Most people who work out would like to have their own home gym. With that in mind, you might begin researching all the options out there.
Every lifter needs plates for their barbell. However, you may not have realized that this is not an easy decision to make.
Are you the type of person who will use any weight plate available, regardless of its features?
If you want consistent size and weight on your plates and intend to compete in powerlifting, then there’s no better way to do it than with a calibrated plate.
In this article, we’ll give you a rundown of what calibrated plates are, their benefits, and a quick overview of the Bells of Steel Calibrated Powerlifting Plates.
What are calibrated plates?
Calibrated weight plates are used mainly for competition and they are the highest standard plate you can get.
This type of plate is designed for performing three activities – the squat, bench, and deadlift, yet they’re also perfect for those who just want to improve their strength and work towards a new PR.
It may seem confusing with the word “calibrated” but it basically means that it’s adjusted for precision. It is measured and adjusted individually to be the exact weight it should be.
Why Do You Need Calibrated Plates?
Calibrated plates are awesome! Isn’t this a good enough reason? Just kidding! 😁
If you are deciding whether to consider buying calibrated plates (as opposed to standard iron or bumpers), consider the following benefits:
1. Accuracy
When it comes to weight accuracy, calibrated plates are simply the most precise plates you can invest in. As an example, while 44 lbs vs 46 lbs may not appear to be a significant difference on the surface, it can be pretty noticeable when loading several plates on each side.
2. Thin Profile
Calibrated plates are much thinner and have much tighter tolerances to provide you with the exact gainz you need. You can fit a lot more weight on the bar, and the the weight closer to your center of mass which gives you a completely different feel on the bar (less bar bend and whip).
3. Aesthetics and Efficiency
Some people prefer the old-school look of iron, which we totally get – but the look of a colour-coded plate is just terrific! They are not only popular, but they also make working out more efficient. You never have to double-check what you’re loading onto the bar because you know exactly what you’re getting.
4. Durability
Calibrated plates are very durable. They are built to withstand a ton of abuse and can stand the test of time.
Bells of Steel Calibrated Power Lifting Plates
These B.o.S Calibrated Powerlifting Plates are machine-calibrated iron with a beautiful powder coat finish that looks absolutely phenomenal. They come in two variations – kilogram and pound plates. Both of these calibrated plates do not yet meet IPF specifications, but they do adhere to the criteria: standardized diameters, correct colour-coding, and guaranteed to be within +/-10 grams of the claimed weight.
Each plate has a slim design for maximum loading capacity. For easy weight identification, they are colour-coded with white lettering. The colours are as follows:
- 25kg plate / 55lb plate – Red
- 20kg plate / 44lb plate – Blue
- 15kg plate / 33lb plate – Yellow
- 10kg plate / 22lb plate – Green
- 5kg plate / 11lb plate – White
Note: The 0.5lb and 2.5lb plates are missing the letter “s” in our name due to a slight manufacturing error at our factory and instead read “Bell of Steel.” – our apologies for this!
There are calibration plugs included on the back of each plate that’s made of lead and it is a much denser material than iron. It gives the exact weight and precision you’re looking for without having to have a really bulky plate.
The set’s heaviest piece (55lb) is only 28.5mm thick, or just over 1 inch, compared to our slim Machined Plates, our calibrated plates are 20% thinner, making them 30% thinner than the industry standard.
The 1.98″/50.4mm hole diameter ensures a tight fit on the bar, reducing plate slide and sleeve rattle.
Calibrated plates are always known as pricey and expensive but the savings you’ll get on these plates compared to other brands can be significant and offers exceptional quality. With that said, they are also covered under our Limited Lifetime Warranty.
What are calibrated plates - Final Thoughts
Calibrated plates are designed at a competition level for powerlifting.
Does that mean you can only use them for these three movements? Certainly not. They can be used for all the same movements you’d use iron plates for.
If you’re looking to compete in powerlifting and want the same experience at home, at a price that won’t break the bank, the Bells of Steel Calibrated Powerlifting Plates are by far your best option.
