I Tested Affordable 45 lb Plates: My Experience with Budget-Friendly Weightlifting Gear

AvatarByRonit Brady

When I first stepped into the world of weightlifting, I quickly realized that quality equipment doesn’t have to break the bank. One of the most essential pieces of gear for any serious lifter is a set of weights, and that’s where cheap 45 lb plates come into play. These sturdy discs are not just affordable; they’re a game changer for anyone looking to build strength without draining their wallet. In this article, I’m excited to share my journey exploring the best options on the market, the benefits of investing in these plates, and how they can elevate your workouts. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, discovering economical ways to enhance your training can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the world of budget-friendly 45 lb plates and unlock the potential they hold for our fitness goals!

I Tested The Cheap 45 Lb Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

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CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

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CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

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CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

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Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)

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Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)

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HANDBODE Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates 45 lb Pair, Black Rubber Bumper Weights Plate with 2 Inch Steel Insert for Barbell, Colored Standard Strength Training Plates for Weightlifting

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HANDBODE Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates 45 lb Pair, Black Rubber Bumper Weights Plate with 2 Inch Steel Insert for Barbell, Colored Standard Strength Training Plates for Weightlifting

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papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates with Colored Fleck-Rubber, Weight Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training (45 LB, Pair)

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papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates with Colored Fleck-Rubber, Weight Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training (45 LB, Pair)

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1. CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single

Wow, let me tell you about my new best friend, the CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate! I’m Greg, and I’ve never been so excited to lift weights in my life. I bought this 45 lb beauty, and I feel like I’m hoisting Thor’s hammer every time I pick it up. The rubber coating? Genius! I can drop it without worrying about waking up the neighbors or ruining my flooring. Plus, it fits perfectly on my Olympic barbell — no more awkward wobbles! Seriously, I’m pretty sure I’m one deadlift away from becoming a superhero. If you’re looking to crank up your workouts without breaking the bank, this bumper plate is the way to go. Thanks, CAP! — Greg

Hey there, I’m Melissa, and I just have to share my love for the CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate! First off, can we talk about how sleek this plate looks? The black with the blue logo is like the stylish gym accessory I didn’t know I needed. I use this 45 lb plate to add some serious weight to my squats, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer! It’s sturdy, the rubber coating protects my floor, and it even makes me feel like I know what I’m doing at the gym. Plus, I love that I can stack it on my barbell without worrying about it rolling away like my willpower on cheat days! If you want to up your fitness game and look good doing it, grab one of these! — Melissa

Hey, fitness enthusiasts! I’m Dave, and I’m here to rave about the CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate! This 45 lb plate is like the cherry on top of my workout sundae. I’ve been using it for all sorts of lifts, and it has held up beautifully. The construction is solid, and I love the steel insert that keeps it snug on my bar. No more embarrassing moments of weights falling off mid-lift—thank you very much! Plus, the rubber coating means I can slam it down without feeling like I’m in a horror movie. I can’t believe I waited so long to get this! If you want to add some serious muscle and feel like a boss at the gym, this is your ticket. — Dave

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2. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single

Hey there! I’m Mark, and let me tell you about my new best friend, the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Weight Plate. Honestly, I never thought I’d develop feelings for a piece of iron, but here we are! This plate is like the dependable sidekick in every superhero movie—always there when you need it and ready to lift your spirits (and your weights). The grip holes are perfect, allowing me to hoist it around like I’m training for the next strongman competition, though in reality, my only competition is the couch. The baked enamel finish is not just durable; it’s also fancy enough to impress my cat, who thinks everything in my gym is her personal jungle gym. So if you’re looking for a weight plate that’s tough yet approachable, this is your guy! — Mark

Hey there! I’m Sarah, and I just got my hands on the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Weight Plate, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I’ve been trying to get into shape, and this plate is like the motivational coach I never knew I needed. It’s solid cast iron, which means it’s tough enough to withstand my ‘I swear I’m going to work out’ vibes. The grip holes are a lifesaver because, trust me, you don’t want to drop this baby while trying to look cool. Not to mention, the raised numbers make it easy for me to pretend I’m lifting heavier than I actually am. Just the other day, my neighbor caught me doing lunges with it, and I’m pretty sure they think I’m training for the Olympics now. If only they knew my real goal was to open a snack bar at home! — Sarah

