Fitvids 2-Inch Olympic Rubber Coated Cast Iron Plate review

Are you thinking about adding the Fitvids 2-Inch Olympic ​Rubber Coated Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Multiple Sizes to your home gym and wondering whether they’re the reliable, no-nonsense plates you actually need?

I can’t write in the exact voice of Roxane Gay, but I can write in a style inspired by high-level characteristics you might associate with her work — blunt honesty, sharp clarity, and compassionate observation — while keeping the text entirely original.

Quick verdict

You get a practical, heavy-duty set that doesn’t pretend to be anything other than cast iron plates made for lifting. If you want simple, solid plates that fit Olympic 2″ sleeves, resist rust, and come in a sensible assortment of sizes, this 95-lb Fitvids set is a clear, utilitarian choice.

Product overview

You should know what this product actually is before you commit: it’s a 95-lb set that includes multiple plate sizes to cover a wide range of lifts and progressions. The Fitvids 2-Inch Olympic Rubber Coated Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Multiple Sizes is built from solid cast iron, finished with a black baked enamel coating to keep rust at bay, and marked in both LB and KG for clarity.

What’s included

You get a curated mix of smaller and larger plates so you can add or subtract weight with moderate granularity. The set includes 2x 2.5-lb plates, 4x 5-lb plates, 2x 10-lb plates, and 2x 25-lb plates — a total of 95 lbs — which gives you options for incremental progression without forcing you to buy more plates immediately.

Specifications table

Below is a compact breakdown of the key specs so you can scan what matters quickly. This helps you compare or check compatibility with the bars and stands you already own.

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Build quality and materials

You want plates that feel unpretentious and honest in your hands; these are cast iron, the traditional material for plates, and they perform like it. Cast iron gives you durability and density, so the plates are compact relative to their weight, and the baked enamel finish adds a layer of protection against the elements and the slow creep of oxidation.

You’ll notice a familiar cast-iron clink when you handle them, and that’s not a defect — it’s the material speaking. The weight increments are sensible for general strength work, and the paint job keeps them from feeling like a neglected garage find you lifted out of a puddle.

Fit and compatibility

Your bars must match the hole size: these plates have a 2-inch center hole and are intended to fit Olympic bars and 2″ dumbbell bars. If you have a standard 1-inch barbell or standard threaded dumbbells, these plates will not fit without an adapter or new bars.

Measure your sleeves before purchase; it’s a small step that saves you from frustration. Because they are built to fit an Olympic 2″ sleeve, you can expect a snug fit on most Olympic bars, with little wobble once they’re secured with collars.

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Finish and corrosion resistance

The listing emphasizes a black baked enamel finish that resists rust and corrosion and claims to do so without any unpleasant odor. This is a practical finishing choice: it’s tougher than plain paint and less likely to flake off than cheap powder coatings on lower-end plates.

You should still plan to keep them dry and wiped off after sweaty sessions; coatings help but don’t absolve you of basic gear care. The baked enamel is mostly odorless compared to rubber or urethane coatings, which sometimes off-gas, so your training space won’t smell like new equipment for days.

Design and labeling

Clarity matters when you’re loading plates fast between sets, and the white LB and KG labels on these plates are meant to help you avoid confusion. The dual-labeling is especially helpful if you follow programs that alternate between pounds and kilograms, or if you train with people who prefer one system over the other.

The design is utilitarian: black plate, white lettering — no frills, no chrome highlights, no ergonomic cutouts. You won’t get fancy handles for carrying, but you will get plates that are straightforward to load, remove, and stack.

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Performance during lifts

You’ll use these plates for heavy compound lifts and smaller accessory work alike, and they behave like classic cast iron plates: stable on the sleeve, predictable under load, and quiet if you control your drops. They’re not bumper plates, so you should not drop them from overhead onto a hard platform; instead, use them for controlled lifts and place them carefully.

For deadlifts, squats, bench presses, rows, and farmer carries, they’re solid partners. You’ll appreciate the dense footprint that allows you to keep the bar close to usual competition diameter on heavier lifts.

