Classic strength training
Cast iron
Solid cast iron, satin black enamel and a lipped edge.
1.25–25kg pairs · Slim 20kg plate: 3.3cm
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BLACKBEAR FIELD GUIDE / WEIGHT PLATES
Your training. Your plate setup.
A few clear choices to help you find your starting point.
START HERE
What does your training look like?
Pick your main use for a starting point. You can still explore every plate type below.
Showing all plate types.
THE BLACKBEAR RANGE
Meet your next training partners
Explore the plate families, then open a product for its exact sizes, set contents and current availability.
Easy loading & machines
Rubber tri-grip
Three grip openings make carrying and changing plates easier.
1.25–25kg pairs · 20kg plate: 5cm
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Olympic & mixed training
Black bumpers
High-density rubber with a consistent 450mm diameter across the range.
5–25kg pairs · Low-bounce design
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Fast weight recognition
Coloured bumpers
Colour-coded rubber plates for Olympic and functional training.
5–25kg pairs · 20kg plate: 8.5cm
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Impact-absorbing training
Crumb rubber bumpers
Droppable recycled crumb rubber bumpers with coloured flecks and steel centre inserts. Use on a suitable lifting surface.
5–25kg pairs · 20kg plate: 8.2cm
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Low-bounce Olympic training
Bells of Steel Dead Bounce bumpers
Virgin rubber bumpers with coloured weight markings and stainless-steel centre inserts. Designed for dropping on a suitable lifting surface.
5–25kg pairs; 60 / 100 / 150kg sets · 20kg plate: 8cm; stated ±1% tolerance
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Smaller loading steps
Change plates
Add small, balanced increments to your main plate setup.
0.5 / 1.5 / 2.5kg pairs · 9kg total package
View product See current options & availabilityFIT CHECK
Check your fit before you buy
Olympic refers to the sleeve size, not simply the length or weight of a bar.
50mm / 2-inch Olympic
Match Olympic plates to Olympic sleeves. A 25mm / 1-inch standard bar uses a different plate fit. Measure the sleeve where the plates sit, not the centre grip.
Diameter & sleeve space
Full-size bumpers here are 450mm across. Iron, tri-grip and change plates vary in diameter by weight. Add up plate thickness on each side and leave room for collars; check the bar or machine load limit too.
Check each accessory
Confirm the centre opening on change plates and the loading pins on your machine. Open-sided micro plates are a different design; check the individual product fit before combining equipment.
02 / COMPARE
Compare the plate types
Start with how you lift, then check the fit, dimensions and loading increments.
| Plate type | Best starting point | Available weights | Plate diameter | Dropping & handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cast iron | Classic strength training | 1.25–25kg pairs | Varies by plate weight | Controlled lifting; no intentional drops |
| Rubber tri-grip | Easy loading & machines | 1.25–25kg pairs | Varies by plate weight | Controlled lifting; rubber coating is not a bumper |
| Black bumpers | Olympic & mixed training | 5–25kg pairs | 450mm (all weights) | Designed for drops on a suitable lifting surface |
| Coloured bumpers | Fast weight recognition | 5–25kg pairs | 450mm (all weights) | Designed for drops on a suitable lifting surface |
| Crumb rubber bumpers | Impact-absorbing training | 5–25kg pairs | 450mm (all weights) | Droppable on a suitable lifting surface; follow the product guidance |
| Bells of Steel Dead Bounce bumpers | Low-bounce Olympic training | 5–25kg pairs; 60 / 100 / 150kg sets | 450mm (all weights) | Designed for drops on a suitable lifting surface |
| Change plates | Smaller loading steps | 0.5 / 1.5 / 2.5kg pairs | Varies by plate weight | Add-on plates; not a standalone bumper base |
TRAIN YOUR WAY
Choose around your training
Home gym essentials
For controlled squats, presses and rows, start with iron or grip plates. If your sessions include Olympic lifts and dropping, choose suitable bumpers and a proper lifting surface.
Strength & powerlifting
Iron and grip plates suit controlled strength work. Compare thickness if you load heavily. Competition preparation also means checking your federation’s equipment rules; colour coding alone does not mean competition approval.
Olympic & functional
Start with full-diameter bumpers for a consistent bar height. Use an appropriate bar, flooring and a clear lifting area. Follow the product’s limits, especially for lighter plates.
Build in smaller steps
Add change plates for smaller increases. A 0.5kg plate on each side adds 1kg to your total. Always load both sides evenly.
LOAD SMARTER
Build the weight you actually need
Count the bar separately unless the listing explicitly includes it. A 20kg pair means two 20kg plates: 40kg of plates in total. A 100kg plate set means 100kg across the included plates.
Example: a 20kg bar + one 20kg plate per side = 60kg total. A 100kg plate set plus that bar gives 120kg total available load.
Choose a useful spread of pairs, then add smaller increments. Check the exact contents of each set rather than choosing only by the headline total.
Before your first session
Can I drop any rubber plate?
No. A rubber coating does not make a plate a bumper. Use plates designed for dropping, follow their specific guidance and train on suitable protective flooring. Avoid intentional drops with iron or grip plates.
Will bumpers make my gym silent?
No. Rubber can help absorb impact, but noise and vibration also depend on the floor, building and how you train. A bumper plate is not a substitute for suitable flooring.
Can I mix different plates?
Check sleeve fit, diameter, thickness and intended use. Unequal diameters change which plates take the impact. Do not assume that every mix is suitable for dropping.
Do colour-coded plates mean competition certified?
No. Colours help identify weights. Certification, permitted dimensions and weight tolerances are separate specifications to check for your event.
Give every plate a home
Plan storage around plate diameter, total weight and available floor space. Keep walkways and the lifting area clear.
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