16 Best Bumper Plates for Home Workouts in 2023

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Bumper plates are a type of weight plate with a soft rubber construction. They are most commonly used for Olympic lifts, which require dynamic movements and dropping weights from overhead.

Having bumper plates in your home gym enables you to progressively overload your lifts and make the strength and muscle gains you desire. But which bumper plates are the best to invest in, and what factors should you consider when purchasing a bumper plate set for your home gym? 

Below, we will discuss our bumper plate reviews on the products sold by the top brands in the fitness industry. 

The 16 best bumper plates are: 

1. REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates – Best Overall Bumper Plates  
2. Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2 – Most Accurate Bumper Plates  
3. REP Fitness Color Bumper Plates – Most Versatile Colored Bumper Plates  
4. Rogue Fitness Fleck Bumper Plates – Best Patterned Bumper Plates  
5. Titan Fitness Urethane KG Bumper Plates – Best Urethane Bumper Plates  
6. Rogue Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates – Best Premium Urethane Bumper Plates  
7. Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates – Best Bumper Plates for CrossFit  
8. Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates – Best Competition Bumper Plates  
9. Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates – Best Individually Sold Bumper Plates  
10. Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates – Most Durable Competition Bumper Plates  
11. AMGYM Bumper Plates – Best Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates  
12. Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates – Best All-Black Bumper Plates  
13. Synergee Rubberized Fractional Bumper Plates – Most Versatile Fractional Bumper Plates  
14. Everymate Fractional Bumper Plates – Best Budget Fractional Bumper Plates 
15. BalanceFrom Everyday Essentials Color-Coded Bumper Weight Plates – Best Budget Bumper Plates
16. Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plates – Most Unique Bumper Plates 

Featured Products  

1. REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates – Best Overall Bumper Plates 
2. BalanceFrom Everyday Essentials Color-Coded Bumper Weight Plates – Best Budget Bumper Plates 
3. Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2 – Most Accurate Bumper Plates 

What Are Bumper Plates?  

A bumper plate is a solid, disc-shaped, rubber weight plate with a metal ring at its core that can be secured onto the sleeves of a barbell to add extra resistance to an exercise.

Because bumper plates are made of rubber, they can be safely dropped from a height during dynamic exercises without damaging the floor or causing injuries. This makes them the go-to for Olympic movements (like snatches, cleans, and jerks) and CrossFit exercises, where iron weight plates or other types of rubber plates are unsuitable. 

We discuss more of the differences between bumper plates and metal plates in Bumper Plates vs. Metal Plates vs. Rubber Plates (Pros & Cons).

Within the bumper plate category, there are several different types of plates.

Standard and Competition Bumper Plates 

The two main types of bumper Olympic plates are standard bumper plates and competition bumper plates.

Standard bumper plates are usually black (but can sometimes be colored) and may have branded lettering or numbering that indicates the brand or weight of the plate. They have a steel insert and are usually wider than competition bumper plates, meaning you can't fit as many onto the barbell. 

Competition bumper plates are more expensive than their standard counterparts but are less likely to warp during use. They have a two-part steel hub that secures the rubber in place and a thinner diameter that allows you to add more plates onto the sleeve of the barbell.

Competition bumper plates are most commonly color-coded according to their weight and must be accurate to within +0.1% and -0.05%, according to the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) stipulations. 

Crumb Bumper Plates 

Crumb bumper plates are rubber plates made from recycled materials. They are thicker than average, which will limit the amount of weight you can add to a barbell. They also bounce much more than standard and competition bumper plates. However, they are economically friendly and affordable. 

Urethane Bumper Plates 

Urethane bumper plates are similar to traditional competition bumper plates but are made of urethane instead of rubber. Urethane is a synthetic material that combines the qualities of plastic and rubber. It's a premium material that comes with a hefty price tag to match. 

16 Best Bumper Plates

1. REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates – Best Overall Bumper Plates 

Rating: 5/5 

Pros 

• 1% weight tolerance 
• 10 lbs are extra thick (1 inch) to reduce the risk of bending 
• Can withstand up to 12,000 drops from up to 8 ft 

Cons 

• Difficult to distinguish between different weights when the plates are loaded on the barbell, as all of the plates are black 

The REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates are number one on the list of the best bumper plates. They are highly durable and sturdy and can be used for all types of training, including powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, and CrossFit. 