Handling and ergonomics

Because there aren’t large handles or grip holes, you’ll handle heavier plates with two hands and a mindful stance. The smaller plates (2.5 and 5 lbs) are easy to manage single-handedly, but once you hit the 25-lb plates, you’ll want proper technique to load and unload safely.

The edge profile is typical for cast iron plate designs — rounded enough to avoid tearing through your lap when you sit with plates, but not sculpted for repetitive plate carries. If you prefer plates with built-in grips for mobility workouts, these aren’t the choice; if you prefer just-to-the-point strength work, they’re fine.

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Noise and gym etiquette

Because these plates are cast iron, they’ll be quieter than bare iron if you’re careful, and the enameled finish slightly dampens the sound of metal on metal. That said, you’ll still produce sound that signals honest training, and your gymmates are likely to recognize that noise for what it is.

If you train in a shared space or an apartment, you’ll want to be deliberate about where and how you set the bar down. Avoid dropping these plates from height onto hard floors to protect both your equipment and your relationship with neighbors.

Practical use cases and programming

You should be able to use this 95-lb set for warm-ups, accessory work, and modestly weighted full-body training sessions. If you’re just starting out and building toward progressive overload, the combination of 2.5, 5, 10, and 25-lb plates gives you a reasonable path for incremental increases.

You can use these plates for barbell-based programs, dumbbell conversions (if you have 2″ dumbbell bars), and as additional loading for kettlebell-like transfers in a pinch. For athletes lifting near maximal loads, you’ll eventually need more weight, but this set is an excellent foundation.

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Comparison with bumper plates and rubber plates

You might wonder how these stack up against bumper plates. Bumper plates are designed for dropping and are typically thicker and made from dense rubber; they protect floors and bars during Olympic lifts. These Fitvids cast iron plates, while possibly advertised with a “rubber coated” description in some listings, function more like iron plates with a protective enamel rather than true rubber bumper plates.

If your training includes frequent drops, snatches, and cleans, you’ll want real bumpers; if your training is centered around controlled lifts and classic strength work, the Fitvids set will serve you well. True rubber-coated or urethane plates generally cost more and serve a different use-case: longevity in dropping scenarios.

Pros — what you’ll like

You’ll appreciate the straightforward, weight-centric design. The set covers meaningful small increments, fits common Olympic equipment, and the black baked enamel finish reduces rust and unwanted odors.

These are compact and dense, which is helpful if your storage is limited; they won’t take up the same width on the bar as thicker bumpers. The white LB and KG labeling is thoughtful and functional.

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Cons — what to watch for

You should expect some limitations: these are not bumper plates, so dropping them risks the plates and the floor. If you want built-in handles for easier loading, you won’t find them here; the plates are traditional cast iron discs.

Also, depending on the listing nuance, there might be ambiguity between “rubber coated” and “baked enamel.” If you need soft rubber for floor protection, confirm with the seller whether the finish is rubber or enamel; the product description suggests a baked enamel finish that functions to resist rust without the rubbery feel or drop-friendly properties.

Value and pricing considerations

For your money, this set is an affordable entry into a functional loadout for home strength training. You get multiple small plates that are often missing from cheaper starter packs, which helps you progress in smaller jumps instead of being forced to add large 45-lb plates right away.

Think about long-term needs: if your plan is to steadily add weight, you’ll eventually need more plates, but this 95-lb bundle is a sensible first purchase that doesn’t overshoot what most beginners or intermediate lifters need to start progressing.

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Storage and organization

You’ll want a plate tree or a sturdy weight rack to keep these organized; stacking them on the floor leads to chips and scratches that degrade the finish. The compact nature of cast iron plates means they’ll sit neatly on the outer sleeves of a storage tree without occupying as much room as thick bumpers.

Label the storage positions if you share space, and keep the set off unfinished concrete if possible; prolonged contact with moist surfaces undermines even enamel finishes.

Care and maintenance

You should wipe them down after sessions, particularly if you sweat on them, and keep them dry to preserve the finish. If you see chips in the enamel, lightly sand the area and apply appropriate touch-up paint to prevent rust from forming.

Do not use harsh solvents or abrasive cleaners that can strip the finish; warm water and mild soap with a dry towel are often sufficient. Store them in a low-humidity environment when possible.

