Both crumb rubber bumper plates and virgin rubber bumper plates are popular choices for weightlifting. However, they each have distinct characteristics that may make one more suitable than the other depending on the individual's needs.
Here's a comparison:
Crumb Rubber Bumper Plates:
Eco-friendly: Crumb rubber plates are made from recycled rubber, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Durability: These plates are very durable and can handle being dropped repeatedly, which is a common occurrence in weightlifting routines.
Cost: Generally, crumb rubber plates are less expensive than virgin rubber plates, making them a more budget-friendly choice.
Noise and Vibration: The crumb rubber absorbs impact well, reducing the noise and vibration when the plates are dropped.
Virgin Rubber Bumper Plates:
Aesthetics: Virgin rubber plates often have a more uniform, sleek look compared to crumb rubber plates.
Smell: Virgin rubber plates typically have less of a smell compared to crumb rubber plates, which can have a noticeable rubbery smell, especially when new.
Bounce: Virgin rubber plates generally have a lower bounce compared to crumb rubber plates. This can be a safety benefit during heavy lifting, as the weights won't bounce unpredictably when dropped.
Durability: While both types of plates are quite durable, virgin rubber plates may maintain their appearance and function slightly better over time.
In the end, the choice between crumb rubber and virgin rubber bumper plates comes down to personal preference, budget, and individual needs. Both types of plates are excellent choices for weightlifting and can withstand heavy use. So in the end there is no bad choice in the debate of Crumb Bumpers VS Virgin Rubber Bumpers.