Weight Plates Compared: Cast Iron, Tri-Grip, Rubber, Bumper and PVC

A 45 lb plate weighs 45 lb whatever it is made of. What changes from one type to the next is the hole size, the material, the thickness, the noise and whether you can drop it. Get those right and your plates will suit your bar, your floor and your training for years.

Step 1: Match the hole to your bar

Plates come with one of two hole sizes:

• 1-inch (standard) fits standard barbells, spin-lock dumbbell handles and some budget equipment.
• 2-inch (Olympic) fits Olympic barbells, Smith machines, plate-loaded machines and most commercial gear.

If you are starting from scratch, choose Olympic. Olympic bars hold far more weight, and almost every rack and machine is built around them. Our guide to Olympic vs standard barbells explains the difference.

Step 2: Pounds or kilograms

Most of our plates come in pound weights such as 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35 and 45 lb. Our rubber grip plates and PVC plates are made in kilograms, which is why you will see them listed as 5.5, 11, 22, 33 and 44 lb: those are 2.5, 5, 10, 15 and 20 kg. You can mix both on one bar. Just keep track of the total.

The six types

1. Cast iron plates

Our cast iron plates have a deep inner lip and raised rim lettering, which make them easier to carry and identify, and a rust-resistant e-coat finish. They come in 1-inch and 2-inch versions from 2.5 to 55 lb.

• Pros: the thinnest plate for its weight, so the most load fits on a bar, and very durable.
• Watch out for: noise, and dents or chips on hard floors. Keep them on mats and storage posts.
• Best for: heavy squats, deadlifts and bench presses, and Smith machines.

2. Tri-grip cast iron plates

Tri-grip plates are cast iron with three evenly spaced handles. They are easier to carry, load and strip, and they work as a handle for plate exercises such as front raises and halos. Available in 1-inch and 2-inch, from 2.5 to 55 lb.

• Pros: all the benefits of iron, plus a safer grip when loading.
• Watch out for: the same noise and floor care as round iron plates.
• Best for: everyday home lifting, and anyone who loads and unloads often.

3. Rubber grip plates

Our rubber Olympic grip plates are cast iron in a thick rubber coating, with three grip holes and a stainless steel ring in the 2-inch hole for smooth loading. They come in kilogram weights from 2.5 to 25 kg.

• Pros: much quieter than bare iron, gentler on floors, and protected from rust and moisture.
• Watch out for: a little thicker than iron plates, and not made to be dropped from overhead.
• Best for: home gyms, apartments, shared spaces and Smith machines.

4. Bumper plates

Bumper plates are thick, rubber-covered Olympic plates from 10 to 55 lb, with a stainless steel-lined 2-inch hole. They are the plates to use when the bar comes down from height, as in cleans, snatches and heavy deadlifts.

• Pros: the quietest option, and they absorb impact.
• Watch out for: they are thick, so less total weight fits on a bar. Drop them only onto a lifting platform or thick rubber flooring.
• Best for: Olympic lifting, mixed training and deadlift-heavy programs.

New to bumpers? Read Bumper Plates Explained.

5. Competition steel hub bumper plates

Our competition bumper plates are made from high-durometer rubber around a machined steel hub, and colour-coded by weight from 15 to 55 lb. They are our premium line for lifters who train the Olympic lifts seriously.

• Pros: a snug fit on the bar from the machined hub, dense rubber with less bounce, and colours that are easy to read at a glance.
• Watch out for: they cost more than standard bumpers, and you don't need them for general strength training.
• Best for: Olympic weightlifting and competition-style training.

Compare them in Competition vs Standard Bumper Plates.

6. PVC plates

PVC plates have a cement and iron-sand core sealed in a thick plastic shell, with six grip holes and a textured surface. They come in 1-inch and 2-inch, in kilogram weights from 2.5 to 20 kg.

• Pros: the lowest cost, quiet and gentle on floors.
• Watch out for: much bulkier than iron, so a bar runs out of room sooner, and not made to be dropped.
• Best for: beginners, lighter training and budget setups.

Side by side

How much weight should you start with?

Your heaviest lifts decide how many plates you need. Squats and deadlifts move the most weight, so plan around those, then add plates as you get stronger.

• Just starting barbell training: around 100 to 150 lb of plates covers the first months for most people.
• A few months in: 245 to 300 lb leaves room for steady progress on squats and deadlifts.
• Experienced lifters: 400 lb or more, often with extra pairs of 45s.

Always buy in pairs, and include small plates (2.5 and 5 lb). Small jumps are what keep progress going once big jumps stop working. Our weight plate sets run from 35 to 735 lb in cast iron, so you can start with a set and add pairs later.

Storage and safety tips

• Store plates on a rack or storage posts, not leaning against a wall where they can tip.
• Lock plates on the bar with collars every set. Our barbells come with spring collars, and Pro lock collars are available on the barbell page.
• Put hard gym mats under your lifting area. See hard gym mats vs foam tiles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I mix plate types on one bar?

Yes, as long as the hole matches the bar. Load the same type and weight on each side so the bar stays balanced.

Why are some plates listed as 5.5 or 11 lb?

Those are kilogram plates (2.5 and 5 kg) shown in pounds. They work exactly like pound plates; only the numbers differ.

Which plates are quietest for an apartment?

Rubber grip plates and bumper plates. Use them with hard gym mats, and lower the bar rather than dropping it.

Do plates need maintenance?

Wipe off sweat and chalk, keep them dry and off bare concrete, and touch up any chips on iron plates to keep rust away.