The Best Weight Sets for Bulking Up Your Home Gym

Sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. Despite the amount of fancy, high-tech home fitness equipment out there, the traditional barbell and weight plate combo is still a go-to for many fitness enthusiasts. With weightlifting continuing to grow as a popular training discipline, more and more people are turning to the iron to sharpen up their physiques.

Yet still, there’s something about training at home that caters to a lot of individuals. Maybe they don’t want to subscribe to a membership they might not like. Maybe they’ve had bad experiences with unethical gym-goers. For these individuals, a proper at-home weight set can be just the ticket.

Before you load your cart with just any set, though, there are some factors to consider. Features like plate composition, barbell type and overall weight included can help you get the most out of training — and your investment.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Weight Set’s Plates

One of the most important decisions you need to make when buying a weight set for your home is which plate style to choose. Most sets are available with either cast iron or bumper plates, and whichever you opt for can influence how you arrange your home gym setup, how many plates can be stacked onto the barbell and other factors.

Cast iron weight plates are the traditional silhouette you’d probably think of when picturing a barbell setup. These dishes can be thinner than rubber or urethane-based weights, allowing for more plates to fit on a traditional barbell. Because of the iron construction, though, you need to be wary of where you set up your strength training space. Cast iron plates can rust if exposed to moisture, so damp basements might not be the best home — although a little rust can certainly enhance that rugged look. Additionally, cast-iron plates will make much more noise than bumper plates, which is something to consider if you don’t want to irritate any children or pesky neighbors.

Bumper plates are typically made from a rubber or urethane base, which can help improve durability and lessen potential floor damage when dropped. Some bumpers can be thicker than their cast-iron counterparts, so if you’re maxing out with multiple 45s on the bar, you may run out of sleeve at some point. When looking at bumper plates, it’s also important to consider the sourced material used in manufacturing. Brands will oftentimes use recycled rubber in weight plates, which can carry a strong odor. Virgin rubber is available but can come with a higher price point.

What to Consider When Choosing Your Weight Set’s Barbell

Barbell weight sets can cater to a lot of strength enthusiasts but can be especially helpful for newcomers due to their one-stop-shop nature. Because of this introductory aesthetic, most sets will come equipped with a standard or Olympic weightlifting bar. Measuring 7 feet in length and roughly 29 millimeters in diameter at the shaft, these barbells will weigh either 20 kilograms or 45 pounds and are a great option for a multitude of exercises. These barbells will often feature medium knurling and two marks per the International Powerlifting Federation (32 inches apart) and the International Weightlifting Federation (36 inches apart).

Naturally, as you progress in your strength training journey, you may want to invest in a more specialized barbell like a power bar or deadlift bar, but for a majority of athletes, these standard barbells will be more than capable of handling your workout intensity.

How Much Weight Should Your Weight Set Include?

While the weight total you choose depends entirely on your fitness goals and experience — no sense in getting 600 pounds of weights when you’ll never lift that much in a single exercise — I recommend looking at weight sets between 300–350 pounds in total. This is a good number, as it not only allows for some training progress but also gives you a multitude of plate sizes across different plate weights. Most of the barbell weight sets included in this roundup feature weights around this mark, and include multiple 45s, 35s, 25s and change plates, opening up your workout possibilities even further as you grow and strengthen each lift.

How We Tested

Try as I might, I have yet to build my dream estate that houses multiple weight benches, power racks and equipment setups, so testing each of these picks side-by-side has yet to come to fruition. With that said, however, my years in strength training have given me opportunities to train with a number of the below sets either as an entire unit or by individual piece. I’ve gotten hands-on with the barbells to note their knurling and spin, as well as the plates to test their durability, accuracy and overall aesthetics. Plus, in curating this roundup I sought out worthwhile kits that delivered not just efficient gear but enough weight to help you progress into that muscle-bound physique we all desire.

Now, let’s load the bar for a heavy set and get into the best weight sets available today.

To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.

