Weight plates - Where to buy

[shmuel_cohen]

WEIGHT PLATES - WHERE TO BUY

I know product and prices will continue to change over time, however, these particular companies may still continue to offer some of the best deals for plates. I think is a fairly popular topic so maybe we can keep the deals we find condensed in this thread. This is good for the people who don't really have the option of shopping CL and/or prefer new product.

From my own personal research, I've found the following companies to offer some of the best deals for plate packages. These links are mostly for those looking for a package kind of deal, which is best suited as a starter set. The bar won't be the greatest, but then it's still not the low grade Sports Authority type either.

CAP 2" Grip Plate 300Lb. Set rubber $425 (incl shipping)
http://www.warehousefitness.com/exercise-equipment/OSHR-300/product.aspx

http://www.warehousefitness.com/ProductImages/OSHR-300.jpg

Subtract the bar and clamps and the plates come out to $1.19/lb shipped. Not bad for rubber. It's not the high impact, urethane stuff you get with the Body Solid grip plates, but it's not a bad substitute for those looking for a quieter option in the home gym and/or don't care for the cheap paint coating chipping off.

Various sets with plates at 0.83/lb shipped, includes bar, clamps (300lb set at $323, incl shipping)
http://www.fitnessdestination.com/olympic_weight_sets/index.php

http://www.fitnessdestination.com/olympic_weight_sets/images/OS-300.jpg
http://www.fitnessdestination.com/olympic_weight_sets/images/OPW-300_miva.jpg

[biggerthanlavar]

Unless you're super anal and/or have money to burn, I would stick to local ebay and craigslist for weights. Weight is weight. there aren't any moving parts so other than serious chips or damage, a used 45# plate will do the EXACT SAME JOB as a new 45# weight. I'm just starting my home/garage gym so my weights will be mixed/matched like crazy.

just a suggestion.

*edit - I reread your post and I was a bit overzealous in my suggestion. That said, I still don't see a reason to spend top dollar for weight plates (unless you NEED bounce plates) when used ones work just as well.

[shmuel_cohen]

I understand. However, to each his own. I realize most people here prefer traditional iron and don't care what it looks like. But there's still plenty out there that would like some clean, new weights to work with. Each home gym is unique. Some people don't look at plates as being "weight is weight." And I don't mean to be cynical there. I'm just saying we all reserve our own opinions. I admit that I'm an aesthetic kind of guy and would lean towards the "anal" type when it comes to putting a gym together. However, that doesn't imply I'm the "money to burn" type either. Not by a long shot. I research a lot! I look for deals. I'm not the rusty, dank gym type (although I'm not the mega gym, meat market type either). But then I have nothing against someone who is. I say whatever gets you working out (hopefully still the proper way) works! For some it's a power rack and for others it's a mutli unit. Some might be motivated by the 'globogym' or Crossfit or the basement. :)

So this thread is for everyone shopping new plates. For everyone else there's CL and ebay. :)

[joshdroste]

when i have to bye new plates i usually go to sears or mc sports there the only ones with oly plates round my house

[Rokman]

Play it Again Sports is another option. Decent used plates--York, Troy, etc. Just picked up an extra pair of 45's for about $32/ea.

[Wildtim]

when i have to bye new plates i usually go to sears or mc sports there the only ones with oly plates round my house

Dunhams? Sports Authority?

[joshdroste]

Dunhams? Sports Authority?

the dunhams by me is a crap hole and i forgot sports authority but i dont shop there much lol

[yankeemarko1]

The 300lb set at Sports Authority is nice. The bar is crap but the plates are nicely made. They are grip plates and have a nice shiny, tough finish. I use mine every day and they have not chipped at all.

If you are patient and watch their ads, you can catch them for a good price. I got them on sale for $159 and then I used a $25 coupon on purchases over $100 from their newspaper ad. $135 is a pretty good price for 265lbs of new plates.

[Mega_Man]

If you are feeling colorful, Iron Woody's has a good deal on weights (in kg though). This is a pretty good deal since they are not forcing a cheap bar on you; you can get your ideal bar on your own.

Check it out:
http://www.ironwoodyfitness.com/woody-plates.php

Something to realize when buying a weight set- Depending on how often you work out and your motivation level, you can quickly outgrow yout initial weight set, thus making you buy more weight. If you are looking for aesthetics and don't want different brands/styles of weights, you should go for the heavier set as opposed to something you believe you can't do now.

