Picking Plates - Cheap Weights 

When buying weights at walmart, grab a scale from the bathroom department and bring it to the weights. Save yourself the trip. Lol

Me: is content with home gym, total is 1200$ Brandon: I'd rather spend a little money more long term Me: ok, ur right Also Me: total after new purchases, 10,000$

I live 5 miles from a really great used sporting goods store made my home gym with used equipment made my own pulley system and my own squat rack 65.5 years old still lifting

You definitely gotta do the bumper plate video now🤷🏽‍♂️

Bro, the cast iron plates don’t come seasoned. You just gotta break em in a bit, follow these steps: Scrub plate well in hot soapy water. Dry thoroughly. Spread a thin layer of melted shortening or vegetable oil over the plate. Place it upside down on a middle oven rack at 375°. (Place foil on a lower rack to catch drips.) Bake 1 hour; let cool in the oven.

Great vid! I’ve weighed so many cast irons and they’re always off! I explain that to my clients all the time! Same with the dumbbells.

Yes, please do a bumper plate video. Cost vs quality comparison like this one, as well as the different materials used and their benefits. Love your videos and thank you for letting the world know about Strong Arm bars.

I am shocked at how many comments Brandon reads and replied to. It’s impressive. I don’t know how you have time for all of them.

Good information as always, I was originally going to go with the cheaper plates, but will not be doing that now, thx!

I want all the videos MR. Diamond

Great video. I found the best bang for the buck is if you can find used old York American cast steel plates. Milled ones are a bonus. Actually cobbled a set together at my firehouse gym from all the weights at the different stations in town. Especially when they have a nice patina to them. Pretty much all cast plates come out of China nowadays. I think Iron Grip is the last American company casting general usage plates.

My York new standard plates are pretty good. All my 45’s are within 2% based on my digital scale. York rep told me me they switched foundries recently and the standard plates are molded very accurately and they will be moving the milled plates to that facility too. The Rep recommended them over their milled for the price savings. I’m very happy with them.

Yeah, count me into the bumper plate video-wanting camp. Not that I haven't already bought bumper plates, but, well...

ALL THE VIDEOS. I'M EATING THESE UP LIKE BREAKFAST. I promise Im not yelling. Just excited. I love you, dad.

Thanks for the video Brandon. Very helpful

I have collected a 600 plus lb set of 12 sided Marcy grip plates I restored in hammertone gray. Very proud of these even if slightly heavier than stamped weight.

The old cast iron plates from the 70's are more accurate. I bought a pair of Cap plates, poor quality to say the least. My 40 year old Weider kilo set is surprisingly accurate.

Yess. We need a bumper plate video too

Last month, I bought 12 45lb cast iron plates from Titan Fitness. They were on sale, and had (and still have) free shipping and arrived in a couple of days. They are stated spec'd within 2% weight, "448 mm" in diameter and with a 50.5mm center hole. I found all of this to be true once they arrived. I weighed each plate and found them within 1% if I'm not mistaken. Center holes I measured with a caliper and found them all to be 50.55 to 50.7 mm, and the 2 mm difference in the plate diameter seemed to be just to say they aren't 450 (compared to the two old standard 45's I had - they seemed to match up exactly). I had a couple of small chips in the finish, and one of the center holes seemed a little rough (turned out to just be a finish imperfections). I still can't tell if I lucked out or if they are really that good, but I was impressed with the purchase. The boxes called them "calibrated" plates, but they seem like they mean they were machined after casting. I was going to get the York G-2 cast iron grip plates (which were\are also on sale) but weren't spec'd to a percentage and would have run an extra $125 in shipping. However the price with shipping is currently less than the non-sale price of the Titans. Not that you are looking for them, nor do I still think you'd seriously look at them now, but I thought the info was relevant to the video topic.

Well thought out video. Thanks for the break down

You and Coop have helped me a lot in my purchases, Thanks

Great series!!

Dig the video! Bumpers next!

Good run of videos!!

Great advice all around. Being that I was buying during COVID, quality plates were unobtainable even online in a lot of cases. Also, a lot of the used CAP plates were going for $3 per pound which beyond stupid. I go a hold of a smaller set used for $1.50, cast Sports Authority. They do exhibit some of the problems discussed but I am ok with it given they are pandemic plates. I can’t wait to buy some decent machines plates from Rogue once they are actually in stock.

Yes please do the machined and calibrated. As I'm rebuilding, I'm leaning toward calibrated for best accuracy, so would love your thoughts, and hell why not bumpers too :)

Once I weighed some plates on a bad scale. Talk about total mess!:)

Understand the concept of plates having variable weight differences, but as long as they match , such as brand. I'm good with it. Thanks for the great information

Over weight plates can be drilled with a press to lighten them and create uniformity, but it's probably more trouble than it's worth. I do like the vintage small plates for loading dumbbell handles, they have a nice look in a home gym.

Hi Temp bumper plates. Work great for my routine. Involves a little bit of dropping, but not excessive.

