In episode #1 of Home Gym History, Rob from Vintage Weights PGH guides Jake and Adam on the history of the York Olympic Plates, distinguishing factors for each type, how they compare to current made-in-USA options, and more.
This episode can be found on Garage Gym Radio, Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episode Outline
(0:40) Intro to the Milled Era York Olympic Weight Plates: This section includes a brief history of these Olympic weight plates, the purpose of milling, and the difference between lathed/milled/machined plates.
(2:41) Identifying the Different Types of York Plates: Not all York Plates are created the same. In this section, Rob outline distinguishing factors between the different eras, precisely the difference between the milled era plates and modern York “Legacy” plates.
(6:23) USA-Made Plates with Machining Used for Accuracy: Rogue and The Strength Co are leading the way in this area. Rob helps us identify differences between the newer vs. older models.
(10:40) Cost of York Plates: York milled plates are typically an excellent option for someone simply looking for high-value, accurate plates. $2 a pound seems to be the “standard price” right now.
(13:06) Miscellaneous Questions: Rob answers follow-up questions about York’s primary competition in the early days, the first types of people to buy these plates, and weight increments at the beginning.
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Sources
Leistner, Ken. “History of Powerlifting, Weightlifting and Strength Training – Number 14 – More on Plates!” Titan Support Series, Inc., Titan Support Series, Inc., 22 June 2014, https://titansupport.com/history-of-powerlifting-weightlifting-and-strength-training-part-14/
Teufel, Hugo, et al. “York Plate List.” Vintage York Barbell Owners Group, Facebook, July 2021, https://www.facebook.com/groups/1638679859706092/
“2” Legacy Cast Iron Precision Milled Olympic Plate.” York Barbell, York Barbell USA, Ltd., https://yorkbarbell.com/product/legacy-cast-iron-precision-milled-olympic-plate/
“Olympic Iron Barbell Plates – Made in USA.” The Strength Co., The Strength Co., https://store.thestrength.co/products/olympic-barbell-plates
“Rogue USA Olympic Plates.” Rogue Fitness, Rogue Fitness, https://www.roguefitness.com/rogue-usa-olympic-plate
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You may want to purchase a copy of the Iron Guide PDF for $ 8.00. Its pretty informative about vintage weight plates. I’m an amateur collector of vintage weightlifting equipment, and I bought it. Not bad. Hope he comes out with another one!