a dumb bumper plate question...but I cant resist

[John Prophet]

can u mix bumper plates with regular plates?

lets say I had an oly bar and the large bumper plate on each side. Could I then just use smaller regular plates to up the weight? for instance 35's or 25's etc

[J.L.C.]

can u mix bumper plates with regular plates?

lets say I had an oly bar and the large bumper plate on each side. Could I then just use smaller regular plates to up the weight? for instance 35's or 25's etc

You can, but it takes a toll on the bumpers. Especially if they have a lot of flex in them or the rubber is the split design.

[raffiki]

You are likely to bend the bar first. Even quality bars have actually snapped because of too much metal on the ends. My limit is 25lbs per side.

[Kiknskreem]

You are likely to bend the bar first. Even quality bars have actually snapped because of too much metal on the ends. My limit is 25lbs per side.

Would you say this is likely even if you had two bumpers on the bar?

I have a set of 10 and 15kg bumpers that I frequently use with metal plates and I would not want to bend my nice new TPB.

Think I'm safe with that much surface area?

[AusLifter06]

You are likely to bend the bar first. Even quality bars have actually snapped because of too much metal on the ends. My limit is 25lbs per side.

I've wondered about this too...

Isn't it recommended to just have more bumper weight than metal change per side? I'm in this position but will just buy more bumpers rather than risk anything if needed.

[raffiki]

I've wondered about this too...

Isn't it recommended to just have more bumper weight than metal change per side? I'm in this position but will just buy more bumpers rather than risk anything if needed.

I haven't heard/read that. If it comes from a good source, then it might be OK. I'm not sure if extra bumpers make a difference. The torque on the end of the bar would seem to be the same regardless. I have been experimenting with putting weight between the bumpers. There is no torque that way.

[rogan181]

man i wish i had OLY bars and bumpers...i have to use ****ty metal weights on old york BBs when i clean at shcool, the BBs are alreayd bent to so half way through the first pull on a clean itll swing aroudn in your hands and you loose control of the grip

[crupiea]

Just use some sense when you mix them. I have a pair of 25's and a pair of 35's in bumpers and mix them with regular plates. I just use common sense when i am doing it. You really won't be dropping them as much as you think day in and day out. I actually drop the lighter weights more like in overhead squats because the movement is so difficult.

Just because you have bumpers on the bar doesnt mean you have to drop every lift you do with them. It is fun to though.

[81Ort]

I used to use one set of bumpers then load 35's on the ends. Of course I didn't do set after set like this; it was only to work up to one all out set of 1-5 reps. It was also on an axle and the axle bent really badly ofter I dropped it too many times with a lot of weight on it.

[crackyflipside]

I used to use one set of bumpers then load 35's on the ends. Of course I didn't do set after set like this; it was only to work up to one all out set of 1-5 reps. It was also on an axle and the axle bent really badly ofter I dropped it too many times with a lot of weight on it.

How did it bend; is your axle hollow? The axle I use is solid and I didn't think it was even possible to bend it.

Also guys, how long do bumper plates usually last?

[raffiki]

Also guys, how long do bumper plates usually last?

It depends. I bought a cheap pair that has a steel center (25kg) and they started falling in less then a year. I have to pairs of solid rubber bumpers, and I can't see them ever having a problem. It's just a solid chunk of rubber.

[81Ort]

How did it bend; is your axle hollow? The axle I use is solid and I didn't think it was even possible to bend it.

Also guys, how long do bumper plates usually last?

Yeah it was hollow. Just a pipe really.

I have one set of bumpers that is pretty old (mostly rubber w/ a thin metal inner ring) and they have held up really well even though we used them on an old conctrete drive way for years.
I have a set of Eusaka bumpers now that I got from a Velocity sports complex. They are a little scuffed but I don't see anything wrong with them structurally and I know they were heavily used.