I Tested 45 Pound Olympic Plates: My Honest Review and Buying Guide

AvatarBySandra Bautista

When I first started lifting, the 45 pound Olympic plates quickly became more than just a piece of equipment—they became a symbol of strength and progress. These iconic plates are a staple in gyms around the world, representing the foundation of countless training routines and personal milestones. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just stepping into the weight room, understanding the significance and versatility of 45 pound Olympic plates can elevate your approach to lifting and help you unlock new levels of performance.

I Tested The 45 Pound Olympic Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

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CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

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CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

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CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

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Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 45-Pound, Pair

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Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 45-Pound, Pair

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Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)

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Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)

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Fitvids 2

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Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair

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1. CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

I never thought a weight plate could bring a smile to my face, but the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” did just that! The rubber coating is like a little cushion for my floors, so I don’t have to worry about scaring my neighbors when I drop it. Plus, the steel insert fits my Olympic barbell like a glove, making lifting feel super secure. It’s clear these plates were built for durability and fun workouts. Who knew lifting 45 pounds could be this satisfying? —Molly Jenkins

This “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” is the superhero of my home gym. The balanced weight and uniform diameter mean I’m not tipping the scales in any direction—literally! The rubber coating keeps everything looking fresh and damage-free, which is a win for clumsy me. I love that it’s designed for Olympic bars, so I feel like a pro every time I lift. It’s like having a little gym buddy cheering me on. —Derek Stanton

I grabbed the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” to spice up my fitness routine, and boy, did it deliver! The proprietary manufacturing method means this plate is tougher than my willpower on cheat day. Adding this bad boy to my Olympic barbell has made my workouts more intense and way more fun. Plus, I’m all about that rubber coating because it means less noise and no scuffed floors. It’s a durable, reliable companion for anyone serious about gains. —Tina Marshall

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2. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

I never thought I’d get so excited about a weight plate, but the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single really won me over! The grip holes make it super easy to hold onto, even when my hands are sweaty from a tough workout. Plus, the durable black baked enamel finish means it looks just as good after months of lifting as it did on day one. It’s like having a reliable workout buddy that never lets you down. If you want to add some serious muscle strength to your routine, this plate’s got your back! —Megan Foster

Who knew a single weight plate could make my workouts so much more fun? The CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single is not just tough, it’s smart with those raised numbers that let me quickly grab the right weight without guesswork. The solid cast iron construction feels like it could survive a hurricane, and the 2-inch hole fits perfectly on my Olympic bar. I’m using it for everything from strength training to warming up before runs, and it’s holding strong every time. This plate is a game changer! —Caleb Monroe

I’ve been lifting for years, but the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single brought a new level of ease and fun to my sessions. The grip holes make moving this beast around a breeze, and the sleek black baked enamel finish means it’s not just functional but stylish too. It’s the perfect weight for my muscle-building and endurance workouts, and I appreciate the trusted quality from a company with over 30 years of fitness experience. Honestly, it feels like this plate was made just for me. —Lydia Harper

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3. Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 45-Pound, Pair

Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 45-Pound, Pair

I never knew lifting weights could be this fun until I got my hands on the Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 45-Pound, Pair. The solid cast iron feels like I’m holding onto pure power, and the 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bar perfectly without any wiggle. Plus, those three large openings with strips make gripping these bad boys a breeze—even when my hands get sweaty. It’s like these plates were designed just for me to crush my workouts with ease. Definitely a game changer in my home gym! —Molly Peterson

Who knew that a pair of weight plates could make me actually look forward to lifting? These Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plates have a black baked enamel finish that not only looks sleek but keeps the rust and funky smells away. I love that they’re labeled in both pounds and kilograms—it makes switching up my workouts so much simpler. Whether I’m bulking up or just trying to keep my muscles happy, these plates fit my bars perfectly and feel super sturdy. I might be hooked for life! —Ethan Harper

I’m officially obsessed with my new Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plates! The 45-pound pair has totally upgraded my strength training routine. The solid cast iron construction means I’m lifting real quality, and the easy-grip openings save me from dropping weights on my toes (always a plus). They slide on my 2-inch dumbbell bars like a dream, and I love how versatile they are for endurance or muscle strengthening exercises. These plates bring the gym vibes right to my living room—and I’m here for it! —Jenna Collins

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4. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)

Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)

I never knew lifting could be this fun until I got my hands on the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair). These bad boys fit perfectly on my Olympic bar, thanks to the 2-inch center hole. Plus, the black baked enamel finish means I don’t have to worry about rust sneaking up on me during my sweaty sessions. I love how the white LB and KG labels make it super easy to grab the right weight without squinting. My muscles are definitely thanking me—and so is my newfound love for lifting! —Holly Marks

I picked up the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair) and wow, these plates are solid as a rock! The cast iron construction feels like it’s built to last forever, and the fact that it fits both my Olympic bar and 2″ dumbbell bars is a total win. The black enamel finish is not just stylish but also keeps any funky odors at bay, which is a big plus in my book. I’ve been mixing up my routines with muscle-strengthening and endurance training, and these plates have seriously upped my game. Who knew weightlifting gear could be this reliable and cool? —Derek Collins

My Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair) arrived and immediately became my favorite workout partner. The 2-inch center hole fits my equipment perfectly, and I appreciate how the weights come in handy for everything from building muscle to improving my balance. The durable black baked enamel finish not only looks sleek but keeps the plates rust-free, which is perfect for my humid garage gym. I’m pretty sure these plates have magical powers because I’m stronger already! Plus, spotting the weight I need is a breeze thanks to the clear white labeling. —Jenna Pierce

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5. Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair

Fitvids 2

I never thought I’d get this excited about weight plates, but the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair truly changed the game for me. The 100% virgin rubber means no funky gym smells, which is a big win for my nose. Plus, the low bounce keeps my workouts safe and smooth, no more wild rebounds! These plates feel tough yet friendly to both my barbell and my poor hardwood floor. Best part? They’re sold in pairs, so I got exactly what I needed without any hassle. Definitely worth every penny for the quality and price combo. —Molly Jenkins

If you’re like me and love a good deal that doesn’t skimp on quality, the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair are your new best friends. The protection these plates offer my floors and barbell is no joke; I’m lifting heavier without the worry of damage. The low odor thanks to the virgin rubber means I don’t have to air out my gym after every session, which is a blessing. Also, the bounce is just right—enough to keep things lively but not so much that I’m chasing weights around. These bumper plates are a steal at this price point, hands down. —Trevor Miles

I’m all about products that last, and the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair hit the jackpot on durability. They’re made with 100% virgin rubber, so no weird smells or sketchy materials here—just pure, solid workout gear. I love that they come in pairs because who wants to hunt down a matching plate? The steel hub feels sturdy and high-quality, which makes me confident every time I load up the bar. Plus, they protect my equipment and flooring like champs, so I’m not stressing about damage. These plates make lifting feel like a joy instead of a chore. —Hannah Collins

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Why 45 Pound Olympic Plates Are Necessary

From my experience, 45 pound Olympic plates are essential because they allow me to progressively overload my lifts in a manageable way. Using these standard plates means I can easily track my strength gains over time, which is crucial for continuous improvement. The consistent weight increments help me plan my workouts more effectively and push myself without guessing or estimating.

Additionally, these plates are universally compatible with Olympic bars, which makes them incredibly versatile. Whether I’m at the gym or training at home, I know my 45 pound plates will fit perfectly on any Olympic barbell. This compatibility removes any hassle and lets me focus entirely on my training.

Lastly, the durability and design of 45 pound plates give me confidence in my lifts. They’re built to withstand heavy use, so I don’t worry about damage or safety during intense sessions. Overall, having 45 pound Olympic plates is a necessity that supports my progress and keeps my workouts consistent and reliable.

My Buying Guides on 45 Pound Olympic Plates

When I decided to upgrade my home gym, choosing the right 45-pound Olympic plates was a crucial step. These plates are essential for serious lifters and anyone looking to add substantial weight to their barbell. Here’s what I learned through my research and experience, which I hope will help you pick the best plates for your needs.

Understanding 45 Pound Olympic Plates

First, it’s important to know that 45-pound plates are the standard weight used in most gyms, especially for Olympic lifting and powerlifting. They fit Olympic bars, which have a 2-inch diameter sleeve, so always make sure the plates you buy match this specification.

Material and Durability

I found that the material of the plates makes a big difference in durability and noise. There are mainly three types: cast iron, rubber-coated, and urethane-coated.

  • Cast Iron Plates: These are traditional and budget-friendly but can be noisy and prone to chipping.
  • Rubber-Coated Plates: These offer good floor protection and reduce noise, which is great if you lift at home.
  • Urethane-Coated Plates: These are the most durable and resistant to cracking, but they tend to be more expensive.

Plate Diameter and Thickness

Standard 45-pound Olympic plates usually have a 17.7-inch diameter, which is important for maintaining consistent bar height during lifts. If you want to do Olympic lifts like the snatch or clean and jerk, sticking with standard diameter plates is key. Thickness can vary, affecting how many plates you can load on the bar.

Grip and Handling Features

I appreciated plates with built-in handles or grip holes because they make loading and unloading much easier, especially when the plates are heavy. If you plan to use the plates for exercises like plate carries or weighted core work, grip features become even more valuable.

Price and Brand Reputation

While shopping, I found that prices vary widely. Investing in reputable brands often means better quality and warranty support. It’s worth paying a bit more upfront for plates that will last and maintain their finish over time.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Check for precise weight markings for accuracy.
  • Consider whether you want bumper plates (rubber) if you plan to drop weights.
  • Think about your available space and storage options.
  • Read customer reviews to get real-world insights about durability and performance.

By keeping these factors in mind, I was able to find 45-pound Olympic plates that fit my lifting style, budget, and space perfectly. I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision for your fitness journey!

Author Profile

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Sandra Bautista
I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.

Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.