Whether you’re building a garage gym or upgrading your commercial space, a good set of weight plates is a key component of any training environment. While classic cast iron plates can get the job done for traditional exercises, the best bumper plates can be a significant upgrade for weightlifters, CrossFit athletes, or anyone who may drop their barbell from time to time.
Bumpers can offer protection for your gear and flooring, and since most have the same diameter, the bar is constantly at the same height from the floor—a plus for lighter deadlifts and rows. Additionally, even though the materials are different, bumper plates have been shown to have no biomechanical differences1 when compared to standard iron plates. This means you can use them for nearly any exercise, even if you’re not practicing Olympic lifts.
There are quite a few bumper plates on the market worth considering, which is why we test as many as possible to help our readers find the best options for their needs. In this GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates review, I’ll share exactly why we love these plates in an effort to help you decide if they make sense for your particular setup.
Our GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Review, Summarized
The GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates stand out for their excellent sound absorption and minimal bounce, earning an overall score of 4.4 out of 5 stars. The density of the virgin rubber is excellent, according to our testers, and these plates performed very well in our trials. If you don’t need competition-grade plates, these can be a great choice, especially at this price point.
Since most bumper plates are designed to be dropped countless times in your training, we need to carefully assess the durability to ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. We perform a variety of exercises with each set of plates we test, repeatedly dropping them to check for any apparent damage. We give 3-out-of-5-star ratings to plates that don’t exhibit any structural damage post-drop, but cosmetic issues may become present over time.
For this category, we’re looking at the durometer rating, which measures the density of a rubber compound. We’ll also examine how much the plates bounce once dropped from varying heights. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, we should see a moderate, yet controlled bounce, as well as a durometer rating in the 60s (if not higher). Higher scores are given to plates with significantly higher durometer ratings.
Weight tolerance refers to the accuracy of a plate’s stated weight. In other words, a plate labeled “45 pounds” should be as close as possible to 45 pounds when weighed, but we commonly see variances that range from 1% to 3%. A tolerance of ±3% means the plate may be up to 3% heavier or lighter than it claims to be. To earn a 3 out of 5, we want to see bumper plates with 2-3% weight tolerance.
To accurately rate each bumper plate we test, we take each weight through as many workouts as possible, examining their performance across varying exercises and sessions. To date, we’ve tested over 25 different bumper plates, putting them through drop tests, hard training sessions, and more. We then use our equipment testing methodology to calculate a final score. This helps us rate each set of plates on a scale of 1-5 in key categories, including ergonomics, design, value, customer experience, and more.
The Garage Gym Reviews team of expert testers includes gym owners, weightlifting coaches, CrossFit athletes, certified strength and conditioning specialists, and even a former Olympian. We have extensive experience testing home gym gear, including squat racks, Olympic barbells, weight plates, squat shoes, and much more.
The Base Bumper Plates from GIANT Lifting offer a clean aesthetic thanks to the black exterior and raised white lettering. Available in paired plates or bundles up to 350 pounds, these durable plates can be perfect for your budding home gym or commercial space. We also appreciate the raised “Easy-Grip Rim” that can take the hassle out of handling these weights before and after your heavy sets.
What to Know Before You Buy
- GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates have a durometer rating between 88 and 90, which means they’re made of dense rubber and exhibit minimal bounce when dropped.
- Our tester notes that these bumpers absorb sound pretty well, and they’re quieter than other bumper plates he’s used in the past.
- The 10- and 15-pound plates have a slightly smaller diameter than standard bumper plates, which can affect the mechanics of your lift if using those plates on their own.
Are the GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Worth It?
These low-bounce rubber plates are a bit more affordable than the average bumper plate, so they’re immediately going to be an appealing option for most home gym owners. However, before you buy these, you’ll want to make sure they’re a good fit for your needs, overall.
Below are some groups we feel could benefit from these GIANT bumper plates, along with some suggested camps that may fare better with a different weight plate silhouette:
If you still think these may be a good fit for your training, keep reading to learn about the key features and specs, as well as our tester’s notes and scoring.
GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $2.22-$3.75 per pound; $291.97-$851.94 per set |
| Materials | Virgin rubber with stainless steel insert |
| Weight Range | 10-45 lbs |
| Weight Tolerance | ±3% |
| Diameter | 17.51″ (10-15 lbs), 17.72″ (25-45 lbs) |
| Insert | Stainless steel |
| Plate Thickness | 0.94” (10 lbs) to 2.81” (45 lbs) |
| Durometer Rating | 88-90 |
| Warranty | 1-year warranty on 10-15 lbs, 3-year warranty on 25-45 lbs |
Experience Using the GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates
For this review, our tester was Orlando Castillo, USAW-L1—a former CrossFit athlete and current weightlifter. Orlando uses barbells and bumper plates for a majority of his workouts, and thus has plenty of experience with a variety of plates.
