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bumper plates with steel plates,What are Bumper Plates and Steel Plates? Bumper plates and steel plates are both important items in the world of weightl

What are Bumper Plates and Steel Plates?

Bumper plates and steel plates are both important items in the world of weightlifting and strength training. Bumper plates are typically made of rubber or a rubber - composite material. They are designed to be dropped from overhead without causing damage to the floor or the plates themselves. This makes them ideal for Olympic - style weightlifting exercises like the snatch and the clean and jerk, where the barbell is often dropped at the end of the movement.

Steel plates, on the other hand, are made of steel. They are usually more dense than bumper plates. Steel plates are a common sight in traditional weightlifting gyms. They are great for exercises like bench presses, squats, and deadlifts. They come in different weights, just like bumper plates, and can be added or removed from the barbell depending on the desired weight for the exercise.

Why Choose Bumper Plates over Steel Plates?

If you are doing Olympic - style lifts, bumper plates are a must. Their ability to be dropped safely gives you the freedom to perform these explosive movements without worry. For example, in a snatch, if you miss the lift, you can simply let the barbell with the bumper plates drop without causing any harm. However, steel plates are not suitable for this kind of dropping as they can damage the floor and may also get damaged themselves.

Another reason to choose bumper plates is that they are less likely to make a lot of noise when being loaded or unloaded from the barbell compared to steel plates. This can be a big advantage in a home gym or in a shared training space where noise might be an issue.

Why Choose Steel Plates over Bumper Plates?

Steel plates are often more precise in terms of weight. They are usually calibrated more accurately, which can be very important for serious weightlifters who need to be exact with their weights. For instance, if you are training for a powerlifting competition where every ounce of weight matters, steel plates might be a better choice.

Also, steel plates are generally more durable in the long run. They don't have the rubber material that can wear out over time like bumper plates. So if you have a high - volume gym with a lot of people using the plates regularly, steel plates might be a more cost - effective option in the long term.

Questions and Answers

Question: Can I use bumper plates for deadlifts instead of steel plates? Answer: Yes, you can use bumper plates for deadlifts. However, steel plates are more common for deadlifts as they are more stable and often more precisely weighted.

Question: Are steel plates always heavier than bumper plates? Answer: No, steel plates and bumper plates both come in a variety of weights. It's not that steel plates are always heavier; they just have different characteristics in terms of material, durability, and usability.