What is an Olympic disc?
Olympic discs are used mainly in weightlifting and athletic strength, also known as weigthlifting and powerlifting respectively. They have a number of specific characteristics to meet the standards set by the IWF (international weightlifting federation), which is responsible for regulations governing the practice of weightlifting in international competition.
Technical features
The main technical features include the weight, which is standardized by category (2.5kg, 5kg, 10kg, 15kg, 20 and 25kg). What makes Olympic weights so special is the diameter of the central hole: it must be exactly 50 mm in diameter (2 inches), which is larger than that of standard discs (usually 28 mm). This larger diameter not only ensures greater stability on the Olympic bar, but also the adaptability of the equipment, as is the case with our Crossliftor discs.
In terms of materials, the discs are made of metal, covered with rubber or, more often, urethane (a highly resistant plastic) to reduce noise, limit bar rebound and increase durability.
Colors and weights to IWF standards
In official competitions governed by the IWF, Olympic discs are color-coded to facilitate rapid identification of the different weights by the judges. The 10kg discs are green, the 15kg discs are yellow, the 20kg discs are blue and the 25kg discs are red. Disc widths can vary, but those used in competition usually have a standardized width to guarantee uniformity in bar loading. That's why you'll find IWF-certified discs corresponding to these criteria in our category.
Quality and certification
All our weights are qualitatively designed to last over time, but some of them are specifically manufactured to current standards, with a high-quality steel center disk placed around the center hole to reduce wear and give you a tight fit on the bar.
How to choose the right weight for your practice
Although we specialize in equipment for cross-training, cross-lifting and weightlifting, we're committed to offering you a wide range of weights that will enable you to practice your discipline to the full and match any physical preparation. Here are a few features to help you make your choice.
Olympic weights
Our Olympic weights meet the standards you need to practice weightlifting in real-life conditions. Regardless of your objectives, your membership or whether you're a self-taught weightlifter, it's a good idea to equip yourself with approved equipment to get used to standard practice. So, if you're going to take part in a competition, you'll be used to using similar weights. Our Olympic discs are resistant and designed to limit bounce, so you and your members can practice in an ideal environment.
Bumpers
Bumpers, like our HQ model made entirely of high-temperature recomposed rubber, are ideal for intensive practice during your WODs, when you'll be frequently dropping your bar to the floor. The material, though resistant, is softer and limits the impact on the bar as well as the ground. We still recommend that you install a slab floor to cushion the impact. The advantage of disc bumpers is that they are often the same size, enabling beginners who load less to benefit from an ideal disc height to avoid starting out too low.
Cast-iron discs
We also offer cast-iron discs for classic bodybuilding. Timeless, they are designed to last a lifetime, and their standard center diameter of 50.5 mm makes them perfect weights to fit all your bars. A word of advice: for cast-iron materials, avoid storing them outdoors or in damp environments to keep them as long as possible. They are made for strict muscle-strengthening movements, so avoid impacts and rebounds on the ground.