Bumper plates are a key piece of equipment in weightlifting, designed to withstand the high impact of dropping during lifts like deadlifts, snatches, and clean and jerks. Made from durable rubber, they offer a safer and quieter lifting experience compared to traditional metal plates. Among the various weight options, 35 lb bumper plates are especially popular in gyms. Their balanced weight makes them ideal for a wide range of lifters—whether you’re progressing from lighter weights or refining your Olympic lifting technique. The 35 lb bumper plates are perfect for those who need versatility in their workouts, offering a manageable weight that suits intermediate lifters and supports strength training and cross-training exercises. While the 55 lb bumper plate is a heavier option for more advanced lifters, the 35 lb bumper plate remains a go-to choice for those seeking a moderate resistance level.
Key Features of 35 lb Bumper Plates
Durability and Construction
35 lb bumper plates are constructed from high-density rubber, which enhances their durability and ensures they can withstand the repeated impact of heavy lifting. The inclusion of a steel insert adds extra strength and stability, preventing the plates from deforming over time. This robust construction makes the 35 pound bumper plates ideal for high-impact exercises like Olympic lifting, deadlifts, and cleans. Compared to traditional iron plates, these bumper plates offer a quieter lifting experience, reducing noise when dropped. Additionally, the rubber coating provides excellent floor protection, preventing damage to both your gym floor and your barbell. This makes them a safe and efficient choice for gyms alike.
Uniform Diameter and Easy Identification
One of the standout features of 35 lb bumper plates is their consistent diameter. All bumper plates, regardless of weight, have the same 17.5-inch diameter, making them compatible with Olympic bars and providing a uniform loading experience. This design is especially important for those performing Olympic lifts, as it ensures that the plates remain stable on the bar during lifts. The 35 lb bumper plates are also color-coded for easy identification, allowing you to quickly determine the weight of each plate during your workouts. This simple but effective design feature helps streamline your gym routines and ensures you always have the right weight for each lift.
Versatility for Strength Training
35 lb bumper plates are incredibly versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of strength training exercises. They can be used for Olympic lifting, squats, deadlifts, and even cross-training routines. This versatility makes them a favorite among both beginner and advanced lifters, as they provide a manageable weight that can be used for building strength, improving form, and increasing overall fitness levels. Whether you’re adding weight to your bar for squats or performing snatches and clean and jerks, the 35 bumper plate offer the flexibility needed to elevate your workout routine. These plates are a great addition to any gym, especially for those looking to progress in their weightlifting journey.
Why Choose 35 lb Bumper Plates?
Ideal Weight for Building Strength
35 lb bumper plates are an excellent choice for individuals looking to build strength and progress in their lifting journey. They are particularly ideal for intermediate weightlifters who have moved past lighter weights but aren’t quite ready for the heavier 45 lb plates. This makes the 35 lb bumper plates perfect for increasing weight in a gradual, manageable way, especially for those who perform Olympic lifts, deadlifts, squats, and other functional exercises. The 35 lb plates are compatible with standard Olympic barbells, ensuring that they can be used with most equipment available in gyms or commercial fitness centers. Their weight is also great for those looking to progress in their training, offering a perfect balance between challenge and control.
Safe and Efficient
When performing high-impact exercises, safety is crucial, and 35 lb bumper plates are designed with this in mind. Their durable rubber construction reduces the noise and impact when they are dropped, making them safer for both the lifter and the surrounding environment. The rubber also protects the floors from potential damage, which is particularly important for gyms or commercial facilities with sensitive flooring. This safety feature ensures that you can focus on your training without worrying about damaging your gym space or disturbing others. Additionally, the 35 lb bumper plates are efficient for various exercises, allowing for smooth transitions between different movements, making them a reliable and practical choice for gym setups.
Comparing 35 lb Bumper Plates with Other Weights
35 lb vs. 25 lb vs. 45 lb Bumper Plates
Here’s a table comparing 35 lb bumper plates with other weights:
| Comparison | 35 lb Bumper Plates | 25 lb Bumper Plates | 45 lb Bumper Plates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Intermediate lifters, progressing past lighter weights | Beginners or lighter lifts | Experienced lifters, high resistance training |
| Best Use | Olympic lifting, strength training | High-rep exercises, Olympic practice, lighter workouts | Heavy lifts, maximum resistance, Olympic lifting |
| Resistance Level | Provides a balanced resistance for progression | Lighter resistance, good for gradual progression | High resistance, ideal for advanced lifters |
| Versatility | Suitable for various exercises like squats, deadlifts | Suitable for lighter exercises, good for reps | Suitable for advanced Olympic lifts, heavy deadlifts |
| Space Efficiency | Moderate space use, suitable for gyms and facilities | More compact, suitable for smaller setups | Requires more space, more commonly used in commercial gyms |
| Progression | Ideal for steady progression in weightlifting | Better for early-stage progression and technique work | Best for those with established lifting experience |
Benefits of 35 lb Bumper Plates
When it comes to choosing the right equipment for strength training, the 35 lb bumper plates are a popular and versatile option. These plates offer several key benefits, making them ideal for commercial gym setups. Here’s a deeper look into the advantages of using 35 lb bumper plates for your workouts:
Durability and Longevity
One of the most significant benefits of 35 lb bumper plates is their durability. Constructed from high-density rubber with a steel insert, these plates are built to withstand the harsh impacts that come with regular weightlifting, including drops from overhead during Olympic lifts. This construction ensures they retain their shape and function over time, making them a great investment for long-term use.
