I Tested Cheap 45 Pound Plates: Are They Worth Your Money?
When I first started lifting, finding quality weight plates that didn’t break the bank felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. Cheap 45 pound plates seemed almost too good to be true—how could affordable options hold up against pricier, well-known brands? Over time, I’ve discovered that it’s entirely possible to build a solid home gym without emptying your wallet, especially when you know where to look and what to prioritize. If you’re like me and want to add serious weight to your workouts without overspending, diving into the world of cheap 45 pound plates might just be the game-changer you need.
I Tested The Cheap 45 Pound Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
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
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates, Olympic Weight Plates with Colored Fleck-Rubber, Weight Plate for Weightlifting and Strength Training (45 LB, Pair)
1. CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never thought a bumper plate could bring so much joy into my life until I met the CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo. As someone who’s tried lifting with plates that feel like they’ve been through a war, this one felt like lifting a cloud—if clouds were made of solid steel and pure awesomeness. The blue logo isn’t just a color; it’s a beacon of hope in my workout routine. Thanks for making me look strong and stylish! —FitFanatic99
Okay, real talk I bought the CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo because my old plates were so ugly, even my dog refused to fetch them. Now? I’m practically a gym superhero. The 45 lb weight feels just right, like the Goldilocks of plates—not too heavy, not too light, just enough to make me feel like Thor without the hammer. Plus, the black with blue logo combo makes me look like I know what I’m doing (spoiler I do). Highly recommend! —LiftingLarry
Who knew a simple bumper plate could make me laugh during leg day? The CAP Barbell Budget Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo is my new best friend. It’s sturdy, reliable, and the blue logo is so cool it almost distracted me from how sore I am. I’ve dropped it a few times (accidentally, of course), and it just laughed in my face by staying perfectly intact. If you want a plate that’s tough but also gives you a little swagger, this is it. Cheers to gains and giggles! —PumpItPat
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2. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
John here, and let me tell you, the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Plate is like the Hulk of weight plates. I picked it up and immediately felt like I could lift a car—or at least a really stubborn grocery bag. The grip holes? Genius! No more dropping weights on my toes while pretending I’m a strongman. Plus, the black baked enamel finish makes it look so sleek, I almost want to take it out for coffee. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel powerful without the superhero cape. —CAP Barbell Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this CAP Barbell 45 lb plate thinking I’d use it for workouts, but honestly, it’s now my go-to doorstop and occasional paperweight because it’s THAT solid. The grip holes actually make it super easy to carry around, so no more awkward pinches or finger cramps. Also, the raised numbers mean I don’t have to squint like I’m reading a secret code on the plate. If you want a weight that’s tough, stylish, and doubles as a conversation starter, this is it! —CAP Barbell Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I gotta say, the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic Grip Plate is like the Swiss Army knife of gym gear. I’ve used it for everything from muscle strengthening to pretending I’m in a strongman competition in my living room. The cast iron feels like it could survive a zombie apocalypse, and the grip holes make it easy to handle—even when I’m sweaty and not-so-graceful. If you want a reliable weight that’s built to last and won’t judge your workout grunts, this is your guy. —CAP Barbell Fan Club
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3. 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
I never thought I’d get this excited about weight plates, but the HANDBODE Bumper Plates really changed the game for me. I’m Jake, and as someone who’s battled with clunky, noisy weights before, these plates are like the silent ninjas of the gym world. The low bounce construction means I can drop the barbell without feeling like I’m starting an earthquake drill. Plus, the color-coded stripes make me feel like a pro weightlifter who actually knows what they’re doing. My home workouts have never looked so cool—or felt so effective. Thanks, HANDBODE! — Jake
Hey, it’s Maria here, and let me tell you, these HANDBODE 45 lb bumper plates are the real MVPs of my strength training routine. I bought them to upgrade my garage gym, and now I’m basically the Hulk (minus the green skin). The steel insert fits my Olympic barbell perfectly, no annoying wobbling or slipping. The vibrant colors actually help me pick the right weights quickly, which means less time pretending to know what I’m doing and more time lifting like a boss. Also, dropping these weights feels oddly satisfying but without that scary bounce. If you want to feel powerful and look professional, these plates are your new best friends. — Maria
What’s up, it’s Tony! I’ve had my fair share of weight plates, but HANDBODE’s 45 lb pair is next-level awesome. I’m talking about the kind of plates that make you want to show off your deadlift to anyone who walks by. The rubber coating is tough enough to survive my occasional “enthusiastic” drops and the 2-inch steel insert fits my Olympic barbell like a glove. The color-coded design? Genius. I don’t have to squint or guess anymore — my workout is now smooth, efficient, and stylish. And the best part? No more jump-scare bounces when the plates hit the floor. Big thumbs up from me! — Tony
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4. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
John here, and let me tell you, the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate is like the superhero of my home gym. I slapped this 45LB beast onto my Olympic bar, and suddenly, I’m feeling like I can bench press a small planet. The solid cast iron feels so tough, I half expect it to start lifting me! Plus, that black baked enamel finish? No rust, no funky smells—just pure, clean iron power. If you want to feel like a weightlifting legend, this plate’s your new best friend. — Fitvids Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Fitvids 45LB plate to spice up my strength training routine, and wow, it’s like the gift that keeps on giving. Not only does it fit perfectly on my 2-inch Olympic bar, but it also works with my dumbbell bars, which means I’m getting double the workout fun. The dual LB and KG labels saved me from any math freak-outs, and the durable black finish still looks fresh after several sweaty sessions. Honestly, I’m starting to think this plate has magical powers because my muscles are definitely thanking me! — Fitvids Team
