Best Bumper Plates 2023 | TreadmillReviewGuru.com

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Last Updated: May 3, 2023

So, maybe you’re getting your home gym all set up with the right flooring, squat rack, and possibly even a barbell. But, what about weights? While regular iron-weight plates can be the more affordable route, we strongly urge you to consider bumper plates, especially if you plan on doing things like cleans, jerks, and even deadlifts. Bumper plates are made of rubber and can help protect your floor, walls, and your new barbell when they’re dropped, either on accident or on purpose. They have a low bounce to be used in smaller spaces and to help minimize your risk of injury. Our team has compiled this list of the best bumper plates with the goal of aiding you in finding the right kind of bumper plates for your home gym.

Why You Should Trust Us

We genuinely enjoy testing and using a wide variety of gym equipment. With this experience, we know what makes quality equipment and what features make a brand stand out. In this best list of bumper plates, we’ve added a variety to help users determine which bumper plates they should get. So, whether you’re looking for urethane, competition, or just rubber bumper plates, we have you covered.

The Best Bumper Plates Of 2023

Sneak Peek of the Best Bumper Plates:

Here Are The Best Bumper Plates of 2023

1. Best Bumper Plates Overall: Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates

The Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates are at the top of our list of best bumper plates because they’re impressively engineered. They’re highly durable to handle dropping, yet they’re made with virgin rubber to not damage your floors. Feel free to drop these bumper plates from Fringe Sport, they’re designed to handle it and covered with a year warranty, just in case. You can even drop the 10 lb pair! They also have a low bounce to be used in smaller spaces. This is perfect if your home gym is compact.

These Black Bumper Plates are made to be dense and thinner than other bumper plates on the market. This means you can load your barbell with even more weight because you’ll have the extra room! Plus, all of Fringe Sport’s Black Bumper Plates have the same diameter which fits most 2” barbell sleeves.

The stainless steel insert is a nice touch that adds to the overall durability of these bumper plates. You’ll be able to perform any kind of lift with these and with weight options from 10 lb pairs up to 55 lb pairs, you can load up your home gym with as much weight as you like. Check out the Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates if you’re looking for durable, backed bumper plates that you can use and drop for years to come.

Pros

They’re durable and built to be dropped.

They come in various pairs of weight.

They have a low bounce which makes them more suitable to use in smaller spaces.

They’re rated for home and commercial use.

Cons

All the plates are black, so it’s hard to distinguish between different sizes.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10 lb pair, 15 lb pair, 25 lb pair, 35 lb pair, 45 lb pair, 55 lb pair

Durometer: 10 and 15 lb pairs: 90 sHA 25-55 lb pairs: 85 sHA

Material: Virgin Rubber

Stainless Steel Insert

Insert Diameter: 50.4 mm (Fits most 2” sleeves)

Rated for Home and Commercial Use

Warranty: 1-year for 10 lb and 15 lb plates, 3-year on 25 lbs to 55 lbs

We recommend looking into the Black Bumper Plates from Fringe Sport if you’re looking for well-constructed drop-friendly bumper plates. They are our pick for best bumper plates overall because they’re durable, dense, and made with high-quality materials like stainless steel and virgin rubber.

2. Best Competition Bumper Plates: Rogue Competition Plates

If you’re a serious lifter who is looking for competition bumper plates, then the Rogue Competition Plates are for you. These competition bumper plates have less bounce, yet are slim so you’ll be sure to stack a lot of weight on your bar. They have a high durometer of 94, that’s really impressive and some of the highest in the industry. The center discs are made of steel and chrome plated as well as an IWF standard diameter of 450mm.

Some thought definitely went into creating the Rogue Competition Plates. The rubber surface is raised enough so the steel center discs don’t rub together and cause damage over time. These plates also have raised lettering and a textured matte finish that’s protected by the raised surface. I especially like that they have a lip on the edges of each plate so you can lift them off the ground more easily.

