How to Choose the Best Bumper Plates for Olympic Lifting
I am looking to buy some bumper plates for my home gym in Alberta and I am completely overwhelmed. I want to know how to choose the best bumper plates for Olympic lifting that are durable and have a consistent weight. I have seen the black rubber ones and the color coded urethane plates.
I am worried about the bounce especially since I am lifting on a platform. I also want plates that are thin enough to fit at least four hundred pounds on a bar. I have heard that some of the cheaper ones can start to crack at the center hub after a while.
What are the best brands for bumper plates in 2026? I am looking at Rogue and Eleiko but the price difference is massive. Is it worth paying more for the premium brands or are the mid tier ones just as good for home use? Any advice on what to look for would be great.