Overall, he was impressed with his testing experience, particularly in regard to the drop performance of the GIANT Lifting bumper plates.
RELATED: Bumper Plates Vs Iron Plates
“I loved these plates,” says Orlando. “What stood out the most was the lack of bouncing from various dropping points.”
While they still have enough bounce to absorb the impact of a fall, you don’t have to worry about them bouncing back up and hitting you, which can happen with moderate- or high-bounce plates.
These GIANT bumpers also cost less than the average bumper plate, and the brand offers free shipping. They feel very tough (thanks to the durable rubber construction), and should last for countless training sessions.
If you’re looking to hit PRs in your home gym, I prefer bumper plates like these GIANT Lifting profiles. The dense rubber can be ideal for preserving your home gym flooring (and concrete subflooring), and the compound does wonders for keeping the noise levels down. The Base Bumper Plates are also constructed with virgin rubber, which can help cut down on that ‘old tire’ smell you sometimes get with crumb rubber plates.
Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC
GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Rating
Construction and Durability
For construction and durability, these plates earn a perfect 5-out-of-5-star rating. We’re extremely impressed with the high-density rubber, especially when you consider that these plates have a lower-than-average cost (more on that later).
“The only wear on the plates was from shipping due to dust and packaging,” Orlando explains. “The plates seemed to be in great condition, and weight numbers were very visible from a distance. I didn’t notice any signs of wear, either, even after multiple drops.”
The plates use premium virgin rubber, which is a low-odor material that’s durable and provides plenty of protection for both your barbell and flooring. At this time, we have no concern about the lifespan of these Olympic bumper plates, and feel confident that they can last for years to come.
Weight Tolerance
For weight tolerance, which reflects how close a plate’s actual weight is to the claimed weight, we give these GIANT plates 3 out of 5 stars.
The brand claims the weight tolerance is ±3%, which means the plates could be up to 3% lighter or heavier than what’s listed on the exterior. This should be close enough for most home lifters, but competitive weightlifters will probably want to choose weight plates with a little more accuracy and precision.
Bounce
The bounce (or lack thereof) is what impressed our tester the most. GIANT claims the plates have an 88-90 shore hardness, which refers to the density of the rubber as measured by a durometer. This is an impressive score, and according to our methodology, anything above 85 should receive at least 4 stars. As such, Orlando rates the GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates at 5 out of 5 for the category.
“After dropping the plates from different positions, the plates felt very quiet at landing with impressive shock absorption,” says Orlando. “With Olympic barbell collars, there was no need to re-adjust from excessive bouncing, and the plates are quieter than expected.”
Orlando adds that these plates can still bounce a little too much for deadlifts, but that’s really the only exercise we’d recommend avoiding with these weights.
Design and Ergonomics
This category is based on the look and feel of a given plate, and these earn 4.5 out of 5 stars for the category. “The plates are sturdy and easy to hold, and the plates slide very smoothly on and off the bar,” says Orlando. “The lettering is very nice and consistent, too, and overall, they’re a great-looking-and-feeling set of plates for daily use.”
The slim profile can help you fit plenty of weight onto your barbell sleeves, as well, but we docked half a point because Orlando also noted that they feel a little slippery when first unboxed. They’re also only sold in a solid black colorway with white font and numbers (which we like), but this means there are no options for color-coded plate sets.
It’s also worth noting that the 10-pound and 15-pound pairs have a slightly smaller diameter of 17.51 inches, while the heavier plates have a diameter of 17.72 inches. This is intentional, so that when you’re using them with heavier plates, they don’t touch the floor. This can help minimize excessive wear and tear.
It’s a small difference, yes, but one worth pointing out for serious weightlifters who may be used to a certain bar height; a smaller diameter means the barbell will be slightly lower to the ground when using those lighter plates by themselves.
Weight Options
We give these GIANT plates a 5-out-of-5-star rating for weight options. They essentially have everything you need, and plates are available in 10-, 15-, 25-, 35-, and 45-pound weight increments.
The plates are sold in pairs, but there are also eight bumper plate sets to choose from, all at varying weights, which can allow you to order plates in bulk and receive a discount in comparison to buying individual pairs outright.
Value
Our value score is based not only on the total price, but how the plates compare to others on the market.
