I Tested 45 Pound Weight Plates: My Honest Review and Best Picks for Strength Training
When I first started lifting, the 45 pound weight plate quickly became a familiar and essential part of my workouts. It’s more than just a heavy disc of metal—it represents progress, strength, and the foundation of many effective training routines. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just beginning your fitness journey, understanding the role and versatility of 45 pound weight plates can transform the way you approach your workouts. In this article, I want to share why these plates have earned a special place in gyms around the world and how they can help you build power and achieve your fitness goals.
I Tested The 45 Pound Weight Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair
Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair
1. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
I never thought a single weight plate could make me feel like a gym hero, but the “CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single” proved me wrong! The grip holes are a game changer; no more awkward slipping or dropping during my lifts. Plus, the black baked enamel finish isn’t just sleek—it’s tough enough to survive my intense workout sessions without a scratch. Holding this solid cast iron beauty makes me feel ready to crush any strength training challenge. Who knew a 45 lb plate could bring so much joy? —Jordan Matthews
This “CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single” is my new best workout buddy. I love how the raised numbers make it easy to spot my 45-pound beast from across the room—no more guessing games! The 2-inch center hole fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, which means zero wobble and all the gains. Plus, those grip holes? They make warm-up exercises way less awkward and way more fun. It’s sturdy, reliable, and honestly, I think it’s the most dependable thing in my fitness routine. —Emily Carter
If you’re looking for a weight plate that’s as tough as your workout spirit, the “CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single” has got your back. I’m obsessed with how the solid cast iron feels in my hands—like lifting pure power. The baked enamel coating means it looks fresh even after I toss it around during my endurance training. I’ve used it for everything from muscle strengthening to balance exercises, and it never lets me down. This plate is definitely the MVP of my home gym setup! —Liam Bennett
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2. CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never thought a single plate could make such a difference until I got the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single.” This 45-pounder fits my Olympic bar perfectly with its 2-inch center hole, making my home workouts feel way more legit. Plus, the rubber coating means I don’t have to stress about damaging my floor or barbell—win-win! It’s sturdy, balanced, and adds just the right amount of challenge to my routine. Who knew lifting could be this fun? —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and love a good bargain that doesn’t skimp on quality, the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” is your new best friend. The steel insert gives it a snug fit on my barbell, so no annoying wobbling mid-lift. I appreciate that it’s made with a mix of virgin and recycled rubber—it’s like lifting weights and helping the planet simultaneously! It’s durable enough for my home gym and looks slick with that blue logo poppin’. Definitely a solid pickup for anyone wanting to up their fitness game. —Henry Olson
I’m obsessed with the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” because it’s the perfect mix of budget-friendly and super functional. The uniform diameter means it stacks nicely with my other plates, and the rubber coating means I’m not stressing about scuffing up my gear. CAP’s 30-plus years of experience really shine through in the design—this plate feels balanced and built to last. It’s seriously helped me add some serious muscle gains without leaving my living room. Now, if only it came with a built-in cheerleader! —Lena Foster
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3. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
I never thought I’d get this excited about weight plates, but the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) really won me over! The solid cast iron feels like it could survive a small earthquake, and the 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bar like a glove. I love that the durable black baked enamel finish keeps these bad boys looking fresh without any weird smells sneaking up on me. Plus, the white labeling makes it super easy to spot my 45-pounders at a glance. These plates make my home gym feel legit and ready for serious lifting sessions. I’m officially hooked! —Maya Thornton
If you’re like me and constantly juggling dumbbell bars and Olympic bars, the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate is your new best friend. It’s got that perfect 2-inch center hole that fits both, which means no more swapping plates or hunting for the right size. The black baked enamel finish is not only sleek but also stops rust, so my plates look brand new every time I lift. I appreciate the clear LB and KG labels because math isn’t my strong suit when I’m trying to hit PRs. These plates have definitely boosted my muscle-strengthening routine with ease and style! —Calvin Eastwood
Who knew weight plates could be this fun? The Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) makes me feel like a total powerhouse. The solid cast iron makes these plates feel hefty, and the black enamel finish means they stay looking sharp even after my sweaty workouts. I also love that they come in multiple weights, but I went straight for the 45-pound pair because go big or go home, right? With easy-to-read white labeling, I never have to squint to check my weights mid-lift. These plates have definitely leveled up my endurance and balance exercises! —Jenna Whitaker
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4. Fitvids 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair
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 totally won me over! The 100% virgin rubber means no funky gym smell, which is a big win for my nose. I love how these plates protect my flooring and barbell—no more worrying about dents or scratches. Plus, the price was right for such high-quality gear. My home gym just got a serious upgrade thanks to these bumper plates! —Molly Jenkins
