10 Best Olympic Weight Sets – 2024 Home Gym Buying Guide
James
DAGWhen we dream about our perfect home gym, the Olympic Weight Set is likely front and center in our minds. The full rack, bar, and 300+ pounds of plates, all to make our squatting dreams come true.
But before you decide which Olympic Weight Set to place in your garage gym, you'll want to review our buying guide below. Our team has spent hundreds of hours testing the best weight sets on the market.
Take a peek at our top picks below and you'll be ready to make your purchase decision in no time.
This is the best product on our list that is currently in stock:
Bomba Barbell
OneFit Wonder Bumper Plates
Aerospace-grade self-lubricating bushings
10 Best Olympic Bar Weights Set
1. CAP Barbell 300-Pound Set
300 pounds of weight
7-foot Olympic bar
Spring clip collars are included
Nice grip design
Items may rust
The CAP barbell weight set is made of durable cast iron. This set includes the weights, a 7-foot Olympic bar, and collars with a spring clip design. This is a great set for advanced lifters or for individuals just starting out who want to advance quickly.
Read moreThe set is perfect for advanced weightlifting or for beginners. It ships in multiple boxes which might arrive separately. The set includes a 7-foot bar, weights equally 300 pounds and spring style clip collars.
The grip is designed to make the weight plates easier to handle and perfect for any level of weight training.
2. Fringe Sport Bar and Color Bumper Set
Bomba Barbell
OneFit Wonder Bumper Plates
Aerospace-grade self-lubricating bushings
Strong odor
This weight bar set has a nice bar that has knurling clear to the collars. It has a black zinc finish to keep out rust and features self-lubricating bushings.
Read moreThe Fringe sports set includes the Bomba Barbell V2, which features knurling all the way to the collars, and increased loadable area on the bar and strength of 206,000 psi. It is finished in black zinc to provide maximum rust protection. The bar also provides aerospace-grade self-lubricating bronze bushings. All of this adds up to the best Olympic weightlifting bar on the market.
Fringe Sports set is made from low bounce rubber and is constructed to take heavy-duty treatment. Included are top quality easily adjustable super strap collars.
This combination of an Olympic bar and bumper plates set provides you with the best Olympic weight set that we have seen.
3. XMark Black Diamond Plates
Won’t roll away
Tri-grip design
Natural virgin rubber coating
Wobbles on floor
XMark makes our list yet again with these unique designs. Instead of boasting a rounded frame like that to roll away (which is a real problem during deadlift!), the angled diamond cuts eliminate the change of the bar trying to escape right before you start your lift. Plus, it clocks in at a price point that is slightly more affordable than other XMark options.
Read moreThe most notable feature of the Black Diamond option is the outside design. The sharp, diamond cuts ensure that the bar doesn’t roll away. However, it still boasts a rounded design that allows you to roll it when needed (unliked squared-off designs out there on the market). It also uses a tri-grip that makes it easy to pick up and load up onto the bar.
What we also like about this design is that it is composed of cast iron cores that are included durable. It is also coated in Natural Virgin Rubber that prevents chipping and scratches on the surface so that it looks brand new over the years of continued use.
If you are on the market for something that comes from a trusted brand and is made from quality materials, this design from XMark is a great choice. The entire set weighs in at 110 pounds, which is perfect for beginners or intermediate users and comes in at a price point that won’t break the bank.
4. XMark Tri-Grip
Trusted brand
Tri-grips
1-year warranty
Strong odor
What we loved most about this set is that it comes from a trusted brand that is known for quality and durability. The design of these plates makes it easy to grab so you can load it up onto the bar with ease. Plus, this set comes with enough plates for a killer bodybuilding routine!
Read moreThe design of these plates is what makes it stand out from the rest. Instead of utilizing a solid iron frame, this design has hollow grips that make it a little easier to carry. Reinforced bar holes reduce the wear and tear on your bar as well.
This set comes with 2.5, 5, 10, 25, 35, and 45 pounds plates. Whether you are bench pressing or deadlifting, the total weight of 225 pounds is enough to really get your started. It also comes with a 1-year warranty in case they crack or break under normal lifting conditions.
If you are in the market for something that comes from a trusted brand, this design is a great choice. While it comes in at a pretty steep price point, it will most certainly be the first and last set of plates that you will need to purchase!
5. AMGYM
High-density rubber
Bounce-resistant
Color-coded
Expensive
Rubber plates are a great option if you want something that is durable as well as kind to your floor. What we liked most about this new design from AMGYM is that it comes in bright colors to easily load up your bar with the right weights. Plus, these rubber options are virtually indestructible, so they will be the first and last plates that you will ever need to buy.
Read moreThe great thing about rubber plates is that they are kind to your concrete floors. If you want to keep your flooring in tack while engaging in lifts such as deadlifts, rubber is the way to go. These are super easy to load up onto the bar and provide an even and modern look to your home gym.