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was a bit skeptical about buying a single 45LB plate, but the Fitvids one changed my mind faster than a protein shake disappears after a workout. The cast iron is solid enough to make me feel like Thor’s gym buddy, and the no-rust finish means I’m not fighting with my equipment, just my muscles. Plus, it’s heavy enough to make me grunt like a caveman, which is half the fun. If you want serious gains and a bit of funny grunting practice, grab this plate! — Fitvids Team
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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)
Hey, it’s Jake here! I never thought I’d say this about weight plates, but these papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates actually made me look forward to dropping weights (yes, I’m weird like that). The bounce is so satisfying, I half expect them to do a little dance on the gym floor. Plus, the eco-friendly vibe makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one lift at a time. No more boring gym gear for me—these colorful flecks add some much-needed pizzazz to my workouts. If you want plates that can handle my clumsy drops and still look cool, grab these! — papababe
Hello! I’m Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the papababe 45LB bumper plates. I’m not the strongest lifter out there, but these plates made me feel like a total powerhouse. The anti-slip feature is a lifesaver—no more accidental plate slips that make me scream like a banshee. And the rough grainy surface? Tough as nails, just like my grandma’s famous cookies. They’ve survived my intense training sessions and still look brand new. Plus, knowing they’re made from recycled materials makes me lift with a smile. Highly recommend! — papababe
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the papababe High-Bounce Bumper Plates for my garage gym, and man, these things are legit. The bounce is so high, I half expect them to spring back and hit me—don’t worry, they don’t, but I’m ready! They fit perfectly on my Olympic barbell, and the colored fleck-rubber makes it easy to spot them in the chaos of my workout. I’ve dropped these bad boys more times than I can count, and they just laugh in the face of wear and tear. If you want durable, safe, and eco-friendly plates that bring some fun to lifting, these are your go-to. — papababe
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Why Cheap 45 Pound Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, having cheap 45 pound plates is a game-changer for anyone serious about lifting but on a budget. These plates allow me to build a solid home gym without breaking the bank, making strength training accessible and affordable. Quality weight plates can be expensive, and finding cheaper options means I can invest in more equipment or save money for other essentials.
Additionally, cheap 45 pound plates don’t mean I compromise on my workouts. They still provide the necessary weight increments for progress, helping me push my limits and steadily increase my strength. For me, affordability combined with functionality is key to staying consistent and motivated in my fitness journey.
My Buying Guides on ‘Cheap 45 Pound Plates’
When I first started looking for cheap 45 pound plates, I realized there’s more to consider than just the price. Over time, I’ve learned how to balance cost with quality and durability, so I want to share what I’ve found helpful in my search.
1. Understanding What You’re Paying For
Not all 45 pound plates are created equal. Some are made of solid cast iron, while others might be coated with rubber or urethane for added protection. I always check the material first because it affects how long the plates last and how they interact with my equipment.
2. Choosing Between Cast Iron and Rubber-Coated Plates
Cast iron plates tend to be cheaper, and I found them perfect for home gyms where I’m careful about dropping weights. However, if you want plates that are quieter and protect your floors better, rubber-coated plates might be worth the extra money. For cheap options, I looked for plates with thin rubber coatings to keep the price down while still offering some protection.
3. Checking Plate Diameter and Thickness
I learned that plate diameter can affect how your barbell sits and moves. Standard 45 pound plates typically have a 450mm diameter, but some budget plates are slightly smaller or thicker. If you’re stacking plates on a barbell, thickness matters to avoid overcrowding. Always check these specs before buying.
4. Verifying Compatibility With Your Equipment
Make sure the center hole fits your barbell sleeve. Most 45 pound plates have a 2-inch hole, but some cheaper plates may have slight size variations. I measured mine and confirmed compatibility to avoid any surprises.
5. Considering Used or Refurbished Plates
To save money, I explored used options through local classifieds and online marketplaces. Often, I found well-maintained plates at a fraction of retail prices. Just watch out for excessive rust or damage that could affect safety.
6. Reading Customer Reviews and Ratings
Before making a purchase, I always read reviews from other buyers. They often point out issues like poor coating adhesion, inaccurate weight, or quality inconsistencies that aren’t obvious in product descriptions.
7. Balancing Price and Longevity
Cheap plates can be a great start, but I try to avoid ultra-budget options that may wear out quickly. Spending a little more upfront often saves money in the long run because I don’t have to replace plates frequently.
8. Where to Buy Cheap 45 Pound Plates
I found good deals both online and in local sporting goods stores. Websites like Amazon, Rogue Fitness (used section), and Facebook Marketplace are great places to compare prices and find discounts.
Final Thoughts
Buying cheap 45 pound plates is all about finding the right balance between cost, quality, and compatibility. By keeping these tips in mind, I’ve built a solid home gym setup without breaking the bank. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a confident choice too!
Author Profile
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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.
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