How sexy are your plates?

[Domicron]

as i start a routine that features conventional deadlifts, i realize i need to up my available weights. i did just pick up a couple of bumpers (be nice for deadlift and pendlay row warmups until i get stronger)

currently i'm just have my 300# troy econo plates plus a couple 10# troy rubber grippers. i don't care how accurate they are (they're off 5-10% roughly) as long they're consistent, but as i start to shop for another 200-300# of weight (figure buying less at a time is stupid) i'm wondering how you guys went about assembling your plates.

some of you have pretty ivanko revolvers, did you buy them used or new? once you had them, did you ditch your old plates or do you keep them together?
some of you say 'iron is iron.' i agree, but does that mean you just keep buying used plates or at what point do you start paying attention to quality and name?

i won't be bothering to look for vintage plates or anything...no more bumpers (these were cheap and i only need a couple; no olympic lifts in my basement)

but yeah just curious. i'll start scouring craigslist for bulk plates (i can find those even in my area) but curious how discerning you guys are/were when just starting to put together your collection?

[KG4NEL]

Anyone with OMCs or the chromed Eleikos will win this thread...

[morebarbell]

Anyone with OMCs or the chromed Eleikos will win this thread...

Actually, I'm pretty sure Ivan is the winner...

Stainless steel "revolvers"

35 pounder:



10 pounder:

[KG4NEL]

Were those a production model, or a prototype? I've never seen those before.

[morebarbell]

Were those a production model, or a prototype? I've never seen those before.

Prototype that is unlikely ever to go into production.

[JayDigital]

My current plates are pretty "sexy," if I may say so myself. However, that wasn't always the case.

I started off around five years ago with a typical TSA Bench, CAP Oly and Curl bars setup along with these CAP Grip Plates. Initially bought it all new, never again. Liked these plates and still think they're not bad.


Used those for a while. Grew stronger and needed more plates. Planned to get more of the same from TSA but happened upon this forum and got the idea to search CL. Found this nice set of used Iron Grip Urethane plates. Was so giddy when I got them loaded in my car, thought I would have them FOREVER. The addiction had officially begun.


Ended up not liking the shape of the Iron Grips, especially when doing floor lifts, but used them for months while keeping an eye on CL for something else. After using the Iron Grip plates though, I realized that quality did make a difference. The plates were much more accurate, fit the bar a lot better and of course looked/felt better too. Then I surprisingly found what I considered at the time to be my holy grail of plates... a complete set of used Ivanko ROEZH. Got rid of the Iron Grips soon thereafter.


Learned quickly that I LOVED and really missed the sound, feel and look of actual metal plates. Again started to watch CL for some quality metal plates. Months go by, nothing I want comes up. Then I see a post for two sets of Ivanko OMEZH. Went in on them and glad I did as I find them to be perfect in every way after having had them a couple of years. Also sold the ROEZH set soon after getting the OMEZH sets.


I highly doubt I'll ever trade these in, but who knows...

[RogueGuy]

Those Ivankos are pretty sexy.

Is there any purpose behind the multi-holed design, or is it just aesthetics / for gripping purposes?

[AttyGuy]

but yeah just curious. i'll start scouring craigslist for bulk plates (i can find those even in my area) but curious how discerning you guys are/were when just starting to put together your collection?

Dude. What's your question? Do you want all of the same kind of plate, or a certain brand and type of bumpers, with another brand of iron plates? Are you looking for straight "black iron", or are you going for a grip design or other ergonomically-improved plate? Or does it not matter at all to you who makes the plates as long as you have pairs of each plate at each weight?

If you're looking for weights that are too sexy for your gym, there are only three choices: Jackson; vintage York (deep dish era or lates 60's/70's milled); Ivanko Revolvers. Everything else is derivative. . . . Just my biased opinion.

[deadwoodgregg]

TJ's Jacksons get my vote. I'm too lazy to search for the picture.

[2MoreRepz]

Negged for laziness.

[deadwoodgregg]

Negged for laziness.

Come at me grasshopper!!!

[ndmike99]

I like having a little variety, although I probably should have put some ivankos in the photo too:

[Cleveland33]

Dude. What's your question? Do you want all of the same kind of plate, or a certain brand and type of bumpers, with another brand of iron plates? Are you looking for straight "black iron", or are you going for a grip design or other ergonomically-improved plate? Or does it not matter at all to you who makes the plates as long as you have pairs of each plate at each weight?

