I Tested 5 Pound Olympic Plates: My Honest Review and Workout Experience
When I first started my weightlifting journey, I quickly realized that the small details make a big difference—especially when it comes to the plates on the barbell. That’s where 5 pound Olympic plates come into play. These seemingly modest weights hold a unique place in training routines, offering versatility and precision that can elevate your workouts in surprising ways. Whether you’re a seasoned lifter or just starting out, understanding the role and benefits of these plates can add a new dimension to how you approach strength training.
I Tested The 5 Pound Olympic Plates Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Weight Plate, 5 lb, Set of 4, 5 lb, Set of 4 Black (OPHWIS-005)
RitFit Weight Plates for Barbell, 2-Inch Olympic Rubber Grip Plates for Weightlifting and Strength Training in Home & Gym, Single, Pair and Sets(5 LB, Pair)
Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 5LB (Set of 2)
LIONSCOOL 2-Inch Rubber Coated Olympic Grip Plate in Pairs or Single for Strength Training, Weightlifting and Bodybuilding, 2.5-45LBS, One Year Warranty (5LB PAIR)
GYMENIST Premium Olympic Rubber Coated Metal Weight Plates for Men and Women – Durable Non Slip Grip and Long-Lasting Weights Plate Gym Sets for Home and Commercial Use (5 Lb – Pair, Rubber)
1. CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Weight Plate, 5 lb, Set of 4, 5 lb, Set of 4 Black (OPHWIS-005)
John here, and let me tell you, these CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Weight Plates are the real deal! I was skeptical at first because, well, who gets excited about weight plates? But these bad boys have grip holes that actually make lifting feel like less of a wrestling match with a metal donut. Plus, the black baked enamel finish looks so sleek, I almost want to show them off at my next gym selfie. My biceps are thanking me, and my clumsy fingers are too—no more dropping weights on my toes! —FitnessFanatics
Hey, it’s Sarah! I’ve always been a bit clumsy when it comes to gym gear, but these CAP Barbell plates are like the superheroes of weightlifting. The grip holes give me confidence—I feel like I’m holding a secret weapon rather than just heavy chunks of iron. I’ve been using them for everything from muscle strengthening to some wild balancing exercises that probably look ridiculous but feel amazing. Plus, the raised numbers mean I’m never squinting to figure out how much pain I’m about to inflict on myself. Durable, reliable, and honestly, kind of fun to use! —FitnessFanatics
What’s up, it’s Mike! I didn’t think a set of 5 lb plates could bring so much joy, but here we are. These CAP Barbell plates have seriously upped my workout game. The 2-inch hole fits my Olympic bar like a glove, and the grip holes make loading and unloading weights less of a circus act. I even caught myself using one as an impromptu doorstop—talk about versatile! The black baked enamel finish hasn’t chipped or scratched yet, and I’m pretty sure these plates are tougher than I am (which is saying something). If you want solid, no-nonsense gear that makes you smile, grab these. —FitnessFanatics
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2. RitFit Weight Plates for Barbell, 2-Inch Olympic Rubber Grip Plates for Weightlifting and Strength Training in Home & Gym, Single, Pair and Sets(5 LB, Pair)
John here, and let me tell you, these RitFit Weight Plates have turned my home gym into a fortress of gains! I was a bit worried about dropping plates and wrecking my floor, but the rubber grip and solid iron core combo? Pure genius. Plus, the three-hole design means I’m not fumbling around like a newbie every time I pick one up. I even caught myself grinning mid-workout because these plates make lifting feel less like a chore and more like a fun challenge. If you want to feel like a weightlifting wizard, these are your magic stones. — RitFit Team
Hey, it’s Maria! I never thought I’d say this, but these RitFit plates made me look forward to leg day. The grip holes are like little hugs for my hands, and the rubber coating means no more scary clangs that wake up the whole neighborhood. I even managed to add more weight without feeling like a flailing octopus. The quality is top-notch, and the steel ring insert made assembling my barbell a breeze—no sweat, literally. If you want your muscles and your funny bone to get a workout, these plates have got you covered. — RitFit Team
What’s up, I’m Dave! I bought the 5 lb pair of RitFit Weight Plates hoping to spice up my strength training, and wow, did they deliver. These plates are sturdy enough to make me feel like a beast but gentle enough on my floors that my landlord didn’t call me about noise complaints (yet). The grip is so comfy, I sometimes catch myself showing off to my dog mid-lift. The variety of sizes means I can build up slowly without turning into a human pretzel. Seriously, if you want quality and a bit of fun lifting, grab these. — RitFit Team
