Rubber coated, cast iron and urethane Olympic weight plates side by side

Rubber vs Cast Iron vs Urethane Weight Plates: Which Should You Buy?

All three types of plate weigh the same and fit the same Olympic bar. The differences show up in price, noise, what they do to your floor and how they look after a few years. Here is the short version, then the details.

The short answer

  • Tightest budget, garage or basement: cast iron.
  • Condo, apartment or finished floor: rubber coated.
  • Want them to look new for years: urethane.

Cast iron plates

Cast iron is the classic gym plate and the cheapest per pound. Ours are $1 per pound across every size, from 2.5 to 45 lb.

  • Pros: lowest price, thinnest plate, so you can fit the most weight on a bar.
  • Cons: loud when plates touch, can chip paint, can scratch floors, and can rust in a damp garage.

Good for deadlifts, squats and bench press in a space where noise isn't a problem.

Rubber coated plates

Rubber coated plates are iron plates with a rubber shell. The rubber takes the edge off the noise and protects your floor and walls when you set the bar down.

  • Pros: quieter, kinder to floors, no rust on the outside, built-in grip handles that make them easier to carry.
  • Cons: cost more than iron, slightly thicker, and new rubber has a smell for the first while.

One thing to know: rubber coated plates are not bumper plates. The iron is still inside, so they aren't made to be dropped from overhead. For normal lifting they're the best all-round choice for most home gyms.

Urethane plates

Urethane plates are what you see in commercial gyms. The coating is tougher than rubber, it doesn't smell, and it keeps its colour and finish for years.

  • Pros: most durable, no odour, no marking on walls, looks sharp.
  • Cons: normally the priciest option. We currently have urethane from $1 per pound, so check what's in stock.

What about bumper plates?

Bumper plates are solid rubber and made to be dropped, mostly for Olympic lifting like cleans and snatches. If you aren't doing those lifts, you probably don't need them.

How much weight should you start with?

For most people starting with a barbell, a full set of pairs is plenty for a long time. Our full Olympic rubber plate set has a pair each of 45, 35, 25, 10, 5 and 2.5 lb plates: 245 lb in total. Add a 7 ft Olympic bar (44 lb) and you can load up to about 289 lb. Don't forget a pair of spring collars so the plates don't slide off.

Common questions

Are rubber coated plates the same as bumper plates?

No. Rubber coated plates have an iron core and aren't meant to be dropped from overhead. Bumper plates are solid rubber and are built for drops.

Do all Olympic plates fit any Olympic bar?

Olympic plates have a 2 inch hole and fit standard 2 inch Olympic bar sleeves. They won't fit the thinner 1 inch "standard" bars.

Do cast iron plates rust?

They can, especially in a damp garage. A quick wipe-down and keeping them on a plate tree instead of on the floor helps a lot.

Which plates are quietest?

Urethane and rubber coated plates are both much quieter than bare cast iron.

More guides

Come see them in person

GOAT Fitness is at 1111 Flint Road, Unit #22, North York, on the Vaughan border. We're open every day from 11am to 8pm, no appointment needed. The door faces the courtyard, so look for the GOAT Fitness sign.

Call or text (647) 648-1911 to check stock or get a price on a full setup. You can also order online and pick up the same day.

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