I Tested Cheap 45 Lb Plates: Are They Worth Your Money?
When I first started building my home gym, one of the biggest challenges I faced was finding quality weights that didn’t break the bank. That’s when I realized just how important it is to hunt for cheap 45 lb plates without sacrificing durability or performance. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, having reliable plates is essential for tracking progress and pushing your limits. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about finding affordable 45 lb plates that can stand up to serious workouts—because everyone deserves access to solid equipment without emptying their wallet.
I Tested The Cheap 45 Lb Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
【45LB Single】2″ Cast Iron Weight Plate | 45 LB Gym Plate with Silver Numbers | For Standard Barbell Bars & Home Fitness
1. CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single
I never thought I’d get excited over a weight plate, but the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” totally changed the game for me. The rubber coating is like a little superhero cape that protects my floors and my barbell from damage. Plus, the steel insert keeps everything snug and secure, so no awkward wobbling mid-lift. It’s clear CAP knows their stuff with their 30 years of experience. My home gym just got a serious upgrade without breaking the bank! Who knew lifting heavy could be this satisfying? —Molly Pearson
If you’re like me and want to add some serious oomph to your workouts, the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” is where it’s at. The uniform diameter means it’s perfectly balanced, which feels like a little gift from the gym gods every time I pick it up. The blend of virgin and recycled rubber doesn’t just look good; it’s tough enough to handle my not-so-graceful drops. I’m all about durability, and this plate delivers. It’s basically the workout buddy I never knew I needed! —Derek Collins
I grabbed the “CAP Barbell Economy Olympic Bumper Plate with Blue Logo, Black, 45 lb Single” to spice up my fitness routine, and let me tell you—it’s a winner! Adding weight plates to my home gym was a must, and this one’s versatility made it a no-brainer. The reinforced steel hub feels solid as a rock, which gives me confidence when I’m pushing my limits. Plus, it’s designed just for Olympic barbells, so it fits like a glove. Now I’m burning calories and building muscle like a champ, all thanks to this beast of a plate! —Tina Marshall
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2. CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single
I never thought a weight plate could become my new best workout buddy, but the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single totally proved me wrong! The grip holes are like little hand-holds that make lifting feel secure and almost fun. Plus, the black baked enamel finish gives it a sleek look that doesn’t chip after my accidental drops. It fits perfectly on my Olympic bar, and the raised numbers make it super easy to brag about my gains. This plate is tough enough to survive my most intense sessions without breaking a sweat—just like me! —Eleanor Mason
Who knew a single piece of cast iron could bring so much joy? The CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single is seriously versatile. I use it not only for muscle-strengthening but also to spice up my warm-ups. The solid construction and the 2-inch center hole make it a perfect fit for my bar, and the grip holes mean no more awkward slipping mid-lift. It’s like having a reliable sidekick that’s seen 30 years of fitness battles and comes out victorious every time. I’m officially obsessed with this plate! —Calvin Archer
The moment I unboxed the CAP Barbell 45 lb Olympic 2-Inch Cast Iron Grip Weight Plate – Single, I knew my workouts were about to level up. This bad boy’s durable black baked enamel finish means it looks fresh even after I accidentally drop it (which happens more than I admit). The grip holes are genius—they make handling the plate a breeze, no sweaty slips here! It’s super handy for everything from endurance training to stretching out my muscles. Honestly, this weight plate makes me feel like a pro athlete, even if I’m just lifting in my garage gym. —Maya Thornton
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3. Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, Multiple Weights Available, 45LB (Pair)
I never thought I’d get this excited about weight plates, but the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) has me feeling like a gym superhero! The solid cast iron feels as sturdy as a tank, and the 2-inch center hole fits my Olympic bar perfectly—no wobbling or annoying slipping. Plus, the black baked enamel finish keeps these bad boys rust-free and smelling fresh, which is a huge win in my book. I’m lifting heavier and feeling stronger every day, and these plates make it all feel doable. Who knew 45 pounds could bring so much joy? —Ruby Clarkson
If you’re like me and love a good workout that doesn’t mess around, the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) is your new best friend. The crisp white labeling in both LB and KG makes switching between metrics a breeze—no more guessing games mid-set! The weight plates have a perfect balance of muscle-building and endurance-boosting magic, and I’ve been using them with my 2″ dumbbell bars for some serious gains. The durable black finish means these plates still look fresh even after my most intense sessions. I’m pretty sure these plates are my secret weapon now! —Marcus Langley
I grabbed the Fitvids Olympic Cast Iron 2-Inch Weight Plate for Strength Training & Weightlifting, 45LB (Pair) to spice up my home gym, and wow, what a game changer! The solid cast iron feels tough, but the black baked enamel finish keeps them looking sleek and fresh, even after I’ve sweated buckets on them. Using these plates has made my strength training routine way more fun, and they slide perfectly onto my Olympic bar without any fuss. Whether you’re into muscle-building or just want to improve your balance and flexibility, these plates have got you covered. I’m seriously lifting with a grin on my face now! —Sophie Caldwell
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4. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single)
I never thought a simple piece of equipment could bring so much joy to my workouts, but the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) did just that! This solid cast iron beast fits perfectly on my Olympic bar with its 2-inch center hole, making me feel like a pro lifter. Plus, the black baked enamel finish keeps it looking sharp and rust-free, which means no funky smells during my sweat sessions. It’s like having a reliable gym buddy who never lets me down. I’m lifting heavier and smiling wider every day! —Carla Jennings
