Understanding the Size and Weight Difference
When choosing bumper plates for Olympic lifting, the pair weight is an obvious starting point, but plate thickness and diameter matter just as much. The Northern Olympic Rubber Bumper Plates are available in individual pairs, including a 25kg pair (2 x 25kg) and a 5kg pair (2 x 5kg). Both share the same outer diameter of 45 cm, so they fit standard Olympic barbells and allow consistent bar height from the floor. However, the thickness varies significantly: the 25kg plates are the thickest in the range at up to 8.9 cm, while the 5kg plates are the thinnest at just 2.6 cm.
At a Glance: 25kg Pair vs 5kg Pair
- Olympic Bumper Plates - 25kg x 2 (50kg): 2 x 25kg (50kg total) – outer diameter 45 cm, thickness up to 8.9 cm The 25kg pair provides the heavy loading needed for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts, but its thickness means it takes up more bar space.
Olympic Bumper Plates - 25kg x 2 (50kg) - Olympic Bumper Plates - 5kg x 2 (10kg): 2 x 5kg (10kg total) – outer diameter 45 cm, thickness 2.6 cm The 5kg pair is ideal for warming up, technique work, or incremental loading, but its thin profile can make it less stable when dropped alone.
Olympic Bumper Plates - 5kg x 2 (10kg)
Safety Consideration for Light Bumper Plates
A critical safety note from the manufacturer applies specifically to the 5kg plates: they should not be dropped if they are the only plates on the bar, except in emergencies. This is because a thin, lightweight plate can bounce unpredictably or damage the bar sleeve when dropped without additional weight. In contrast, the 25kg plates are heavy enough to absorb impact and stay stable on the bar during drops. If you plan to use 5kg plates for Olympic lifts that involve dropping the bar, pair them with heavier plates to ensure safe, controlled landings.
Which Pair Should You Choose?
- 25kg Pair (50kg total): Best for heavy strength work, Olympic lifts, and as a core component of a larger set. Thicker profile requires more bar space, so plan your total bar load accordingly.
- 5kg Pair (10kg total): Best for warm-ups, technique drills, and fine-tuning load increments. Not suitable as the only plates on the bar for dropping. Ideal as a supplement to a heavier set.
Building a Complete Bumper Plate Set
Many lifters start with a pair of 25kg plates and add lighter pairs like the 5kg to build a versatile set. The Northern range also offers pre-configured sets (60kg, 100kg, 150kg) that include multiple pairs for balanced loading. If you are equipping a home gym for Olympic lifting, consider how the thickness of each plate affects how many you can fit on the bar, and always respect the safety guidance for light plates.