Courtesy

BEST OVERALL WEIGHT SET

Again Faster Ignite Package

• $959.00 at againfaster.com
  $1,018.00 (6% off)

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Olympic (20kg)
• Weight Included: 350 lbs.

With 350 pounds of total weight, a barbell with a tensile strength of 209,000 PSI and a clean, black aesthetic, the Ignite Package from Again Faster is a perfect weight set for your home gym. The 350-pound kit includes two 10s, two 15s, two 25s, two 35s and four 45s for a wide variety of available weight combinations across a plethora of lifts.

I also appreciate the virgin rubber composition of the plates which eliminates any pesky odors during sets. The knurling is worth noting, however, when it comes to this impressive kit. The hand patches are somewhat aggressive and can deter some athletes. For other more experienced individuals, they may prefer a barbell that boasts a center knurling patch for improved bar control during squats. Still, for the durability and price point, this Again Faster kit has plenty of spark.

Courtesy

BEST UPGRADE WEIGHT SET

Vulcan Strength 305 lb. Color Bumper Plates and Olympic Bar Set

• $843.00 at vulcanstrength.com
  $893.00 (6% off)

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Olympic (20 kg)
• Weight Included: 265 lbs.

Colored weight plates allow for easier identification of weight totals and simply look damn good in any fitness setting. This set from Vulcan Strength Training Systems has been one of my favorites for quite some time due to the IWF-standard plates with virtually no bounce, as well as the impressive Bravo Olympic Bar. Training with these bumper plates is a dream thanks to the thin, sleek design and virgin rubber construction. Plus, Vulcan offers a three-year warranty on bumper plates ranging from 25–55 pounds, which outside of change plates will ultimately see the most use in any home gym.

I do recommend taking your time across the brand’s site, however, as navigating through the tabs can be a workout in itself. After all, Vulcan Strength manufactures a ton of equipment, so it takes a little digging to get to the ideal kit before adding to your cart.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

BEST BUDGET WEIGHT SET

Fitness Gear 300 lb. Olympic Weight Set

• $350.00 at Dick's Sporting Goods
  $399.00 (12% off)

• Plate Style: Cast Iron
• Barbell Style: Olympic (45 lbs.)
• Weight Included: 255 lbs.

At less than $1.50 per pound, it’s hard to ignore the cost efficiency of this worthwhile weight set from Fitness Gear. The kit includes two plates each of 45s, 35s, 25s, 10s and 2.5s, with four 5-pound plates rounding out the lineup. I also appreciate how Fitness Gear includes barbell collars to go along with this novice-ready ensemble, as these are often forgotten fitness accessories that should always be used (okay, there is some leniency for experienced lifters).

The 45-pound Olympic barbell also features a center knurling patch which can help in controlling the bar during squats. Some athletes have noted, though, that excessive use with this weight set can lead to knurling deterioration as well as some chipping across the plate coatings. This is definitely worth noting, as any exposed cast iron can be prone to rust issues if kept in a damp environment.

Dick’s Sporting Goods

BEST WEIGHT SET FOR BEGINNERS

Ethos 205 lb. Olympic Rubber Bumper Plate Set

• $600.00 at Dick's Sporting Goods

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Olympic (45 lbs.)
• Weight Included: 160 lbs.

Just getting started in weightlifting? The Ethos 205-pound Olympic Bumper Plate set is great for novice lifters just finding their groove under the bar. I’ve found the rubberized plates to be great training tools thanks to the limited bounce and overall quietness, and the resilient barbell included in this package has plenty of knurling for optimal grip and control. The included poundage is limited to just 160 pounds, but Ethos offers additional plates to add to your strength training collection as your muscles grow stronger. Plus, who wouldn’t want to add more stylish examples of that red, raised lettering to their setup?

Amazon

BEST RUBBER-COATED WEIGHT SET

XMark 365 lb. Olympic Weights Set with Blackhawk 7-foot Olympic Barbell

• $1,091.00 at Amazon

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Olympic (45 lbs.)
• Weight Included: 365 lbs.

