Top 9 Best Rogue Bumper Plates for Home Gym

When you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

If you are reading this post, you are obviously looking for Rogue Fitness’s bumper plates. Rogue Fitness is one of the top retailers and manufacturers that offer premium quality fitness equipment.

The Rogue bumper plates might be pricy than other brands’ plates, but eventually, you cannot go wrong with Rogue Fitness’s gear, and you pay for what you get.

Bumper plates allow you to perform the squat, bench press, deadlift, and even clean and jerk without worry about the noise and damage, thus allowing you to test your true strength.

Also, these rubber-wrapped plates make it quiet and safe when you are performing weightlifting at home or garage, meaning that you don’t have to worry about disturbing your neighbor. And these space-saving essentials make better use of the space in your home gym.

You might want to ask: “Do I need bumper plates?” If you are a person who lifts a lot of weight and tends to pull the barbell from overhead, then bumper plates are ideal for you.

In a hurry? Here are my top 9 picks of the best Rogue bumper plates for your home gym:

See the overview, pros & cons below.

What Are Bumper Plates?

Bumpers plates are a type of weight plate for Olympic bars made almost entirely of dense and resilient rubber to provide better protection to athletes when they need to drop the bar towards the ground at a certain height and avoid any damage. The bumper plate is an indispensable piece in training any athlete who loves strength training.

Bumper plates have different weights, and you can find them in both kg and pounds. Also, these fitness accessories are available in different colors and prices.

These bumper plates can be used as Olympic plates and can be used for Olympic weightlifting (as they come with a steel or brass collar in the middle that accepts an Olympic bar. ), a category of movements that involve lifting a barbell high overhead, then letting it fall.

Bumper plates used in competition have 450mm diameter with a 50.4 mm collar. And the lighter bumper plates are narrower than heavier plates.

These plates can be used in various routines, and it is a necessary tool for those who train weightlifting at a professional level.

So, if you are one of them and want to maintain a good rhythm and safety during training, the bumper plate is for you.

Do You Need Bumper Plates?

The material of the bumper plate is designed to withstand bounces and falls a considerable distance without causing damage. Its design has been created for moderate to high-performance Olympic athletes who seek better safety in their training.

If you are a person who lifts a lot of weight and then tends to pull the barbell from overhead, then bumper plates are ideal for you.

However, you should bear in mind that dropping weight is inappropriate if you have a gym inside your home. But it will be OK if you want to have this style of lifting in your garage gym.

Also, you should see if your barbells bounce annoyingly when dropped. If this happens, you need an Olympic barbell rather than a standard barbell.

Top 9 Best Rogue Bumper Plates for Home Gym Use

#1. Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2

Rogue Echo Bumper Plates V2

The Rogue Echo V2 are budget-friendly bumper plates for gym and home use. These plates have a 450mm diameter, standardized by the IWF. So, it gets a seal of trust along with it.

The rubber surface of the plates has only minute imperfections. But you’ll get a more uniform look with the Rogue Echo V2 plate, which will double your engagement.

With the combination of stainless steel and virgin rubber, these Rogue Echo V2 bumper plates will add extra benefits to your workout. You can easily perform deadlifts, Olympic lifting, and many other compound exercises. Moreover, the combination of stainless steel and rubber makes the fitness tool to be more durable.

Even if you leave your grip from your waist height, these bumper plates will show a dead bounce.

The Rogue Echo Bumper V2 plates come with sets and pairs. There are over three variants of sets weighing 160, 230, and 260 pounds, respectively. On the other hand, there are five variants of pairs, weighing 10, 15, 25, 35, 45 pounds. So, you have a wide range of weights to choose from.

All Rogue Echo Bumper plates are multipurpose plates. All these plates have a durometer rating of 88(100). Higher this number, the less bounce they have.

Moreover, the product is an officially recognized tool for the US military and is official equipment to train the US Army.

Pros

  • The wide weight range for pairs
  • Relatively more durable
  • Impressive fit and finish
  • Durable and affordable
  • Minimal bounce

Cons

  • Lacks much set combination

#2. Rogue Hi-Temp Bumper Plates

Rogue Hi-temp Bumper Plates

The Rogue Hi-Temp bumper plates are manufactured in Alabama, the USA. Rogue bumper plates are in a direction to set a monopoly in the American weightlifting market.

