ProSourceFit competition bumper plates are one of the best competition plates today when it comes to quality and price.
These types of bumper plates are used in Olympic lifting competitions where the plates are dropped after a lift.
For this reason, they need to be made of quality material to be able to withstand the constant pounding they take.
Things to consider before buying competition bumper plates include:
- Durometer rating
- Weight tolerance
- Plate diameter
- Plate width
- Insert type
I’ll go over in detail how ProSourceFit plates fit the criteria and compare them to other popular brands.
Durometer Rating
Competition bumper plates are measured in hardness using the Shore A hardness scale.
The lower the number on the scale, the softer the bumper plates, and the more they bounce.
The higher the number, the harder the bumper plates, and the less they bounce (this is good).
The less bounce, the less your barbell sleeves will slam against the steel insert when the weight is dropped.
ProSourceFit’s competition bumper plates have a durometer rating of 88.
Weight Tolerance
Competition plates are calibrated to be as accurate as the number shown on the plate.
When looking for a plate’s weight tolerance, make sure the number is towards the low end.
For example, a plate with a tolerance of 10 grams is more accurate than a plate with 15 grams of tolerance.
ProSourceFit’s plates have a tolerance of 15 grams of claimed weight.
IWF Standards
The IWF standard diameter for bumper plates is 450 mm so you’ll see that across the board with all companies that sell competition plates.
Each plate must also show the weight amount and be color coded to represent a specific weight.
- Green: 25 lbs
- Yellow: 35 lbs
- Blue: 45 lbs
- Red: 55lb
Plate Width
There is no IWF standard for plate width so these can vary.
Keep in mind that the wider the plate, the less space you’ll have on your barbell.
Some companies will show the width in millimeters and others in inches.
Here are ProSourceFit’s numbers based on the bumper plate weight:
- 25 lbs: 1.18″ (30mm)
- 35 lbs: 1.61″ (41mm)
- 45 lbs: 2.09″ (53mm)
- 55 lbs: 2.36″ (60mm)
Material
ProSourceFit’s competition plates are made of high quality rubber.
Rubber is the material used by most companies.
Insert Type
The metal insert in the middle of the plates has to be tough because of the nature of Olympic lifts.
Constant drops and the barbell slamming against the insert, requires a resilient type of material.
ProSourceFit and many companies use a zinc coated steel insert because of its durability and toughness.
Other Competition Plates
Below I’ll show you some of the features and numbers for different companies and then put them in a chart to make it easier to compare.
Rogue Competition Bumper Plates
Rogue’s competition bumper plates have a gloss-matte-gloss finish to them.
Like with any Rogue product you know they’ll be quality material.
Specifications:
- Plate Diameter: 450MM
- Collar Opening: 50.40MM
- Insert Type: Steel Disc, Zinc Plated
- Shore A Durometer: 86
- Weight tolerance: +/- 15 grams of claimed weight
Plate Width Breakdown:
- 25LB (Green): 1.33″
- 35LB (Yellow): 1.75″
- 45LB (Blue): 2.12″
- 55LB (Red): 2.50″
Rep Fitness
Rep Fitness claims their competition bumper plates use a patented inner collar design that increases durability.
They claim to have an extra inner steel ring (vs a single ring) that results in better absorption and dispersal of force that increases the plates’ durability.
Speficifications:
- Insert type: Zinc Coated Steel Disc Insert
- Collar Opening: 50.5mm
- Tolerance: +/- 10 grams of claimed weight
- Diameter: 450mm
- Shore Durometer Ratings: 92 ShA
- Follow international color standards (Red/55lb, Blue/45lb, Yellow/35lb, Green/25lb)
- 5 year warranty on all plates.
- Factory tested to 30,000+ drops.
Plate Width Breakdown:
- Green: 1 3/8″
- Yellow: 1.6″
- Blue: 2 1/8″
- Red: 2.6″
PRx Performance
The PRx Performance competition bumper plates feature a narrow thickness to allow for more plate loading.