The Rogue Competition Plates come in classic colors to help you easily determine how much weight you have loaded on each sleeve. These competition bumper plates come in pairs or sets, depending on how much weight you need. Whether you need them for competition or you’re just looking for well-constructed competition plates, then these from Rogue are ones to consider.

Pros

They have a 94 durometer rating that gives these plates a low, dead bounce.

The inserts are steel and 50.4 mm in diameter so they fit snugly on your barbell’s sleeves.

They have protected rubber flanges to avoid any rubbing and scuff marks with use over time.

They are IWF standard.

Cons

They’re a bit pricy compared to other bumper plates.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 25, 35, 45, and 55 lb competition plate pair, 210, 300, 320 competition plate set

Durometer: 94

Diameter: 450mm

Insert Type: Chrome Plated Steel Disc

Stainless Steel Insert

Insert Diameter: 50.4 mm

IWF Standard

Warranty: 5-Years

We’ve named the Rogue Competition Plates as the best competition plates on this list because they’re well-made, competition-rated bumper plates. They’re also easy to use and excellent at home and in competition. It doesn’t hurt that they come in vibrant colors as well.

3. Best Urethane Bumper Plates: Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates

The Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates are our top pick for urethane bumper plates. The center insert is chrome plated and they’re made with urethane rubber. Urethane is harder and more durable than rubber. So, these urethane bumper plates from Titan Fitness have a really low bounce, making them great for use in small spaces.

These bumper plates come in very vibrant colors and the plates are sold individually, in pairs, and as a set. They have a nice texture that keeps them from being slippery, as well as a raised lip to make them easier to pick up off the ground.

The plates are dense and pretty thin at 0.95” to 2.2”. Normally, urethane bumper plates can be pretty pricy, but we’re pleased with this price point on the Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates.
If you’re looking for a quality and affordable set of urethane plates then these are definitely ones to consider.

Pros

These bumper plates are made to be dense with a low bounce.

They are slim enough for loading barbells with a lot of weight.

They don’t have a rubber smell like other bumper plates.

They have a raised lip for easier picking up off the floor.

Cons

The warranty is more limited than what other brands offer.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10, 25, 35, 45, 55 lb pairs, 340 lb set (Plates also sold individually)

Diameter: 415mm – 450mm

Insert Type: Chrome Plate Steel Disc

Material: Urethane Rubber

Insert Diameter: 50.6 mm

Warranty: 1-Year

The Titan Fitness Urethane Bumper Plates are awarded the best urethane bumper plates because of their construction and affordability. We are impressed with how durable they are, and that they have a steel core.

4. Best Bumper Plates For Home Gym: Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plate Sets

Arguably the coolest-looking bumper plates on this list are the Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plate Sets. The tiger streaks and colors are made for these plates to be easy to find and determine how much weight you have loaded. They help take the extra thinking out of it, especially if you’re looking to get a quick lift in.

Beyond looking cool, these bumper plates are durable, thin, and have minimal bounce. They’re made with virgin rubber to be dense, so you can use them in smaller spaces as well as be able to stack a lot of them on your bar. The Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plates are sold in sets ranging from 100 lbs up to 370 lbs. The plates range from 10 lbs up to 55 lbs.

They have a durometer of 85 sHA for the 25, 35, 45, and 55 lb plates. The 10’s and 15’s are 90 sHA, so you can drop them and not have to worry about damaging your floors, walls, or your barbell. The insert is made of stainless steel and is designed to fit most 2” barbell sleeves. So, on top of a fun look, the Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plate Sets are functional and a great addition to any home gym.

Pros

They have a low, dead bounce to keep you from having to chase down your bar.

They come in unique streaked colors that make it easy to see how much weight you have loaded.

The bumpers come in 10 lbs up to 55 lbs.

The insert is made of stainless steel and designed to fit most barbells with 2” sleeves.

