Micro Gainz Review: Fractional Plates for Weightlifting

In this review, we take a look at fractional weight plates for barbell and dumbbell weightlifting, developed by Micro Gainz.

When one starts barbell training as a novice, the weight often goes up each lift by five to ten pounds, especially when it comes to the squat and deadlift. Other basic barbell movements such as the press and bench press will slow down much quicker.

There becomes a point when you can no longer add five pounds to the bar a week. What do you do next? You buy Micro Gainz.

By increasing the weight by less than five pounds, you will have more programming options available to make the changes needed to get stronger. If you take a quick look online (say Amazon), there are few companies making such a product in America.

Micro Gainz are manufactured, coated and boxed all in the USA. To learn more about Mike Reed and hear his story of how Micro Gainz was started, check out Episode 240 of the Barbell Logic podcast.

The barbell set comes with eight plates in four sizes: .25, .50, .75 and 1.00 lb. They are black and include a nice bag to carry them in. For those interested in metric, they can make a set in kilograms as well.

Micro Gainz micro plates are calibrated plates in that they are accurate within +/- 5 grams of their stated weight.

Because of this accuracy, they can be used and have been using in weightlifting competitions.  These include the 100% Raw Powerlifting Federation World Championships and the US Stronglifting Federation Championships.

While barbell plates are nothing unique, Micro Gainz created its own exclusive dumbbell microplates. They are available in .50, 1, & 1.25lb size and I was able to do a test run with the 1.25 plates. Because of the lack of stabilization a barbell provides, it’s even harder to increase the weight on dumbbells.

Given how expensive dumbbells are, most gyms are only willing to go up in five-pound increments. These microplates make all the world of difference when striving to reach the next level with your curls, tricep extensions, incline press and the like.

As a client of Barbell Logic Online Coaching (BLOC), I'm nearing the end of Novice Linear Progression and Micro Gainz have been instrumental in helping me squeeze out every bit of strength before having to make changes to the programming.

At the end of the day, the main two variables in lifting are volume (reps) and intensity (weight).

While my gym does have microplates on-site, I can't tell you how many times I've traveled for work or vacation only to walk into a gym that doesn't have such increments. With the little bag, these guys will travel easy and will take up little space in your luggage.

If you're serious about taking your lifting to the next level, definitely check out Micro Gainz.

As loyal readers of TMM, Mike has offered 10% if you use the code “Modest” at checkout.