Raised rubber rims increase durability by minimizing friction between plates.
PRx will throw in the pair of 25 lbs plates for FREE when you purchase the whole 320 lbs competition set.
| Material | Solid rubber with steel disc insert |
| Collar Opening | 50.4mm +/- 0.2mm |
| Durometer | 90-92 (harder, less bounce) |
| Diameter | 450mm |
| Thickness | 55lb – 63mm (2.5″) 45lb – 52mm (2″) 35lb – 47mm (1.75″) 25lb – 37mm (1.25″) |
Vulcan Strength
Vulcan Strength competition bumper plates are guaranteed to within 10 grams of stated weight.
Thinner profile than most competition bumper plates allows more plates on the bar.
Raised lettering is coated with ink that will not come off easily or fade.
The textured surface of the steel discs decreases surface scratches and scuffs.
Specifications
- Plate Diameter: 450 mm
- Weight tolerance: Within 10 grams of claimed weight
- Durometer: 85-87
- Collar opening: 50.40 mm
- Insert type: Steel disc – Bright Zinc Plated, Shot Peened
- Plate material: Virgin Rubber
Plate Width:
- 25 lbs (Green): 1.38″ (35 mm)
- 35 lbs (Yellow): 1.69″ (43 mm)
- 45 lbs (Blue): 2.13″ (54 mm)
- 55 lbs (Red): 2.6″ (66 mm)
Synergee Fitness
Synergee Fitness competition bumper plates set themselves apart from the rest with their steel disc, chrome-coated center.
This center adds to the plates’ durability and translates to an extra low bounce when dropped.
Less bounce is great for the plates, and even better for your barbell.
Specifications
- Diameter: 450mm
- Plate material: Rubber
- Insert: Steel disc, chrome plated
- Weight tolerance: +/- 15 grams of claimed weight
- Collar opening: 2″
Plate Width
- 25 lbs: 1.30″
- 35 lbs: 1.69″
- 45 lbs: 2.15″
- 55 lbs: 2.68″
Competition Plates Comparison Chart
Below you’ll see a chart comparing durometer, weight tolerance, and price.
Durometer = the hardness of the material, higher number means less bounce.
Weight tolerance = weight calibration, lower number means it is closer to the actual weight claimed.
The price comparison is for a pair of 25 lbs to keep it simple.
All these companies offer pairs of competition bumper plates in 25 lbs, 35 lbs, 45 lbs, 55 lbs, or full sets.
| Company | Durometer | Weight Tolerance | Price (25 lbs pair) |
| ProSourceFit | 88 | +/- 15 grams | $260 |
| Rogue Fitness | 86 | +/- 15 grams | $208 |
| Rep Fitness | 92 | +/- 10 grams | $190 |
| PRx Performance | 90-92 | Not found on website | $220 |
| Vulcan Strength | 85-87 | +/- 10 grams | $223 |
| Synergee Fitness | 95 | +/- 15 grams | $216 |
ProSourceFit Competition Plates Coupon
Competition bumper plates are expensive and that’s because they’re made of quality materials, calibrated, and can take a beating so their lifespan is longer than regular bumper plates.
But if you’re really looking to pull the trigger on these, I’ve got a hook up.
Click here to go to the ProSourceFit site and use coupon code SHRED10 at checkout.
That’s gonna knock off 10% of the total price.
ProSourceFit Competition Plates Review
Overall, ProSourceFit competition bumper plates stand hand in hand with the rest of the competition.
High durometer rating, weight tolerance in the average range, but a bit high on the price side.
But, with the 10% off coupon code I show above, you can cut that price down.
Plus they offer FREE shipping which is always appreciated with heavy weight lifting equipment.
Check Out ProSourceFit Competition Plates Here
ProSourceFit Competition Bumper Plates
Garage gym athlete, gym hacks, DIY gym projects, and garage gym equipment reviews