5 Best Olympic Weight Sets: Reviewed, Rated & Compared

Whether you're upgrading your personal home gym or building it from scratch, you’ve probably thought about weights. Weights are an excellent addition to any fitness space, especially if you're looking to build strength and tone muscle. 

In order to decide on the right weights for you, it's important to know the basics - like the fact that weights are divided into two categories: Olympic and standard. There are several differences between Olympic and standard barbells and weights, but this guide is not focusing on that comparison.

Instead, this review of the best Olympic weight sets is all about finding the perfect set of high-quality weights to add to your home gym. 

Best Olympic Weight Sets

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?

Some Olympic weight sets come with everything you need to start lifting, including the plates, bar, and barbell collars. However, others sets come with all the plates you need, but you'll have to purchase the barbell separately. 

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

XMark Olympic Bar Curl Bar with Weights ,...
  • Includes a 95 lb set of XMark TEXAS STAR...
  • Look no further. The unique TEXAS STAR...
  • The XMark Olympic EZ curl bar places your...
  • Rubber, by its very nature, is tough and...

1st 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:

Set Variations:
  • Olympic EZ curl only
  • EZ curl bar + 8 Olympic weight plates totaling 45 lbs (2 x 10, 4 x 5 and 2 x 2.5 lbs.)
  • EZ curl bar + 10 Olympic weight plates totaling 65 lbs (4 x 10, 4 x 5 and 2 x 2.5 lbs.)
  • EZ curl bar + 10 Olympic weight plates totaling 95 lbs (2 x 25, 2 x 10, 4 x 5 and 2 x 2.5 lbs.)
  • EZ curl bar + 12 Olympic weight plates totaling 115 lbs (2 x 25, 4 x 10, 4 x 5 and 2 x 2.5 lbs.)
Our rating: 4-8 Star Rating 4.8 / 5

Pros

  • Great set variations
  • Black manganese phosphate shaft in the bar
  • One of the best EZ Curl bars available
  • Exact bar and plate weights
  • Good set price
  • Tightly packed (very low return rate)

Cons

  • No locking devices or clamps included
  • Sleeves can flake over time

2. XMark Lumberjack Texas Star Olympic Set

XMark Lumberjack 7' Olympic Bar, Chrome with...
729 Reviews
XMark Lumberjack 7' Olympic Bar, Chrome with...
  • Includes the LUMBERJACK 7' Olympic Bar and...
  • The LUMBERJACK 7' Olympic bar is built for...
  • Upgraded with brass bushings, the LUMBERJACK...
  • The TEXAS STAR Olympic plate weight's...

2nd 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:

Set Variations:
  • Olympic bar only
  • Bar + 12 weight plates totaling 155 lbs (2 x 45, 4 x 10, 4x 5 and 2x 2.5 lb)
  • Bar + 12 weight plates totaling 185 lbs (2 x 45, 2 x 25, 2 x 10, 4 x 5 and 2 x 2.5 lb)
  • Bar + 12 weight plates totaling 205 lbs (2 x 45, 2 x 25, 4 x 10 and 4 x 5 lb)
  • Bar + 14 weight plates totaling 255 lbs (2 x 45, 2x 35, 2 x 25, 2 x 10, 4 x 5 lb and 2 x 2.5 lb)
  • Bar + 16 weight plates totaling 365 lbs (4 x 45, 2x 35, 2 x 25, 4 x 10, 4 x 5 lb and 2 x 2.5 lb)
Our rating: 4.7 Star Rating 4.7 / 5

Pros

  • 6 variations available
  • Great bar and plates’ quality
  • Plates are easily loadable thanks to hand spaces
  • Quality knurling
  • Well packaged

Cons

  • Rubber casing odor can be annoying to some people

3. Day 1 Fitness Cast Iron Plates

Day 1 Fitness Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip...
2,047 Reviews
Day 1 Fitness Cast Iron Olympic 2-Inch Grip...
  • Solid and Durable: This grip plate is made of...
  • Add That Little Extra: If you’re looking...
  • Comfortable and Convenient: The Day 1 Fitness...
  • Professional and Simple: The iron grip weight...