[shmuel_cohen]

If you are feeling colorful, Iron Woody's has a good deal on weights (in kg though). This is a pretty good deal since they are not forcing a cheap bar on you; you can get your ideal bar on your own.

Check it out:
http://www.ironwoodyfitness.com/woody-plates.php

Something to realize when buying a weight set- Depending on how often you work out and your motivation level, you can quickly outgrow yout initial weight set, thus making you buy more weight. If you are looking for aesthetics and don't want different brands/styles of weights, you should go for the heavier set as opposed to something you believe you can't do now.

I agree with you. That's also why I posted what I did. Cap is a pretty common and fairly inexpensive brand when it comes to widely marketed plates. I was just telling my brother the same thing earlier today. When it comes time to upgrading it would be nice to have the option of shopping around for the same brand and hopefully the same style of plates. I was telling him how that might be difficult with Sports Authority plates 2 or 3 years from now if they've changed their design and supplier. It's a propietary item. I haven't seen that same design anywhere else.

I'm still a big advocate of adding on an extra pair of 45's to a 'complete set' purchase if the budget permits. If one is already serious enough to be setting up a home gym with olympic weights (probably owning a power rack or a compromise) then some extra 45's that match will most likely be a prudent purchase that will eventually get use and be worth the money and effort.

[shmuel_cohen]

And I live in MT and know about Iron Woody. Too bad they don't carry pound weights with those prices because I'd scoop them up in a flash if they did. I'm just too used to the American pound scale, haha. I'm a pretty dang conservative guy, but I still wouldn't mind going by the metric system.

[biggerthanlavar]

I agree with you. That's also why I posted what I did. Cap is a pretty common and fairly inexpensive brand when it comes to widely marketed plates. I was just telling my brother the same thing earlier today. When it comes time to upgrading it would be nice to have the option of shopping around for the same brand and hopefully the same style of plates. I was telling him how that might be difficult with Sports Authority plates 2 or 3 years from now if they've changed their design and supplier. It's a propietary item. I haven't seen that same design anywhere else.

I'm still a big advocate of adding on an extra pair of 45's to a 'complete set' purchase if the budget permits. If one is already serious enough to be setting up a home gym with olympic weights (probably owning a power rack or a compromise) then some extra 45's that match will most likely be a prudent purchase that will eventually get use and be worth the money and effort.

definitely good advice and I hear you on the "matching, clean plates" idea. If I wasn't on such a shoe string and pocket lint budget, I'd definitely buy a new set of weights. Unfortunately, for now, I'll just be sour about it lol.

[animalfan]

If you are feeling colorful, Iron Woody's has a good deal on weights (in kg though). This is a pretty good deal since they are not forcing a cheap bar on you; you can get your ideal bar on your own.

Check it out:
http://www.ironwoodyfitness.com/woody-plates.php

Something to realize when buying a weight set- Depending on how often you work out and your motivation level, you can quickly outgrow yout initial weight set, thus making you buy more weight. If you are looking for aesthetics and don't want different brands/styles of weights, you should go for the heavier set as opposed to something you believe you can't do now.

the plates you linked are marked in pounds and kilos. i wish i had the extra cash, i've been eyeballing them for a while...

[Mega_Man]

the plates you linked are marked in pounds and kilos. i wish i had the extra cash, i've been eyeballing them for a while...

Yes they are converted to both (kg and lbs), but are based on kg as opposed to the exact lb schedule(i.e. 25lbs, 35lbs, 45lbs) many are used to. That is what I meant when I said they are in kg. Makes a big difference when someone is used to working out with free weights marked in lbs.

These are sweet looking weights. Too bad I'm not looking for weights at the moment, I wouldn't mind picking me up a few.

[yankeemarko1]

the plates you linked are marked in pounds and kilos. i wish i had the extra cash, i've been eyeballing them for a while...

That seems like a good deal till you see that it is .60/lb to ship them. Now your .50/lb plates cost $1.10/lb. They do look nice though.

[animalfan]

Yes they are converted to both (kg and lbs), but are based on kg as opposed to the exact lb schedule(i.e. 25lbs, 35lbs, 45lbs) many are used to. That is what I meant when I said they are in kg. Makes a big difference when someone is used to working out with free weights marked in lbs.

