From deadlifts to bench presses, bumper plates are an essential part of your weightlifting routine, especially when they are strategically paired with other home and garage gym essentials, like weight benches and barbells. The best bumper plates, though, can help you lift safely while keeping noise and bounce to a minimum. Nothing's worse than the sound of plates loudly clapping against the floor or damaging your home gym's flooring.
But with a wide variety of plates available on the market, it can be hard to distinguish between them and find the right ones for you. That's why the ACTIVE Reviews Team sifted through hundreds of options for you. They rounded up the top six on the market and also broke down a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting the best bumper plates for you.
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Best Bumper Plates - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Bumper Plates: REP Competition Bumper Plates
- Best Budget Bumper Plates: American Barbell Black Lb. Sport Bumper Plates
- Best Bumper Plates for CrossFit: Rogue Echo Bumper Plates
- Best Bumper Plates for Olympic Lifting: REP Competition Bumper Plates
- Best Urethane Bumper Plates: Titan Urethane Lb Bumper
- Best Competition Bumper Plates: Life Fitness Hammer Strength Urethane Bumpers
- Best Rubber Bumper Plates: REP Sport Bumper Plates
- Best Rogue Bumper Plates: Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates
- Best Premium Bumper Plates: Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Plates
Best Overall Bumper Plates - REP Competition Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-25 kg
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50.5mm
- Materials: Zinc coated
- Key feature: More affordable Olympic-level option
- Warranty: 5-year warranty on all plates
Designed with an Olympic lifter in mind, the REP Fitness Competition Bumper Plates can help you set new personal records without having to worry about destroying your floors. It uses a patented design for the inner collar piece, which offers better absorption and dispersal of force for increased durability. Feel free to do all the cleans or overhead squats your heart desires without fear of wrecking your home gym.
The lettering and rubber surface around the center disc are raised, which limits metal-on-metal contact, and the thinner profile means you can add more weight on the bar. Competition weights are typically louder than virgin rubber plates, so if you're dropping these from a distance be prepared for them to hit a little louder. But with a durometer rating of 92, these plates have less bounce than other options, so keep that in mind if bounce-back is a top concern for you.
What We Like
- Available in pounds and kilograms
- Raised outer ring with angled edge helps you easily lift plate off the ground
- Inner collar piece offers increased durability
What We Don't Like
- Price doesn't include shipping, so depending on where you live the shipping cost could be steep
- The zinc plating on the steel disc can be prone to discoloration (though it doesn't affect the usability of the plates)
BUY: REP Fitness Competition Bumper Plate Sets
Best Budget Bumper Plates - American Barbell Black LB Sport Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-55 lbs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: N/A
- Materials: Rubber
- Key feature: Great quality for the price tag
- Warranty: Limited 1-year warranty from the date of delivery
If you want reliable bumper plates for a good price, the American Barbell Sport Bumper Plates are a great option. High-quality bumper plates can come with a hefty price tag, but these are built to last with a quality not typically seen at this price point. They feature a stainless steel insert that makes it easier to load them onto the bar, and they boast minimal bounce thanks to a thick rubber coating. Plus, the black plates will make your weight rack look sleek and organized, while the raised lettering helps to identify weight quickly and won't wear off with use.
One drawback with these bumper plates is the lack of bevel, which can make it difficult to pick up heavier weights when they're laying on the ground. It's also worth noting that the thinner plates can be damaged more easily with a free-falling bar, so you may consider having some sturdier technique plates on hand. But, overall these plates deliver a lot of value for the investment.
What We Like
- Solid quality for a good price
- Accurate weight available in pounds and kilograms
- Insert is stainless steel rather than a soft metal, promotes easy loading onto the bar
What We Don't Like
- The plates can be difficult to pick up when laying flat on the ground since there is no significant bevel
- Although they have "minimal odor," the rubber smell is still noticeable
BUY: American Barbell Black LB Sport Bumper Plates
Best Bumper Plates for CrossFit - Rogue Echo Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-45 lbs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50.6mm
- Materials: Virgin rubber, stainless steel inserts
- Key feature: Multi-purpose; very similar to Rogue's higher end HG 2.0 Bumper Plates
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
CrossFit is no joke, and if you're an avid fan of this high-intensity workout program, you need plates that are easy to grab and work with many different types of barbells. The Rogue Echo Bumpers have a rounded edge that makes them easy to pick up and slide on and off the bar. This makes them a great option for CrossFit workouts because you will often need to change weights quickly.