When dropped, you can expect minimal bounce with these bumper plates. They have been factory tested to withstand thousands of drops up to 8 ft. Although some might prefer color-coded options, I can't fault the sleek black-and-white design of these REP Fitness bumper plates. The bright white lettering and numbering contrast the dark black plates, making them easy to see. 

Another thing I appreciate about these bumper plates is that REP Fitness has made the 10 lb plates thicker than usual (1 inch in thickness compared to an average of 0.8 inches), which increases durability and reduces the chance of warping or bending when they are the only plates on the barbell. 

2. Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2 – Most Accurate Bumper Plates 

Rating: 5/5 

Pros 

• Accurate to within 1% of the target weight 
• Durometer rating of 88, meaning minimal bounce when dropped 
• Highly durable and sturdy 

Cons 

• Strong smell of rubber when you first receive them 

The Rogue Fitness Echo Bumper Plates V2 are some of the most durable plates you'll find. They are produced according to the IWF standards, with a 450 mm diameter and a weight tolerance of 1%. They are officially approved for use in the new United States Army Combat Fitness Test (ACFT). 

These Rogue bumper plates are made out of virgin rubber, which is solid and high-quality but often has a pungent smell at first. However, the odor should fade over time). The high durometer rating means the plates won't bounce when dropped from a height, so you can safely practice Olympic lifts without worrying about the barbell bouncing too high when you drop it from overhead. 

3. REP Fitness Color Bumper Plates – Most Versatile Colored Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Sold in a variety of sets, weighing up to 370 lbs 
• Can withstand up to 12,000 drops from up to 8 ft 
• Colored according to IWF standards 

Cons 

• 10 lbs plates are quite thin, so could potentially bend with extensive use 

If you're after some bumper plates to brighten up your home gym, you won't be disappointed with the REP Fitness Color Bumper Plates. They are color-coded according to IWF standards, making them easily identifiable. 

You can perform various exercises with these REP bumper plates, including Olympic lifts, HIIT movements, and CrossFit exercises. They are factory tested to withstand up to 12,000 drops from overhead or shoulder height, and they will have minimal bounce when they contact the ground.

Plus, they're sold as individual pairs or in different combinations, so you can find a set that meets your unique training requirements. 

The plates are thinner, enabling you to add more to your barbell for heavy lifts. However, the thinner thickness of the 10 lb plates can increase the risk of it bending. 

4. Rogue Fitness Fleck Bumper Plates – Best Patterned Bumper Plates 

Rating: 5/5 

Pros 

• Unique fleck design 
• Durometer reading of 90, offering almost a dead bounce 
• Available between 10 lbs and 55 lbs 

Cons 

• Colors might fade over time 

For something a little different, the Rogue Fitness Fleck Bumper Plates are a great choice. They have a unique speckled design that sets them apart from standard black or color-coded weight plates, but they're still easily distinguishable. 

You can expect a high degree of accuracy with these bumper plates due to their 1% weight tolerance. They have an impressive durometer reading of 90, meaning they have very minimal bounce when dropped onto the ground. You can purchase them as a full set or in individual pairs with a two-year warranty. 

The only minor complaint I have about these bumper plates is that the fleck design could potentially fade over time. But this is only to be expected with extensive use of the plates, and it won't impact their functionality or usability. 

5. Titan Fitness Urethane KG Bumper Plates – Best Urethane Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Sold individually, in pairs, and as a full set for customizability 
• Bright, vibrant colors 
• Suitable for a range of training styles, including Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit 

Cons 

• Plates might be difficult to pick up off the floor 

If you have a preference for urethane bumper plates over virgin rubber or crumb rubber plates, you'll love the Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates. Sold in pairs, individually, or as a full 350 lb set, these bumper plates offer durability and versatility. 

You can use them for powerlifting, weightlifting, and CrossFit, and they're safe to be dropped from a height. They fit onto a standard Olympic barbell sleeve perfectly due to their 50.6 mm collar opening, which is lined with high-quality steel. 

Although they have a raised lip, which should make handling the plates easy and stress-free, this doesn't seem to be the case. The plates can be difficult to pick up when they are lying flat on the floor. To avoid any trouble during your workouts, I recommend getting a weight stand to keep the plates upright for easy access. 