Safety and Noise Reduction
35 lb bumper plates are designed to minimize bounce, providing a safer lifting experience. The rubber material absorbs much of the shock when dropped, reducing the risk of injury to both the lifter and bystanders. Additionally, the rubber helps to lower the noise produced during workouts, creating a quieter gym environment and preventing disruptions in shared spaces.
Floor Protection
Another key benefit of 35 lb bumper plates is their ability to protect floors. When dropped, these plates are less likely to cause damage to flooring or equipment compared to traditional iron plates. This feature makes them especially beneficial in gym setups or commercial spaces where floor damage can be costly.
Versatility in Training
35 lb bumper plates are versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of exercises. They can be used for Olympic lifts and general strength training. Whether you’re deadlifting, squatting, or practicing snatches and cleans, these plates provide the right balance of weight to help you progress without overloading your body. They’re perfect for intermediate lifters looking to build strength and improve their technique.
Consistent Weight and Size
Thanks to the uniform 17.5-inch diameter of 35 lb bumper plates, they maintain consistency across all weights in a bumper plate set. This consistency is crucial for Olympic lifting and other strength exercises where a precise and balanced load is necessary for proper form and technique. The color-coded feature of these plates also makes them easy to identify, saving time during your workout and ensuring you use the right weight for each set.
FAQs about 35 lb Bumper Plates
A 35 lb bumper plate typically has a diameter of 17.5 inches (44.45 cm), which is standard for Olympic-style bumper plates. This diameter remains consistent across various weight options, including 25 lb, 35 lb, and 45 lb bumper plates, ensuring uniformity during weightlifting. The width of a 35 lb bumper plate, on the other hand, is usually about 1.5 inches (3.81 cm). This width is crucial because it determines how much space is available on the barbell for additional plates, especially when you’re loading multiple plates for heavier lifts. The consistent diameter across all bumper plates makes them particularly useful for Olympic lifts, as the plates are uniform in size regardless of their weight, helping maintain proper lifting technique. When using 35 lb plates, you can easily identify the weight due to their color coding and the even, standard size, making them practical for efficient weight changes during your workout.
The number of 45 lb bumper plates that fit on a bar depends on the barbell’s sleeve length and the type of plates being used. Most Olympic barbells have a standard sleeve length of 16.25 inches (41.3 cm), with a 2-inch diameter opening, which fits most bumper plates. On a standard Olympic bar, two 45 lb bumper plates typically fit comfortably on each side of the barbell, totaling four plates. This is the most common setup for most lifters performing heavy lifts like squats, deadlifts, or bench presses. However, the total number of plates you can load also depends on your preferred barbell setup. If your bar has longer sleeves or you’re using thinner plates for additional increments, you might be able to fit more plates. Keep in mind that when you’re using bumper plates, the total weight on the bar can increase quickly, so always ensure your lifting form and strength level match the weight being used.
45 lb plates, particularly bumper plates, tend to be more expensive than lighter plates due to the materials and construction involved in their design. These plates are made with high-density rubber and a steel insert to withstand the impacts associated with weightlifting, especially during Olympic-style lifts that require dropping the plates. The cost of manufacturing these plates includes the quality of rubber used, which needs to be durable enough to handle repeated impacts without breaking down, and the steel insert, which ensures the plates are securely mounted on the barbell. Additionally, the 45 lb bumper plates typically have a uniform diameter (17.5 inches), which is essential for consistency during lifts. The larger size and higher weight also contribute to the higher cost compared to smaller plates. Additionally, the demand for high-quality, durable plates and the popularity of Olympic lifting has led to increased demand, further driving up prices. While they can be pricey, 45 lb bumper plates are an investment for any serious weightlifter.
The heaviest weight plates available are typically 100 lb bumper plates, although they are less common than the standard 45 lb plates. These heavier plates are often used by advanced lifters or those training for strongman competitions, or specialized workouts where extremely heavy loads are necessary. In addition to 100 lb plates, some specialized training plates, such as those used in strongman competitions, can go even higher in weight. These plates are typically made of steel or a combination of steel and rubber for durability and to handle the immense weight. While the 100 lb plates are often designed with a smaller diameter than the typical 17.5 inches seen on standard Olympic bumper plates, they still need to fit securely on a barbell with a 2-inch sleeve diameter. These larger plates are also used less frequently in most commercial gyms, as they require significant space on the bar and are mostly suited for those who are lifting at a highly advanced level.
Welcome! I’m Jordan Mitchell, the dedicated editor at Leadman Fitness, where we specialize in manufacturing high-quality bumper plates, barbells, weight machines, kettlebells, and dumbbells. With a passion for fitness and a keen eye for detail, I ensure that our product information is clear, accurate, and engaging for our customers. My role involves collaborating closely with our design and production teams to highlight the innovative features and superior craftsmanship that set Leadman Fitness apart in the industry. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, I’m here to provide you with the information you need to achieve your training goals with our top-of-the-line equipment.