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The Best Barbell Weights for Effective Workouts
Written By OvertimeReviews Team
Weight lifting equipment is a considerable investment, so knowing what you want — and what weight setup suits your body — is extremely important. Barbell weights are no expectation. Weights work differently for users depending on their strength, their lifting purpose, their size, and even their gender. Whether you’re looking to add a set of premium barbell weights to your home gym, or you’re investing in top-quality weights for your commercial exercise establishment, choosing which barbell weights to go with can be confusing and overwhelming.
This guide is designed for both amateurs and professionals; we’ve accommodated individuals with different budgets. With so many factors impacting your choice, we’ve tried to narrow in on the most important features, while still offering you the highest-quality options. To help you choose from the wide variety of barbell weights on the market, our team has shortlisted the top weights of 2025 below.
Comparing the Top Barbell Weights of 2025
XMark Barbell Weights
Best Overall
The XMark Olympic Weight Plates are our first choice due to their solid build and durability. Their tri-grip plates make them ergonomic to hold and their design is recommended by many professionals. These weight plates are constructed using all-natural virgin rubber; an extremely durable material, this rubber will ensure these weights last a long time without color deterioration. Plus, they contain solid steel precision inserts, allowing them to fit easily inside bars.
CAP Barbell Weights
Most Durable
CAP’s Barbell Olympic Grip Plates are made from solid cast iron and have a gray baked enamel finish. Extremely durable with an ergonomic and secure grip, these weights feature a 2-inch hole in the center, which easily fits an Olympic bar. Plus, you don’t have to worry about confusing the weights; each weight size is clearly labeled on the top for easy identification.
Papababe Barbell Weights
Best Customer Service
Papababe’s Olympic Change Plates feature a complete set including different sized weights. The set includes pairs of 1.25 lbs, 2.5 lbs, 5 lbs, and 10 lbs, making it perfect for a commercial gym where users have different strengths and needs. The core of these plates is made from metal and they are covered in a thin rubber coating, which makes them easy to hold and helps prevent injuries. The hole in the middle of these barbell weights accommodates a standard Olympic bar making this ideal for beginners and experts alike. This set is also suitable for home gyms.
A2ZCARE Barbell Weights
Most Versatile
The A2ZCARE Cast Iron Weight Plates come in a set of 4 and are constructed from heavy-duty, durable cast iron. A semi-gloss black paint coating prevents these weights from oxidation, rust, and corrosion. The hole in the center will fit a standard 1-inch bar making these weights ideal for several exercises that target your biceps, triceps, hamstrings, and core.
WF Olympic Barbell Weights
Best for Home Gym
WF’s Olympic Barbell Weight Plates are highly durable and versatile. Coming in a set of 2, these weights are constructed from solid cast iron. Their surface is coated in a baked, gray enamel finish, making these a long-lasting option. With a variety of sizes to choose from, you’ll be sure to find the set that matches your strength and gym needs.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding Your Most Durable Barbell Weight
In this guide, we’ve provided several tips and suggestions to help you choose the right barbell weights depending on your specific needs.
What Are Barbell Weights?
Most are familiar with barbell weights, but some may not be as familiar with the specific terminology used to identify their different parts. The barbell is the bar that holds the weights. Lifting these weights allows you to do several exercises, such as weight-lifting and endurance training.
Purchasing the right bar is as important as purchasing the right weights because if the bar does not provide adequate grip and is not ergonomic, the weights will be difficult to lift and possibly even dangerous. Make sure that your bar has a proper knurl so that you can grip it properly. Otherwise, you may have a set of expensive, high-quality weights that will only be good for basic warm-up exercises.
When purchasing weights, keep in mind the type of barbell you own. You will need to ensure that the weights are compatible with your bar. Some weights come with 2-inch diameter holes in the center, which are ideal for bars that are 2-inch wide. Olympic barbells are usually the safest and most universal option. Last, the sleeve is where the weight is attached to the bar; make sure that your sleeve is durable enough to hold different weight sizes.
What Are the Different Types of Barbell Weights?
Barbell weights come in a few different types, each serving its own unique purpose. Below we discuss the features of each individual type.
Olympic weights
Olympic weights have a 2-inch diameter hole in the center, which is a standard size for all Olympic plates. These weights are also compatible with standard Olympic barbells. So, if you have an Olympic barbell, you should purchase a standard Olympic weight. The advantage of going with this option is that you won’t have the hassle of your weights not fitting your bar.
Standard weights
Standard weights have a 1-inch diameter hole in the center. These weights will not fit Olympic bars. Keep in mind that standard weights are not recommended for commercial gyms because they require specifically sized weights. Olympic weights, however, are more universal and will offer a commercial gym a wide range of weight set options.
With that said, standard weights are great for individuals who have home gyms and a 1-inch bar. These weights are usually priced a little lower than the Olympic ones, making them more affordable if you’d like to start a small gym in your home
Studio disc weights
Studio disc weights are designed specifically for group workouts. Quite lightweight, these weights tend to be coated in rubber with handles that are bright in color. These plates are ideal for those who are not looking for intense weight-lifting exercises but want to incorporate weights into their daily exercise routine.
How to Store Barbell Weights Properly?
Barbell weights need proper maintenance if you want them to last a long time and remain in like-new condition. Barbell weights made from steel and cast iron are prone to rust when stored in environments that are prone to moisture — such as garages or non-temperature-controlled rooms. Weight covers are a great solution, although they can be a bit pricey. Another option is to waterproof and weatherproof your weights. Try covering your weights with a sheet of garden tarpaulin then place them inside a plastic storage box. This may prevent moisture from reaching your weights, keeping them safe from rust.
Other maintenance tips include oiling your equipment every once in a while to make sure that the protective coating remains intact. Also, do not forget to wipe down your weights after an intense weightlifting session, especially if your weights come into contact with sweat. Keep in mind that if sweat remains on your weight for a prolonged time period, it can lead to rusting. Avoid dropping your weight no matter how tempted you are because the impact can be damaging to the protective coating, and can significantly reduce the lifetime of your weights.
How Much Do Barbell Weights Usually Cost?
The price of barbell weights depends on several factors including the size, material, quality, and quantity. The overall prices of barbell weights range from $20 to $170. Of course, weight sets cost more than individual weights, but purchasing a weight set can be cost-effective if you plan to buy many different sizes. Keep this, and your budget, in mind when making your final decision. Also, Olympic weights cost more than the standard weight plates, but if you already own an Olympic barbell, they may save you money in the long run. However, if you own a 1-inch barbell, we recommend purchasing standard weights (not Olympic weights) because they are designed to fit the barbell you already own.
People Also Asked
What size barbell weights should I start with?
It is best to consult a fitness trainer when you start an exercise like weightlifting, but we can provide some general rules. Men should start with a pair of 10 to 20 lb weights, while women should begin with a pair of 5 to 10 lb weights.
Why do cast iron barbell weights feel heavier?
Generally, cast iron weights are not heavier than any other weight of the same size. However, since they are prone to rusting, sometimes the reaction between oxygen and water can increase the weight slightly on the molecular level.
Do I need to lift heavy weights in order to build muscle?
Lifting heavy weights builds muscle, but it is important to start slow and increase the size gradually. If you start too quickly or lift too much too soon, you will soon become exhausted, lose your motivation, and you could injure yourself. Always consult a professional who can guide you and keep track of your progress.
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