Head to head
XMark vs Steelbody Grip Plates (2027): Premium Finish or Mid Tier Value?
XMark and Steelbody grip plate sets compared on grip comfort, finish, and what the price gap actually buys.
XMark Olympic Grip Plate Set, Cast Iron vs Steelbody Olympic Grip Plate Set (Marcy): the specs, side by side
| Spec | XMark Olympic Grip Plate Set, Cast Iron | Steelbody Olympic Grip Plate Set (Marcy) |
|---|---|---|
| Total weight | Set dependent, plates only (common sets in the 245 to 365 lb range) | Set dependent, plates only (a 255 lb plates configuration is commonly listed) |
| Hole size | 2 in Olympic, nominal | 2 in Olympic, nominal |
| Plate material | Cast iron with baked enamel style finish | Cast iron with coated grip plate design |
| Bar included | No | No |
| Plate mix | Pairs by denomination, varies by set selected | Pairs by denomination, varies by set selected |
XMark Olympic Grip Plate Set, Cast Iron
Better finished grip iron for buyers who will handle plates daily.
- Total weight: Set dependent, plates only (common sets in the 245 to 365 lb range)
- Hole size: 2 in Olympic, nominal
Sources: XMark Olympic plate product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartSteelbody Olympic Grip Plate Set (Marcy)
Marcy's heavier duty line: grip iron with a more considered finish.
- Total weight: Set dependent, plates only (a 255 lb plates configuration is commonly listed)
- Hole size: 2 in Olympic, nominal
Sources: Steelbody (Marcy) plate product documentation, Amazon listing specifications
Check price on Amazonor add to your Amazon cartOur recommendation
Buy XMark for the cleanest finish and most consistent cast iron in this guide. Buy Steelbody if its grip design, which many owners find just as comfortable, is available in the set size you need for less.
Finish and casting
XMark's enamel style finish and edge work are a visible step up. Steelbody sits a tier down on tidiness but a tier up from bundle iron, which is exactly its market position.
Grip feel
Both use generous cutouts on the big plates. Preference here is personal and hand size dependent; neither design draws the pinched fingers complaints that small, sharp grip holes do.
Choose XMark Olympic Grip Plate Set, Cast Iron if…
- Finish and consistency top your list
- You are buying a long term, final set
- Readable markings in a dim garage matter
Choose Steelbody Olympic Grip Plate Set (Marcy) if…
- You want grip comfort without the top price
- A Steelbody set in your size is in stock
- Brand retail support matters to you
FAQ
Questions, answered straight
Does either set include a bar?
No. Both are plates only, which is their point: they pair with a bar you chose on purpose.