LeMaster deep dish weight plates are old school iron weight plates that have a classic thick design and…
The inside is recessed and designed with a 3D bodybuilder holding a barbell and a hole through the center of his crotch.
So when you load the plate on a barbell, the barbell looks like the bodybuilder has a huge penis.
Let’s check them out!
Unboxing
I got a pair of 45 lbs plates and each one came in its own box, covered in bubble wrap.
And here it is…
Love the matte black powder coat finish and the 3D design on it is awesome!
The plates I bought are second tier plates that LeMaster Barbell sells with minor cosmetic imperfections.
Plates still work the same but this way I was able to save a little bit of money.
On the plate above, you can see there’s a couple of paint chips on the sides.
The back of the plates are all black with no design.
You can see the paint is not even in the back and that’s ok with me cause these still weigh 45 lbs.
Later on I’ll show you a discount code so you can buy these second tier plates…
Specs
- Finish: Matte black powder coat
- Plate thickness: 1.95″ (49.5mm)
- Plate diameter: 17.72″ (450mm)
- Weight tolerance: +2%
What Are LeMaster Deep Dish Weight Plates?
Deep dish plates have a recessed center giving them a wide outer lip, creating a “deep dish” look.
LeMaster Barbell is known for their design where the barbell goes right through the crotch of the lifter giving it a unique look.
The back of the weight plate is plain black.
I remember using similar deep dish plates in high school so these bring back some good memories of my days in the school weight room.
The plates are just shy of 2″ thick (1.95″) which gives them a lot of stability on the bar and on the floor (less side to side wobble).
Although they’re not as thick as my XMaster bumper plates (2 3/9″), they’re quite thick for an iron plate.
Here they are next to each and you can tell the 45 lbs bumpers are thicker.
Compare that to a thin plate like the XMaster chrome weight plates or Weight It Out plates and you can see how the thick design is.
The wider the base, the less the plates will wobble side to side unless you’re using a clamp.
Top Benefits Of LeMaster Weight Plates
Stability
When I throw these deep dish plates on the bar, they feel very stable without any wobble because of the bigger surface area on the barbell.
The same goes for any exercise where I’m starting on the floor like deadlifts.
Easier to Handle
With a wide outer lip on the plates give me something to hang on to when carrying, loading, and unloading.
Best Features Of LeMaster Weight Plates
Recessed Center
The recessed center gives the plates a deep dish design so they take up more surface area for added stability and makes it easier to grab.
LeMaster Barbell Weight Plates Pros & Cons
Pros
- Grip: Recessed center makes it easier to grip the plates so carrying, loading, and unloading feels safer
- Stable: Wider plate cover a bigger surface area on the bar so there’s less wobble
- Weight accuracy: 2% tolerance
- Finish: Matte black coating protects the plate against rust especially in a high humidity environment like garage gyms
- Design: The barbell going through the crotch gives LeMaster plates an original design not seen on other plates
Cons
- Expensive: A pair of LeMaster 45 lbs deep dish plates sells for $225 (keep reading to find out how to get a discount)
LeMaster Deep Dish Weight Plates Price
At $225 for a pair of 45 lbs plates, LeMaster plates are not the cheapest deep dish plates available.
I think the high price comes from the vintage look and unique crotch design that may appeal to some but…
There is a way to bring down the price if you really wanna get your hands on a pair of these.
LeMaster Barbell Discount Code
If you don’t mind a few chips and imperfections on the plates, you can get second tier plates with minor blemishes.
The plates still weigh the same which is why I went with this option.
Just click the red button below to reveal a discount code for second tier plates.
LeMaster Deep Dish Weight Plates Alternatives
Rogue Deep Dish Plates
Rogue deep dish plates are sold in pairs and available in several weight increments (5, 10, 25, 35, 45, and 100 lbs).
I like that they have a 100 lbs plate for serious powerlifters who load up the bar.
This gives you room for more plates.
Rogue also has a deep dish Arnold Edition plate with Arnold doing a back double bicep post on the middle of the plate.
These are same plates that were used in the Arnold Strongman Classic.
Rugged Fitness Deep Dish Plates
Rugged Fitness deep dish plates are only sold in sets starting at 255 lbs.
They’re cast iron, black, with raised orange lettering.
Iron Company Deep Dish Plates
Iron Company deep dish plates are sold in packages starting at 225 lbs.
They have a matte black powder coat finish for rust prevention.
My Experience Using LeMaster Deep Dish Plates
I like the thickness on these deep dish plates because they feel very stable on the bar.
There’s no side to side wobble and the thick lip makes it easier for me to grab making them safer.
And for more, deep dish weights take me back to my high school gym days.
Conclusion: Should You Buy LeMaster Vintage Deep Dish Weight Plates?
While deep dish plates aren’t necessary, these give my home gym a classic look and some laughs with the barbell coming out of the crotch.
They’re made of out of cast iron, have an awesome matte black powder coat, and the weight is accurate.
If you love the vintage weight plates look and have room to treat yourself, these plates do not disappoint and will last you a lifetime.
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