Rubber-coated bumper plates can help preserve your training floor and have proven to be more durable than iron-based dishes. Combine that notion with an easy-to-grip slotted profile and you get this impressive set from XMark. The Texas Star silhouette allows you to load and unload the 365 pounds of available weight with ease, and I appreciate the included Blackhawk Olympic bar with its 1,500-pound capacity.

While the knurling could be more aggressive, in my opinion, this barbell weight set could be a true blessing to your at-home workouts — and your garage floors. Just remember to pick up some barbell collars before going for that heavy deadlift — the vital accessories aren’t included in this kit.

The Strength Co.

BEST CAST IRON WEIGHT SET

The Strength Co. Olympic Barbell And Plates Set 330 lbs.

• $1,049.00 at thestrength.co
  $1,099.00 (5% off)

• Plate Style: Cast Iron
• Barbell Style: Olympic (45 lbs.)
• Weight Included: 285 lbs.

If you want your personal Iron Paradise to be, well, filled with iron, this is the weight set for you. I’ve always appreciated The Strength Co.’s cast iron plates thanks to their deep lip that makes toting the dishes from rack to barbell a breeze. Plus, the included Olympic barbell is suitable for a number of workouts and even has some enhanced whip without teetering into bending territories.

The main calling card of this worthwhile weight kit is for sure the plates, but the sleeve opening can be a little tricky to navigate for beginner athletes. The Strength Co. machines these openings to 1.99”, which according to the brand is the tightest in the industry. There’s little slide to them across the barbell sleeve, so you may need to actually push them into place rather than slide them on with little effort.

Eleiko

BEST COMPETITION-GRADE WEIGHT SET

Eleiko IPF Powerlifting Competition Set

• $5.00 at eleiko.com
  $2,707.00 (100% off)

• Plate Style: Cast Iron
• Barbell Style: Power (20 kg)
• Weight Included: 160 kg

Need your garage gym to feel like it’s the world’s stage? There’s only one brand to turn to. Eleiko has been at the forefront of competition-grade strength equipment since the brand first developed its iconic barbell back in 1963. I recommend this IPF-sanctioned weight set as the powerlifting setup is more attuned to the average garage gym enthusiast (for Olympic weightlifters, Eleiko also offers IWF-certified kits). Each plate is precision crafted to meet the governing standards of the IPF, and I words can’t do the barbell’s accuracy, whip and knurling justice.

Admittedly, though, there are few athletes that absolutely need a competition-level set such as this one. For your weekly bench and squat sessions, calibrated plates may be a little overkill. If you want to train with the best in the world, though, this is a good place to start.

Courtesy

BEST STUDIO-STYLE WEIGHT SET

Les Mills Smartbar and Weight Set

• $449.00 at lesmills.com
  $578.00 (22% off)

• Plate Style: Rubber (Specialized)
• Barbell Style: Specialized
• Weight Included: 37.4 lbs.

One of the beauties of working out with a barbell and free weights is the versatility of the setup. You can easily follow along with live and on-demand classes that include barbell-centric movements like rows, presses and more. To make switching weights between exercises easier — i.e., less time pausing your session to swap out plates — I recommend opting for a studio barbell weight set, like this premier pick from Les Mills. With a shorter barbell and easy-to-maneuver slotted plates, you’re able to follow along with your instructor while still reaping the benefits of barbell training. This isn’t a great pick for more traditional exercises like bench press or squats, but for class-style workouts, this takes the cake.

Bowflex

BEST ADJUSTABLE WEIGHT SET

Bowflex SelectTech 2080 Barbell with Curl Bar

• $449.00 at Bowflex

• Plate Style: Specialized
• Barbell Style: Specialized (20 lbs.)
• Weight Included: Up to 120 lbs.

Naturally, a weight set with its lengthy barbell and plethora of plates can eat up a good bit of your floor space when not in use. Plus, tending to your weight totals by adding and removing plates before each exercise can be taxing at times, especially if you’re training without a storage rack for your excess dishes. This adjustable option from Bowflex helps ease both those issues across its variable frame that can toggle from 20–80 lbs.. I also appreciate the included Curl Bar and upgradeable expansion kit that’s prime for taking your working totals into the triple digits.