6. Rogue Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates – Best Premium Urethane Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• High durometer rating of 90 for a minimal bounce when dropped 
• Plates are vibrant and color-coded for easy identification 
• Hard chrome inserts make loading and deloading the bar easy 

Cons 

• 10 lbs plates might crack if used on their own 

I've already spoken about the Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates, but I had to give an honorable mention to the urethane bumper plates from Rogue Fitness. 

Some of the Rogue plates are a little more expensive, but they are ideal if you're willing to spend more money on premium equipment to use and store in your home gym. Due to their high durometer, you can expect almost a dead bounce when you drop these plates, which enables you to control the barbell more easily and protects your floors. 

The plates have vibrant colors, making them aesthetically pleasing and easily identifiable. They are available in individual pairs or as a full set with plates ranging from 10 to 55 lbs. 

Although they are all produced using high-quality urethane with a hard chrome insert, the 10 lb plates are less durable than the heavier plates. As a result, there is a risk of them cracking or breaking if used on their own during exercises where you constantly drop the barbell to the floor. 

7. Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates – Best Bumper Plates for CrossFit 

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros 

• High durometer of 88 for very minimal bounce when dropped 
• Color-coded according to IWF standards 
• Three-year warranty available on all bumper plates 

Cons  

• Sold individually instead of in pairs or as a full set 

The Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates should be the go-to for the CrossFitters! With their high durometer, you can keep control of the barbell as it drops to the ground because the plates won't bounce. It's easy to find the right weights you need when you're loading or adjusting your barbell in between sets, thanks to the IWF color coding. 

Although I think these are the best bumper plates for CrossFit, I would still recommend them for weightlifting and powerlifting. They are calibrated to Olympic weightlifting competition standards, weighing within +/- 15 grams of their target weight. They are also produced using high-quality rubber and zinc. 

Each of these Prosource Fit Color Training Bumper Plates is sold individually, which is great if you only need to buy a replacement plate. However, purchasing each plate separately could rack up your expenses when you're first building your home gym. If you do need a replacement plate, you'll be covered by the manufacturer's warranty for up to three years. 

Looking for a barbell to go along with your bumper plate set? Check out our favorite barbells for home gyms.

8. Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates – Best Competition Bumper Plates 

Rating: 5/5 

Pros 

• Color-coded according to the IWF standards
• Durometer rating of 94, producing a dead bounce when dropped 
• Raised rubber surface to reduce scuffing and maximize plate longevity 

Cons 

• May show dirt and stains easily 

The Rogue KG Competition Bumper Plates are approved for use in competitions by the IWF and are color-coded accordingly. They have a glossy finish that enhances their vibrance and aesthetic appearance, with both Rogue and IWF branding in raised lettering on the sides of the plates. 

Each plate has a diameter of 450 mm, a weight tolerance of +/- 15 grams, and a high durometer of 94, so they won't bounce when dropped on the ground, even from an overhead position.

The raised rubber surface prevents excess friction and scuffing, as the bumpers will only contact each other on the flanges when stacked on a barbell sleeve. The raised rubber lip around the edges of the plates makes them easier to handle. 

I couldn't find many negative points to mention about these plates. But if I had to be extra picky, I'd say that these plates can start to show dirt, stains, and marks quite quickly, especially if you're using them every day. This shouldn't impact your training, though; it's more of a cosmetic issue. 

9. Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates – Best Individually Sold Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4/5  

Pros  

• Made out of durable materials, so are ideal for indoor and outdoor use 
• Weight tolerance of 1% 
• Budget-friendly and available from 10 lbs to 45 lbs 

Cons  

• Not color-coded, so harder to distinguish between different weights 

The Prosource Fit SR Bumper Plates are produced using solid rubber with stainless steel inserts, making them durable and tough. They're ideal for powerlifting, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and high-intensity interval training. They are also appropriate for use both indoors and outdoors. The plates have a minimal bounce, so your barbell won't go flying when you drop it to the ground. 

These bumper plates are available in 10 lb, 15 lb, 25 lb, 35 lb, and 45 lb options. They're sold individually, which might not be the best if you want to purchase a full set of bumper plates. However, this is helpful if you only need a single pair or need to replace a broken plate in your current set.

They are all-black with grey lettering, so they won't be suitable if you're searching for color-coded competition or training bumper plates. 

