EP.115 | The Best Plate For You?
What's the best plate for you and/or gym?
What movements will you be performing?
Where will you be training? What surface?
Are you dropping the bar from the hip or overhead?
What's your budget? How much weight do you need?

Steel
Commonly used in Powerlifting.
Plate thickness ranges from 0.5" (2.5 lbs), up to 1.3" (45 lbs). Therefore, you'll have much more room on the sleeve for plate loading.
DO NOT use these for Olympic Weightlifting or CrossFit. Doing so may cause extreme damage to both the barbell and plates!!
HG $
Commonly used in Crossfit/functional fitness classes. May be used for Olympic Weightlifting if competition plates aren't an option. Imported.
Plate thickness ranges from 1" (10 lbs), up to 3.5" (45 lbs). Slightly thinner than the Hi-Temps.
More budget-friendly. These Do Not bounce much. You can use them on multiple surfaces, however you may mark up the glossier finish.
3 Year Warranty at Rogue Fitness
Hi-Temp $$
Commonly used in Crossfit/functional fitness classes. May be used for Olympic Weightlifting if competition plates aren't an option. Made in the USA.
Plate thickness ranges from 1.37" (10 lbs), up to 3.75" (45 lbs). These are much thicker, so you will run out of sleeve space much quicker.
Because these plates are made from recycled rubber, they typically are going to be more bouncy, which may pose a safety issue. That being said, these plates hold up well on many surfaces, making them more versatile.
1 Year Warranty at Rogue Fitness
Competition $$$
Commonly used in Olympic Weightlifting, however they can be used in Crossfit and Powerlifting as well.
Plate thickness ranges from 1.25" (25 lbs), up to 2.5" (45 lbs). Thinner width allows for more space to load plates.
Minimal Bounce.
Other Notes
Compare Prices! Shop around, compare prices and check out some of the customer reviews!
Compare Warranties! Big one here... the last thing you want is cracked plates and inserts falling out after six months. Do your due diligence!