I have weighed a bunch of metal plates at the gym I go to. I just weighed them on the scales and wrote on them what they actually are. The diameter is all the same for most 45 pounds plates but They vary from 41 pounds to 47 pounds. When you are benching in the 500-700 pound range a few pounds can really throw you off.

More videos!!! Also it would be really nice to have a , home gym build if you live in Europe, there is not that much info running around. Saw some good reviews on ATX racks but thats about it. Great Vids !

Do one about dinner plates? Plain or patented, floral or abstract, China or earthenware, these are the question we need answers to. Nice video. I think the morale of the story is you get what you pay for.

I got pretty lucky with the CAP plates I bought, they're all within a couple of lbs of each other. The price was hard to pass up, so I bit the bullet on them.

Please do a video on bumpers from Rogue 🤞👍

Bumper plates next please! What are your thoughts on Titan Fitness bumper plates?

I didn't know about the diameter thing. But I think for me it's just another thing to look out for when buying used. The weight variance is not a big deal because you can weigh plates and just buy the ones within a pound or less.

Finally! I’ve been waiting for the plate videos.

This gonna lead us eventually to what you decided to go with? I learned something new today.....didn’t realize that cast & milled were actually different.

Thumbs up just for the Crowder nod 👍 Nice place info as well though.

Hey Brandon, Thanks for this video and I would certainly like to hear from you about machined, milled etc. It would also be great to know what your opinion is on used plates.

Please teach us about bumber plates. q: Are they as or even more variable than iron?

I want to see a video of best number plates that are not too pricey or cheap bumpers that are not tire crumb. Thanks love the content been watching you for years.

I bought a pair of cast iron from REP and one is 44.6, the other 45.4, pretty happy with that. 129.99 free shipping and no tax.

Around 2015 I picked up some used Weider plates and an Olympic bar for $200 cad. 22, 33, 44 lbs. I finally refinished then this weekend. Time to weigh them and see how accurate they are. The only issue I have is I purchased a tree to hold them and these weights scrape up the arms and also are chipping away at the plastic end caps. Otherwise no issues.

I would like to see a video on bumper plates, thank you

I care about all that but I have no other choice but to get the cast iron. 3 kids one on the way no way I can get some of them nice ones. Maybe I'll put it on my bucket list. I will say for the cheap ones that I do have I guess I got lucky because they all the same size the center hole same size and they do weigh on point. Bedside to it is like you said my deadlift I have to control it all the way down and I cannot bench too much because I'll be afraid to drop my weights off onto the floor, well cuz it could be ugly. But I do appreciate you for your heartbreaking but honest truth about the weights.

I have a bunch of plates that are over the rated weight, and a few below. Got them stickered so i use the lower ones on my weaker days and higher ones on the stronger days. It all comes down to budget though. Who wouldn't want 2 full sets of calibrated zink coated plates

This was super informative!

Just sold my 35 lbs pair for $159. Adding that towards the 6 shooters when in stock!

I have a standard diameter 45lb bumper plate. All my iron plates are smaller than that, so deadlift is at the right high, but i hace a deadlift bar so i don't get the full benefit of it. Works for my home gym

Any thoughts on the rubber coated ( not bumpers) joints? Been eyeing IVANKO’s Encased EZ lift sets

Thank you.

Hi Brendan. Thank you for your videos. What would you say is the best of both worlds? Would a mix of larger bumpers and smaller cast iron plates?

Great video. I've trained in places where where my numbers were suspiciously high. I figured it was because they had lighter weights. Its annoying lol and definitely throws you off.

Would you say Rogue bumper are higher in the spectrum of better than cast iron plates? With diameter, stated weight, finish?

Hi Brandon, have you noticed if the metal insert on bumper plates or the iron plates cause a difference in more or less wear and tear on the barbell sleeves?

Basically: if you’re just trying to get big at home and not participate in professional competitions you’re okay going the cheap route, but consider that cast iron plates can be wrong by usually ~5 pounds (up or down)

Sir I'm considering the REP PR-5000 it has a nice lat pulldown attachment; is that a good way to go sir?

Great video. My plates at the moment (REP V2) have an overall diameter of 17.5 inches. It is about a quarter inch off of comp specs. I have a set of comp bumpers and when I lay them on top of the comp bumpers the difference in diameter is there but not glaring. That is why I have been looking at strength co plates. What do you think? Issue or non issue?

Rogue echo bumpers, 1% weight difference and I believe $129 for a pair of 45s. Cheap af

Love the Crowder reference😂

For garage gyms... how often do you have to maintain weights, bars, etc??

I just purchased 2 sets of Rogue Olympic plate, the standard barbell. I'm very happy, the plates fit snug over the bar and the weight is dead on...

Will you please do a review on bumper plates budget bumper plates and high quality bumper plates reviews thanks appreciate your videos keep up the good work two health and fitness

talk about bumpers. me weightlift. me like bumpers

Good video. Here's a question not related to plates: when editing, do you set the volume higher on purpose?