The plates are sold in pairs, ranging from $74.99 for a pair of 10-pound plates to $199.99 for a set of 45-pound plates. These Base Bumper Plates can also be ordered in bulk sets ranging from 100 to 350 pounds, which can help you save even more money.
If you crunch the numbers, this cost ranges from roughly $2.22 to $3.75 per pound. Since the average bumper plate costs around $2.49 per pound, we give these bumpers 4 out of 5 stars for value.
Customer Experience
Overall, GIANT offers a strong customer experience, which earns 4 out of 5 stars from our testing team.
The 25- to 45-pound plates are protected by a three-year warranty, while the 10- and 15-pound plates are supported by one year of coverage. These warranties apply to both home and commercial settings.
We love that shipping is free, too, which can be quite expensive when ordering from other manufacturers. That said, you’ll need to pay for your own return shipping if you have any issues. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase, and you can reach customer service via phone or email.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing, these plates have 591 customer reviews on the GIANT Lifting website, resulting in an average score of 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Customers have been very impressed with the quality, durability, and lack of a strong rubber odor. Here are a handful of direct testimonials for more added insights:
GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Vs
For those on the fence about these GIANT bumper plates, fear not—there are plenty of other options to consider.
If you prefer crumb rubber—which is often cheaper and has a thicker, rougher texture that’s easier to grip—we love the PRx Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates. They’re a little thicker than GIANT’s Base Bumpers, but they can be a good choice for those who want something aesthetically different and don’t mind spending a little extra money.
On the other hand, if you’re a serious weightlifter who’s willing to spend more on competition-grade weights, it’s hard to beat the Rogue Competition Bumper Plates. They’re extremely durable, color-coded, and certified by the International Weightlifting Federation. For more information, be sure to read our full Rogue Competition Bumper Plates review.
| GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates | PRx Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates | Fringe Sport Black Bumper Plates | |
| Price (Original MSRP) | $37-$100 per plate, sold in pairs and sets | $51.99-$187.99 per plate, sold in pairs and sets | $38.50-$139.50 per plate, sold in pairs and sets |
| Weights | 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs | 10, 15, 25, 35, and 45 lbs | 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-kg |
| Material | Virgin rubber with stainless steel insert | Recycled crumb rubber | Rubber with chrome-plated steel disc insert |
| Durometer Rating | 88-90 | Not disclosed | 94 |
| Weight Tolerance | ±3% | Not disclosed | +/- 15 g |
| Plate Thickness | 0.94” (10 lbs) to 2.81” (45 lbs) | Not disclosed | 1.15” (10 kg) to 2.5” (25 kg) |
Final Verdict of Our GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Review
Overall, the GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates are high-quality plates that can be great for nearly anyone interested in strength training, especially when you factor in the approachable price point. They’re very durable, have minimal bounce, and come with generous warranty coverage for both home and commercial gym use.
The only minor drawbacks are that the 10- and 15-pound bumper plates are slightly smaller than standard plates, and the weight tolerance is good, but not great. That said, if you don’t need competition-grade weight plates, these are some of the best bumpers on the market at this price point.
- Shipping is free, which can save you quite a bit of money compared to ordering from other manufacturers.
- While we like the sleek black aesthetic, it would be nice to see color options for those who want more visual variety.
- The price is fantastic for the quality you’re getting, but the weight tolerance of ±3% is probably a bit more generous than competitive weightlifters would prefer.
GIANT Lifting Base Bumper Plates Review: FAQs
Are GIANT Lifting bumper plates good?
Yes. We tested the Base Bumper Plates and found them to be extremely durable, affordable, and enjoyable to use. They’re not competition-grade plates, but can serve as a fantastic choice for most home and commercial gyms.
What are bumper plates used for?
Bumper plates are traditionally used for weightlifting exercises like the snatch, clean and jerk, and more. They usually have the same diameter regardless of the plate weight, which can allow you to have the same bar height on the ground at any total. The rubber compound is also meant to be dropped without damaging your barbell or flooring.
What are the best bumper plates?
There are plenty of great bumper plates to choose from. Some of our favorite manufacturers include GIANT Lifting, REP Fitness, Bells of Steel, Rogue, and Titan Fitness, among others.
References
- Fiedler, M. J., Triplett, N. T., Hamilton, K. C., Needle, A. R., & van Werkhoven, H. (2024). The Effect of Different Weight Plate Widths (Bumper vs. Standard) on the Biomechanics of the Bench Press. Journal of strength and conditioning research, 38(4), e143–e149. https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000004679