It is composed of 100 percent high-density rubber materials that are low-bounce. This means that when you fail out on a set and drop the bar, it won’t bounce and do damage to your floors. In fact, if the only thing holding you back from deadlifts is the chance of damaging your floor on a failed set, this design is one of your best options.
If you are in the market that is kind to your floors and easy to use, this latest design from AMGYM is a great choice. It may cost more than some of the iron designs out there, but we feel that it is worth every penny for those looking to build a modern and versatile home gym.
6. Fitness Gear 300-Pound Set
Bar and clips included
Tri-grip
Powder-coated finish
Expensive
Want to jump right into the deep end? If you have a good deal of money saved up for some new plates, this option from Fitness Gear provides you with everything you need. While it clocks in at a pretty steep price point, it’s the best option for those that want everything they need to set a new PR at home.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this design is that it comes with everything you need in one compact package. Included with purchase are an olympic bar, plates (that add up to 300 pounds), and even a set of clips to keep the plates on the bar!
They are composed of durable iron with tri-grips so that you can comfortably and securely put it up before racking it onto the bar. Plus, it boasts a powder-coated finish for added durability. The irons plates aren’t as durable as rubber, which means you will have to be a little more careful when dismounting your deadlifts.
If you are in the market for something that comes not only with plates but also the bar and clips as well, this is a great choice. While it may come in at a pretty steep price point, the included gear makes it an incredible value.
7. Weider Cast Iron Olympic Hammertone
Tri-grip
Hammertone finish
Bar included
Expensive
Not as heavy as most
Weider is one of the more trusted names in the lifting world, and for a very good reason. We selected this set because it is composed of high quality materials that can hold up to whatever you can throw at it. It boasts a smart design for easy loading and lifting, and is built to last. If you have the cash, this is a really great investment to reach your personal goals.
Read moreThe very first thing that we noticed about this set is that it boasts slim plates with hollow grips that make it easier to pick up off of the rack and load up onto the bar. These plates are coated with a hammertone finish that is resistant to rusting and boasts a modern look.
This set comes with a set of plates that add up to 210 pounds. While this is slightly less than 300 pounds sets, the value is in the quality of materials used. Also included with purchase is a high-quality Olympic bar so that you are ready to lift right out of the box!
It is important to note that this is one of the most expensive designs on our list. However, if you have the extra money to spend on this design, you won’t regret it. It is composed of quality materials that will hold up well over the years, and it boasts smart design features that are put in place to make your life just a little bit easier.
8. CAP Barbell Olympic Grip 50 Lbs
Affordable
Easy to grip
Powder-coated finish
Great for beginners
Lower weights
Feeling a little shook by the high price tag of heavy sets? If you need something a little more affordable, this lighter option from CAP Barbell is a great option. This set hosts the same quality and style as some of the heavier sets but offers a lighter plate that is perfect for beginners or those setting out to build their home gym.
Read moreWhat we liked most about this set is that each plate has a functional grip that makes it quick and easy to load up onto your bar. Included with purchase are four 10-pounds plates, and two 5-pound plates, which total 50 pounds. They are also able to easily side onto all Olympic style bars.
These are made from a solid cast iron that is incredibly durable and holds up well over time. They are also coated with a glossy powder-coated finish that makes them a cinch to wipe down as well as slide effortlessly onto the bar.
If you are just starting to really build your home gym and need new plates but are short on cash, this set is an excellent place to start. You can expect the same level of quality with this more affordable set as some of the higher-end designs from CAP Barbell without draining your bank account.
9. XMark Texas Star
Cast iron
True to weight
Quality finish
No grip holes
The XMark Olympic weights plate set provides you with recessed Texas Star 5 grip handles that make it easy to carry the plates around your gym. The stainless steel precision hub ensures that you get a snug fit on the bar. The tough rubber casing made from virgin and recycled rubber covers the one-piece cast-iron plate.
Plates are available in pairs of 10, 15, 25, 35 and 45 pounds.
XMark has good weight plates that total 65 pounds. This is a high-quality weight set you will not regret owning. It has a patented design and fantastic quality. The plates are made of all-natural rubber and maintain a bold color.
The precision inserts let the plates move freely on the bar. This set is durable and tough.
10. HulkFit Set
Bounce-resistant
Brightly colored
Expensive
What we liked most about this set from HulkFit is that it boasts a modern and easy frame that will look sharp in any home gym. The right colors allow you to spot specific weights at a glance so you can quickly do the math of how much weight is loaded up on your bar. Plus, the rubber coating is safe for your concrete floor!