Hey Brandon, any experience with Bells of Steel? They’re a Canadian company and have the cheapest prices I’ve found plus free shipping. I have their reverse hyper (they call it “back swing”) machine and love it so far. Might be popular amongst the budget-conscious folk like myself. Thanks man

A second hand equipment video would be nice! I don’t have much money. Specifically Craigslist in the Indiana area

2" difference in diameter =/= 2" difference in distance of bar from ground... It would be only a 1" difference, but your point is still valid, since an inch could be significant on a heavy deadlift.

Man, I have an entire gym in my basement: rack, cable machine, lat pull, etc. I bought all of my equipment in 2000 and for weight plates I got CAP cast iron. Never had a problem with them. Also, I spent about $15,000.00 for my gym equipment and that was in 2000. Cast iron plates were 47 cents/lb where steel plates were close to 4-5 dollars/lb. I couldn't afford any more. If I bought my stuff now, I know it would easily run over $30,000.00+.

i have one set of cheapies,”vtx”, and i use them thusly. deadlift day i put 3 yorks and then when i get to 4 plates i slide on the cheapies which have a smaller diameter and go on oh so easy, and there you have it friends!!!!

Do all of the videos!

My old University used to have cheap plates to the point where I would have to pick up a bunch of 45s before finding a pair that were the same.

I’ve got 45lb, 35lb , 25lbs, 10lbs and 2.5lbs all standard barbell weight plates and they do the job. Those weights has help built me a great body and has got me very strong! These were pasted down from my grandpa, they are still in great condition and I still use them now. I feel no need to buy expensive weights when these are perfect in my opinion but what works for me might not work for anyone else…

Ha, this video made me run down stairs and weigh my plates. I have "standard" cast Iron plates that I ordered from Rogue. Went with cast Iron because of the low cost and because I like the sound of metal plates clanging. Anyway all mine seem to be a pound or two heavier than what they are supposed to weigh.

What is your opinion on the REP Fitness Equalizer plates and/or REP Cast Iron plates?

I wish watched this video before I started building my home gym. I didn’t buy a lot so that’s ok. I started buying used Olympic 2” weight plates. They are from the 70-80s. And they are machined. Troy and AFS plate weights. Well used but I’m prob gonna refurb them to remove the rust.

What are your thoughts on the Rogue Machined Olympic plates? I was going to purchase a set and 4 extra 45lb pairs

Please do a video on those painted decorative dinner plates that old people hang on their walls.

A reduction in diameter of 2.00" will only drop you 1.00"...

bumper plates. I work out solo and I want to be able to dump them if I need to

The jokes, the inches... hahahah oh man. You don’t find anyone else doing humor and gym reviews like this hahah

Well, I dunno. Bought all my 45 and 100lb Oly plates (4x100 and 14x45) on craigslist and they all seem to be the same diameter. My old Weider 44's are a tad smaller so I put them on last.

Does the same go for dumbells ? Because I feel like the weight is always different

Hey Brandon. I need your opinion on my plates.. my max lift is 315 at the moment. My choice is cast iron weight tolerance 3% vs machined plates weight tolerance2%. would weight tolerance 3% be good enough for my use or would you recommend going with 2%? It is 1% difference but Asking because of price difference. Thank you.

I had a few cast iron plates that were fine, pretty accurate, a bit small, but uniform. Needed another set a few years later, same manufacturer, same shop. They are smaller, have a different color, and one plate is 1 kg too light. My OCD is raging hard even by looking at the plates on the bar.

I would like to see a video on machined weight plates.

There are a few guys near Boston that I get my plates from. They buy in bulk and sell used plates fairly cheap. Look on craigslist

Last time I was this early Brandon still rocked CrossFit plates. What do you think about the Rep Fitness zero gap incline bench?

Hi Brandon, How do you even go about finding plates when everything is sold out online? I don't want to pay for shipping, and the only two sites I've come across that offer free shipping are Fringesport and Vulcan Strength.

How much does a tight fitting plate reduce the volume of the bar hitting the plate? I've noticed that my deadlifts are insanely loud even with my rubber tiles and trying to control the bar. what I just figured out earlier is that its the bar hitting the plate. Trying to solve this.

I got deep dish “EYE Van KO” that I got of Craigslist for super cheap I love them Thanks for the video Brandon 🙏🏽👍🏽

I have some cap plates... Does that wobble shit all the time... Unless I have at least three plates on each side.

What if i put something under the irregular plates so to put it at about the same eight from the ground?

Is it ok as long as one pair (or more) of the weights are 45cm in diameter? The set I'm looking at is 45 at the higher weights, but gets smaller as it goes lower.

Holy shit brando I just ordered two 100lb plates 😬... they done got a Playa!

Hey man do you know any places that sells plates for a decent price currently in Europe?

or at walmart just grab a scale in the home section and weigh them right there. or bring a scale with you wherever you buy.

Any company that offers colored metal plates closer to standard metal plate pricing vs colored bumper plate pricing?