Cons

There have been reviews that some of the colors can fade over time.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10, 25, 35, 45, 55 lb pairs, 340 lb set (Plates also sold individually)

Diameter: 15-55 lbs: 450mm 10 lbs: 450mm

Insert Type: Stainless Steel

Material: Virgin Rubber

Insert Diameter: 50.3 mm

Warranty: 3-year for 25-55 lbs 1-year for 10 and 15 lbs

The Fringe Sport Savage Bumper Plate Sets are our pick for best bumper plates for home gyms. They will add some flare to your home gym, and they’re well-constructed and impressive bumper plates overall.

5. Best High-End Bumper Plates: Hammer Strength Premium Rubber Color Bumpers

If you’re looking for the best high-end bumper plates, then the Hammer Strength Premium Rubber Color Bumpers are for you. These bumper plates come in vibrant colors to make distinguishing between different weight sizes quick and easy. The weight plates come in 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs. They’re sold individually so you can select however many you need.

These premium bumper plates are all 450 mm in diameter no matter which sized weight you use. They vary a little in width for each sized plate. They also have a 90 sHA durometer, so they’re dense with that low, dead bounce that you want in a bumper plate.

At Life Fitness, Hammer Strength backs the Premium Rubber Color Bumpers with a nice 3-year warranty. With the hard chrome plated steel center hub and rubber-to-core bonding system, these plates should last you a long time. Not only can you expect great-looking rubber bumper plates from Hammer Strength, but you can expect them to be very durable as well.

Pros

The colors are vibrant and textured for easier use as well as resistant to damage.

Each plate is built to be durable and backed by a 3-year warranty.

They have a nice durometer that gives them minimal bounce.

The center hub is made with high-quality steel and chrome plating that’s resistant to rust.

Cons

They are a bit pricy, compared to other plates on the market.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 25, 35, 45, 55 lb plates (Sold individually)

Durometer: 90 sHA

Diameter: 450mm

Materials: Proprietary rubber-to-core bonding system

Insert Type: Precision machined high-grade steel, hard chrome plated

Insert Diameter: 140mm

Warranty: 3-Years

If your budget allows, we recommend checking out the Hammer Strength Premium Rubber Color Bumpers at Life Fitness. Not only are they of high quality, but they’re built to last with bold coloring.

6. Best Rogue Bumper Plates: Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2

Another option from Rogue Fitness that we recommend are the Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2. They’re popular with a classic black look with bright white lettering. These bumper plates have been tried and tested, and coming from Rogue, they’re durable to boot. I really like that they can be purchased in pairs as well as in sets.

The Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2 are made of virgin rubber and have an IWF Standard in diameter. They’re also ACFT (Army Combat Fitness Test) approved! We appreciate that they’re accurate and within 1% of the listed weight.

Heavy lifters will get a lot of use out of these best rogue bumper plates because they’re slim enough to load your bar with a lot of weight. They also have minimal bounce and an 88 durometer rating so you can drop them without worrying about damaging your barbell. Users will get a lot of use out of these multipurpose bumper plates from Rogue.

Pros

They’re slim, durable, and have minimal bounce.

Not only do they have an IWF standard 450mm diameter, but they’re also approved for the Army Combat Fitness Test.

They are suitable for any home gym or larger commercial gym setting.

The inserts are made of stainless steel.

Cons

There are some customer complaints saying they smell when they’re first being used.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45 lb pairs, and 160, 230, and 260 lb set

Diameter: 450mm (IWF Standard)

Durometer: 88 sHA

Insert Type: Stainless Steel

Material: Virgin Rubber

Insert Diameter: 50.6 mm

Warranty: 90 days for 10 and 15 lbs and 3 years for 25 to 45 lbs.

The Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2 is extremely well-constructed. Users of all levels should get a lot of use out of them. We appreciate the nice durometer rating that gives them a low bounce when dropped.