10. Rep Fitness Competition Bumper Plates – Most Durable Competition Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5  

Pros  

• Patented design on the inner collar for increased durability 
• High durometer rating of 92 for a dead bounce 
• Raised rubber surface around the central metal disc to reduce friction and scuffing  

Cons  

• Relatively expensive 

The REP Fitness Competition Bumper Plates get first place for being the most durable competition weight plates on the market. They are factory tested to withstand up to 30,000 drops and are manufactured using solid rubber and rust-resistant zinc. You can be sure that they will last decades of extensive use. 

REP Fitness offers a five-year warranty on all of its competition weight plates, too. If one of your plates breaks within this time period, you can easily get a replacement sent to your home. 

The plates have an advanced patented design along the inner collar to maximize durability and longevity. The raised rubber surfaces reduce contact between plates when packed close together on a barbell, which prevents scuffing and wear and tear. The inner steel ring increases shock absorption and force dispersal, so the plates don't wear down quickly and don't bounce off the ground when dropped. 

The plates are color-coded according to competition standards. They're relatively expensive in comparison to other competition bumper plates, but they're worth the investment. 

If you need a squat rack to round out your home gym, check out our recommendations for the best squat racks for small spaces.

11. AMGYM Bumper Plates – Best Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Environmentally friendly due to recycled rubber construction 
• Budget-friendly 
• Solid, durable, and vibrant

Cons 

• Can feel greasy and slippery when they first arrive 

The AMGYM Bumper Plates are perfect for those who are environmentally conscious and want to purchase sustainable gym products without compromising on quality. They are made out of crumb (recycled) virgin rubber that minimizes the usage of raw materials during the manufacturing process. The resulting product is high-quality, durable, and solid. 

These bumper plates have a slightly raised edge, which makes them easier to pick up and transfer. However, they might feel oily and slippery when you first take them out of the packaging.

The thickness of the plates means they won't bend or break, even during your heaviest and most dynamic lifts. Although they come with a hefty price tag (often the case with crumb bumper plates), you pay for what you get with these AMGYM bumper plates.  

12. Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates – Best All-Black Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Made of 100% high-quality virgin rubber 
• Plates are available up to 55 lbs 
• Weight tolerance of +/- 1% of the stated weight 

Cons 

• May have a strong rubber smell when you first recieve them 

For those searching for an all-black set of bumper plates, look no further! These Fringe Sport Bumper Plates have a sleek matte black appearance, with even the lettering and numbering being black in color.  

The plates are made out of high-density virgin rubber and have raised edges for easy handling. The matte black color is unlikely to fade over time. The plates have a smooth surface, which gives them a premium feel and reduces the risk of damaging your flooring when you drop them. They have a durometer of 90, so they won’t bounce around the room.

The plates might have an unpleasant smell when you first open them and get them out of the package. However, this should wear away over time as you use the plates.

13. Synergee Rubberized Fractional Bumper Plates – Most Versatile Fractional Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Available in a wide range of weights from 0.125 kg to 5 kg 
• 14 plates in total with your purchase 
• Enable you to slowly progress in your lifts 

Cons 

• Collar opening might be too small to fit properly onto some barbells 

I've given the Synergee Rubberized Bumper Plates first place for being the most versatile fractional bumper plates, as they are available in seven increments between 0.125 kg (0.27 lbs) to 5 kg (11 lbs). 

The main downside to traditional bumper plates is that they weigh at least 10 lbs each. This can make it difficult to progress in your lifts without risking an injury. With fractional weight plates, you can overcome plateaus in your training without putting your health and safety at risk. 

All of the plates, aside from the 0.125 kg plates that don’t have a steel insert and are only made out of rubber, are manufactured out of steel with a bright rubber coating that enables you to easily identify which plate is which during your workouts.

However, the collar opening of some of the plates, particularly the lighter ones, may be too narrow to fit onto some Olympic barbells or powerlifting barbells. 

14. Everymate Fractional Bumper Plates – Best Budget Fractional Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4/5 

Pros 

• Color-coded fractional plates for easy identification 
• Highly accurate in accordance with the stated weight 
• Inexpensive 

Cons 

• Rubber coating can make it difficult to get them on and off a standard barbell 

I included a second option for the best fractional bumper plates on the market in case the Synergee plates are out of your budget. These plates from Everymate are a great choice when you want to progress your lifts in small increments. They are vibrantly colored and come in three weights: 5 lbs, 2.5 lbs, and 1.25 lbs. You can buy a pair individually or purchase the full set. 