These are sweet looking weights. Too bad I'm not looking for weights at the moment, I wouldn't mind picking me up a few.

gotcha. i've got some like that, i guess i never really worried about it. i can see how it would throw you off, though.


That seems like a good deal till you see that it is .60/lb to ship them. Now your .50/lb plates cost $1.10/lb. They do look nice though.

that's the reason i haven't bought them. i don't really think it puts them into a bad price, really, but just out of my budget. if i could pick them up, i'd buy a bunch.

[shmuel_cohen]

Troy/ VTX 300 lb Olympic E-Z Grip Weight Set $388.58 incl shipping
http://www.christiansfitnessfactory.com/index.php/Weight-Sets/Troy/-VTX-300-lb-Olympic-E-Z-Grip-Weight-Set

http://www.christiansfitnessfactory.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/b06f4815df2c1613468f4f568dc38117.jpg

Troy/ VTX 300 lb Olympic E-Z Grip Weight Set $380.00 incl shipping
http://www.g2fitnessproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=290

At least $100 cheaper than most online retailers. Some are selling at nearly $600!

I'm still trying to locate good deals that don't include a bar. I wonder what Play It Again would pay for one of these bars. Maybe if the deal is good enough a person could just turn around sell the bar, even if it's not near full retail. It still might work out to be a good deal in the end. Again, this is probably more suitable for the person that doesn't have much access to weights in his/her area (such as myself).

Interestingly, they also sell the same Cap rubber plates I posted above for $510.46 incl shipping. So far there isn't just ONE definitive retailer with ALL of the deals.

[ectoBgone]

FYI - If you go with the CAP rubber coated plates, I hope your gym is in a well ventilated area. They stink to high heavens.

[shmuel_cohen]

Of course, when we're shopping for a car we don't prefer one with scrathes and dents even though it might operate like a dream mechanically. The scratches won't hurt its performance. I guess some people feel the same about plates. For me, I have my equipment in my 'game room' and I like to have something aesthetically pleasing since it's not just seen during workouts.

Again, I think it all boils down to doing whatever gets ya motivated into working out.

[Keetman]

I've got about 440 lbs or so of those Troy VTX Plates...very nice and very attractive. I'm not as discerning as you, or I'd have already outfitted my gym in VTX for the other 1200 lbs I have. I got a line on two sets about a month or so ago a guy would sell to me for .90/lb.....but I had to travel about an hour and a half to get them. Chose not to, but I'm always looking.

[shmuel_cohen]

I've got about 440 lbs or so of those Troy VTX Plates...very nice and very attractive. I'm not as discerning as you, or I'd have already outfitted my gym in VTX for the other 1200 lbs I have. I got a line on two sets about a month or so ago a guy would sell to me for .90/lb.....but I had to travel about an hour and a half to get them. Chose not to, but I'm always looking.

Does the paint hold up well on those? One pet peeve of mine for plates is a cheap coat of paint that ends up chipping off. I figured these would hold up well being that they're Troy

[Keetman]

Does the paint hold up well on those? One pet peeve of mine for plates is a cheap coat of paint that ends up chipping off. I figured these would hold up well being that they're Troy


Yea, they're alright. Its hard to say, I've only had them about 10 months or so. They seem to be holding up well and the color is such that even if they get rubs it'll be hard to see as long as I care for them and don't let the rubs rust. I think they're a good plate, but overpriced to be honest. Of course, I think they're all overpriced.

Also remember.......I'm not as discerning as you. I want nice, good condition, and neat....but you seem to want to take it the next step. Nothing at all wrong with that, but you may want a nicer plate than these. Its hard to say.

[shmuel_cohen]

Yea, they're alright. Its hard to say, I've only had them about 10 months or so. They seem to be holding up well and the color is such that even if they get rubs it'll be hard to see as long as I care for them and don't let the rubs rust. I think they're a good plate, but overpriced to be honest. Of course, I think they're all overpriced.

Also remember.......I'm not as discerning as you. I want nice, good condition, and neat....but you seem to want to take it the next step. Nothing at all wrong with that, but you may want a nicer plate than these. Its hard to say.

