Fitvids 1 Inch Standard Barbell Weight Plates and Bar Set, 5 inch
✅ PROS
- Grip plates with rubber coating are easy to hold and won't scratch floors when set down gently
- 5-foot bar fits in tight spaces and accepts standard 1-inch collars without adapters
- Full set with locking collars included — no hidden accessory costs
❌ CONS
- Bar listed as 5 feet but total sleeve length is under 12 inches, limiting how many plates you can load
- Multiple reports of plates arriving cracked or chipped from shipping, with inconsistent QC
- Rated for less than 100 pounds total — fine for beginners, useless for progressive overload past a few months
The Verdict
Is This Budget Barbell Set Worth Your Money?
If you’re looking at the Fitvids 1-Inch Standard Barbell Weight Plates and Bar Set, you’re probably a beginner building a home gym on a budget. That’s exactly who this set targets — and exactly where its limits get exposed. Let’s break down what you actually get for your money.
What’s in the Box
The set includes a 5-foot, 1-inch diameter standard bar and a set of grip plates. Based on the product listing and customer reports, you’re getting a pair each of 2.5, 5, and 10-pound plates, plus a pair of 25-pound plates — total weight around 85 pounds with the bar. Locking collars are included, which is a genuine plus since many budget sets nickel-and-dime you on those.
The plates feature a rubber coating with a textured grip pattern. As shown in the product image, they’re designed to be easier to handle than bare iron plates, with a matte black finish that looks decent in a home gym setting.
Performance and Build Quality
The bar is where the first red flag appears. Multiple buyers report the 5-foot bar actually measures closer to 4.5 feet overall, with roughly 11-12 inches of usable loading space on each side. That sounds minor until you try stacking the included plates. With the 25-pound plates being nearly 2 inches thick each, you’ll max out the sleeves with just two plates per side — and that’s before adding collars.
One verified buyer wrote: “The bar is fine for light work, but I couldn’t even fit all the plates that came with the set. The sleeves are too short.” That’s not an isolated complaint — it shows up repeatedly in the review thread.
The plates themselves are cast iron with a rubber coating. They’re functional for curls, shoulder presses, and light squat work. The grip texture genuinely helps when your hands are sweaty. But QC is inconsistent: several reviews mention plates arriving with chips, cracks, or the rubber coating peeling. Amazon’s 3.1-star average reflects this split — half the buyers get exactly what they expected, the other half get frustration.
Where It Falls Short
Beyond the sleeve length issue, there’s the weight ceiling. This set tops out around 85-95 pounds total. That’s fine for week one, but most lifters will outgrow it within two to three months. Standard 1-inch plates are also harder to resell than Olympic 2-inch plates, so when you upgrade — and you will — you’ll take a loss flipping these.
The bar’s knurling is described by multiple reviewers as “minimal” or “almost nonexistent.” For deadlifts or heavy rows, that’s a grip-slip risk. This bar is really only suited for curling, light pressing, and rehab work — not full-body barbell training.
Who Should Buy This
This set works for:
- Complete beginners who want to learn basic movements with light weight and minimal cost
- Seniors or rehab patients doing high-rep, low-load work
- Apartment dwellers who need compact equipment that stores easily
- People with physical limitations who need lighter loads than standard Olympic sets offer
Skip it if you’re a seasoned lifter, plan to progress past 100 pounds, or want equipment that’ll last more than a year without upgrades.
FAQ
Q: Does the bar fit standard 1-inch dumbbell plates? A: Yes, any plate with a 1-inch hole will fit. This is the standard size used by most budget dumbbells and curl bars.
Q: Can I add more plates later? A: Technically yes, but the short sleeves mean you’ll hit the cap quickly. You’re better off buying a separate Olympic bar when you outgrow this.
Q: Is the bar long enough for bench press? A: Barely. It’s 5 feet (claimed), which works on a narrow bench but won’t rack properly on a full-width power rack.
The Verdict
Rating: 3.3/5
Buy it if: You’re a true beginner, need a compact setup for light work, or want a budget option for curls and presses without upgrading your space.
Skip it if: You plan to lift heavy, need a full-size bar, or want equipment that won’t need replacing in six months. The short sleeves and low weight ceiling make this a temporary tool, not a long-term investment.
For the price, it’s an okay starter kit — just know you’ll be shopping for an upgrade sooner than you’d like. If you can stretch your budget, a used Olympic set with 2-inch plates will serve you far better in the long run.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.