These plates also have a thinner width which allows you to stack more weight onto your barbell. The raised white lettering clearly identifies the weight of each plate, while the contrast makes them aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, there seems to be very little difference between these bumpers and Rogue's more expensive HG 2.0 Bumper Plates which makes an exceptional value, as well.
What We Like
- Rounded edge makes them easy to slip on and off a barbell
- Smaller width allows you to stack more weight on your barbell
- White lettering is appealing and provides great contrast
- 25-45 lbs. plates have a three-year warranty
What We Don't Like
- May have a strong odor at first
- 10-15 lbs. plates only have a 90-day warranty
Best Bumper Plates for Olympic Lifting - REP Competition Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 25-55 lbs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50.5mm
- Materials: Virgin rubber
- Key feature: Patented double steel design of insert, low bounce
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
In addition to meeting all of the International Weightlifting Federation's (IWF) standards for plates that can be used in competitions, the REP Fitness Competition Bumper Plates stand out in this category in large part because of their patented double steel insert. As opposed to single steel inserts that can end up falling apart due to the force that is transferred at the opening, the double steel inserts prove to be incredibly durable because they absorb and disperse force more evenly.
The REP Fitness Competition Bumper Plates are also made with virgin rubber. This is a higher-end material than recycled crumb rubber and it keeps the bounce of the plates to a minimum. A plate's bounce is particularly important when dropping weights from overhead. The vibrant colors and white contrast lettering will make these an appealing focal point to any gym.
What We Like
- Good value
- Low bounce rate
- Durable double steel inserts
- Made from virgin rubber
What We Don't Like
- Width of plates could be smaller
- No 10-lb. or 15-lb. plates
BUY: REP Competition Bumper Plates
Best Urethane Bumper Plates - Titan Urethane LB Bumper
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-55 lbs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50.6mm
- Materials: Urethane rubber over a steel core
- Key feature: Durability
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty
Urethane bridges the gap between rubber and plastic. It's harder than rubber, which gives it top-notch load-bearing abilities, but it's softer and more pliable than plastic, making it impact-resistant and durable. The tradeoff is that urethane typically costs more than rubber or iron. However, this Titan set is a nice compromise, offering a more affordable urethane option, which makes it more accessible for home gym enthusiasts. Although these plates are compliant with IWF standards for diameter and color coding, they are labeled in pounds rather than IWF-required kilograms.
Urethane can be slicker than rubber, but these plates are textured and have a raised edge, making them easier to handle when you're getting your sweat on. If you like to lift heavy, you'll enjoy being able to stack these thinner, denser weights so you can get the heft without losing strength or durability. The vibrant colors will get you jazzed about finding different ways to use these plates and make the most of your investment: Try them solo to add weight to dips, pull-ups, sit-ups, or toe taps.
What We Like
- Raised edge makes it easier to pick up the plates
- Odorless compared to rubber bumper plate options
- The 5 kg plate matches the set, but the smaller size protects it from drops
- Great price point for urethane plates
What We Don't Like
- Weight is in pounds, not IWF-required kilograms
- Limited warranty compared to other plates
Best Competition Bumper Plates - Life Fitness Hammer Strength Urethane Bumpers
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-55 lbs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50mm
- Materials: Urethane
- Key feature: Textured finish to resist wear
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
Athletes will appreciate this top-notch bumper plate designed to take a beating while helping you crush your weightlifting goals. Made for intense competition-level training, they feature a surface texture molded into the bumper to hide signs of wear and tear. Not only does this design help your bumpers look fresh, but it also strikes the perfect balance of low-bounce performance with enough flexibility to protect your lifting surface.
The hub is made from precision-machined high-grade steel and then cemented with industrial chrome plated to protect against corrosion. A proprietary bonding agent chemically binds the urethane to the metal, which keeps the two materials locked together drop after drop. Bonus: The weight numbers are molded in, so they won't be scratched or scraped off.
What We Like
- Sturdy textured finish increases durability and reduces signs of wear and tear
- Molded raised numbers are easy to identify and won't rub off with use
- Available in sleek black or vibrant IWF-standard colors
What We Don't Like
- While this is a good value for quality competition plates, urethane comes with a heftier price tag
BUY: Life Fitness Hammer Strength Urethane Bumpers
Best Rubber Bumper Plates - REP Sport Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-55 lbs.