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:

Set Variations:
  • 5 lbs (2 x 2.5)
  • 10 lbs (2 x 5)
  • 20 lbs (2x 10)
  • 50 lbs (2x 25)
  • 70 lbs (2x 35)
Our rating: 4.6 Star Rating 4.6 / 5

Pros

  • Professional semi-gloss finish
  • Easy to read weight number
  • Does not include smelly rubber cover
  • 3 handle grips in each plate
  • Great price

Cons

  • Weight number in lbs only (no kilograms)
  • Just plate variations without bar

4. Cap Barbell 2-inch Plate Set

CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plate,...
7,624 Reviews
CAP Barbell 2-Inch Olympic Grip Plate,...
  • Construction made of solid cast Iron with a...
  • Features: Each weight features grip holes to...
  • Versatile: Weight plates can be used to...
  • Choices: These weight plates are available in...

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:

Set Variations:
  • 5 lbs (2 x 2.5)
  • 10 lbs (4 x 2.5)
  • 10 lbs (2 x 5)
  • 20 lbs (4 x 5)
  • 20 lbs (2 x 10)
  • 40 lbs (4 x 10)
  • 50 lbs (2 x 25)
  • 70 lbs (2 x 35)
  • 90 lbs (2 x 45)
Our rating: 4.5 Star Rating 4.5 / 5

Pros

  • 9 set variations available
  • Quality cast iron
  • 3 holes for easy grab-n-load in each weight plate
  • Plates do not smell (no rubber cover)
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Weight in lbs only (no kg)
  • Gloss-finish might have imperfections
  • No Olympic bar set variation

5. X Training Equipment Premium Olympic Set

Premium Black Bumper Plate Solid Rubber with...
350 Reviews
Premium Black Bumper Plate Solid Rubber with...
  • Pro-grade: Trust the brand found in...
  • Solid Construction: Go ahead and PR that lift...
  • Fits Olympic Bars: X Training weight plates...
  • Strong warranty: X Training guarantees our...

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:

Set Variations:
  • 20 lbs plates only (2 x 10)
  • 30 lbs plates only (2 x 15)
  • 50 lbs plates only (2 x 25)
  • 160 lbs plates only, (2 x 45, 2 x 25 and 2 x 10 = 6 plates in total)
  • 230 lbs plates only (2 x 45, 2 x 35, 2 x 25 and 2 x 10 = 8 plates in total)
  • 230 lbs plates only (2 x 45, 2 x 35, 2 x 25, 2 x 15 and 2 x 10 = 10 plates in total)
  • 350 lbs plates only (4 x 45, 2 x 35, 2 x 25, 2 x 15 and 2 x 10 = 12 plates in total)
  • Olympic 7’ Barbell + 6 weight plates totaling 160 lbs (2 x 45, 2 x 25 and 2 x 10)
Our rating: 4.5 Star Rating 4.5 / 5

Pros

  • Weight numbers are in lbs and kg
  • 8 set variations available
  • Bar variation includes spring collars
  • 100% rubber plates will not damage floor
  • Material-defect guarantee
  • Various warranty periods for weight plates

Cons

  • Smallest plates available are 10 lbs
  • Thanks to the rubber material the plates are a lot wider than Iron-casting alternatives
  • Weight plates do not have space for easy grab

Important Weight Set Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your weights is a very important aspect of strength training. If you fail to keep your set properly maintained, you run the risk of having to replace your weights sooner rather than later. 

The first step in Olympic weight maintenance is keeping a regular cleaning schedule. No matter your workout environment, you should clean your weight set after every lifting session. Sweat and chalk buildup can lead to rust over time, so always wipe down your weights. 

It's also very important that you keep the barbell well lubricated. Once the bar has been cleaned, use a weight-safe oil and soft cloth to wipe the oil along the entire length of the barbell. Do the same for the bushings and plates to keep every component of the set working smoothly. 


People Also Ask (FAQs)

Do all barbells weigh the same?

Nope! Olympic barbells are longer and heavier than regular barbells, which also makes them more durable. They can handle a higher weight capacity, so the best Olympic weight set is a better option for a serious lifter than a standard set. 

Are Olympic weights worth it?

Olympic weight sets are more expensive than your standard weights, but the added cost is totally worth it if you want a higher-capacity, more durable weight set for your at-home lifting sessions. 

What size Olympic bar should I buy?

Olympic bars tend to be between 28 and 28.5 mm for adequate whip (the amount of flex the bar has during lifts), while squat bars will be more like 29 mm.

For the length, shorter bars are less likely to bend, but wider bars have more whip. It's recommended that you don't go below 5' or longer than 7' for bar length.  


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.


Paul J

Last Updated on December 16, 2022