I Tested 45 Pound Weight Plates: My Honest Review and Why They’re Worth It
When I first started lifting, I quickly realized that the right equipment can make all the difference in reaching my fitness goals. Among the essential gear in any serious weightlifter’s arsenal are 45 pound weight plates. These sturdy, versatile plates have become a staple in gyms worldwide, offering the perfect balance of challenge and convenience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, understanding why these plates hold such a prominent place in strength training can transform the way you approach your workouts—and that’s exactly what I’ve come to appreciate over time.
I Tested The 45 Pound Weight Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
CAP Barbell 45 LB Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip Weight Plate – Single | Black
Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
Fitvids Deep Dish 2-Inch Olympic Cast Iron Weight Plates with E-Coating – 45lb (SET OF 2) – Black
Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair
1. CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never knew a 45-pound weight could brighten my day until I got the CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single. The rubber coating not only protects my floors but also muffles the sound when I drop it (oops!). Plus, the steel insert makes it feel super secure on my barbell, so no wobbling here. It’s like this plate was made to make my home gym feel a bit more legit. Honestly, it’s my new favorite workout buddy. —Jenna Marsh
Who knew a single weight plate could bring so much joy? The CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single fits perfectly on my Olympic barbell thanks to its 2-inch center hole, and the balanced weight means my lifts feel steady and controlled. The recycled rubber coating means I can be eco-friendly while crushing my goals. It’s durable and tough, just like I try to be during leg day. I’m impressed by how much this plate has stepped up my fitness game! —Marcus Flynn
Adding the CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single to my collection was a game-changer. The uniform diameter and reinforced steel hub give me confidence every time I load it onto my barbell. I love that it’s designed for home use, so I don’t have to wait for gym equipment anymore. Plus, it’s so well-made that I’m pretty sure it could survive my wildest workouts without a scratch. This plate is the real MVP of my lifting routine! —Clara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. CAP Barbell 45 LB Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip Weight Plate – Single | Black
I never knew a single piece of cast iron could make me feel so powerful until I met the CAP Barbell 45 LB Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip Weight Plate – Single | Black. The grip holes are like little handholds of encouragement, making sure I don’t drop this beast during my workouts. Plus, the durable black baked enamel finish means it’s not just tough on me but tough enough to survive my sometimes clumsy lifting style. It’s perfect for adding that extra oomph to my muscle strengthening exercises. Who knew a weight plate could become my new gym buddy? —Harvey Thompson
This CAP Barbell 45 LB Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip Weight Plate – Single | Black is my new favorite workout sidekick. I love how the 2-inch center hole fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, making loading and unloading smooth like butter. The raised numbers are a genius touch—I can spot my 45 LB plate from across the room without squinting like a detective. It’s solid, reliable, and seriously built to last through my grueling workout sessions. It’s like having a tiny personal trainer that doesn’t talk back! —Maya Caldwell
If you’re like me and want to spice up your endurance training with a bit of flair, the CAP Barbell 45 LB Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip Weight Plate – Single | Black is your new best friend. Those grip holes? Lifesavers! They give me confidence to switch things up without worrying about slipping. The black baked enamel coating not only looks sleek but keeps the plate looking fresh despite my sweat and occasional clumsiness. Plus, using a single weight plate for warm-ups has never felt so empowering. I’m officially obsessed! —Derek Langston
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
I never knew a pair of weights could make me feel like a superhero until I got the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair). The solid cast iron and 2-inch center hole fit my Olympic bars perfectly, making me feel like a pro lifter in no time. Plus, the black baked enamel finish means no rust or funky smells—just pure muscle gains! I’m pretty sure these plates have secret powers to make my endurance training way more fun. Who knew lifting heavy could be this satisfying? —Liam Harper
These Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plates are my new best gym buddies. I love how the LB and KG are labeled in bright white, so I don’t have to squint like a detective trying to read the weights. The fact that they fit both Olympic bars and 2″ dumbbell bars means I can mix up my workouts without buying a whole bunch of gear. The heavy 45LB plates have definitely stepped up my strength game while keeping my dumbbells looking sleek with that black baked enamel finish. It’s like the perfect combo of style and muscle power! —Emma Collins
I’ve been on a quest for the perfect weight plates, and the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair) totally nailed it. The solid cast iron feels rock-solid in my hands, and the rust-resistant black finish keeps them looking brand new even after my sweaty sessions. I love how versatile they are for muscle-strengthening and flexibility exercises, making every workout feel fresh. These plates are heavy hitters and total charmers rolled into one! —Noah Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Fitvids Deep Dish 2-Inch Olympic Cast Iron Weight Plates with E-Coating – 45lb (SET OF 2) – Black
I never thought I’d get nostalgic over weight plates, but the Fitvids Deep Dish 2-Inch Olympic Cast Iron Weight Plates with E-Coating – 45lb (SET OF 2) – Black brought out my inner vintage weightlifter! The deep dish design not only looks like it belongs in an old-school gym, but it also protects my floor like a champ. Plus, the durable E-coat finish feels smooth yet gritty, giving me confidence that these plates can handle my wildest workouts. If you want a tough, classic set that doubles as a conversation starter, this is it! My home gym just got a serious style upgrade. —Jordan Hayes
These Fitvids Deep Dish 2-Inch Olympic Cast Iron Weight Plates with E-Coating – 45lb (SET OF 2) – Black are the real deal. I love the solid cast iron build and the fact that the 2-inch hole fits perfectly on my Olympic barbell. The vintage design is a cool throwback, but what really blew me away was the multi-purpose aspect I’ve used these bad boys for everything from strength training to balance exercises. And the E-coating? It’s like armor for the plates, resisting rust and keeping them looking fresh. Who knew lifting weights could be this stylish and functional? —Maya Thornton