If you're looking for weights that are too sexy for your gym, there are only three choices: Jackson; vintage York (deep dish era or lates 60's/70's milled); Ivanko Revolvers. Everything else is derivative. . . . Just my biased opinion.

there is nothing wrong with 80's era York, Gramps

[Domicron]

Dude. What's your question? Do you want all of the same kind of plate, or a certain brand and type of bumpers, with another brand of iron plates? Are you looking for straight "black iron", or are you going for a grip design or other ergonomically-improved plate? Or does it not matter at all to you who makes the plates as long as you have pairs of each plate at each weight?

If you're looking for weights that are too sexy for your gym, there are only three choices: Jackson; vintage York (deep dish era or lates 60's/70's milled); Ivanko Revolvers. Everything else is derivative. . . . Just my biased opinion.

my question is really just "how much attention do you guys pay to what kind of plates you get" i'm trying to figure out what is the middle ground between expensive milled plates and cheap junk plates. it'd be great if i could get some revolvers, but that'd be buying new, and i got way more things i need to buy before i put down that kinda cash on plates. on the other hand, is there anything i need to look for on plates i buy off of craigslist to make sure i'm getting decent weights, or does it not matter?

[2MoreRepz]

Depends on the persons definition of "sexy". Of course I think Ivanko revolvers are sexy, but they are available in abundance as long as you have the cash. To me that takes away from the sexiness. You have already stated you're not interested in vintage so I'm not going to try and persuade you. More for the guys that dig American made iron. Just teasing. Of course I am biased, but my vote goes to York deep's. Not necessarily my collection...just in general.

[Cleveland33]

my question is really just "how much attention do you guys pay to what kind of plates you get" i'm trying to figure out what is the middle ground between expensive milled plates and cheap junk plates. it'd be great if i could get some revolvers, but that'd be buying new, and i got way more things i need to buy before i put down that kinda cash on plates. on the other hand, is there anything i need to look for on plates i buy off of craigslist to make sure i'm getting decent weights, or does it not matter?

Everyone's got their own reason. Some people want a grip plate, some want a coated plate, some want accuracy, some want consistency.

I'd say my decision to go with vintage York plates was for multiple reasons - the milled accuracy of the plates (although this was probably the lowest factor). They're made in the USA. I think they're very cool, and there is no shortage of them in my area (about 1.5hrs from York) so when I need(ed) more, they are relatively easy to find and at a cost not much more than unbranded cheapos.

[deadwoodgregg]

Definately sexy!!



No homo!!!!!

[obey46]

my question is really just "how much attention do you guys pay to what kind of plates you get" i'm trying to figure out what is the middle ground between expensive milled plates and cheap junk plates. it'd be great if i could get some revolvers, but that'd be buying new, and i got way more things i need to buy before i put down that kinda cash on plates. on the other hand, is there anything i need to look for on plates i buy off of craigslist to make sure i'm getting decent weights, or does it not matter?

It's pretty obvious some of us are picky on the plates we buy. I don't think there's a CAP club thread. The obvious choice for you is to get what's available than be picky. Nothing wrong with that as a handful of us started with sporting goods stuff then moved on to picking up commercial stuff.

Brand/Model/Rarity -> Condition -> Price . I skim through the Cap/Weider stuff.

[CropDusterMan]

I'm a vintage kind of guy...I like Deep dish...all of mine are DD's, I sold the rest of the crap...I think my American Olympian's are pretty bitchin'...
Made in the USA, makes me feel patriotic every time I lift...
As far as a collection goes, if I were to start all over, I'd have just looked for Deep Dish plates, Ivankos and the likes. I personally think the
chrome/painted Eleiko's or Chrome/painted Ivanko powerlifting plates are the hottest out there...I'm kicking myself, some came up on Craigs near me...
I could have had 6 45's, but he wanted a mint for them.

[AttyGuy]

It's like everything else in life. What food do you eat? What car do you drive? What clothes do you wear? Is it just fuel, just transportation, just something to cover yourself? Or do form, function, aesthetics, taste factor into your decision? We (almost) all have budget constraints (except for the good doctor with the no limit gym and Keetman who has Jedi-like powers to get people to give him stuff). Some of us live within out means, and others expand our means by flipping gear. You really need to ask yourself what matters to you, look to see if it is in your budget, and if not, how can you attain your goal without going broke.

[CliveWarren]

My plates have a 2" hole, nomsayin

[AttyGuy]

My plates have a 2" hole, nomsayin

And I hear he has a 1" shaft. Nome sane?

[2MoreRepz]

Sounds like someone may have some wiggle room.