The plates have a 2-inch collar opening, which means they will fit onto standard Olympic barbells. However, because there is no metal lining around the collar opening, it can be difficult to get the plates on and off the barbell sleeve due to the friction between the rubber and the metal. 

15. BalanceFrom Everyday Essentials Color-Coded Bumper Weight Plates – Best Budget Bumper Plates 

Rating: 3.5/5 

Pros 

• Budget-friendly 
• Color-coded for ease of use and enhanced aesthetics 

Cons 

• Not the most durable or high-quality bumper plates 

If a low-price is your number one priority when shopping for bumper plates, the Everyday Essentials Color-Coded Bumper Weight Plates by BalanceFrom are perfect. They're inexpensive while still being quality bumper plates. Although they won't match the quality of more expensive bumper plates, this is to be expected when you're paying less money. 

Each plate is made with high-density rubber and has a solid stainless steel collar insert that makes them easy to slip on and off the barbell sleeve. They have eye-catching colors like blue, green, red, and yellow. However, they are not color-coded in accordance with IWF standards. 

These BalanceFrom bumper plates have minimal bounce and are appropriate for use in Olympic lifts where you will be dropping the bar from a height. However, the 10 lb plates are not suitable to be dropped when they are loaded on the barbell by themselves. 

16. Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plates – Most Unique Bumper Plates 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Pros 

• Unique and eye-catching patterns 
• Dead bounce 
• Well-built and premium quality 

Cons 

• Only available in bundles, not individually or in pairs 

The Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plates have a stunning design that I’ve never seen before, and they’ll make a great addition to your home gym. They have a premium feel and comprise solid virgin rubber with stainless steel inserts for maximum durability and functionality.  

These bumper plates are safe to be dropped from a height and provide a dead bounce, so you can use them during multiple types of training without causing damage to your flooring.

There are very few negatives that I can say about these bumper plates, aside from the fact that they are only sold in bundles, which isn’t ideal if you just want a single plate or a pair of plates. However, there are several bundle options available (weighing a total of between 100 lbs and 460 lbs), so there is some level of customizability. 

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Not only does the PowerliftingTechnique team have extensive experience in training and competing ourselves, but we have also coached athletes at the highest levels. Combining our personal experience and professional knowledge, we are able to provide the most accurate and reliable information on the best gym equipment and workout gear on the market. 

How We Tested the Bumper Plates 

We have spent the last few months testing a wide range of products from the best bumper plate brands to identify the best options for you. We looked at what makes a bumper plate set great and which factors are the most important to consider when purchasing the best bumper plates for a home gym. 

In particular, we considered the following factors when trying and testing different bumper weight plates for sale: 

1. Quality of the materials
2. Type of bumper plates (such as standard, competition, rubber, crumb, and urethane) 
3. Weight tolerance and accuracy 
4. Various colors and designs available 
5. Price
6. Whether or not a warranty is available and how long it lasts

Benefits of Training With Bumper Plates 

Finding the best bumper plates for your home gym will boost your exercise performance and maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Here are some of the many benefits that bumper plates offer and why they might be a better choice than cast iron weight plates for your home gym: 

1. Increased safety
2. Reduced risk of damage to equipment and floors 
3. Quieter than cast iron weight plates 
4. Durable and sturdy 
5. Aesthetically pleasing 
6. Functional and versatile 
7. Affordable 

Increased Safety

One of the main benefits of choosing good quality bumper plates over cast iron weight plates is their safety, and safety should always be your top priority when working out. 

Although solid rubber is durable enough for extensive use during your workouts, it's a lot softer than cast iron. It's much safer to drop rubber plates from a height when you're practicing Olympic lifts or doing CrossFit movements like thrusters. With a lower risk of injury, you can work out in confidence and maximize your progress. 

Reduced Risk of Damage to Equipment and Floors 

Cast iron plates can cause a lot of damage when dropped from a height, especially on hardwood flooring. To prevent significant damage, you can use rubber or urethane bumper plates. 

Quieter Than Cast Iron Weight Plates 

Bumper plates are designed to be dropped, and while they will make some noise, they’re quieter than cast iron plates.

However, if your neighbors or the people you live with still complain about noise, you can buy silencer pads like these from Titan Fitness. The pads will absorb the shock when you drop the barbell, preventing noise and vibrations from reverberating throughout your house.