The build quality of these Hi-temp plates is top-notch in contrast to its adversaries. Rogue Hi-temp bumper plates are made from weight recycled and vulcanized rubber having a 2” inch stainless steel insert. This manufacturing process ensures the quality but creates minor aesthetic imperfections.

But, if you prioritize performance overlooks, you will overlook these aspects.

The collar design on this Hi-temp bumper plate is reset perpendicular to the plane of the plate. This feature allows better safety on intense workouts like deadlifting and powerlifting. So you will have no problem with inserts getting impacted or popping out. The Rogue Hi-Temp Bumpers come in pairs and sets.

Variants in pairs are available in 10lb, 15lb, 25lb, 35lb, and 45lb, respectively. While those in sets ranging from 160 to 1,000 lbs.

The Rogue Hi-Temp bumper plates have a durometer rating of 75, meaning that they have more bounce than the previous product. When it comes to durability, these plates work perfectly. Since it is made from crumb rubber, you can’t compare its durability with virgin rubber.

But the price is quite affordable, making a Hi-temp bumper plate a good option for value for money seekers.

Rogue Fitness company will offer you a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Pros

  • Value for money
  • Great quality and lasts long
  • Produces less claiming noise
  • Better grip for Olympic barbells

Cons

  • Imperfections on surface

#3. Rogue Color Echo Bumper Plates

Rogue Color Echo Bumper Plates
The Rogue Color Echo bumper plates come with color codes. This initiative by the company helps you to keep the place organized, preventing mess. It also becomes easy to identify these plates from the heap of other plates.

The Rogue Color Echo bumper plates are commonly found in large commercial gyms and training centers. Each plate is painted to signify a specific weight it possesses so you can easily determine the weight without practical assumptions.

Rogue Color Echo bumper plate is IWF-certificated and has a standard 450 mm diameter and weight within 1% of its target.

Rogue Color Echo bumper plates are made from stainless steel and virgin rubber, offering more durability and a more reasonable price.

Rogue Color Echo bumper plates are multipurpose plates specially designed for intense workouts. It has a durometer reading of 88. So, even if you drop the weight from your waistline, it will show a dead bounce.

You can order them in sets or individual pairs. Plates with sets are available with a weight range between 160-350 pounds, and those in pairs come with weights: 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs.

Pros

  • Made of good-quality material and is highly durable
  • Thinner than Rogue Hi-Temp bumper plates
  • Impressive built
  • Easy to identify

Cons

  • Relatively more expensive

#4. Rogue US-Military Spec Bumper Plate

Rogue US-Military Spec Bumper
The Rogue US Military-Spec bumper plate is made in Alabama, United States. The main intention of designing these bumper plates is to maintain the fitness of the US military and are used to test the combat skills in the US Army. The approval was done by the defense Ministry of the United States.

Made from recycled crumb rubber, there might be some imperfections on its surface, but these bumper plates are suitable for all conditions. You can use it for both indoor and outdoor purposes without any change in texture. But it might lead to a slight change in color, which I think it’s not an issue.

The Rogue US military-spec bumper plates are black, having an IWF standard diameter of 450 mm. The insert thickness is 50 mm, which is made of stainless steel.

A stainless steel insert adds stability even on intense workouts. Moreover, it reduces rattling noise when used in Olympic lifting.

Durometer rating is claimed to be 80, with a weight tolerance of ±2%. You can order these multipurpose plates in sets or individual pairs. The weight figures in sets ranging from 160 to 1000 pounds. On the other hand, the weight range in individual pairs ranges from 10 to 45 pounds.

The Rogue US-Military spec bumper plates don’t need any token of trust. Its contribution to the US military depicts the performance it offers.

Pros

  • Relatively better performance
  • Wider weight options
  • Has a reasonable price
  • There is no smell from the plates

Cons

  • 10-15 lbs variant plates are warrantied for only 180 days

#5. Rogue HG 2.0 Bumper Plates

Rogue HG 2.0KG Bumper Plates

The Rogue HG 2.0 KG bumper plates come complete with a neo-retro design. All weight figures for these plates are denoted by kg.

The build quality is fantastic, and the Rogue HG bumper plates will easily accommodate your budget. The durometer rating is 88. When dropping these plates from the waistline, a dead bounce is observed.

