CAP

CAP: frequently asked questions

Do CAP Olympic plates fit a standard barbell?

No. CAP Olympic and bumper plates have a 50 mm (2 in) centre hole made for Olympic bars, whose sleeves are 50 mm thick. On a 25 mm standard bar they would slide about and sit off-centre, which is unsafe. If you own a standard bar or spinlock dumbbell handles, choose the cast-iron standard plates with a 25 mm (1 in) hole instead.

Why are CAP dumbbell weights in unusual kilogram numbers?

CAP manufactures to pound increments, so each weight is converted to kilograms: 5 lb becomes 2.27 kg, 10 lb is 4.54 kg, 15 lb is 6.8 kg and 25 lb is 11.3 kg. The jumps between pairs are consistent, just not round metric numbers. When comparing with kilogram-based brands, round to the nearest half kilogram.

Rubber hex or neoprene dumbbells: which CAP set should I choose?

Rubber-coated hex dumbbells go heavier, protect floors from knocks and do not roll away between sets, so they suit presses, rows and lunges. Neoprene dumbbells are lighter, colour-coded and comfortable in the hand, which makes them handy for circuits, classes and higher-rep work. Many home gyms end up with a light neoprene set and heavier rubber hex pairs.

Do I need mats under CAP weights?

On a hard or wooden floor, yes. CAP EVA interlocking mats in 13–25 mm (½–1 in) thicknesses cushion set-down dumbbells, reduce noise and protect the floor. For deadlifts or dropping bumper plates, use dense rubber flooring or a lifting platform as well, because EVA foam dents under heavy, concentrated loads over time.

Sources: capbarbell.com