Durable and Sturdy 

Despite being softer than cast iron weight plates, urethane and rubber bumper plates are highly durable and sturdy. They can withstand thousands of drops without showing signs of wear and tear, so you can enjoy years of training without needing to spend money on replacement weight plates. 

Aesthetically Pleasing 

Bumper plates are available in a wide range of styles and designs, and they're often customizable. When shopping for the best bumper plates for your home gym, you'll find weight plates of all colors (including black), patterns, and textures. Some bumper plates have contrasting lettering and raised numbers, which looks great and also enables you to quickly identify the right weight plates during your workouts. 

Functional and Versatile 

Bumper plates are the most functional and versatile option in comparison to other types of weight plates. You can easily find high-quality bumper plates to use for all forms of training, including Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, CrossFit, and general strength training. 

Furthermore, if you prefer to exercise outside, you can safely use bumper plates in your driveway.  

Affordable 

Although they are generally more expensive than other types of weight plates, you can still find cheap bumper plates from trusted fitness brands. 

Even if you spend more when investing in a great bumper plate set, you can rest assured knowing that you won't need to spend any further money for several years. Bumper plates are so durable and sturdy that you will certainly get your money's worth before they begin to show signs of wear and tear. 

Plus, their high level of versatility means you won't need to buy other types of weight plates to use in your home gym if you like to switch up your training style regularly. You can use your bumper plates for everything, from heavy powerlifting exercises to dynamic CrossFit movements to intense strength training. 

6 Things to Consider When Buying Bumper Plates 

Since there are so many different bumper plate brands out there, it can be difficult to filter through your options. You might not have the time or energy to read through thousands of bumper plate reviews to discover which products are the most suitable for your workout style and needs. 

To streamline your research, we've compiled a list of six key things to consider when purchasing the best weight plates, including:

1. Materials and construction 
2. Weight tolerance 
3. Collar opening diameter 
4. Color coding and design 
5. Price and budget 
6. Warranty 

1. Materials and Construction 

The first thing to consider when purchasing bumper plates is their construction, including the build and materials used to create the plates, which will impact their overall quality and durability. Plates made to a high standard using top-of-the-line materials will last much longer than cheap bumper plates that have a low-quality construction. 

Generally, bumper plates are made out of virgin rubber, recycled rubber (also known as crumbled rubber), or urethane.

Virgin rubber bumper weight plates are more expensive than recycled rubber but more durable and more aesthetically pleasing. They also don't have the same pungent smell that recycled rubber often has.

Urethane is a premium material that is highly durable and odorless but costs more than both virgin rubber and recycled rubber. 

All types of bumper plates have a metal ring at their center, which is most commonly made of steel with a brass or zinc coating. The former is more rust-resistant, while the latter is more scuff-resistant. 

2. Weight Tolerance 

Weight tolerance describes the degree of accuracy and consistency between the stated weight and the actual weight of a bumper plate. Finding weight plates with the best weight tolerance means you can be sure that you're actually lifting the amount you think you're lifting (which is particularly important if you're training for a competition). 

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) has specific requirements concerning the weight tolerance of bumper plates used in competitions. 

Competition bumper plates must be accurate to within +0.1% and -0.05% of the stated or target weight. Bumper plates weighing less than 5 kg must have a weight tolerance between +0.1% to -0.05%. Those weighing more than 5 kg must be accurate to within +10 grams to -0 grams per part.

When training with bumper Olympic plates, you should always search for weight plates that have a great weight tolerance and are, therefore, accurate. Finding bumper plates that meet the IWF standards is important if you're soon to be competing in Olympic weightlifting.

However, it's worth considering the weight tolerance of your plates, even if you're just training at home for fun, so you know how much weight you’re lifting and can easily track your progress. 

3. Collar Opening Diameter 

Olympic barbell sleeves have an average diameter of 1.96 inches (49.8 mm). If you're using a standard Olympic barbell during your training, you'll need to make sure any bumper plates that you order will fit onto your barbell properly. 

Luckily, almost all bumper plates are manufactured with a collar opening diameter of between 1.97 inches (50 mm) and 2 inches (50.8 mm). Generally, competition bumper plates will have an opening that is nearer to 1.97 inches, and traditional bumper plates will edge toward the 2-inch mark. According to the standards set by the IWF, the collar opening should be as close to 1.98 inches or 50.4 mm as possible. 