7. Best Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates: Fringe Sport Hi-Temp Bumper Plates

If you’re eco-conscious or just looking for the best crumb rubber bumper plates, then look no further than the Fringe Sport Hi-Temp Bumper Plates. They’re made from recycled rubber and made in the U.S. These hi-temp bumper plates are a bit wider, so while you won’t be able to load as many as say comp bumpers, you can drop and use these with ease knowing they’re more resistant to bending and cracking.

They’re highly durable and can handle any type of workout, as well as being dropped. They do have a higher bounce than other rubber bumper plates, but they’re built to last. We really like that Fringe Sport included steel inserts that pair well with these crumb rubber bumper plates. The 10 and 15-lb plates are durable as well as the others, so they should handle all kinds of use.

The Fringe Sport Hi-Temp Bumper Plates are sold in pairs of 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs. You can also purchase them in sets of 190 and 260 lbs. They’re great for home as well as commercial gyms, and users can expect to perform all kinds of exercises with these hi-temp bumper plates.

Pros

They are made from recycled rubber to be very durable and handle home as well as gym use.

The 2” insert is made of steel to handle being dropped.

Even the 10 and 15 lbs are thicker so they’re more durable and hearty than other bumper plates of the same weight.

They come in pairs and sets.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10, 25, 35, 45 lb pairs and 190 and 260 lb sets

Insert Type: Steel

Material: Recycled Rubber Tires

Insert Diameter: 2”

High Bounce

Warranty: 1-Year

If you’re looking for highly resistant rubber bumper plates, then check out the Fringe Sport Hi-Temp Bumper Plates. They’re solid black to look nice in any gym space, and impressively durable to handle any type of workout.

8. Best Bumper Plates On Amazon: REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates

When shopping on Amazon, it can kind of be a gamble sometimes on the quality of the product that you’re purchasing. The REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates have earned the best bumper plates on Amazon on this list because they come from a reputable brand, are impressively constructed, and are affordable.

They remind us of the Rogue Echo Bumpers because they’re similarly built and come in a classic black and white design. I really like that they’re sold in a variety of weights. You can purchase the REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates in 5, 10, 25, 35, and 45 lb pairs. They’re also available in 160, 190, 230, 250, 260, and 370 lb sets. Keep in mind that the 5 lb plates aren’t meant to be dropped. The 10 lb plates are an extra 1” thick though, so they’re designed to be very durable.

The REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates allow users to load up to 515 lbs on the bar. So, heavy lifters should find a lot of use out of these hearty bumper plates. They’re rated for commercial and home use, so you can use them practically anywhere.

Pros

They have a low bounce and are made with virgin rubber and steel inserts.

They’re durable, yet thin enough to load a barbell with 515 lbs of weight.

These plates are sold in pairs and sets.

The heavier weights are backed with a 3-year warranty.

Cons

Some reviews claim they smell.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 5,10, 25, 35, 45 lb pairs, and 160, 190, 230, 250, 260, and 370 lb set

Diameter: 450mm IWF Standard (10 lb plates are 446mm)

Insert Type: Stainless Steel

Material: Virgin Rubber

Insert Diameter: fits 2” sleeves

5 lb Technique Plates aren’t meant to be dropped

Warranty: 1 year for 10 and 15 lbs for home use and 6 months for commercial use, 3 years for 25, 35, and 45 lbs for home use and 1 year for commercial use

If you’re looking for nice looking, hearty barbells then consider the REP Fitness Black Bumper Plates on Amazon a top pick. We recommend them for all users and they’re great for use in homes and larger gyms.

9. Best Budget Bumper Plates: AMGYM LB Bumper Plates

Even though bumper plates are pricier than weight plates, that doesn’t mean there aren’t affordable options. The AMGYM LB Bumper Plates are our pick for the best budget bumper plates because they come in a range of sizes all at affordable prices. You can purchase them in pairs as well as sets.

