My Honest Signature Fitness Bumper Plates Review 2024

If you’re in the market for bumper plates, chances are you’re looking for something durable, cost-effective, and reliable. After extensive use of the Signature Fitness 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub, I feel well-equipped to share my firsthand experience with this product. This review is intended to provide an honest and comprehensive overview of these bumper plates, detailing their strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance in various workout scenarios.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When I first received the Signature Fitness bumper plates, I was immediately struck by their solid construction. The plates arrived promptly, and despite some minor damage to the outer packaging, the weights themselves were in excellent condition. One of the most noticeable features was the distinctive rubber smell, which is common with virgin rubber products. While initially quite strong, this odor dissipated significantly after a few weeks of use and some airing out in the garage.

The plates came in standard weights ranging from 10 lbs to 55 lbs, all of which were uniformly black with raised white lettering for easy identification. The 2″ steel hub fit perfectly on my Olympic barbell, and the plates felt secure once mounted.

Build Quality and Design

The Signature Fitness bumper plates are made from 100% virgin rubber, which is a significant selling point. This material choice ensures that the plates are durable, have a low bounce, and produce minimal odor compared to recycled rubber alternatives. The low bounce is particularly important for safety during high-impact lifts such as snatches and clean and jerks, where uncontrolled rebounds can be hazardous.

One of the standout features of these plates is their steel hub, which provides additional durability and ensures a snug fit on the barbell. This steel hub also helps distribute the weight more evenly, reducing wear and tear on both the plates and the barbell.

However, I did notice that the white lettering on the plates tends to scratch off easily, which is purely an aesthetic issue but worth mentioning for those who prefer their equipment to maintain a pristine look.

Performance in the Gym

– Weight Accuracy

Weight accuracy is critical for consistent training, and I found the Signature Fitness plates to be very precise. I weighed each plate upon arrival and found only minor deviations, with the heaviest variance being less than 1 lb. This level of accuracy is more than acceptable, especially for non-competition settings.

– Versatility

These bumper plates have proven to be extremely versatile. I’ve used them for a variety of exercises, including squats, deadlifts, bench presses, and Olympic lifts. The uniform diameter of the plates (except for the 10 lbs ones) ensures that the barbell maintains the same height from the ground regardless of the weight being used, which is essential for proper lifting form.

– Durability

Durability is where these plates truly shine. After several months of rigorous use, including frequent drops from overhead during Olympic lifts, the plates have held up remarkably well. There has been no significant deformation or damage, and the rubber has remained intact without chipping or cracking. The low bounce of the plates has also been a boon, reducing the risk of damage to both the weights and the flooring.

– Floor Protection

Using bumper plates inherently protects your flooring better than traditional iron plates. The virgin rubber coating absorbs much of the impact, which minimizes damage. Even in my home gym, where I don’t have professional-grade flooring, the plates have kept my floor free from dents and cracks.

Price and Value

One of the major advantages of the Signature Fitness bumper plates is their cost-effectiveness. Compared to other brands on the market, these plates offer excellent value for the price. This is particularly true if you purchase them in sets, which are often discounted further. For instance, the 260 lbs set I bought was significantly cheaper than purchasing the plates individually or compared to other high-end brands.

However, it is essential to weigh this cost benefit against some of the minor quality control issues. While the plates are durable and functional, the occasional aesthetic imperfections, such as scratched lettering and slight weight variances, might be off-putting for some users.

Common Issues and Considerations

– Rubber Smell

As mentioned earlier, the rubber smell can be quite strong initially. This is a common issue with virgin rubber products and can be mitigated by cleaning the plates and allowing them to air out before use. Over time, the odor diminishes significantly, but if you have a sensitive nose or plan to use the plates in a confined space, this is something to consider.

– Aesthetic and Quality Control

While the plates perform well functionally, the aesthetic quality control could be improved. The white lettering tends to wear off quickly, and some plates arrived with minor cosmetic imperfections. Additionally, there were reports of varying diameters among plates in some customer reviews, though I did not experience this issue with my set.

– Customer Service and Shipping

My experience with customer service was largely positive. The plates arrived on time and in good condition. However, some customers have reported issues with missing hardware or delays in shipping. It’s worth noting that Amazon’s return policy is quite accommodating, which can help mitigate these concerns.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, the Signature Fitness 2″ Olympic Bumper Plate Weight Plates with Steel Hub offer a robust and cost-effective solution for both home gyms and more serious training environments. Their durable construction, precise weight accuracy, and low bounce make them a safe and reliable choice for a wide range of exercises.

While there are minor drawbacks, such as the initial rubber smell and some aesthetic issues, these are outweighed by the plates’ overall performance and value for money. If you’re looking for affordable bumper plates that don’t compromise on quality, the Signature Fitness bumper plates are a solid investment.

Overall, my experience with the Signature Fitness bumper plates has been overwhelmingly positive. They have become a staple in my workout routine, providing reliable performance and durability at a price point that is hard to beat. If you’re in the market for new bumper plates, I highly recommend giving these a try.