The surface is smooth with no or minimal imperfections, and this impressive design gives it a more athletic look.

The Rogue HG 2.0 KG bumper plates have a standard diameter of 450mm and a collar opening of 50.40 mm. The weight is approximately ±1% of the claimed weight. It offers a wide range of plate sets selections, ranging from 90-150kg (90kg, 110kg, 120kg, 140kg, 150kg). And you can order the plates in pairs consists of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25kgs.

In contrast to other plates in the market, this bumper plate is narrower.  Many think of this as a limitation, but being thin is an advantage because these bumper plates are easier to use and can be loaded more on an Olympic barbell.

Tested in many CrossFit and regional competitions, the HG plates are a sign of reliability. To ensure more trust, the company offers a 3-year warranty on 10-25KG plates.

Pros

  • Relatively more durable
  • Minimal bounce
  • Great products and customer services
  • Perfect for squats, deadlifts, leg press, etc.
  • Slide on and off the bar smoothly

Cons

  • The warranty on 5KG bumper plates is short (90 days)

#6. Rogue Urethane Bumper Plates

Rogue HG 2.0KG Bumper Plates
As the name says, these bumper plates are made from high-quality urethane, which ensures greater durability and minimal bounce.

The Rogue Urethane bumper plates are widely known for their high durometer rating of 90, which is better than the previous Rogue bumper plates and ideal for producing a consistent dead bounce on the drop and maintaining the long-term integrity of the plate.

The diameter of the plates is 450 mm, and the insert is measured 140 mm, made of high-quality chrome. The chrome-made insert allows you to load the bumper plate smoothly with the least friction on the Olympic bar’s sleeve, which further increases the durability.

The colored urethane plates are available in pairs and sets. Pairs are sold in weight units: 10, 25, 35, 45, and 55 pounds. Sets are sold in 210, 300, 320, 340 pounds.

All these plates have a weight tolerance of ±1%. And each original Urethane bumper plate will contain a black Rogue logo with gray numerical weight callouts.

Pros

  • Rock-solid bumper plates with lifetime durability
  • High quality and worth the dollar
  • Minimal bounce and easy grip

Cons

  • Lacks more option for sets
  • Relatively more expensive

#7. Rogue KG Training 2.0KG plates

Rogue KG Training 2.0KG plates
The Rogue KG training plates are one of the best heavy-duty bumper plates with a dead bounce. It has a good reputation in the fitness industry due to its performance.

These plates had an obsolete look earlier, but now their soul is revived with the new glossy and matte finish. Manufactured by high-quality virgin rubber, the Rogue Training bumper plate has a clean surface with a nickel-coated steel center plate.

The diameter measures 450 mm. The durometer shows a rating of 90, which is the same as the Rogue Urethane bumper plates.

The plates are thin, which allows more plates to accommodate on a barbell. Moreover, sliding the plates on an Olympic barbell is easy with the 50.40 mm collar opening, creating a firm hold on the bar.

Dead bounces and lifetime durability are expected. Moreover, you are guaranteed a weight tolerance of within 15 grams of the claimed weight.

You can order these bumper plates in pairs (10, 15, 20, 25 KG) and sets (90, 110, 120, 140 KG).

Pros

  • Highly durable material and lasts long
  • Higher durometer rating ensure minimal bounce
  • Attractive and appealing looks

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

#8. Rogue LB Competition Bumper Plates

Rogue LB Competition Plates
The Rogue LB Competition are IWF-certificated high-end Olympic weightlifting bumper plates. The outer diameter is 450 mm, and the plates have a collar opening of 50.40mm for a firm hold on the Olympic bar.

These plates are tested on a Shore A durometer scale that shows a 94 reading, meaning that it can provide you a consistent dead blow with minimal bounce and is suitable to use at any weightlifting competition.

The texture of the plates is flawless and is given a gloss-matte-gloss finish. All completion plates come in four standardized colors (green – 25 lbs, 1.25” thick; yellow – 35 lbs, 1.70” thick; blue – 45 lbs, 2.15” thick; red – 55 lbs, 2.50” thick).

You can order it in pairs and sets of different weight ranges. For pairs, you’ll have four weight options of 25, 35, 45, and 55lbs. You’ll get only three variants in sets (210, 300, 320 lbs). And the weight tolerance is ±15 grams of the company’s claimed weight.