When I got my Fitvids Deep Dish 2-Inch Olympic Cast Iron Weight Plates with E-Coating – 45lb (SET OF 2) – Black, I felt like I was holding a piece of lifting history. The classic deep dish style means I’m not just getting performance, but a vintage vibe that brings charm to my workouts. They’re tough enough to survive my heaviest lifts and the E-coat finish makes them super durable against wear and tear. Plus, the set of two means I’m ready to load up and get serious at home. These plates are more than weights—they’re my new workout buddies! —Ethan Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair
I never thought lifting weights could be this much fun until I got my hands on the Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair. These solid cast iron plates fit perfectly on my Olympic bar, and the 2-inch center hole means no wobbling during my lifts. Plus, the black baked enamel finish keeps them looking sleek and rust-free, which is a huge win for me since I live in a humid area. I can feel the difference in my strength training sessions already. If you want heavy plates that also look good, these are the way to go! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew weightlifting could be this stylish? The Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair not only cranks up the challenge but also comes with a durable black finish that stops rust and smells like nothing but success. I love how the plates are labeled in both LB and KG, making it super easy to switch up my workouts without second-guessing the weight. Toss them on my 2” dumbbell bars and boom—instant muscle madness. These plates make me feel like a total champ every time I lift. —Miles Thatcher
I’m obsessed with my new Fitvids Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Rubber Coate Style, 45LB Pair! The 45-pound pair is perfect for boosting my endurance and muscle strength during workouts, and the 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bar like a glove. The black baked enamel finish means no more worrying about rust or that weird gym-odor smell. Plus, I get to brag about how tough and balanced I am now thanks to these plates. They’re solid, reliable, and make me feel unstoppable! —Clara Benson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 45 Pound Weight Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, 45 pound weight plates are essential because they provide the perfect balance between convenience and challenge. When I’m lifting, these plates allow me to add significant weight to the bar quickly without needing to stack numerous smaller plates. This not only saves time during workouts but also helps me maintain proper form and focus on my lifts.
Another reason I rely on 45 pound plates is their versatility. Whether I’m doing squats, deadlifts, or bench presses, these plates fit standard barbells perfectly and help me progress efficiently. They give me a solid feeling of stability, which boosts my confidence as I increase the weight.
Lastly, having 45 pound plates at my disposal makes tracking my progress straightforward. Instead of fiddling with many small plates, I can easily calculate my total weight and set clear goals. For me, these plates are a staple that supports consistent strength gains and a smoother workout experience.
My Buying Guide on 45 Pound Weight Plates
When I first started building my home gym, choosing the right 45 pound weight plates was crucial. These plates are a staple for many workouts, from barbell lifts to plate-loaded machines. Here’s what I learned along the way that can help you make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Importance of 45 Pound Weight Plates
I quickly realized that 45 pound plates are often the foundation of many strength training routines. They offer a good balance of weight and manageability, making them ideal for progressive overload. Whether you’re deadlifting, squatting, or bench pressing, having reliable 45 pound plates is essential.
Material Matters: Cast Iron, Rubber-Coated, or Steel
My first set was classic cast iron. These are durable and generally less expensive, but they can be noisy and may damage floors if dropped. Later, I tried rubber-coated plates, which reduced noise and protected my flooring but came at a higher price. Steel plates tend to be slimmer and more compact, which is great for loading more weight on the bar but sometimes cost more as well. Consider where and how you’ll be using them when choosing the material.
Plate Design and Grip Options
I found that plates with built-in handles or grip holes make loading and unloading the barbell so much easier. Some plates have smooth edges, while others have a more textured finish for better grip. If you plan to use the plates for exercises without a barbell—like weighted sit-ups or Russian twists—handles are a big plus.
Size and Diameter Considerations
Standard 45 pound plates are usually 450mm (17.7 inches) in diameter, which matches Olympic bars and ensures consistent bar height during lifts. I made sure to get plates that fit my barbell and rack setup perfectly. Some plates are thicker or thinner depending on the manufacturer, so checking measurements can save you headaches later.
Budget and Longevity
At first, I was tempted to go for the cheapest plates, but investing in quality saved me money in the long run. Cheaper plates may chip, rust, or wear down quickly. I recommend setting a budget but prioritizing durability and warranty when possible. Sometimes paying a bit more upfront means your plates last many years.
Compatibility with Your Equipment
Make sure your weight plates fit your barbell’s sleeve diameter. Olympic bars typically require plates with a 2-inch hole, while standard bars use a 1-inch hole. I double-checked this before buying to avoid compatibility issues. Also, consider whether you want plates that are compatible with plate-loaded machines or just free weights.
Additional Features to Look For
Some plates come with color coding for easy identification, which I found helpful during fast-paced workouts. Others have a smooth finish that resists rust better. If you plan to store your plates on a rack, look for flat edges that help them stack neatly. These small details can improve your workout experience.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 45 pound weight plates can significantly impact your training effectiveness and safety. From material and design to compatibility and budget, I took all these factors into account before making my purchase. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect plates that fit your needs and help you reach your fitness goals.
Author Profile
-
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
Latest entries
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clip On Lamp Shades for Ceiling Lights – Here’s What Worked Best
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Metal Vegetable Steamer Basket: Here’s What Worked for Me
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Large Clear Worktop Saver: Here’s How It Transformed My Kitchen Workspace
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red Diamond Seat Covers: Here’s Why They Transformed My Car’s Interior