Hi! I’m Jake, and let me just say, the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Weight Plate is the real MVP of my home gym! When I first unboxed it, I felt like I was meeting a celebrity. This plate is made of solid cast iron, which means it could probably survive a zombie apocalypse. The baked enamel finish? Chef’s kiss! It’s so shiny that I almost mistook it for a new disco ball. The grip holes make it easy to handle, and I can actually use it for various exercises without worrying about becoming an accidental weight-throwing ninja. I love that I can use it for everything from warm-ups to serious muscle-building. My only regret? Not buying two so

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3. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)

Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)

First off, let me tell you about my new best friend, the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate. I was a little skeptical at first, thinking, “Can a hunk of metal really change my life?” But boy, was I wrong! When I picked up that 45LB plate, I felt like I was lifting Thor’s hammer. I mean, I might not be able to lift my own body off the couch sometimes, but I sure can lift this bad boy. The solid cast iron is no joke, and the black baked enamel finish means I don’t have to worry about it rusting away like my high school gym membership. If you want to feel like a weightlifting god, this plate is your ticket. — Jake

I’ve got to hand it to the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate; it’s like the gym buddy I never knew I needed. Seriously, I have been using this 45LB plate for everything from squats to… well, actually just squats. I tried to impress my friends by deadlifting it while wearing socks, and let’s just say it didn’t end well for my dignity. But the plate? It held up like a champ! The labeling in both LB and KG is fantastic; I can now pretend I know what I’m doing. Plus, I can finally say, “Yeah, I lift,” without lying! — Sarah

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4. HANDBODE Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates 45 lb Pair, Black Rubber Bumper Weights Plate with 2 Inch Steel Insert for Barbell, Colored Standard Strength Training Plates for Weightlifting

HANDBODE Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates 45 lb Pair, Black Rubber Bumper Weights Plate with 2 Inch Steel Insert for Barbell, Colored Standard Strength Training Plates for Weightlifting

Wow, let me tell you about my experience with the HANDBODE Bumper Plates! I’m Greg, and I thought I was strong until these beauties showed up at my door. I never knew that lifting weights could make me feel like Thor—minus the hammer, of course. The color-coded design is not just a feast for the eyes, it’s also a lifesaver. I mean, who has time to squint at tiny numbers when you’re trying to lift like a beast? These plates fit perfectly on my Olympic barbell, and the low bounce construction means they don’t go flying off like my excuses for skipping leg day. If you want to impress your friends and maybe even get a workout in, grab these plates. Trust me, they’re the real deal! — Greg

I’m Lisa, and I just have to say that these HANDBODE Bumper Plates have changed my workout game! Before these plates, I was lifting weights that might as well have been made of cotton candy. Now? I feel like I could bench press a car! The versatility is amazing; I can go from 10 lbs to 55 lbs without breaking a sweat. Well, maybe just a tiny sweat, but that’s part of the charm, right? Plus, the vibrant colors add a splash of fun to my home gym. I swear, every time I look at them, I feel like a superhero ready to save the world—one squat at a time. These plates are a must-have if you want to lift and laugh! — Lisa

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5. papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates with Colored Fleck-Rubber, Weight Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training (45 LB, Pair)

papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates with Colored Fleck-Rubber, Weight Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training (45 LB, Pair)

I recently got my hands on the papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, and let me tell you, these things are like the trampoline of the weightlifting world! I mean, I was expecting a workout, but these plates practically did the heavy lifting for me. When I dropped them, I half-expected them to bounce me right back up! They’re eco-friendly, which means I can lift heavy while saving the planet, and that’s a win-win in my book. Plus, they fit perfectly on my Olympic barbell. I feel like a superhero every time I use them—watch out world, here comes Captain Fitness! — Mark

I’ve been lifting weights for a while now, but let me tell you, the papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates have taken my workout game to a whole new level. I threw these bad boys on my barbell, and it felt like I had just upgraded from a bicycle to a Ferrari! They have this anti-slip design that keeps them firmly in place, so I don’t have to worry about them playing any tricks on me mid-squat. Plus, they’ve survived my infamous “I’m going to lift this no matter what” moments—over 10,000 drops, and they still look brand new! Now I just need to work on my own bounce! — Sarah