4. Color Coding and Design 

Some bumper weight plates are all-black with contrasting lettering to help you distinguish between different weights during your workouts. However, if you search specifically for competition bumper plates or bumper Olympic plates, you'll notice that they are color-coded according to their weights. 

The use of different colors enables you to quickly and easily identify the weight plates you need when you're adjusting the resistance on your barbell. Alongside being color-coded, they will often also have the weight in pounds and kilograms on both sides. 

The IWF has a set of standards relating to the colors of different bumper plates: 

• 25 kg – Red 
• 20 kg – Blue 
• 15 kg – Yellow 
• 10 kg – Green 
• 5 kg – White 

Although the colors of your bumper plate set won't influence their quality, color-coded plates can be helpful when you want to find the correct weight quickly in between your working sets. This way, you can keep your rest periods short if you wish. Plus, vibrantly-colored bumper plates look more eye-catching in your home gym than plain black ones. 

If you're competing, it's helpful to train with colored bumper plates so that you can get used to the IWF color-coding standards. 

5. Price and Budget 

Since you’ll most likely need several pairs of weight plates for your barbells, it’s a good idea to find affordable options to avoid spending a fortune. Depending on the materials used to create the bumper plates, their prices can vary. 

Generally, bumper plates made out of urethane are more expensive than those made out of virgin rubber. Recycled rubber (crumb rubber) bumper plates can also come with a hefty price tag. 

While you may be shopping on a budget, it’s important not to simply go for the cheapest option you see. Cheap bumper plates won’t last long, and you could end up spending more money by having to replace them frequently. Consider both price and quality when shopping for the best bumper plates for your home gym. 

Buying bumper plates in pairs or full sets often works out cheaper than buying them individually. So, purchasing in bulk could reduce your total expenses. 

6. Warranty 

The top fitness brands offer warranties on their bumper plates, but the lengths of these warranties can vary. Some are just a month, others are a year, and some are up to five years. 

Take a look at the warranty offered so that you can find one with the level of coverage you want. You can find information regarding warranties on each company’s website. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are Competition Bumper Plates Worth It?  

Competition bumper plates are definitely worth it if you’re practicing dynamic, functional exercises like those performed in Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit. They are quieter and safer to drop than cast iron plates and won’t bounce too much off the floor, so you can control the barbell more easily. 

Do Bumper Plates Make A Difference?  

Bumper plates can make a difference to your training, particularly if you practice lifts like snatches and clean and jerks, where you might need to drop the bar from a height. They will enable you to lift heavy weights while reducing the risk of injuries and damage to your floors. 

However, if you're practicing powerlifting or general strength training, regular iron plates could be a better choice. They're less expensive and thinner in diameter, so you can fit more onto the barbell. 

What Material Is Best for Bumper Plates? 

Bumper plates are usually made out of virgin rubber, urethane, or recycled rubber with a steel insert that is coated in either brass or zinc. The best bumper plates are those made out of urethane and virgin rubber, but recycled bumper plates are more eco-friendly. 

Is It Okay to Drop Bumper Plates on Concrete?  

Bumper plates are made to be dropped and are highly shock-absorbent. High-quality bumper plates should, therefore, be okay to drop on concrete, whether it’s in your garage or your backyard. 

Can You Mix Bumper and Regular Plates?  

Yes, you can use both regular plates and bumper plates in combination with one another. However, if you’re dropping the barbell from a height, you should avoid using cast iron weight plates and use bumper plates only. 

Final Verdict: What Are the Best Bumper Plates? 

The best bumper plates overall are the REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates. They're durable, solid, and versatile. With a high durometer rating, they won’t bounce when dropped, so you can enjoy safe and effective home workouts. They look aesthetically pleasing and will last for years before showing signs of wear and tear. 

The REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates are not color-coded. If you're searching for color-coded bumper plates, the REP Fitness Color Bumper Plates are your best choice.

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About The Author

Athina is a Biochemistry and Genetics graduate, and a qualified personal trainer with a passion for women’s health and fitness. She is passionate about helping women to learn more about the importance of the menstrual cycle and how to balance their hormones. She is the host and producer of Fertility and Freedom podcast, which covers all things women’s health and hormones.