PLATES &
BUMPER

Domande frequenti - Bumper plate

• What is the difference between a rubber bumper plate and a polyurethane one?
  Vulcanised rubber is softer on impact and tends to have a slightly higher bounce. Polyurethane offers more precise dimensional tolerances (typically ±0.25% by weight), a more abrasion-resistant surface and a more controlled bounce. PU lasts longer in environments with a high frequency of drops, but is generally more expensive.
• Can bumper plates be used on any surface?
  Bumper plates are designed to be dropped onto wooden platforms with a rubber surface (minimum recommended thickness 20 mm). On bare concrete or tiles, even the best bumper plates will suffer accelerated damage and the bounce becomes unpredictable. Suitable specialist flooring is an integral part of the setup, not an optional extra.
• What are fractional plates and when are they used?
  Fractional plates weigh between 0.5 and 2.5 kg each. They are used for load increments smaller than those permitted by standard bumper plates (minimum 5 kg). They are essential in strength cycles involving fine linear progression, in Olympic weightlifting programmes for advanced athletes, and in technical training where every half-kilo counts on the barbell.
• Do coloured bumper plates comply with an international standard?
  Yes. The IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) colour coding system is as follows: white 10 kg, green 15 kg, yellow 15 kg (in some versions), blue 20 kg, red 25 kg, white/silver 50 kg. The Sidea competition bumper plates comply with this colour-coding system. The coloured PU training models, on the other hand, use their own colour schemes for quick identification, which do not necessarily conform to the competition standard.
• What are technique plates and in what context are they used?
  Flat barbells (both solid and hollow) retain the standard diameter of 450 mm whilst being lighter in weight — typically 2.5 or 5 kg. They allow you to perform Olympic exercises with the barbell correctly positioned in relation to the floor, even when practising technique with light weights. They are particularly useful for teaching the snatch and clean and jerk to beginners.
• Do wagon wheel bumper plates have different uses to standard bumper plates?
  Yes. Wagon wheels have a diameter greater than the standard 450 mm (typically around 560–580 mm) and are very heavy (30 kg in the Sidea model). They are mainly used for the deficit deadlift — starting with the hands lower to the ground — for the barbell hip thrust and to simulate lifting from the ground with a large-diameter implement. They are not suitable for use as competition discs.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.