Lifting weights are the main part of doing exercise in our lifestyle routine. Weights are made out of different materials and not all look the same. Dumbbells and plates are workout tools, that are made from a heavy material. Sometimes weights are made of exposed iron and other times it is coated with a rubber or plastic material. The variations in styles and kinds mean there is a different type for everybody. In most cases, a dumbbell features a 6-inch shaft with a ball or plate on both ends. The dimensions of the plate or dumbbell determine the quantity of a load of every weight – anywhere from .5 lb. to 100 lbs.

Pros and Cons of each weight type

There are pros and cons to using each kind of weight. The exposed metal weights are different from rubber-coated weights in these ways:

Rubber Weights

Rubber coating dampens the sound of the weight hitting the ground when dropped.

The increased width of weight & uniform outer diameter reduces the strain over the barbell by evenly distributing the rebounding force.

Rubber weights can be used as rough and tough after using the rubber plate drop from the height.

Iron Weight

Makes a loud sound when iron weights are dropped onto the ground. It can even cause damage to your gym floor if you are not careful.

With Iron weight, the flexibility is restricted to powerlifting & general strength workouts. You’re not recommended to drop the load-loaded bar from overhead or not even from hip height.

The iron weight can be used normally however, it can’t drop from the top of the height because there’s a chance the iron plate can crack or break.

What is the difference in shape, size, and weight?

The difference between rubber weight and Iron weight on the basis of shape, size, and weight is given below.

Their width and density

The difference between iron and rubber weights is that iron weights tend to be denser and have a thinner bar and thus tend to be preferred by powerlifters who are moving massive weights. Rubber weights, because they’re made out of tough rubber, tend to sit more widely on the bar because they get their density from their width.

Iron and rubber weights are different sizes in diameter.

The second difference between rubber and iron weights is the size difference in diameter. All rubber or bumper weights are equivalent across all weights, and iron weights vary in diameter. The rationale for this is that rubber weights are often designed to suit the bar and hold the bar at the right height for a deadlift or starting. Iron weights are used much less frequently in those movements so they vary in their width.

What is the purpose of using each?

Rubber Weights

Have you ever visited a gym, and rather than racks with hard iron Weights, there have been colorful stacks of rubber-coated weights?
Elite-quality rubber weights or training weights are made up of a steel core with a protective coating of the thick rubber. After that, you can leave weight from the height without having to stress about breaking the weight.

When most of your workout depends on specializing in lifting the maximum amount as you’ll, and as quickly as you’ll, rubber weight is a requirement. Take CrossFit as an example. At the time of doing exercise, just like the overhead squat or snatch, increase the prospect that you’ll need to drop the load from overhead. Rubber weight allows you to try to do that confidently.

Rubber weights are more durable. Because they have two layers of coating, one is of metal, and over the metal, it is coated with a thick rubber sheet. So, there is very little chance of scratches appearing on the rubber weight.

The durability and usefulness of a rubber weight go beyond a couple of years. This stuff will stay with you in excellent shape for many years to return, provided you are doing basic maintenance on them. For instance, don’t leave them in extreme weather.

Iron Weights

The traditional iron weights are what you’ll find in most non-niche gyms. Iron weight is often the bread and butter of your old-fashioned bodybuilding gyms. Once the molten iron cools, you’ve got yourself a hardened iron weight plate.

There are different sizes of weight plates present, but if you’re buying Olympic – which you usually should – you’ll notice that they’re always an equivalent regulated shape.

There is nothing like that feeling of grabbing an iron-weight plate and throwing it on a barbell for those folks who grew up surrounded by iron. Classic Grit Feeling will help with motivation. The thought that you’re pressing iron weights then they may be a lot more motivating than pressing rubber.

One of the primary differences you’ll notice between a rubber plate and an iron plate is how easy it’s to hoist up an iron plate. Most rubber weights are solid with no grab holes, thanks to the plastic coating.

Like rubber weights, traditional iron weights will be around for years to return, provided you look after them properly.

Is there a difference in cost between Iron and Rubber Weights?

Yes, there’s a difference between Iron weight and rubber weight. Rubber weights tend to be more expensive than Iron weights.  Yes, there are plenty of iron weights out there, and a few are often super expensive, but generally, iron weights are less expensive than rubber weights. A 10lb rubber weight and a 10lb iron weight are precisely the same amount and are both getting you the gains you’re trying to find.

Visit DFX CrossFit

If you are trying to get into lifting weights and aren’t sure which kind to buy, maybe you should just consider saving your money on weights and just visit a gym that already has them. Buying weights for your own gym can cost thousands of dollars, whereas a gym membership will cost you a fraction of that.

If you are in the Raleigh area and are trying to get into weightlifting, consider trying CrossFit with DFX. We offer classes and personal coaching to those who would like to participate. Fill out the contact information below if you would like to learn more about our CrossFit gym!