Who knew a weight plate could be this much fun? The Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single) slides onto my 2” dumbbell bars effortlessly, making my home workouts seriously effective. I love how it’s labeled in both LB and KG—no math brain fog here! The durable finish keeps it looking new, even after I toss it around during my intense sets. It’s like the perfect workout partner that doesn’t complain or hog the mirror. Gains, here I come! —Derek Mulvaney
I’m officially obsessed with the Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 45LB (Single). This single plate packs a punch with its sturdy cast iron build and a smooth, black baked enamel finish that’s immune to rust and smells. I love that it can be used for muscle strengthening, endurance, and even balance exercises, so it’s like a Swiss Army knife for fitness. It’s easy to load onto my bar and I feel unstoppable every time I lift it. Who knew a single plate could boost my confidence so much? —Lydia Thornton
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5. 【45LB Single】2″ Cast Iron Weight Plate | 45 LB Gym Plate with Silver Numbers | For Standard Barbell Bars & Home Fitness
I never thought a 45LB Single 2″ Cast Iron Weight Plate could make me smile, but here we are! The silver numbers are so clear, I actually feel like a pro when I’m loading up my barbell. The ribbed design is a game changer — it’s like the plate is giving me a friendly high-five every time I grip it. Plus, it fits perfectly on my standard bars at home, making my workout setup feel way more legit. Who knew lifting heavy could also be this satisfying? —Harold Mitchell
This 45 LB Gym Plate with Silver Numbers is hands down the MVP of my home gym. The cast iron feels solid and tough, just like I want my weights to be. The four-rib edge grip? Genius! I’m not fumbling around trying to lift or change plates anymore—no more accidental drops or bruised toes. It’s like this 2″ Cast Iron Weight Plate was made for me and my dumbbells. Workout time just got a whole lot smoother and funnier. —Linda Crawford
I grabbed the 【45LB Single】2″ Cast Iron Weight Plate to spice up my lifting routine, and wow, it’s a total winner. The black finish looks sleek, and I love that it won’t chip or rust on me after all my sweaty sessions. The large silver numbers make it super easy to track my progress without squinting. Plus, the compatibility with standard barbell bars means no awkward fits or extra trips to the store. It’s like the perfect workout buddy I didn’t know I needed! —Derek Hamilton
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Why Cheap 45 Lb Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, having cheap 45 lb plates is essential for anyone serious about weightlifting or building a home gym. These plates allow me to add substantial weight without breaking the bank, which is especially important when starting out or gradually increasing my lifting capacity. Investing in affordable plates means I can focus more on my training progress rather than worrying about expensive equipment costs.
Additionally, cheap 45 lb plates provide great versatility. I can mix and match them with other plates, making it easier to customize my workouts and challenge myself at different strength levels. Because they’re budget-friendly, I’m not hesitant to replace or add more plates as needed, which keeps my routine fresh and motivating. Overall, having access to affordable heavy plates has been a game changer in maintaining consistency and growth in my fitness journey.
My Buying Guides on Cheap 45 Lb Plates
When I first started looking for cheap 45 lb plates, I realized there’s more to consider than just the price tag. Over time, I’ve learned what factors matter most to get the best value without compromising quality. Here’s what I focus on during my search.
1. Material and Durability
I always check what the plates are made of. Most affordable 45 lb plates come in either cast iron or rubber-coated varieties. Cast iron plates tend to be the cheapest, but they can be noisy and may chip or rust over time. Rubber-coated plates are a bit pricier but are quieter and protect my floors better. For me, if I’m on a tight budget, cast iron works fine as long as I take care of them.
2. Plate Dimensions and Compatibility
It’s important that the plates fit my barbell sleeves properly. I make sure to verify the hole diameter—standard Olympic plates usually have a 2-inch hole. Also, some cheaper plates can be slightly thicker or thinner, which affects how many plates I can load on the bar. I always measure or read reviews to avoid surprises.
3. Weight Accuracy
I’ve noticed some cheap plates can be off by a few pounds, which can throw off my training progress. Whenever possible, I look for plates that have been tested or come with a tolerance range. If I’m buying secondhand, I try to weigh them myself to ensure they’re close to the advertised 45 lbs.
4. Brand Reputation and Reviews
Even when looking for budget options, I pay attention to brands that have a good reputation. I read customer reviews to learn about durability, finish quality, and overall satisfaction. This saves me from buying plates that might crack, wear out, or have poor balance.
5. Price vs. Value
The cheapest option isn’t always the best in the long run. I weigh the upfront cost against how long the plates will last and how well they perform. Sometimes spending a little more upfront on rubber-coated or well-reviewed cast iron plates ends up saving me money because they don’t need replacing as soon.
6. Where to Buy
I’ve found good deals both online and in local stores. Online marketplaces often have competitive prices and user reviews, but local shops let me inspect the plates in person. I also keep an eye out for sales or secondhand options, which can offer excellent value if the plates are in good condition.
7. Additional Features
Some cheap 45 lb plates come with extra features like grip holes or textured surfaces, which make handling easier. While not essential, I find these small details improve my workout experience, especially when loading and unloading plates by myself.
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Buying cheap 45 lb plates doesn’t mean settling for poor quality. By focusing on these factors, I’ve managed to build a solid home gym setup without breaking the bank. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the right plates that fit your budget and training needs!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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