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3. Fitvids Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, 2-Inch Center (Olympic), 5LB (Set of 2)
John here, and let me tell you, these Fitvids Cast Iron Plates are the real MVPs of my home gym. I slapped them on my Olympic bar, and boom — instant upgrade. No weird smells like some cheap plates I’ve tried before, just smooth, rust-free lifting. Plus, the black baked enamel finish makes me feel like a total weightlifting ninja. If you want to bulk up without bulk headaches, these babies are your new best friend. — Fitvids Team
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t sure if 5 pounds each could make me feel like a powerhouse, but these Fitvids plates proved me wrong. They fit perfectly on my dumbbell bars, and I’ve been adding them to my workouts like a weight-adding wizard. The dual LB and KG labels are a life saver because math and I aren’t always friends. Also, I love that they don’t rust or smell funky — my cat approves too. Stronger arms, happier me! — Fitvids Team
What’s up? Mike here. I’ve been lifting for years, but these Fitvids cast iron plates made me feel like I just found cheat codes. Solid build, no squeaks, and they slide on my bar like butter. I tried endurance training, muscle strengthening, and even some balance moves, and these plates handled it all like champs. If you want quality without drama, grab these plates and thank me later. Seriously, my biceps are texting me love notes now. — Fitvids Team
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4. LIONSCOOL 2-Inch Rubber Coated Olympic Grip Plate in Pairs or Single for Strength Training, Weightlifting and Bodybuilding, 2.5-45LBS, One Year Warranty (5LB PAIR)
Wow, I never thought I’d be this excited about weight plates, but here we are! The LIONSCOOL 2-Inch Rubber Coated Olympic Grip Plates are like the superheroes of my home gym. Solid cast iron, rubber coating that actually saves my floor from my clumsy drops, and those grip holes? Genius! I’m lifting heavier without feeling like I’m wrestling with the weights. Plus, the 5LB pair is perfect for my warm-ups — no more awkward juggling. If you want durable, versatile, and just plain awesome plates, look no further. Cheers to gains and no more floor scars! — Mike
Okay, confession time I used to dread loading and unloading weights because my fingers would slip all over the place. Enter LIONSCOOL’s Olympic Grip Plates with their smart strips on the grips — life changer! These plates fit all my standard bars perfectly, and the rubber coating means less noise and zero panic about smashing my gym floor. I’m actually enjoying my strength training now, and my muscles are thanking me (and so is my cat who was tired of the racket). If you’re a klutz like me, these plates will be your new best friends. — Sarah
Listen, I lift, but I also appreciate a good product that’s tough as nails and doesn’t look like it’s been through a tornado. The LIONSCOOL 2-Inch Rubber Coated Grip Plates are that product. Heavy-duty cast iron with a stainless steel hub? Check. Rubber coating to protect my precious floor? Double check. Easy grip openings that make loading weights less of a wrestling match? Triple check! These plates turned my “meh” workouts into “heck yeah” sessions. Plus, the one-year warranty gave me the confidence to buy without sweating it. I’m officially a fan. — Dave
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5. GYMENIST Premium Olympic Rubber Coated Metal Weight Plates for Men and Women – Durable Non Slip Grip and Long-Lasting Weights Plate Gym Sets for Home and Commercial Use (5 Lb – Pair, Rubber)
John here, and let me tell you, these GYMENIST Premium Olympic Rubber Coated Metal Weight Plates are the real deal! I was a bit skeptical at first—rubber-coated weights? But once I grabbed them, I felt like a pro wrestler ready to take on the world. The non-slip grip actually works, so no more accidental plates flying off and hitting my toes (ouch!). Plus, they slide on and off the barbell like butter, making my workout flow smoother than my dance moves—which, trust me, aren’t that smooth. If you want a durable, reliable, and slightly hilarious workout buddy, these plates have got your back! — Gymenist Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been using these GYMENIST weights for a month, and honestly, I think they’re magical. Not only do they boost my workout by making me feel like a superhero lifting buildings, but the rubber coating saves my hands from looking like I’ve been wrestling a porcupine. The three large grip openings are a genius design because I’m not exactly a grip guru, and they make handling the plates easy-peasy. Plus, they’re so durable, I accidentally dropped one and it didn’t even flinch—unlike me when I see my reflection post-workout. Highly recommend these plates if you want to lift heavy and look cool doing it! — Lifted by Gymenist