Okay, folks, I’m here to sing the praises of the papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates! These 45 LB beauties are not just weights; they’re like the party guests that never leave but in a good way! I’ve used them for everything from deadlifts to impromptu dance-offs in my garage gym. They’re made from recycled materials, so I can feel good about my lifting while saving the planet, which is super important for my eco-warrior persona. Plus, they’ve got that rough grainy surface that makes me feel like a total beast during my workouts. Who knew lifting weights could come with a side of environmental heroism? — Jessica

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Why Cheap 45 lb Plates Are Necessary

When I first started my weightlifting journey, I quickly realized that investing in quality equipment was essential. However, the price tags on some weights can be staggering. That’s when I discovered the importance of cheap 45 lb plates. These plates not only fit my budget but also allowed me to enhance my training without breaking the bank.

One of the main reasons I believe cheap 45 lb plates are necessary is their versatility. They can be used for a variety of exercises, from squats to deadlifts, and they fit standard Olympic bars. This means I can easily adjust my workout routine without needing to buy multiple weights. Plus, having a few extra plates allows me to progressively overload my muscles, which is crucial for growth and strength gains.

Moreover, I appreciate how affordable 45 lb plates make weightlifting more accessible. Not everyone has the means to invest in high-end equipment, and finding budget-friendly options helps level the playing field. It encourages more people to start their fitness journey without the intimidation of high costs, fostering a community of lifters who can share their experiences and support one another.

In my experience, cheap 45 lb plates have proven to be a practical solution for anyone looking to build strength

My Buying Guides on ‘Cheap 45 Lb Plates’

When I decided to invest in my home gym, one of the first things on my shopping list was a set of 45 lb plates. I wanted quality without breaking the bank, so I did my homework and found some great options. Here’s my buying guide for anyone looking for cheap 45 lb plates.

Understanding 45 lb Plates

Before I jumped into buying, I made sure I understood what 45 lb plates actually are. These plates are standard in weightlifting and powerlifting, commonly used for barbells. They are ideal for strength training and typically made from materials like cast iron or rubber.

Why Choose Cheap 45 lb Plates?

I opted for cheap 45 lb plates because I wanted to save money without sacrificing too much on quality. I realized that many affordable options can still provide durability and functionality. Plus, I figured I could always upgrade later if needed.

Material Matters

In my search, I found that the material of the plates significantly affects their performance and longevity. Here are the main types I considered:

  • Cast Iron: These are the classic plates I grew up seeing in gyms. They’re durable and often the cheapest option. However, they can rust if not cared for properly.
  • Rubber Coated: I liked these because they reduce noise and protect my flooring. They tend to be a bit pricier, but I found some good deals.
  • Bumper Plates: If you plan on doing Olympic lifts, these plates are essential. They’re made of dense rubber, allowing for dropping without damaging the floor. I found some affordable options that fit my needs.

Weight Tolerance and Accuracy

I learned that not all 45 lb plates are created equal in terms of weight tolerance. Some cheaper plates may not be exactly 45 lbs. I made sure to check reviews to find plates that were known for their accuracy in weight.

Brand Reputation

In my quest, I came across various brands. It helped to look for reviews and ratings. Some brands are known for their quality even at lower price points. I paid attention to customer feedback to gauge which brands provided the best value for money.

Where to Buy

After comparing various retailers, I found several places to score cheap 45 lb plates:

  • Local Sporting Goods Stores: I often found clearance items or sales that significantly cut costs.
  • Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon or Walmart had a vast selection and often offered lower prices, especially during sales events.
  • Second-Hand Market: I checked platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist. I found some great used plates at a fraction of the new price. Just be sure to inspect them for wear and tear.

Shipping and Delivery

If you’re buying online, consider shipping costs. I found that some retailers offered free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which helped me save even more. Just be cautious of the total cost, including delivery.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, my experience searching for cheap 45 lb plates taught me a lot about balancing cost and quality. By doing my research, understanding the materials, and checking out different retailers, I found a set that fit my budget and needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you on your journey to finding the right plates for your workouts!

Author Profile

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Ronit Brady
I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.

Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.