To be honest, I'm mostly shopping for the rubber aspect this time. I've had the standard iron plates in the past (paint began to chip off fairly easily after a while), but because of the location of my equipment now I'd like something quieter and that fits in with the rest of the room. I could afford a rougher set up before, but now I'm kind of keeping things neater since it's in main part of the house.

So I'm not necessarily shopping for PERFECT and FANTASTIC. Mostly just a durable enough rubber plate. I'm sure the Cap plates I posted above aren't as durable as the Body Solid rubber coated plates (I really like those - my old gym has those), but they should hold up just fine for my use. Of course, those Body Solid plates aren't cheap either. I was working the owner of my old gym to hook me up, but that's not seeming to pan out. When I can clear more space to set up a clean/snatch station I'll start gathering bumper plates. But if I don't go with rubber and those VTX plates don't chip so easily, I wouldn't mind going with them. They look pretty sharp and I agree that the color affords more dings without noticing them as easily.

[shmuel_cohen]

FYI - If you go with the CAP rubber coated plates, I hope your gym is in a well ventilated area. They stink to high heavens.

Are you familiar with those plates, specifically? I had already been wondering about the rubber mats that i'd install stinkin up the place, but then remembered I had some horse stall mats not being used anymore so the smell was already gone.

[ectoBgone]

Are you familiar with those plates, specifically? I had already been wondering about the rubber mats that i'd install stinkin up the place, but then remembered I had some horse stall mats not being used anymore so the smell was already gone.

Yes, we got a set of new rubber grip CAP plates just like the picture you posted in the beginning of this thread. We ended up selling them a couple of days later because our basement was over the top bad from them. I have a brand new horse stall mat down there and that is not a problem compared to the plates. I've decided to go all metal grip plates instead. Who knows, you may be fine with them but we didn't think it was worth it.

[shmuel_cohen]

Yes, we got a set of new rubber grip CAP plates just like the picture you posted in the beginning of this thread. We ended up selling them a couple of days later because our basement was over the top bad from them. I have a brand new horse stall mat down there and that is not a problem compared to the plates. I've decided to go all metal grip plates instead. Who knows, you may be fine with them but we didn't think it was worth it.

Hey, thanks for the feedback. So aside from the smell, how did you like them? Do you remember what you paid? If the quality is there, I think I can manage the temporary odor. Maybe I can just load the room up with all those scented oil things, haha.

[josephhkim]

I totallly get what you mean.

For weight plates, its pretty much all about craigslist.

the shipping just isn't worth the price.

if you dont have a "base" set of weights yet, i'd just go to yoru local store and buy a 300 lb. set.

then slowly start collecting better weights. Just keep searching and snag deals when you can, and you'll have a nice weight collection in no time.

I believe i bought my 255 lb. set of rubber ivanko weights for around 200 bucks off craigslist.

just keep searching

[Keetman]

Hey another thing you can do is find a distributor in your area. I went through Troy's website and found a local dealer that usually sells to gyms. I'm trying to get a price on the grip plates to trade up and just bite the bullet to get my whole setup the same. Only problem is, even if I luck out and get 'em for $1 a pound, I'm still gonna need to spend like $1100!!!! Granted I can sell the others, but not for a buck a pound.

Anyway, point is in the original email, the salesman said he can tack on an order for me with one already coming in to save on shipping, I just gotta go get 'em. Don't know if its gonna work out and probably won't as I don't want to pay full retail or even close. But it might be a shot for you.

[ectoBgone]

Hey, thanks for the feedback. So aside from the smell, how did you like them? Do you remember what you paid? If the quality is there, I think I can manage the temporary odor. Maybe I can just load the room up with all those scented oil things, haha.

Well, I got mine through craigslist so I only paid $140 for a set. They were basically new. I don't have any feedback on liking them since the most use I got out of them was carrying them in and out of my basement. They are easy to carry around as you would expect from rubber grip plates, and other than that I guess weight is weight. I don't have any idea how the rubber coating will hold up from chipping and normal wear over time because I only had them for a week. Good luck.

[shmuel_cohen]

Hey another thing you can do is find a distributor in your area. I went through Troy's website and found a local dealer that usually sells to gyms. I'm trying to get a price on the grip plates to trade up and just bite the bullet to get my whole setup the same. Only problem is, even if I luck out and get 'em for $1 a pound, I'm still gonna need to spend like $1100!!!! Granted I can sell the others, but not for a buck a pound.