- Diameter: 17.6-17.7"
- Collar opening: 50.5mm
- Materials: Rubber
- Key feature: Extremely durable rubber
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Rubber bumpers are great choices for those who need versatile plates. The durable REP Fitness Sport Bumper plates are great for people who like to lift both indoors and outdoors. REP has designed these Sport Bumper plates to take a beating and keep showing up for more.
These plates have an impressively low bounce and they make less noise when dropped from overhead compared to other REP bumpers. Further, REP cut slits into these plates and then covered them with a knurling-like pattern. These unique attributes make them super easy to pick up and slide on and off the bar.
What We Like
- Low bounce and noise
- Very durable
- Easy to pick up
- Attractive and bright contrast lettering
What We Don't Like
- Relatively short warranty for plates that claim to be extremely durable
- Slightly wider plates (may mean that you can load fewer on the bar)
- Price is on the high side
BUY: REP Fitness Sport Bumper Plates
Best Rogue Bumper Plates - Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-25kg
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50.4mm
- Materials: Rubber, steel disc
- Key feature: Low weight tolerance, minimal bounce
- Warranty: 3-year warranty
Rogue certainly knows its way around a gym, and bumper plates are no exception. Not only do these plates look amazing with their vibrant colors, matching raised lettering, and chrome-plated steel disc that surrounds the collar opening, but they also have a very accurate weight tolerance (+/- 15 grams of claimed weight).
These incredibly durable plates can handle a variety of lifts and movements and are comparable to high-end Eleiko bumper plates on many fronts. Furthermore, they have a low or dead bounce, making them safe when they are being dropped. These plates are showcased at the CrossFit Games. If they are good enough for the fittest people in the world, we think that they would be an excellent addition to your gym.
What We Like
- Color-coded to IWF standards
- Chrome-plated steel discs
- Weight is +/- 15 grams of stated weight
- Protective rubber flanges
What We Don't Like
- On the pricier side for bumper plates
- Shipping is expensive
BUY: Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates
Best Premium Bumper Plates - Eleiko IWF Weightlifting Training Plates
SPECS
- Weight range: 10-56 kgs.
- Diameter: 450mm
- Collar opening: 50mm
- Materials: Rubber, zinc
- Key feature: Zinc steel hubs, can withstand vigorous training
- Warranty: 5-year warranty
If you want to add premium bumper plates to your gym, you'll want to stock up on Eleiko IWF Training Plates. Although since the Swedish-based company makes more expensive bumper plates, it should come as no surprise that you will pay handsomely for these. However, if you have the budget you certainly won't be dissatisfied with these attractive, versatile plates.
With an almost negligible bounce and supreme durability, these plates excel at Olympic lifting, but they can certainly handle a variety of other exercises and workouts. Additionally, the slim width of these plates means that you can load more onto the bar than you can with wider plates, which is great for heavy lifters.
What We Like
- Raised flanges for easy pick-up
- Attractive colors with contrast lettering
- Zinc-plated steel discs
- Dead bounce
What We Don't Like
- Sold individually
- Expensive
Benefits of Bumper Plates
Although bumper plates are a simple-looking piece of exercise equipment, don't let the simplicity of their design fool you. Bumper plates are versatile, durable, and highly valuable. With that in mind, bumper plates aren't cheap. However, there are several benefits to bumper plates:
- Bumper plates offer protection: Unlike the old-school iron plates, bumper plates are considerably easier on your floor and barbell. This makes them ideal for Olympic lifting and CrossFit. Additionally, they are less likely than iron plates to do damage if dropped on a foot.
- Bumper plates are quieter: Bumper plates are considerably quieter than iron plates when they are dropped. Rubber and urethane provide a low-pitched thud rather than the shrill, reverberating dinging of iron plates.
- Bumper plates are versatile: Bumper plates are designed to withstand being dropped from overhead without causing much damage to your gym's flooring or barbell. This opens up your exercise routines to Olympic lifts such as cleans, jerks, and snatches without worrying about dropping the barbell overhead. It also means that you can rest easy about dropping heavy deadlifts or performing workouts that have repeated deadlifts in them.
- Bumper plates are durable: With almost unparalleled longevity, bumper plates offer exceptional durability. Bumper plates, unlike their iron or steel counterparts, won't rust because they are wrapped in rubber.
