Have a healthy supply of both. Junk iron plates for machines that don't change weight much, set it and forget it. And some nicer bumpers for a couple bar stations to be set up at same time so you're not moving plates between sets. Durable plates also have to protect premium barbells.
I used to lift with a home made barbell and concrete plates before finishing school. I have a bunch of iron plates from Amazon now. I have bought a few more expensive ones from rep and rogue but they are all within a pound across the board so I don't see the point anymore
I went with the Fringe Sport Contrast Bumpers after watching your review of those. However, I did get the 55's in the Savage design as I think those look sick and I have a red/black color thing going on and those pop. A lot of my heavier plates arrived scuffed and damaged/boxes torn open, but Fringe has been great to work with. I wish I could say the same about Rep Fitness' customer service. They like to say No a lot and talk about their "strict policy". Keep up the great vids brother.
Hundo pricing is a must with Rogue. I actually like their other metal black e coated plates that have a smaller profile than the deep dish, but it's all preferences
I have the Troy machined plates (the black ones, in this case). They are good plates, IMO. Accuracy is not the only issue. You want a plate that fits tight on the bar and has a smooth, bored hole that won't scratch up your bar.
@@NoFate247 Yeah, one problem with cheap plates is they assume you may have a cheap bar, so the holes are left a little loose on purpose in case your bar is bigger than spec. (And the cheapest ones, the holes may not even be bored, they may be case, which leaves them rough.)
Good video, man. You're right! Weight is weight! I have a variety of weight plates I have some Rep bumpers and old school irons, I have some xmark rubber coated plates, a pair of Cap rubber coated ones, and a pair of Iron 100s. Irons are probably the best bang for your buck.
Just ordered some REP animal print bumpers to replace some old Rogue Echo bumpers I bought like a decade ago. Been two weeks almost and sadly they have yet to ship. I imagine they’ll be a worthy replacement. Next I’m going to replace my old “standard barbell” iron plates with Rogue deep dishes and a couple of the “Mutt Wheels” 45s just for fun.
I use bumper plates as my 45 lbs then I load it with steel plates..I don’t care about looks just wanna lift heavy plus like u said I look for the deals on Facebook market place.. add to my collection. Sell what I don’t need upgrade if need be when the time comes
I enjoy using the Ivanko slotted plates, with 7 oval holes. I just enjoy the 7-slotted holes for ease of picking them up from the floor or sliding on & off the barbell. Thanks for your reviews -- I enjoy your honesty and humor. Maybe a review sometime on the KAZ handles or maybe those magnetic pins, 5/8" diameter or 1".
@@NoFate247 Yes! They are great . I little wider, but I can still get more weight on the bar than 99% of people would need. They are close to Rogue deep dish plates in width.
I love my rogue deep dishes. I do have to say though that sleeve space does become an issue if you are not super casual with lifting. Oh well they are still awesome. Great video man.
I have Rep Urethane Plates. You left them off the list.I think they are the best of both worlds of the steel and bumper category. I just buy more weights as I get stronger or they go on sale. I am glad I went that route because I spend 2 hours a day 5-6 days a week average with them so I use them often. Its not an item I pick up once a month so I feel I deserve something nice. I got a full set of Comp bumpers and agree they are overkill though. I only use them for deadlifts and crossfit style stuff in the summer outside in the driveway.
I like the comp bumper plates due to the accuracy, looks & quietness factor when I don't want to disturb the peace. But I have a mix of used cast iron & used comp bumpers & thus can load weight depending on wether I'm trying to be as quiet as possible or if I'm trying to use up as little space on the sleeves as possible & don't mind having to do the math with my cast irons & noise isn't a concern. I've actually weighed all my plates & have (marked with a Sharpe) the actual weights of my cast iron plates so I can do the math accurately as I journal all of my workouts on strava so I like to know if I'm going for a PR..I've actually gotten that PR. I also like to leave some of my cast iron loaded on 2 of the stations of my Body Solid SBL460 to be ready to go for my next workout. Ideally in my future I'd like to switch out my inaccurate cast iron 45's for Rep Fitness Equalizer 45's as they have what I've heard is a very tight window of accuracy & fit & finish + they have the convenience of the easy grab holes. I recently picked up a pair of used Rogue 100 lb. deep dish plates & customized them with "Plate Snacks" decals that I submitted to them. They turned out sweet & I actually use them in trap bar Deadlift. I can't post a picture here?? or I would.
If I ever do home gym only, I'd totally skimp on weight plates. I'd get 4 or 5 crappy 300 lb sets from Dick's, a pair of bumper 45s for deadlifting since the Fitness Gear as smaller, and a Rouge barbell. I'd go budget on plates, and expensive on leg and back equipment.
I was planning on making my own plates out of concrete just so I can give guest the impression that I’m an eccentric craftsman who works out or that I’m one of those caveman lifters
I regret buying my rep fitness bumper plates. Lol theybare too thick and have bo grip. Now I want some that have a grip and are thinner but don't know if I should get the once made from iron or the once coated with rubber? I may get a squat max md so bumperr plates are too bulky for my needs. I want some that are smaller in diameter and thinner. I was looking at some good looking color grip new french fintess plates. Also do I really need 35's. It looks like they are not popular, what about 55's?
@NoFate247 yea you are right I have not had the need to use 35s or 55s but I think I will like the ones with the grip better. I like the French fitness color ones with a grip
I just have whatever is cheapest I can find lol I don't care about looking pretty. If it weighs within 3% of the stated weight, I'll use it happily. I compete in powerlifting. Never felt like I was cheating myself by not spending 1000s on calibrated plates.
Currently using Rogue Mil Spec crumb rubber because they were reasonable during covid, but thinking about some StrengthCo. plates. I had been drooling over Rogue deep dish, but dislike how much the milled plate backs scratch. Tough to decide what is worth "That hard EARNED money"! Thanks for your content as always.