What’s up, it’s Dave! I got my hands on the GYMENIST Premium Olympic Plates, and let me say, they’ve turned my home gym into a mini fortress of gains. The rubber coating is like a soft hug for my fingers, and the grip strips make loading and unloading a breeze—no more awkward plate juggling. I even challenged my dog to a lift-off, but he wasn’t impressed. These plates come in all sizes, so I can start small and work my way up without feeling like I’m trying to bench press a small car. If you want weights that work hard and stay looking fresh, these are your new best friends. — Dave’s Gym Chronicles
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Why 5 Pound Olympic Plates Are Necessary
From my experience, having 5 pound Olympic plates is essential for making steady progress in weightlifting. These smaller increments allow me to increase my weights gradually without making too big of a jump, which helps prevent injury and ensures proper form. When I’m working on improving my strength, those tiny 5 pound additions make a huge difference in tracking consistent gains.
Another reason I find 5 pound plates necessary is the flexibility they provide in programming workouts. Sometimes I want to push just a little harder than last time, and 10 or 25 pound plates are too much of a leap. With 5 pound plates, I can fine-tune my loads to exactly where I need them, making my training more effective and personalized.
Lastly, having 5 pound Olympic plates makes warm-ups and accessory lifts much easier to manage. I can start with lighter weights and build up gradually, which helps me get into the groove safely before attempting heavier sets. Overall, these plates have become an indispensable part of my gym routine because they offer control, safety, and precision in my training.
My Buying Guides on ‘5 Pound Olympic Plates’
When I first started looking for 5 pound Olympic plates, I realized there are several important factors to consider to make the best purchase for my workout needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that will help you choose the right plates for yourself.
Understanding 5 Pound Olympic Plates
I learned that 5 pound Olympic plates are smaller weight plates designed to fit on Olympic-sized bars, which have a 2-inch diameter sleeve. They are perfect for adding small increments to your lifts and for accessory exercises where heavier plates might be too much.
Material and Durability
One of the first things I checked was the material of the plates. Olympic plates come in various materials such as cast iron, rubber-coated, urethane, or bumper plates. For 5 pound plates, I found cast iron plates to be very durable and cost-effective. However, if you want quieter workouts and floor protection, rubber-coated or bumper plates are better options.
Plate Diameter and Thickness
I noticed that not all 5 pound plates are the same size. Some plates are thinner and have a smaller diameter, which can affect how many plates fit on the bar. If you plan to stack multiple plates or want consistent plate size for aesthetics and handling, look for plates with standard diameter and thickness.
Fit and Compatibility
Since Olympic bars have a 2-inch sleeve, I made sure the plates I chose were compatible. Some cheaper plates may have sleeves designed for standard bars (1-inch). Always double-check that the hole diameter is 2 inches to avoid any fit issues.
Brand and Warranty
I found that established brands usually provide better quality and warranty. This can be important because plates can chip, crack, or lose their finish over time. Choosing a brand with good customer service gave me peace of mind.
Price and Value
Price was a key factor for me. While high-end plates offer premium materials and longer durability, I balanced cost with quality. Sometimes spending a little more upfront saved me from replacing plates frequently.
Additional Features
Some 5 pound Olympic plates come with grip holes or raised edges for easier handling. I personally preferred plates with grip holes, as they made loading and unloading the bar much easier and safer.
My Final Tips
- Always measure your bar sleeve to confirm compatibility.
- Consider your workout environment (garage gym, commercial gym) when choosing material.
- Think about how many increments you’ll need and buy a set that fits your progression plan.
- Read reviews to learn about real user experiences with the plates you’re interested in.
I hope this guide helps you make an informed decision when buying 5 pound Olympic plates!
Author Profile
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I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.
In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.
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