7 Best XMark Weight Plates of 2026

The XMARK CHISEL 25 lb plates are a game-changer for lifters who prioritize ergonomic handling and versatile functionality. With recessed tri-grip handles positioned at 10, 2, and 6 o’clock, these plates make lifting, repositioning, and loading a seamless experience—especially when used solo for core work or plate-loaded movements. Encased in durable rubber with a stainless-steel insert, they offer a secure fit on standard 2-inch Olympic bars while resisting chipping and impact damage, solving the common pain point of cracked plates and wobbly lifts.

In real-world testing, these plates shine during dynamic transitions—like switching from deadlifts to front raises—where their comfortable grip design allows for quick, safe handling without straining fingers or wrists. The 25 lb weight is ideal for intermediate to advanced users looking to add resistance to functional movements, and the rubber coating keeps floors protected during drops (within reason). However, the distinct rubber odor—common to all rubber-coated plates—may bother sensitive users, though it fades over time. They’re best suited for garage gyms or home setups where equipment is frequently moved or repurposed.

Compared to the XMARK TEXAS STAR 25 lb plates, the CHISEL model offers superior handling versatility thanks to its recessed grips, making it a stronger pick for functional training. While both are rubber-coated and durable, the CHISEL’s design is more intentional for multi-role use, whereas the TEXAS STAR leans toward classic lifting. For users who want one pair of plates that can pull double duty—on the barbell and in hand—the CHISEL delivers unmatched hybrid utility without sacrificing build quality.

Built like fortress-grade gym armor, the XMARK Commercial Urethane Olympic Plates dominate in high-traffic environments where longevity and cleanliness are non-negotiable. This 95 lb set—comprising 25 lb, 10 lb, 5 lb (x2), and 2.5 lb pairs—delivers exceptional wear resistance thanks to its urethane construction, which laughs off drops, scrapes, and constant barbell loading. Unlike rubber plates, these are odorless, a major win for users sensitive to the strong scent of fresh rubber, and their color-coded, chip-resistant surface ensures easy identification and lasting aesthetics in any gym.

During real-world stress tests in a shared training space, these plates handled repeated Olympic lifts, plate cleans, and rack drops with zero signs of cracking or deformation. The 2-inch precision center hole fits snugly on Olympic bars, while the tri-grip handles made loading and storage significantly faster—a critical advantage during circuit training or group sessions. That said, their smooth surface can feel slightly slippery when hands are sweaty, and their higher cost per pound reflects their premium build, making them less ideal for budget-conscious home users.

When stacked against the XMARK TEXAS STAR rubber plates, the urethane set clearly wins in commercial durability and hygiene, but sacrifices some floor protection on heavy drops. While rubber absorbs more impact, urethane offers superior long-term cost efficiency due to reduced replacements. For gyms, schools, or serious home trainers who want zero-maintenance, high-reliability plates, this set is a no-compromise investment in performance and resilience.

The XMARK TRI-GRIP 45 lb plates are a rugged workhorse built for lifters who demand bulletproof durability and functional flexibility. These rubber-coated plates feature the brand’s signature tri-grip handle design, allowing for easy lifting, repositioning, and even use as improvised dumbbells—perfect for plate curls, lunges, or hip thrusts. With a solid 90 lb total weight, they’re ideal for core strength training or supplementing barbell work, and the high-density rubber resists cracking and chipping, even under aggressive use.

In practice, these plates handle heavy deadlifts and frequent loading with ease, their smooth center bore ensuring a stable fit on 2-inch Olympic bars. The rubber coating provides decent floor protection, though not as much as thicker bumper plates—so repeated high drops aren’t recommended. One minor drawback is the persistent rubber odor, typical of virgin rubber, which may bother some users initially. Still, for home gym owners who want long-lasting, multi-functional plates that can double as training tools, these deliver exceptional real-world performance.

Compared to the XMARK TEXAS STAR 45 lb plates, the TRI-GRIP model offers more ergonomic handling thanks to its recessed grips, while both share similar durability. However, the TEXAS STAR has a slightly sleeker aesthetic and broader size availability. If your priority is maximum utility and ruggedness over sleek looks, the TRI-GRIP is the clear durability champion, especially for garage gyms and functional fitness routines.

Precision is king in powerlifting—and the XMARK Calibrated Steel Change Plate Set reigns supreme for serious lifters chasing incremental gains. This KG-graded fractional set—including 5 kg, 2.5 kg, 1 kg, and 0.5 kg pairs—is machine-calibrated to ±10 grams, making it competition-grade accurate, ideal for IPF-standard training and progressive overload. The slender, uniform profile allows more plates to fit on the bar, essential when maxing out on squats or bench, while the 50.4 mm center hole ensures a tight, wobble-free fit on Olympic sleeves.