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

mine are not sexy at all ;-; (stock image)

[TheShadowMan]

I actually like those fitness gear plates, both olympic and standards are handled in the shape I like and sizes i'd be interested in, for a reasonable price. How's the weight accuracy? Have you took any to scale yet?

[ImStylinOnYaBro]

I actually like those fitness gear plates, both olympic and standards are handled in the shape I like and sizes i'd be interested in, for a reasonable price. How's the weight accuracy? Have you took any to scale yet?

believe you me, the stock image actually is nice, but in person they are nowhere near as nice. I'm not home, but i can snap a photo for you later. The size of the 45#ers is either just under or just over 15" - so veyr small not exactly sure how accurate they are, but in the 35's and 25's they feel a little on the lighter side when holding one them immediately picking up a dumbbell in that same weight - could just be the different center of gravity and way the force is distributed, though.

[Jboy2007]

My current plates are pretty "sexy," if I may say so myself. However, that wasn't always the case.

I started off around five years ago with a typical TSA Bench, CAP Oly and Curl bars setup along with these CAP Grip Plates. Initially bought it all new, never again. Liked these plates and still think they're not bad.


Used those for a while. Grew stronger and needed more plates. Planned to get more of the same from TSA but happened upon this forum and got the idea to search CL. Found this nice set of used Iron Grip Urethane plates. Was so giddy when I got them loaded in my car, thought I would have them FOREVER. The addiction had officially begun.


Ended up not liking the shape of the Iron Grips, especially when doing floor lifts, but used them for months while keeping an eye on CL for something else. After using the Iron Grip plates though, I realized that quality did make a difference. The plates were much more accurate, fit the bar a lot better and of course looked/felt better too. Then I surprisingly found what I considered at the time to be my holy grail of plates... a complete set of used Ivanko ROEZH. Got rid of the Iron Grips soon thereafter.


Learned quickly that I LOVED and really missed the sound, feel and look of actual metal plates. Again started to watch CL for some quality metal plates. Months go by, nothing I want comes up. Then I see a post for two sets of Ivanko OMEZH. Went in on them and glad I did as I find them to be perfect in every way after having had them a couple of years. Also sold the ROEZH set soon after getting the OMEZH sets.


I highly doubt I'll ever trade these in, but who knows...

Are these the ones listed rn?

[Northernmoris]

My current plates are pretty "sexy," if I may say so myself. However, that wasn't always the case.

I started off around five years ago with a typical TSA Bench, CAP Oly and Curl bars setup along with these CAP Grip Plates. Initially bought it all new, never again. Liked these plates and still think they're not bad.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/2uUiZ.jpg[/IMG

Used those for a while. Grew stronger and needed more plates. Planned to get more of the same from TSA but happened upon this forum and got the idea to search CL. Found this nice set of used Iron Grip Urethane plates. Was so giddy when I got them loaded in my car, thought I would have them FOREVER. The addiction had officially begun.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/eJaVz.jpg[/IMG

Ended up not liking the shape of the Iron Grips, especially when doing floor lifts, but used them for months while keeping an eye on CL for something else. After using the Iron Grip plates though, I realized that quality did make a difference. The plates were much more accurate, fit the bar a lot better and of course looked/felt better too. Then I surprisingly found what I considered at the time to be my holy grail of plates... a complete set of used Ivanko ROEZH. Got rid of the Iron Grips soon thereafter.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/r0Mfu.jpg[/IMG

Learned quickly that I LOVED and really missed the sound, feel and look of actual metal plates. Again started to watch CL for some quality metal plates. Months go by, nothing I want comes up. Then I see a post for two sets of Ivanko OMEZH. Went in on them and glad I did as I find them to be perfect in every way after having had them a couple of years. Also sold the ROEZH set soon after getting the OMEZH sets.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/NLO7shG.jpg[/IMG

I highly doubt I'll ever trade these in, but who knows...

Time to upgrade weight trees.

[GentlemanLifter]

It's a horrendous mix down in the pit. Got about 300# in Nautilus-branded plates which are all slightly strangely-sized, either non-standardly too big or too small, and with some sort of weird slippery finish on them. Some others branded York but I think they're Chinese knockoffs. Others that don't seem to have any manufacturers mark.

They get the job done.

I should probably buy a legit bar before this one kills me though.

[AttyGuy]

Time to upgrade weight trees.

Those are the WT46 Body-Solid Olympic weight trees with bar holders. They aren't Legendary, but they are Solid.