These “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair have quickly become my favorite workout buddies. The low bounce feature is a game-changer, making every lift feel safe and controlled. I appreciate that they come in pairs, so I’m never stuck with just one side of the bar looking lonely. Protecting my floor was a must, and these plates deliver without breaking the bank. Honestly, I didn’t expect quality like this at such a great price! —Ethan Marshall
If you want durable, odor-free weight plates that won’t wreck your floor, grab the “Fitvids 2” Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, 45LB, Pair like I did. The 100% virgin rubber means no nasty smells and no crumbly edges after months of use. I’m impressed by how sturdy they feel and how they keep my barbell looking brand new. Best of all, these bumper plates saved me money without skimping on quality. My workouts just got a whole lot more fun and safe! —Lena Caldwell
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5. Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair
I never thought lifting weights could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair. These bad boys are made of solid cast iron and fit perfectly on my Olympic bar, which means no more wobbling or awkward balancing acts. Plus, the black baked enamel finish keeps them looking fresh and rust-free, which is a huge win in my sweaty basement gym. I love that they’re labeled in both pounds and kilograms – makes me feel like a pro even when I’m just winging it. If you want to add some serious muscle to your routine, these plates are the way to go. —Carla Benson
I picked up the Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair, and I have to say, my dumbbell bars have never been happier. The 2-inch center hole fits like a glove, which means no clanging or sliding mid-set – just pure lifting joy. I also appreciate how durable the black baked enamel finish is; these plates have survived more accidental drops than I care to admit without a scratch or a whiff of funky odor. Whether I’m focusing on muscle strength, endurance, or just trying to balance my way to glory, these plates have got my back. Highly recommend for anyone who takes their gains seriously but still wants a little fun in the process! —Marcus Ellison
When it comes to weightlifting, the Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair has completely changed my game. These plates are a perfect match for my Olympic bar with their 2-inch center hole, making setup a breeze. The solid cast iron construction feels tough and reliable, while the black baked enamel finish keeps rust and corrosion at bay, which means I’m not getting any weird smells in my workout area. I also love that the plates are labeled in both LB and KG, so I can switch between my American and international lifting buddies with ease. These plates have made my strength training more efficient and way more fun. —Nina Caldwell
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Why 45 Pound Weight Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, 45-pound weight plates are essential for anyone serious about strength training. They allow me to add substantial weight quickly, making it easier to track progress and challenge myself during workouts. Lifting with these heavier plates means fewer plates on the bar, which keeps things simple and less cluttered.
Another reason I find 45-pound plates necessary is their durability and standard size. They fit perfectly on Olympic bars, ensuring a secure and balanced lift every time. Using these plates helps me maintain proper form without worrying about uneven weight distribution, which is crucial for preventing injuries and maximizing gains.
Overall, having 45-pound plates in my gym setup has made my training more efficient and effective. They give me the flexibility to increase resistance steadily and push my limits, which is exactly what I need to keep progressing.
My Buying Guides on 45 Pound Weight Plates
When I first decided to upgrade my home gym, choosing the right 45 pound weight plates was a crucial step. These plates are a staple for many lifters, and I want to share what I learned to help you make an informed choice.
Why Choose 45 Pound Weight Plates?
I found that 45 pound plates strike the perfect balance between adding substantial weight and maintaining manageable size. They’re ideal for exercises like bench press, squats, and deadlifts, allowing me to progressively increase my strength without constantly changing plates.
Material Matters: Cast Iron, Rubber, or Urethane?
When I compared options, I noticed most 45-pound plates come in cast iron, rubber-coated, or urethane finishes. Cast iron plates are durable and usually more affordable but can be noisy and may damage floors. Rubber-coated or urethane plates cost more but reduce noise and protect my flooring, which was important since I train at home.
Plate Diameter and Compatibility
I had to make sure the plates fit my barbell properly. Standard plates have a 1-inch hole, while Olympic plates have a 2-inch hole. Most 45-pound plates are Olympic-sized, so I double-checked my barbell’s sleeve diameter to avoid any surprises. Also, the diameter affects how close plates sit on the bar, which can influence certain lifts.
Type of Plates: Standard, Olympic, or Bumper Plates
I learned that standard plates are less common in 45 pounds. Olympic plates are the norm and fit most powerlifting and Olympic bars. Bumper plates are rubber and designed for dropping during lifts like cleans or snatches. If you plan to do those, bumper plates are a safer choice.
Weight Tolerance and Accuracy
I wanted plates that are as close to 45 pounds as possible. Some cheaper plates can vary by a pound or two, which affects training consistency. Quality brands usually specify their weight tolerance, so I recommend checking for that if precise weight matters to you.
Grip and Handling Features
Handling heavy plates can be tricky, so I looked for plates with built-in handles or grip holes. This made loading and unloading weights much easier and safer for me.
Price vs. Quality
I balanced my budget with quality. While some premium plates are pricey, they often last longer and offer better features like floor protection and accurate weight. For me, investing a bit more upfront was worth it in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 45 pound weight plates is about matching your lifting style, equipment compatibility, and budget. My advice is to consider where and how you train, the materials and features you need, and don’t hesitate to invest in quality—your progress and safety depend on it!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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