Pros

  • A high durometer rating (94) ensures minimal bounce for comfortable workouts
  • Accurate weight and amazing construction
  • Perfect size and narrow
  • Raised rubber surface to protect the plates

Cons

  • Little pricey

#9. Rogue 26’ER™ Wagon Wheel Pair

Rogue 26’ER™ Wagon Wheel Pair
The Rogue Wagon Wheel Pair is consists of two oversized bumper plates, which have a diameter of 26” and are made from recycled rubber, weighing 70 lbs each, which is 25 lbs heavier than the standard Wagon Wheel Pair (45 lbs).

You can reap the benefits of deadlifting and powerlifting with Rogue Wagon Wheel Pair at a more reasonable price.

The diameter of the bumper plates is 658.8mm, which is larger than the IWF standard 450mm, making it suitable for tall people and those dealing with a back problem to perform partial range-of-motion deadlifts. The plates are bulky but can be stored easily.

If you are not satisfied with the resistance it provides, you can add more load on the bar with standard plates for a more rigorous workout. Each bumper plate comes with convenient recessed edges for a better grip and a central hub opening of 50.6mm compatible with all Olympic standard bars.

Weight tolerance is ±2% of the company’s claimed weight.

Pros

  • Well made, durable, and can support overloading deadlift
  • Easy to store and will make your workout more convenient
  • Suitable for the tall user and easier to get into the proper deadlift position
  • Provides the best value for the money

Cons

  • A bit pricey

Bumper Plates vs. Steel Plates – Which Are Better?

To know this answer, you first need to analyze your goal. Bumper plates are more expensive and designed to be dropped from a certain height, and you can see this in Olympic lift competitions.

If you want to perform more common exercises such as the squat or various presses, then the bumper plates will not be necessary. If you do Olympic lifts, there is no doubt that bumper plates are for you. For those who practice basic training, the steel plates will work very well.

Bumper Plates Alternative: Rubber/Urethane-Coated Steel Weight Sets

If you are looking for more options for your general weight training, you can go for the alternatives to bumper plates: urethane-coated plates or rubber-coated steel plates.

You will see them in giant commercial gyms. Because they produce less noise, a bit cleaner, more professional in appearance than standard steel plates, and are easier and safer to move.

In terms of price, rubber/urethane-coated plates cost very similar to bumper plates, although coated plates are not designed to be dropped from a certain height. They are not used in Olympic weightlifting and are not usually chosen to have them in garage gyms.

Bumper Plates vs. Coated Weight Plates

Due to the fame that CrossFit has had, more and more people are interested in Olympic lifting. The choice of bumper plates also has gained fame, gradually putting aside these plates even for those who do not plan to perform lifting at the beginning.

It is clear that bumper plates offer more security than coated steel plates, and their surface is much more resistant. They will stay well and take care of your flooring when dropped. And you will not have this security with a coated steel plate.

But the price difference between bumper plates and coated steel plates is not so much. As for noise, the iron ones are the kings of noise and can be very annoying even with the softest movements.

That is why the bumper plates are also the chosen ones: they won’t rattle and bang in the same way.

Technique Plates vs. Competition Bumper Plates vs. Training Plates – Which Is Right for You?

You will find three different types of bumper plates: competition, training, and technique plates. They are basically the same don’t have many differences. But depending on the place and type of training you have (powerlifting, weightlifting, or Olympic lifting), the choice of your bumper plates will vary.

The training plates are not “calibrated for accuracy”, and in the case of the IWF-approved brands, the training plates are not considered to be certified.

Competition bumper plates are chosen by those dedicated to Olympic lifting because they provide a very exact weight, and they have a higher durometer rating ensuring a dead bounce and can be dropped to the floor safely and comfortably.

While technique plates have the same 450 mm diameter as regular competition bumper plates but at a much lower weight, this is achieved by using high-density polyethylene Plastic (HDPE). These are the right plates to teach beginners, juniors, or getting rehabbing athletes back to lifting. In other words, technique bumper plates are for children or unfit beginners.

How to Choose the Best Bumper Plates for Your Home/Garage Gym?

#1. Bumper Plater Types

For those who want to get a rigorous workout in their own garage gyms, competition or training plates are recommended as they are highly resistant and durable. Although training plates and competition plates may look similar, they can differ in their weights but only by a few grams.

