Eleiko Plates: Dimensions, Types, and Importance

What are the dimensions of Eleiko plates?

Eleiko weight plates are meticulously manufactured to precise international standards, primarily adhering to 450 mm (17.72 inches) outer diameter for larger plates and a 50 mm (1.97 inches) collar opening, with individual plate thickness varying significantly by weight and plate type (e.g., Olympic weightlifting, powerlifting, training).

Understanding Eleiko Plates: A Legacy of Precision

Eleiko is globally recognized for producing premium strength equipment, particularly barbells and weight plates, used in elite competitions and training facilities worldwide. Their reputation stems from an unwavering commitment to precision engineering, durability, and adherence to stringent international federation standards, such as those set by the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) and the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF). These standards dictate not only the weight accuracy but also critical physical dimensions, ensuring fair competition and consistent training conditions across the globe.

Key Dimensions Across Plate Types

While the core dimensions of outer diameter and collar opening are standardized for most full-sized plates, the thickness varies considerably based on the plate's specific weight and intended use.

• IWF Certified Olympic Weightlifting Plates (Competition & Training) These plates are designed for Olympic weightlifting (Snatch and Clean & Jerk) and are characterized by their rubber bumper construction, which allows for safe dropping from overhead.

  • Outer Diameter: All plates from 10 kg up to 25 kg maintain a consistent outer diameter of 450 mm (17.72 inches). This standard ensures that the barbell is always lifted from a consistent height off the platform, irrespective of the load. Smaller change plates (0.5 kg to 5 kg) typically have smaller, non-standardized diameters.
  • Collar Opening (Center Hole): The central hole is precisely 50 mm (1.97 inches) to fit snugly on Olympic barbells, which have 50 mm sleeves.
  • Thickness: This is the primary variable dimension, crucial for allowing maximum weight to be loaded onto the barbell sleeves.
    • 25 kg: Approximately 60-61 mm (2.36-2.40 inches)
    • 20 kg: Approximately 51-52 mm (2.01-2.05 inches)
    • 15 kg: Approximately 41-42 mm (1.61-1.65 inches)
    • 10 kg: Approximately 31-32 mm (1.22-1.26 inches)
    • Note: These are approximate and can vary slightly between models (e.g., competition vs. training plates).
  • Color Coding: Adhere to IWF standards: 25kg (Red), 20kg (Blue), 15kg (Yellow), 10kg (Green), 5kg (White), 2.5kg (Red), 2kg (Blue), 1.5kg (Yellow), 1kg (Green), 0.5kg (White).

• IPF Certified Powerlifting Plates Eleiko's powerlifting plates are typically made of cast iron, designed for maximum weight capacity on the bar, as they are not dropped from height.

  • Outer Diameter: Plates from 10 kg up to 25 kg generally have an outer diameter of 450 mm (17.72 inches). Smaller plates (e.g., 5 kg, 2.5 kg, 1.25 kg, 0.5 kg) have proportionally smaller diameters.
  • Collar Opening (Center Hole): Consistent with Olympic standards, the collar opening is 50 mm (1.97 inches).
  • Thickness: Powerlifting plates are often designed to be thinner than bumper plates to allow a greater total weight to be loaded on the barbell sleeves.
    • 25 kg: Approximately 27 mm (1.06 inches)
    • 20 kg: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 inches)
    • 15 kg: Approximately 18 mm (0.71 inches)
    • 10 kg: Approximately 16 mm (0.63 inches)
    • Note: These are significantly thinner than their bumper plate counterparts.
  • Color Coding: Adhere to IPF standards: 25kg (Red), 20kg (Blue), 15kg (Yellow), 10kg (Green), 5kg (White), 2.5kg (Chrome/Black), 1.25kg (Chrome/Black), 0.5kg (Chrome/Black).

• Eleiko Sport Training Plates These plates are a versatile option, often used in gyms and for general training. While they share many characteristics with competition plates, their specifications may have slightly wider tolerances or variations depending on the model. Generally, they maintain the 450 mm diameter for larger plates and a 50 mm collar opening. Thickness will vary by weight similar to Olympic plates.

• Eleiko XF Plates Designed for functional fitness and high-intensity training, XF plates prioritize durability and shock absorption. They typically feature a consistent outer diameter (often 450 mm for plates 10 kg and above) and the standard 50 mm collar opening, with thickness varying by weight to accommodate their robust construction.

Why Dimensions Matter: Biomechanics and Performance

The precise dimensions of Eleiko plates are not arbitrary; they are critical for several reasons:

• Standardized Lifting Height: The 450 mm outer diameter for 10 kg and heavier plates ensures that the barbell is always 225 mm (half the diameter) off the floor. This consistent starting height is fundamental in Olympic weightlifting and powerlifting, ensuring that lifts like the deadlift, clean, and snatch are performed from a standardized position, allowing for fair comparison and consistent biomechanical loading.
• Barbell Capacity: The varying thickness of plates directly impacts how much weight can be loaded onto the barbell sleeves. Competition barbells have finite sleeve lengths, and thinner plates (like powerlifting plates) allow for significantly higher total loads.
• Safety and Stability: A precise 50 mm collar opening ensures a snug fit on the barbell sleeve, minimizing movement and wobble during lifts. This contributes to lifter safety and the stability of the loaded barbell.
• Competitive Integrity: Adherence to IWF and IPF dimensions is mandatory for sanctioned competitions, ensuring all athletes compete under identical equipment conditions.

Manufacturing Standards and Quality Control

Eleiko's commitment to these precise dimensions is upheld through rigorous manufacturing processes and quality control. They utilize high-quality materials, whether it's specialized rubber for bumper plates or precision-cast iron for powerlifting discs, ensuring not only dimensional accuracy but also long-term durability and weight calibration. Each plate is meticulously calibrated to meet or exceed international weight tolerance standards, often within a deviation of +/- 10 grams for competition plates.

Conclusion: The Eleiko Standard

The dimensions of Eleiko plates are a testament to their dedication to excellence in strength sports. By adhering to strict international standards for outer diameter and collar opening, and carefully calibrating plate thickness, Eleiko ensures that athletes worldwide train and compete with equipment that provides consistent, reliable, and biomechanically sound performance. Understanding these dimensions provides insight into the meticulous engineering behind world-class strength equipment and its impact on training efficacy and competitive fairness.