In real-world use, these plates are indispensable for micro-loading—adding just 1 kg to break plateaus or fine-tune warm-up sets. The color-coded steel construction with raised white lettering makes identification fast and clear, even mid-set. However, they’re not designed for dropping—use them strictly for loading and stripping, not Olympic lifts. Their thin, rigid build means they offer zero shock absorption, so floor protection is a must.

Against the XMARK Commercial Urethane set, this change plate set serves a completely different purpose: precision over durability. While urethane plates handle abuse, these are delicate instruments for elite training. For competitive powerlifters or coaches programming exact progressions, this set offers unmatched accuracy and IPF compliance, making it a must-have upgrade from standard fractional plates.

The XMARK TEXAS STAR 45 lb plates are the gold standard for all-around performance, earning their title as the Best Overall choice in the lineup. With a classic rubber-coated build and 45 lb weight, they deliver the perfect balance of durability, usability, and value for home and commercial lifters alike. The Texas Star design features a wide, comfortable handhold that makes loading and unloading effortless, while the high-density rubber resists chips, cracks, and fading over time—ideal for daily training.

In testing, these plates proved rock-solid on heavy squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, with a secure fit on 2-inch Olympic bars and minimal bounce on controlled drops. The rubber coating offers decent floor protection, though they’re not full bumpers—so avoid Olympic-style drops. Their wide availability from 2.5 lb to 45 lb means you can build a complete set for progressive overload. The distinct rubber smell is present but fades, and unlike cheaper plates, they maintain a consistent diameter, ensuring proper bar balance.

Compared to the XMARK TRI-GRIP 45 lb plates, the TEXAS STAR has a cleaner aesthetic and smoother edge, while both offer tri-grip functionality. However, the TEXAS STAR edges ahead with broader size options and proven reliability across environments. For anyone building a home gym or upgrading from basic plates, this model delivers best-in-class versatility and long-term trust without overcomplicating the design.

The XMARK IRON HORSE 10 lb plates are a budget-savvy powerhouse, delivering premium cast iron quality at a fraction of the cost of rubber-coated alternatives. These pre-coated sand-cast iron plates boast a smoother finish than standard cast iron, reducing rust and surface defects while maintaining that classic, no-nonsense lifting aesthetic. At just 20 lbs total, they’re perfect for warm-ups, accessory work, or filling gaps in a larger set—ideal for beginners or those on a tight budget.

In real-world use, they fit securely on any 2-inch Olympic bar, with a tight tolerance that prevents wobble. The tri-grip handle adds functional value, letting users perform plate raises, curls, or lunges without needing dumbbells. However, being bare cast iron, they offer zero floor protection—use them only on rubber mats. They’re also prone to rust if exposed to moisture, so maintenance is key. Still, for their price, the build quality and dimensional accuracy are impressive.

Stacked against the XMARK CHISEL 25 lb plates, the IRON HORSE is far more affordable and minimalist, but lacks rubber protection and odor resistance. If you need entry-level plates for light training and don’t mind basic upkeep, this set is a no-brainer value play. It proves you don’t need high-end materials to get solid, functional performance from your weights.

The XMARK TEXAS STAR 25 lb plates are the smart choice for value-driven lifters who want premium quality without premium pricing. These rubber-coated plates deliver the same Texas Tough durability as their 45 lb siblings, with a comfortable handhold design that makes loading and handling a breeze. At 50 lbs total, they’re perfect for intermediate training, accessory lifts, or completing a plate set—offering exceptional bang for the buck in both performance and longevity.

In practice, they handle daily deadlifts, presses, and front squats with confidence, their high-density rubber resisting cracks and chips even after months of use. The 2-inch center hole fits snugly on Olympic bars, and the consistent diameter ensures balanced loading. Like all rubber plates, they carry a noticeable odor at first, but it fades with time. They’re not meant for heavy drops, but for standard lifting, they’re more than capable.

Compared to the XMARK CHISEL 25 lb plates, the TEXAS STAR lacks recessed grips but offers a cleaner, more traditional profile and broader availability. While the CHISEL excels in functional versatility, the TEXAS STAR wins on overall value and reliability. For home gym owners who want trusted performance at a fair price, this pair is a smart, no-fuss upgrade from basic weights.