The AMGYM Bumpers are made of virgin rubber and have a steel insert, so they’re durable and suitable to handle weightlifting and powerlifting. They’re said to have a low, dead bounce making them great for small and large home gyms. Their construction also makes them quiet to use, especially compared to iron plates.

The AMGYM LB Bumper Plates come in a range of sizes ranging from 10 lb pairs up to 370 lb sets. These high-density bumper plates range in width depending on the size, so users should be able to load a lot of weight on their barbell sleeves.

Pros

They’re affordable and come in a range of pairs and sets.

They are made of virgin rubber with a steel insert and have a low bounce.

All of the plates are backed with a 3-year warranty.

They’re great for weightlifting, powerlifting, and CrossFit.

Cons

They might not be as accurate as other brands.

Specs:

Weight Sizes: 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lb pairs, 100, 160, 190, 210, 250, 260, and 370 lb sets

Diameter: 17.5”

Insert Type: Steel

Material: Virgin Rubber

Insert Diameter: 2”

Warranty: 3-Years

We are impressed with how affordable yet nice quality the AMGYM LB Bumper Plates are. Lifters of all abilities should get a lot of use out of this budget-friendly pick.

What To Factor When Buying Bumper Plates

Bumper plates can be an excellent addition to your home gym, especially if you value durability, quality, and safety when lifting. But what are important factors to consider when buying the best bumper plates for you?

Construction

No matter what kind of lifting you’re doing, you want to make sure that you’re using well-constructed bumper plates. Bumper plates are made from rubber ranging from virgin, recycled, or urethane. The rubber shouldn’t be too hard or too soft, this can affect the quality and also the bounce, which I’ll get into in a moment.

Standard and competition bumper plates have steel inserts. Lower-end plates will sometimes use brass for the insert. The insert adds to the durability of the bumper plate. Competition bumper plates have a larger insert, or center hub, and are thinner and denser than standard bumper plates. These are rated for competition use and allow users to load a lot of weight onto their bar sleeves. Standard and lower-level plates are great for most users and home use. While they don’t have as thick of inserts, they’re still durable and quiet to use. They’re also great for all kinds of exercises.

You want a snug fit on the barbell sleeve to help eliminate excess noise.

Bounce

If you’re planning on dropping your bumper plates, you want to check the durometer rating of the bumper plates. This is on a scale of 1 to 100. The higher the number, the lower the bounce. Less bounce means less of a chance that you or your gym will get hit by the barbell. A low, dead bounce also helps protect your equipment. The durometer rating indicates the hardness of the plate and most bumper plates fall between 70 to 95 on this scale.

Something to be aware of is that recycled rubber or crumb rubber bumper plates have a higher bounce than virgin rubber and urethane. These types of bumper plates are very durable however and can be used outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a bumper plate?

Ideally, you want a bumper plate that has a minimal bounce to help protect your surroundings and yourself. Bumper plates are made of different types of rubber that can affect how much bounce they have. It’s also important to consider what material the center insert is made of. Steel is found on mid to higher-end bumper plates, and the type of plate determines how thick the insert is. For instance, competition plates have a thicker insert. You also want to consider the thickness of your bumper plates. Thicker and denser bumpers tend to be the most durable and less likely to bend or crack when dropped.

What are the advantages of bumper plates?

Bumper plates come with a lot of benefits. They’re covered in rubber which helps protect your floors, walls, equipment, as well as yourself. Most bumper plates have a low, dead bounce so they can be dropped in smaller spaces without causing damage to their surroundings. They’re very durable and can last for years. They’re also a lot quieter to use than regular weight plates made of iron. Bumper plates are also great for all kinds of lifting.

How much do bumper plates weigh?

Typically, bumper plates come in 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and 55 lbs. Depending on the manufacturer, they can be sold individually, in pairs, and in sets.

What are bumper plates?

Bumper plates are weighted plates that are covered in rubber. Most have a steel insert and core making them durable to use. Bumper plates are used in Olympic lifting as well as other kinds of lifting and workouts and are meant to be dropped.