Weight Plates

More about Weight Plates

Along with the barbell, weight plates are one of the most important pieces of functional weight training equipment.

There are two main types of weight plates – determined by the diameter of the hole in the centre of the plate. Standard sized weight plates have a 29mm diameter hole, and Olympic weight plates and bumper plates can have a centre hole diameter of around 51mm. 

Weight plates

Weight plates are a type of weight lifting equipment used to add resistance to adjustable barbells and dumbbells, as well as plate-loaded weight machines. Depending on the intended purpose of the weights and the price, weight plates can be made of steel, cast iron, rubber coated steel solid rubber or even cement-filled plastic (steer clear of these ones).

They come in a variety of shapes and finishes. Both beginners and experienced lifters benefit from the use of weight plates and they usually form the basis of most of the compound free-weight training exercises (such as bench press, squat and deadlift).

Little Bloke Fitness stock standard sized weight plates in cast-iron, and Olympic weight plates in rubber coated cast-iron and solid rubber bumper plates.

Standard or Olympic?

Weight plates come in two main sizes – standard weight plates and Olympic weight plates (including bumper plates). Standard weight plates are the more common of the two styles.

They are identified by a smaller centre hole diameter. Standard sized weight plates are on average cheaper than Olympic plates. At Little Bloke Fitness, our standard weight plates are a dark grey hammertone plate, have a 29mm centre hole diameter and will fit nearly all standard dumbbells, bars and barbells.

Olympic weight plates tend to be favoured by those lifting heavier weights. The corresponding barbells are generally stronger, have rotating shafts, and tend to cost more than regular barbells. They are also often packaged with power racks. At Little Bloke Fitness, our Olympic weight plates are a rubber coated black plate, have a 51mm centre hole diameter and will fit nearly all Olympic dumbbells, bars and barbells.

Bumper plates are a solid rubber Olympic weight plate that is designed to be dropped onto a lifting platform. These are a must have for anyone into Olympic lifting or crossfit where dropping weights may be involved. However, as they are solid rubber, they do carry a higher cost premium. At Little Bloke Fitness, we stock both economy bumper plates and elite or premium bumper plates. Economy plates tend to get thicker as their weight increases, limiting the number of heavier plates that can be used on the one barbell. Elite bumper plates have a steel core that allows for them to be made thinner, meaning you can fit more on a barbell.

Change plates, also known as fractional or micro plates are olympic weight plates made in smaller sizes ranging from 0.25kg through to 5kg. They offer tremendous flexibility for all lifters at various strength levels. Athletes, youths, women, men, seniors, advocates of progression training, and individuals rehabbing are some of the areas where small weight increases are sometimes desirable. For more information on the differences between standard and Olympic-sized equipment, check out our blog post on the topic here.

Looking for plate storage? Check out our range of weight plate storage racks

Need to talk to someone?

At Little Bloke Fitness, we stock a large range of weight plates and plate accessories to suit all types of training purposes. We can offer personalised advice based on your needs and type of training, whether you’re a professional lifter or just starting out with weight training. Browse our extensive gym equipment range, or call us on 03 9462 3943 or email us at info@littleblokefitness.com.au today to discuss which type of plates are right for you.