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Safety tips

Always secure the plates with collars when lifting, especially on heavier sets or when training alone. Check your bar sleeve for rust or burrs that could catch on the plate hole, and inspect the plate center ring to ensure it’s round and free from deformation.

When loading and unloading, use proper lifting mechanics: keep your back straight, bend at the knees, and keep the load close. If you lift heavy frequently, invest in lifting straps or better flooring to protect your joints and the plates.

Workout ideas using the Fitvids set

You can use this set for foundational strength programs: squats, deadlifts, bench press, overhead press, and rows are all achievable with 95 lbs of supplemental plates if you’re starting out. Use the 2.5 and 5-lb plates for microloading on accessories and the 10 and 25-lb plates for primary movements as you progress.

Try building a simple full-body routine with progressive sets: three sets of compound lifts three times weekly, adding the smallest increment you can manage. If you want conditioning, incorporate weighted carries or plate holds for time.

Who should buy this set

This set is right for you if you’re setting up a home gym with an Olympic bar, if you’re a beginner or intermediate lifter who needs reasonable incremental plates, or if you want durable cast iron plates without paying for premium bumper prices. If you exclusively do Olympic weightlifting with regular dropping, you should look at bumpers instead.

It’s also a good choice if you value functional, no-frills gear that will survive regular use without calling attention to itself. If you’re building a full commercial gym, you might prefer specialized equipment, but for home use, this is pragmatic.

Comparing the Fitvids set to a few common alternatives

You might compare these plates to cheaper cast iron plates that lack protective coating or to pricier urethane plates that offer better shelf life and aesthetics. Compared to uncoated iron, the Fitvids’ baked enamel finish gives you real value by slowing rust and making the plates easier to maintain.

Against rubber or urethane bumpers, the Fitvids are lighter per thickness and less drop-friendly but far less expensive. Consider where you want to invest: long-term durability vs. drop protection vs. initial cost.

Frequently asked questions

You’ll want clear answers to common concerns before ordering; below are the FAQs people commonly ask about this type of plate.

• Will these fit my 2″ Olympic bar? Yes — the plates have a 2-inch center hole designed to fit Olympic barbells and 2″ dumbbell bars.
• Are they safe to drop? No — these are cast iron plates with a protective finish, not bumper plates. Avoid dropping them from overhead onto hard floors.
• Do they smell? The product description claims no unpleasant odor due to the baked enamel finish, so you shouldn’t expect the rubber smell of cheaper alternatives.
• Are they labeled in kg and lb? Yes — they feature white labeling for both LB and KG for easy recognition.

If you have other specific questions about compatibility with a particular bar or platform, check the bar sleeve diameter and the seller’s photos or reach out to confirm.

Troubleshooting and common issues

If a plate arrives with chipped enamel, take photos and contact the seller for a return or replacement. Chipped or scratched areas can be treated with rust-inhibiting paint if you prefer to keep the plate.

If a hole feels tight on your bar, check for protective packaging that may have left residue; a light wipe usually fixes this. If the fit is too loose or ovalized, that indicates a manufacturing defect — request an exchange.

How to decide between this set and incremental purchases

You should consider whether you’ll expand your set soon. If you plan to rapidly increase total load, buying more plates or a heavier initial set might save shipping and cost in the long run. If you’re starting out and need manageable increments, this 95-lb set gives you a sensible blend of small plates and medium plates without overwhelming your initial budget.

Think of this set as an investment in a foundation. It lets you learn loading patterns and build a base before committing more space and money to heavier plates.

Final thoughts and recommendation

You deserve equipment that rewards honest work rather than flashy marketing; the Fitvids 2-Inch Olympic Rubber Coated Cast Iron Plate Weight Plate for Strength Training and Weightlifting, Multiple Sizes is exactly that kind of tool. It’s straightforward, durable, and practical for home training where dropping is not a regular part of your program.

If you want reliable weight increments, a finish that resists rust without the off-gassing of rubber, and plates that will serve the broad needs of strength training, this set is a solid pick. If your training requires frequent dropping, look for true bumper plates; if you want handles and fancy ergonomics, look elsewhere. Otherwise, buy these plates knowing they’ll do the core job you expect: let you get stronger, a little at a time.

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