And one interesting thing is that the “training” plates used to be their competition plates before the latest “competition” plates were released.

The competition plates have slightly less bounce and are slightly more durable than training plates. Make sure your drop surface is even, no sharp edges around, and the training plates will last for years without any problem.

But if you are just starting with high-intensity training, the training plates are recommended since they are also less expensive than the competition plates.

#2. Durometer Rating

The Durometer is the International Standard Instrument used to measure the hardness of rubber or rubber-like materials. The denser the rubber, the greater the degree of a plate’s hardness, and the harder the plates, the less they will bounce on the ground when dropped.

It is advised to choose a bumper plate with a durometer rating between 65 to 100, which minimizes the risk of injuries and frees you from the annoyment of chasing the bar all around the gym.

#3. The Center’s Ring Quality

The durability and longevity of the bumper plates depend exclusively on the center rings, which is where you slide your barbell collar through. They can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Some bumper plates have rings that are flush with the plate, which results in metal on metal contact when loading multiple plates and expedites the wear and tear process, while others are flanged to prevent metal on metal contact as well as make it easier to load the plates on the bar. How the rings are set into the plate can also differ and determine how long the bumper plates last.

#4. Barbell Collars

Since you are preparing to buy your bumper plate sets, there is an accessory that you should not miss: the barbell collar, which will be placed on the barbells and attached to the outer side of the disk to prevent the weight plates from sliding off the bar, especially when you plan to drop the weights.

They are essential tools for weightlifting, and you will find them in different designs and colors. It is not recommended to buy cheap collars because the quality isn’t outstanding, and they will spoil quickly.

#5. Rubber’s Quality

High-quality bumper plates are made of virgin rubber, and their density is higher (less bounce), but you can also choose the plates made from recycled rubber or recycled crumb rubber, which is also excellent if you have less budget.

The bumper plates of premium quality on the market are more expensive due to the material and manufacturing process, but if you are just starting to buy your first plates for your home, then it is wise to choose plates made from recycled rubber and in terms of durability and longevity, there don’t have many differences.

FAQs:

Why Would Steel or Cast Iron Plates Be a Better Option?

Due to the difference in density that the iron plates have concerning the bumper plates, if you want to lift 700 lbs, you can do it since the steel plates save space on both sides of the bar.

Also, in terms of prices, iron plates have more accessible prices than bumper plates, so if you intend to lift weight in your garage gym on a tight budget, iron plates are a good recommendation.

What Does Durometer Mean?

Durometer rating is used to describe how much bounce a bumper plate has, ranging from 0 – 100. The higher the durometer rating, the less bounce it will have. Any plates that have a durometer rating above 65 are acceptable for bumper plates.

What Do the Colors Mean on Color Coded Bumper Plates?

The competition bumper plates come in different colors to easily identify their weights, and they have an IWF mandated color coding scheme:

  • The red ones weigh 55 lbs (25kg)
  • The blue ones weigh 45 lbs (20 kg)
  • The yellow ones weigh 35 lbs (15 kg)
  • The greens one’s weights 25 lbs (10 kg)

Are Bumper Plates the Same as Olympic Plates?

Plates with a 2-inch central ring are called Olympic plates, which can be made from cast iron and rubber. Bumper plates are Olympic-sized plates that are made from dense rubber and can be used to practice Olympic lifting. These plates have the same outer diameter of 450mm, no matter their weight.

What Is the IWF Certification?

The International Weightlifting Federation, with the acronym IWF, is an organization founded in 1905. The Federation is made up of the affiliated National Federations that govern the sport.

The main goal of the IWF is to organize, control, and develop the sport of weightlifting on an international scale, which includes the use of standardized bumper plate weights as regulations to avoid disputes that may arise within the sport among national federations, continental and regional affiliates.

International Weightlifting Federation is the highest authority on weightlifting. Those who professionally compete in weightlifting need to use IWF-certified bumper plates.

However, those who wish to have quality bumper plates for personal use can also go for IWF-certificated bumper plates, but this will cost them more definitely.

But also, many fitness brands have designed bumper plates that match the quality standards provided by IWF certification but at lower prices, even though the IWF does not endorse them.

Read Also:

Pin It on Pinterest