What Are Bumper Plates?

Before you purchase a bumper plate, there are a few things to consider. The thickness, material, and price of a plate will influence your choice. The more expensive bumper plates are generally thinner and made of crumbed rubber, whereas the cheaper ones are made from virgin rubber. While thinner bumper plates are more expensive, they are not necessarily the best. For example, the Eleiko Plate costs more than the Primal Strength bumper plate, but it is not significantly thicker.

Durometer rating

When looking for bumper plates, one factor that must be taken into consideration is the durometer rating. The higher the durometer rating, the harder the bumper plate is, and the less it will bounce when dropped. A higher rating is important for higher level competitions, while a lower rating may be fine for a garage gym enthusiast.

Bumper plates are typically made of rubber, which is very durable. They can withstand thousands of drops, unlike iron plates which may break within a few drops. This means that the bumper plates will be durable for years to come, far beyond the warranty period. These bumper plates are also available in a range of prices.

A high-end bumper will be able to withstand drops of up to 4%, while a basic bumper will have a 3% weight tolerance. The quality of the bumper also plays a part. Its price will reflect the quality of the bumper. Some bumpers may be cheaper than others, but they may not have the durability you need for competitions.

Bumper plates can be made of several different materials. Some are made of cast iron while others feature a rubber coating. The rubber coating absorbs the shock if the barbell falls. This helps protect the barbell, the plates, and the surrounding equipment.

Material

The material of bumper plates is important to their durability. These plates are generally thick and uniform in diameter. They meet the size standards established by the International Weightlifting Federation. The thick rubber prevents the bumpers from damaging the bar. But if you’re worried that your bumper will break, you can buy a softer material.

Traditionally, bumper plates used brass hubs, but these became brittle and prone to cracking or bending. While some bumper manufacturers still use brass, most use stainless steel hubs. In addition, make sure the hub is large enough to fit easily into the bar sleeve. Otherwise, the counterweight will slide out of place. Lastly, make sure the diameter of the hub is close to the diameter of the bar. This ensures a secure fit and quick on/off.

Urethane bumper plates are another excellent choice. They resist abrasion and aging, and are safer than rubber bumper plates. They are also quieter and easier to move around. You might even choose to opt for bumper plates that have no odor! If you’re looking for the best bumper plates on the market, you should choose those made of urethane.

Metal plates are also available. Some of them are made of chrome or cast iron. Cast iron bumper plates have the advantage of being light in weight and are suitable for Olympic lifts. However, they’re not as durable as rubber bumper plates and require protective flooring. Nonetheless, they are suitable for general strength training and bodybuilding exercises.

Price

There are several options when it comes to buying bumper plates. You can get them in ten, fifteen, twenty-five, thirty-five, forty-five, and fifty-five pound sizes. You can also get them with an Olympic bar for freehand exercises. These plates are made from tough and durable material that has a precise grip.

When you are looking to buy bumper plates, you should make sure to check the quality and price. If you’re looking to buy a bumper plate for competition use, you can try Eleiko bumper plates. These bumper plates are made from proprietary SBR rubber and are IWF-certified. They have an IWF-approved warranty and are within one gram of the stated weight. Lastly, they feature raised lettering. However, these bumper plates are not cheap.

Prices of bumper plates can vary from around $2 to $5 per pound. The quality of the materials and manufacturing processes make them more expensive than other materials. Although bumper plates can be expensive, there are many options available that are affordable. Generally, bumper plates under two pounds per pound are a good value. On the other hand, if you’re looking to lift heavy weights regularly, you may want to get more expensive bumper plates.

It’s also important to make sure you purchase quality bumper plates that are durable and safe. You don’t want to spend money on something that is going to bounce. If it bounces too much, you can end up with an injury. To avoid this, always choose bumper plates that have a high sHA (surface hardness) rating. A higher sHA number means the bumper plate is made of denser rubber, which is better for your body and equipment.

Durability

The durability of bumper plates can be compromised if the center hubs are not made of durable materials. Traditionally, bumpers have brass hubs, which are prone to bending and cracking. However, most manufacturers now use stainless steel instead. Another important factor to consider is whether the hubs are made of virgin or recycled rubber. In addition, you should also consider the finish treatment, which includes chrome or zinc plating. A good manufacturer will be able to provide drop test data.

Bumper plates can last for many years, especially if used with care. They can be used on various surfaces, including indoors and outdoors. They are easy to clean, too. Just make sure to dry them well to avoid rusting. Bumper plates can be used for many exercises, including squats and deadlifts.

Bumper plates come in a variety of prices. Prices will vary based on the material used. For instance, economy bumper plates are made of crumb rubber, which tends to break more easily than virgin rubber. Moreover, these plates do not have the same durability as high-end bumper plates. These plates are also usually priced higher than those made of steel.

Another important factor to consider when choosing a bumper plate is the bounce. A low bounce will reduce the need for chasing the barbell and allow you to lift multiple reps efficiently. Bumper plates have different shore ratings, which are scales based on the hardness of the material. A high shore rating indicates lower bounce. In general, competition bumpers have the highest bounce and the lowest, while basic and urethane bumpers usually fall between the two.

Impact on curls

There are a few advantages to using bumper plates. For one thing, they can help you drop the weight more evenly, which prevents injuries. They are made from durable rubber or steel and are designed to absorb the impact of a drop. This means you won’t have to worry about the barbell bouncing back up to your face.

Another benefit is that you can use heavier weights. When you’re doing Olympic lifts, you’re likely to drop the bar. This means you may need to use a block to raise the bar. Bumper plates are designed to be dropped less than iron plates, making them more convenient for people who don’t want to disturb others.

Bumper plates also prevent the bar from dumping during power cleans. Since power cleans require a full squat to catch the bar, the bumper prevents the bar from falling during a large drop. However, they do come with a price tag: they cost between 20-30% more than an iron plate.

The best bumpers have steel inserts that are anchored into the rubber. Ideally, the inserts should be recessed so that they don’t bind. For more stability, choose bumpers with softer rubber in the inserts and harder rubber for the 15-pound and heavier bumpers. Make sure you use bumpers with inserts into rubber as they are much more likely to prevent problems.

Safety

One of the most important features to consider when buying bumper plates is their durability and bounce characteristics. Bumper plates are able to absorb impact much better than many other types of plates do. This is because they are made of rubber and have a heavy iron core which absorbs the vibrations caused by impact.

Bumper plates are made of iron or steel and covered with a thick layer of rubber. This means that when they are dropped, they will bounce back up to a safe distance. This feature makes them perfect for home gyms or intensive strength training. They also reduce the risk of damaging floors and other equipment.

Different bumper plates have different durometer ratings. Those with higher ratings will be less likely to bounce. However, these bumpers tend to be more expensive. It’s advisable to buy bumpers with a higher rating, as these will stand up to a lot more abuse. If you’re training multiple athletes, you may want to buy bumpers that have higher durability ratings.

Another feature of bumper plates is that they are safe to use on any surface. They’re ideal for outdoor training and can be washed and dried easily. But make sure to keep your bumper plates dry to avoid rusting the iron core.