functional fitness exercises where the weights are frequently dropped from overhead. They have a solid steel core and a thick rubber or urethane coating that helps to absorb shock and reduce noise when they are dropped. Bumper plates are often color-coded to indicate their weight, with the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) standard colors being used in competitions.

Competition plates, on the other hand, are designed specifically for use in weightlifting competitions. They are made to the exact dimensions and weight specifications required by the IWF, with a diameter of 450mm and a thickness of 26mm for the 25kg and 20kg plates, and a diameter of 230mm and a thickness of 26mm for the 15kg, 10kg, and smaller plates. Competition plates are typically made of metal, usually steel or chrome, and have a very low bounce rate when dropped. They are also calibrated to be extremely accurate in their weight measurement, with an allowable variance of only 10 grams.

In summary, while both bumper plates and competition plates are used for strength training, bumper plates are designed for functional fitness exercises and Olympic lifting, while competition plates are designed specifically for use in weightlifting competitions and are made to strict weight and size specifications.

Is It Ok To Bench Press With Bumper Plates?

Yes, it is generally safe to bench press with bumper plates. Bumper plates are designed to be dropped from overhead during weightlifting movements, so they are durable and can withstand a lot of force. This means they are also suitable for use in bench pressing, where they will not be subjected to the same level of impact as during Olympic lifting movements.

However, it is important to note that bumper plates are typically larger in diameter than traditional metal weight plates, so they may be more difficult to load onto the barbell for bench pressing. Additionally, bumper plates may have a slight bounce when dropped, which could affect your bench press form if you are not used to it. To prevent this, it is recommended to use a bench press with a solid base and to use collars to secure the plates in place.

Overall, if you are using proper form and taking the necessary precautions, bench pressing with bumper plates is a safe and effective way to build upper body strength.

Conclusion

Matt Storace

Hi, I am Matt Storace and I am a former personal trainer and founder of Beast Biceps. We had to find ways to train at home. When I started looking for the equipment I needed, I quickly realized that there were no good resources online. So I created Beast Biceps. It is a treasure trove of information developed from my experience and research. Read More Here