5 Best Olympic Weight Sets: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Olympic Weight Sets Compared

A Quick Guide to Olympic Weight Sets

What exactly is included in the Olympic set? By default, it consists of one Olympic barbell and several Olympic plates, or just the plates with several variations. Most of the sets in our guide offer several variations, which will be outlined in each product review below.

So who can benefit from using Olympic weights over a standard weight set? Pretty much anyone who has lofty strength-training goals. Olympic sets have a higher weight capacity, so they're ideal if you want to challenge yourself. 

If you have decided to go for Olympic weights instead of standard weights, you should definitely consider purchasing a full set. This is a much more affordable alternative to purchasing individual Olympic weights separately.

What to Look for In Olympic Weight Sets

Durability

Weight lifting is an intense workout, so your weight set needs to be able to withstand that intensity. The good news is that Olympic weight sets are notorious for being more durable and heavy-duty than standard weights. 

Ease of Use & Adjustability

Obviously, you want to choose an Olympic weight set that's easy to use. It shouldn't be a hassle to put plates on or take them off the bar to adjust your weight, and the collars should go on easily without ever being loose or insecure. 

Weight

Like I said before, these sets come in a lot of different variations when it comes to the amount of weight included. Be sure to choose a set that accommodates your current ability and future goals, and check that the increase in weight increments is manageable for you. 

For instance, if you foresee yourself making slight increases as you get stronger, you'll want to avoid a set that makes significant jumps between weights.

Materials

The barbell should be made of high-quality steel, and the best weight plates are typically made from sturdy cast iron. 

What's Included?

Price 

When it comes to cost of the best Olympic weight sets, the price you pay depends mostly on what's included in the set. If more plates are included in one set than another, then you can expect to pay more. 

5 Best Olympic Weight Sets Reviewed

1. XMark Olympic XM-3675

1^st on our list is a combo from XMark, which focuses on the Olympic EZ curl bar. 

The Olympic EZ curl bar (XM-3675) uses a 28 mm black manganese phosphate shaft and comes with brass bushings. The bar has a 28 mm grip with medium knurling, weighs 22 pounds, and offers 400 pounds weight load.

They offer 5 recessed openings for comfortable hold and load and the holes are 2 inches in diameter. This is definitely a great Olympic weight set, especially if you're looking for a specific variation. The set comes in 5 different variations:

2. XMark Lumberjack Texas Star Olympic Set

2^nd on our list of the best Olympic weight sets is also manufactured by XMark, a popular fitness brand for those looking for affordable home gym equipment. 

The Lumberjack bar features 28 mm black manganese phosphate shaft with semi-aggressive knurling with dual knurling marks. The bar is built to last and has been upgraded with brass bushings. The total distance between the collars is 52 inches, which is great if you prefer a wide grip.

The TEXAS STAR Olympic weight plates come with 5 recessed openings for a comfortable hand grip and easy loading. The cast-iron plates are covered with premium rubber casing with over time-dissipating odor.

This particular set includes the Lumberjack 7’ Olympic bar and Olympic weight plates, with 6 available variations:

3. Day 1 Fitness Cast Iron Plates

Next on our list of the best Olympic weight sets is the weight-plates set only by Day 1 Fitness. This set does not have a variation with an Olympic bar, it’s the plate-set only. However, many people only need the plates and already have a barbell, so I thought it would be a good addition to the list. 

The Olympic weight plates are made of heavy-duty cast iron with the standard 2-inch hole. The Day 1 Fitness unique design adds extra comfort; each plate offers 3 handle grip spaces. Each plate has a semi-gloss finish for a professional and clean look.

The plates are sold in two sets and have five variations:

4. Cap Barbell 2-inch Plate Set

Cap Barbell brand manufactures Olympic weight plates as well and, as it turns out, they are one of the best on the market.

These fellas are made from solid-cast iron. 3 over-sized holes for easy grab and load are part of each weight plate. Naturally, as with every Olympic plate, these 2-inch hole ones fit on every Olympic bar and on a variety of fitness machines.

They are coated in semi-gloss finish for professional look and corrosion protection. All in all, the Cap Barbell 2-inch plate set is definitely one of the best Olympic weight set on the market.

They offer several sets of two and sets of four variations:

5. X Training Equipment Premium Olympic Set

The last, but not least on our list of the best Olympic weight sets is the one manufactured by X Training Equipment.

The barbell is standard 7 Olympic barbell weighing 45 lbs.

Plates are designed for low-bounce and high durability, which is very convenient for exercises like deadlift and weightlift. The plates are made of 100% solid rubber, which will protect your floor. They come with standard Olympic 2-inch hole diameter.

They offer 8 set variations in total:

Conclusion

That’s it for the list of the 5 best Olympic weight sets on the market! 

If you are on the hunt for Olympic weights, don’t forget to check pros and cons of each, and make sure to choose the right variation based on your fitness goals.