When it comes to weightlifting, having the right equipment is crucial for maximising performance and ensuring your safety. Two of the most popular types of weight plates used in weightlifting are Olympic bumper plates and tri grip plates
While both serve the same purpose of adding weight to the barbell, they differ in their construction, design and functionality. In this blog post, we will explore the key difference between the two weight plate options to help you to make an informed decision when selecting the right plate for your training needs.
Construction And Material;
Olympic bumper weight plates are typically made of solid rubber, with a steel or brass internal ring. They are designed to be dropped from an overhead position without causing damage to the floor or the plate themselves. Bumper plates excel in durability and impact absorption, making them the perfect choice for Olympic lifts like the snatch and Clean & Jerk.
On the other hand, Olympic Tri weight plates utilize cast iron or steel and boast a unique tri grip design, offering a versatile plate option. This design includes three handles or grips that allow for easy handling and loading / unloading of plates. The material used in tri grip plates makes them more compact and dense compared to the bumper plates.
Functionality And Use;
Athletes use Olympic bumper weight plates mainly in Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit workouts, safely executing lifts by dropping them from overhead without concerns of damaging the plate or platform.Â
Olympic Tri plates are versatile and widely used in various strength training exercises, including Olympic lifts, bodybuilding and general weightlifting. The tri grip design offers multiple gripping options, facilitating easy handling for exercises such as dumbbell rows, lunges and overhead presses. The compact size of Tri grip plates enables loading more weight onto the barbell.
Price And Availability;
Olympic bumper weight plates tend to be more expensive than tri grip plates due to their specialised construction and material. The high demand for bumper plates in Olympic weightlifting and CrossFit training can sometimes lead to limited availability and higher price points.Â
Olympic Tri plates are more widely available and come in a range of price points, making them a popular choice for home gyms and commercial fitness facilities. The competitive market for Tri plates allows for greater affordability compared to bumper plates.
In conclusion, choosing between Olympic bumper weight plates and Olympic Tri plates ultimately depends on your specific training goals, preferences and budget. For Olympic lifts with overhead drops, bumper plates are the perfect choice, On the other hand, if you seek versatility, ease of handling and affordability, the tri grip plates offer a practical solution for a variety of strength training exercises.Â
Understanding the difference outlined in this blog will enable you to make an informed decision and select the weight plates that align with your training needs and aspirations.
For any inquiries or questions about our Olympic weight plates or any other HyGYM product, don’t hesitate to get in touch. The HyGYM team are always on hand to provide exceptional customer service
For our blog on ‘Looking after your weight plates’ Click here