Read moreThis set comes in a wide variety of sizing options that include 10, 15, 25, 35, 45, and the rare 55-pound plates. These bumper plates are composed of a durable rubber that works to protect your flooring and is resistant to bouncing when you fail out on a set. Plus, users love that the bright colors are a nice change of pace from boring gray.
Users love that this option is made from strong and sturdy rubber that is easy to use. It is ideal for lifts such as deadlifts when working on hard surfaces. A failed deadlift rep won't damage your floors, and it also won't damage your plates as well.
While this option may cost a little bit more than many of the other designs that we have seen so far, we feel that it is well worth the extra cost for something that will stand the test of time. It comes in a variety of colors that really pop, and will make it easy to tell at a glance how much you have loaded onto the bar.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Ease of Use
You want a set that is easy to use that you do not have to struggle with.
You should be able to put the weights on and off with little effort and you want collars that will go on easily and stay in place for your safety.
Durability
Olympic weights go through a lot of stress and use so you need something you can count on to withstand your workout over and over.
You will invest a lot of time and money into this system so you want something which is going to give you the value you need.
Adjustability
Adjustability is important because you need to be able to adjust the weights without interrupting your workout.
The weights should come off easily and be able to quickly set up and lock in as you switch them out to complete your exercise. Having a wide variety of plates with different weights also adds to your convenience so you can get the combination you need.
Weight
Make a note of how much weight you need for your specific workout so you can determine if the product you are considering has everything you need.
The weight should be in the increments you need for the goals you want in your bodybuilding.
Materials
It goes without saying that you need the most durable high-quality materials you can find in a weight set that will stand up to your workout.
The bar should be made of strong steel which will stand up to the exercising. The weights should be made of cast iron or other materials that will stand up to the intense workout you will put them through.
Do you want to be able to lift a car up over your head, or do you want to look like you could lift a car up over your head? Powerlifters are able to conquer some pretty high weights, but they don't have the same degree of cuts and bulk muscle like bodybuilders. Powerlifters train in sets of 3 with around 1-3 reps, while bodybuilders work in sets of 3 or about 8-12 reps with lighter weight.
The worst thing that you can do when lifting is to try and hit a PR on cold muscles. A good warmup for bench press, for instance, should be around 40-50 percent of your one-rep max. Be sure to practice good form and really warm up all of those little muscles before you start loading the bar up with plates!
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What kind of routines should I begin with?
The types of routines you can do all depend upon the results you want. If your ultimate goal is to lift as heavy as possible, a powerlifting routine will yield the best results. Powerlifting routines aim for lower reps and heavy weights.
We suggest loading up the bar with plates that put you in the 3-5 rep range. When you are feeling strong, test your one-rep max at the beginning of your training session to gauge your strength.
If you want big muscles and deep cuts, a bodybuilding routine will get you there. These routines live in the 8-12 rep range. Simply load the bar with plates that are heavy enough to clean at least 8 reps, and repeat this process for about 3 sets.
q: Which are better, iron plates or bumper plates?
At the end of the day, the answer to this boils down to a matter of personal preference. However, there are a few things to consider before you start stocking your home gym with plates.
Bumper (rubber) plates are great because they won’t dent or chip your floor. They are easy to grab, easy to load, and are color-coded to keep things simple. The downside to rubber plates is that they take up a lot of room on the bar (which isn’t ideal for powerlifting) and often cost a lot more than their iron counterparts.
Iron plates are old school. They come in at a more affordable price point, and they allow you to really load up the bar with heavy plates (perfect for powerlifting). The downside to this option is that they will break when dropped, and will also do some nasty damage to your concrete floor if you aren’t careful!
q: Do Olympic weight plates fit all bars?
Any weight plates will fit commercial bars and gym equipment, but standard weight plates will not fit the Olympic bars.
q: What is the difference between a standard bar and an Olympic bar?
A standard weight lifting bar tends to be lighter and shorter than an Olympic bar, about 15-25 pounds and about 5-6 feet long. They also have a different diameter for their sleeves, the part which holds the plates.
q: How much does a 7 foot Olympic bar weigh?
A standard bar weighs in at just shy of 45 pounds. Be sure that when you add your plates to the bar that you include the weight of the bar into your calculations!
q: Should I buy standard weights instead of Olympic weight sets?
Of course, that would depend on your fitness goals. The standard bars will have a more limited weight capacity. If you are planning to have heavier weight goals with an Olympic plate set, you are going to want an Olympic bar weight set. They are not interchangeable with the standard ones.
Interested in seeing some Olympic lifting records? <- We got you covered.
q: Do I still need floor protection with bumper plates?
Bumper plates are designed to protect your floor when you drop the bar. So, even with the bumper plates, do you still need to invest in protective mats? The short answer is yes. If you want to keep your concrete floors from chipping or cracking, additional methods of protection ensure that your flooring will stay unfazed by your failed 400 pound PR attempt!