Anyway, point is in the original email, the salesman said he can tack on an order for me with one already coming in to save on shipping, I just gotta go get 'em. Don't know if its gonna work out and probably won't as I don't want to pay full retail or even close. But it might be a shot for you.

I took up your advice and stopped by the Troy, York, etc dealer here in town. I had been there before and was pretty disappointed with their pricing. The best he could do (or that he WANTED to do) was the standard $2.05/lb for the York rubber ISO grip plates. And he wanted to sell me an "econ" bar for $195. I'm sorry, but in my opinion most of those econ bars are the same in quality and get the job done just the same (for home use). There's no way I'm spending that much for that type of bar. Anyway, the package he quoted me for came to over $700. If I really wanted that set I could still get it online for $600, shipped. That guy's mind is set on price. He doesn't comprehend some people choosing to compromise when it comes to price. You don't ask him for a treadmill for less than $1000. That's like trying to sell someone a BMW vs a Chevy Malibu and using price as justification. I guess we should all own BMW's then. I'm sorry, but I typically get fed up with people in the retail fitness industry. You can put a premium on a product in any lineup, but it's not always the right solution for someone. We all watch tv, but I don't see a 52" Sony XBR LCD in everyone's living room.

I feel better. :) haha

[shmuel_cohen]

I bought the plates listed in the first post:

CAP 2" Grip Plate 300Lb. Set rubber $425 (incl shipping)
http://www.warehousefitness.com/exer...0/product.aspx

They're currently in transit. They were at least $100 everywhere else. In some cases that same package was selling for $600 (incl shipping). Even if the bar isn't used, the price per pound comes to $1.67. Assuming the quality is good, that's still not a bad price for new rubber grip plates. But the bar is still usable. It'll be my secondary bar, mostly for bench. I don't need to shop for bars to hold a ton, especially for bench. I'd be more interested in durability, which is what will be used for the snatch/clean/deadlift station.

[Bluerain]

I bought the plates listed in the first post:

CAP 2" Grip Plate 300Lb. Set rubber $425 (incl shipping)
http://www.warehousefitness.com/exer...0/product.aspx

They're currently in transit. They were at least $100 everywhere else. In some cases that same package was selling for $600 (incl shipping). Even if the bar isn't used, the price per pound comes to $1.67. Assuming the quality is good, that's still not a bad price for new rubber grip plates. But the bar is still usable. It'll be my secondary bar, mostly for bench. I don't need to shop for bars to hold a ton, especially for bench. I'd be more interested in durability, which is what will be used for the snatch/clean/deadlift station.

Congrats on the deal :)

Link is broken by the way.

Time for me to get rid of my cheapo rubber encased weights from Sears..weights are weight to me but the color's are getting to me (Red /Yellow/Green/Blue) and they throw off all my other equipment.

They look like toys LOL

No more rubber plates so I'm looking for iron grip plates. I like the looks
of the Troy/ VTX plates and want grips but not ready to spend $400 bucks.

Been checking Craigs for awhile now and no luck with the Troy grips.

Let us know how everything pans out with your purchase.

[PullBig]

I switched to these. http://www.ironcompany.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2724 I like them but they are kind of thick at the base about 1.5 the thickness of a regular plate.

[shmuel_cohen]

Congrats on the deal :)

Link is broken by the way.

Time for me to get rid of my cheapo rubber encased weights from Sears..weights are weight to me but the color's are getting to me (Red /Yellow/Green/Blue) and they throw off all my other equipment.

They look like toys LOL

No more rubber plates so I'm looking for iron grip plates. I like the looks
of the Troy/ VTX plates and want grips but not ready to spend $400 bucks.

Been checking Craigs for awhile now and no luck with the Troy grips.

Let us know how everything pans out with your purchase.

The Troy VTX plates are what I would have gone with if I wasn't doing rubber. If I wasn't setting up in my game room (which gets daily use - mostly movie and sports viewing) then I'd go with the iron grip plates. I just think the rubber is most appropriate for the new set up. However, I'd still be selective with regular iron plates because the paint chipped off so easily on my old set. It was kind of annoying. Weights can be kept for a long time so I'm ok with investing a little more if need be. I'm definitely a bargain shopper. The VTX series is about the only thing Troy I'd own in plates. haha