Types of Bumper Plates
There are several types of bumper plates. Check out how they are alike and different before making your selection:
- Competition Bumper Plates: These rubber-covered plates are manufactured to IWF standards and can be used for weightlifting competitions.
- Rubber Coated Bumper Plates: Usually black in color (unlike the color-coded competition plates) these rubber plates are often offered in pounds and kilograms and are excellent for home use.
- Hi-Temp Bumper Plates: Made from recycled, sometimes referred to as crumb, material, these plates are durable and are typically less expensive than the other types.
- Steel Core Bumper Plates: These bumper plates are iron or steel, but have a rubber coating around them.
- Technique Bumper Plates: Lightweight and not intended to be dropped, these plates are used to teach lifting technique and form.
What to Consider When Shopping for Bumper Plates
Whether you're thinking about adding to your collection or you're just getting started, there are a few elements to keep in mind when weighing your bumper plate options.
International Weightlifting Federation Standards
The IWF is the governing body for the sport of Olympic weightlifting. Competition bumper plates conform to the IWF specifications on dimensions, tolerances, and weight plate colors. The IWF specifies the competition Olympic plates 10 kilograms and heavier must be 450 mm (18 inches) in diameter. Note: Many companies offer plates that meet IWF standards but are not certified competition plates.
Color by Number
To avoid confusion and help you quickly choose and calculate the right weights, many bumper plates are color coded to the IWF standard:
- White: 5 kg (11 lbs.)
- Green: 10 kg (22 lbs.)
- Yellow: 15 kg (33 lbs.)
- Blue: 20 kg (44 lbs.)
- Red: 25 kg (55.1 lbs.)
If you want to be able to quickly grab the weight that you need without stopping to make sure it's the correct amount, you may want to make sure the plates you select follow this color-coding process.
Shore Durometer Rating
Companies use this rating to show how much their bumper plates will bounce when dropped. If you're planning to drop your weight from overhead, you want that bar to rebound as little as possible to avoid injury. The higher the score the less bounce there is in the plate. For example, an 85 and higher durometer score equates to a plate with a lower bounce.
Olympic vs. Standard Bumper Plates
Olympic bumper plates are made to the size and weight specifications for use in Olympic weightlifting. The label "Olympic" is a standard shorthand to represent that the plate is 450 millimeters (17.72 inches) in diameter and the collar opening is approximately 50 millimeters (2 inches) in diameter. The collar opening for a standard non-Olympic plate, on the other hand, is typically 1 inch in diameter. Keep in mind that collar openings can vary slightly depending on the bumper plate set, so be sure to double-check the measurements to ensure compatibility with your barbell.
FAQs About Bumper Plates
What is the advantage of bumper plates?
Because the weight plates are encased with a high-density rubber or urethane, bumper plates are designed to be safely dropped from an overhead position in weightlifting movements (like in an overhead squat or clean and jerk). The rubber layer acts as a shock absorber, which allows you to drop weight without damaging the weights or your floors. Bumper plates are also extremely durable and produce less noise when dropped than an iron weight plate, making them a great option for a home gym.
What are the differences between bumper plates and weight plates?
Bumper plates are made of a weight plate covered with a rubber or urethane outer layer that is conducive to exercises in competition weightlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and CrossFit.
On the contrary, weight plates are usually made of cast iron without any sort of outer layer or covering. Weight plates can also vary in thickness and diameter while bumper plates typically follow the IWF standards for weight and size. Bumper plates are made to handle the wear and tear of being thrown around, while weight plates are more likely to crack when they hit the ground (intentionally or accidentally).
When do I need to use bumper plates?
If you're an experienced weightlifter doing controlled, time-under-tension movements where dropping weight is unlikely, weight plates are a fine choice. Bumper plates are ideal if you want to lift weight quickly and have the confidence to be able to safely drop weight if necessary.
Although they tend to be more expensive than iron plates, bumper plates are more durable and can be a better long-term investment. Bumper plates are also great for newbies because they are more forgiving if accidentally dropped.
Can I mix bumper plates with regular plates?
You can mix weight options strategically to help reduce cost and still protect your floor and equipment from damage. Just make sure the iron plates you load on your barbell are the same or less weight as the bumper plates so there is minimal damage to your plates, barbell, and floor.