I view the SelectTech 2080 setup as a worthwhile option for novice athletes or those that routinely follow instructor-led courses. For traditional strength enthusiasts whose goals are beyond 120-lb. 1RMs, I’d suggest looking at other kits included in this guide.

PRX Performance

BEST ALL-IN-ONE WEIGHT SET

PRx Performance Indy Elite Package

• $290.00 at prxperformance.com
  $6,830.00 (96% off)

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Olympic (20 kg)
• Weight Included: 360 lbs.

Barbell weight sets are a great starting point for building out a home gym, but this kit from PRx Performance packs in everything but the kitchen sink — even that may be in the box, too. The Indy Elite Home Gym Package not only includes 360 pounds of weight plates and a 20 kg Olympic barbell but also features a squat rack, flat-folding bench, PRO dip station and a slew of other fitness accessories. If you’re starting from the ground up, this impressive kit can provide more than enough training opportunities. Before ordering, though, be sure to measure your height limitations — the squat rack needs at least nine feet of clearance for proper setup and storage.

99 Reviews

BEST CONNECTED WEIGHT SET

Tempo Studio Pro Package

• $3,195.00 at shop.tempo.fit

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: Specialized (25 lbs.)
• Weight Included: 215 lbs.

A personal trainer can help you stay safe when lifting weights, as well as serve as a positive boost in terms of motivation and fitness dedication. Instead of inviting a stranger into your abode — or worse, traveling out to another establishment — the Tempo Studio brings the personal trainer to you in digital form. This connected fitness essential provides guided workouts for sweat-inducing progress, and the 3D-mapped form feedback keeps you in the right stature regardless of your exercise.

To get the best weight set for a variety of lifts, I recommend the Pro Package, which includes a 25-pound / Olympic-style barbell, two competition-grade 25s and two competition-grade 45s in addition to the 75 pounds of weight plates in every Tempo Studio package.

Amazon

BEST OVERALL WEIGHT PLATE

Fringe Sport Milspec Black Bumper Plate

• $169.00 at Amazon

• Plate Style: Bumper
• Barbell Style: N/A
• Weight Included: 90 lbs. (two 45s)

If you already have a barbell lying around and want to build your own weight set from scratch, consider these well-to-do bumper plates from Fringe Sport. The Milspec Bumper Plates boast a slim profile perfect for loading up the barbell sleeve, and I also appreciate the stainless steel center that keeps this vital entryway reinforced. During drops, I’ve also noticed little to no bounce from these bumpers, which I attribute to the denser plate construction.

Just be sure to wipe these impressive dishes down before getting into a hard-nosed session, though. Some athletes have noted that the plates come with a greasy residue that’s left over from the manufacturing process. The film is easy to clean off, though, provided you give these Fringe Sport workout essentials the time they’re due.

Rogue Fitness

BEST OVERALL BARBELL

Rogue Fitness Ohio Bar

• $295.00 at Rogue Fitness

• Plate Style: N/A
• Barbell Style: Olympic (20 kg)
• Weight Included: N/A

Maybe you’re itching to build the best garage gym ever and want to personalize each component of your weight training kit. For athletes that want to start at just a bare barbell, the Ohio Bar from Rogue Fitness is a strong contender. The 190,000 tensile strength is plenty capable of handling your (soon to be) massive totals, and the available coatings offer a heightened sense of personality and corrosion resistance. I also appreciate the bronze bushings which give this barbell plenty of spin for Olympic lifts.

While I think there’s few barbells that can match the performance of the Rogue Ohio Bar, admittedly, it may not be the best for everyone. For example, this barbell is designed for a variety of movements, so there’s less whip that would lend itself more to advanced Olympic lifts like the snatch or clean and jerk. Additionally, those specializing in a certain exercise like squats or deadlifts may want to opt for a more specialized barbell that fits their needs most.

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