Micro Gainz Weight Plates Review: A Game Changer for Dumbbell Training

If you’re serious about building strength, you know that every pound counts. That’s why I picked up the Micro Gainz fractional loading plates, and after a full year of using them in my home gym, I can confidently say they’ve earned a permanent spot in my setup.

Why I Bought Them

When I first got these plates, my dumbbell set had big gaps between weights. Five pounds up to 50s, then 10-pound jumps after that. These fractional loading plates let me bridge those gaps perfectly.
Now that I’ve expanded my dumbbell collection, I mostly use them to fill smaller 2.5-pound jumps, which is crucial for progressive overload. Instead of jumping 10 pounds total (five per side), I can make smaller, smarter increases and keep improving consistently without overreaching.

Design and Build Quality

Each plate is made of durable metal with a spring-loaded mechanism that snaps securely onto the end of a dumbbell. You simply pull the plate open, slide it onto the dumbbell, and it locks in place.
They feel solid, fit tightly, and after a year of daily use, the springs still work like new. There’s no wiggle, no clanking, and they haven’t loosened once. Even after dropping the dumbbells during workouts, these plates stay put. For me, that’s huge, especially as a trainer who uses these in client sessions.
You can load one plate on each side for a 2.5-pound increase or two for 5 pounds total. Even with both attached, the handle still fits comfortably in your grip, though lifters with very large hands might feel a bit of a squeeze.

Durability and Value

I’ve abused these for a year, and they’ve held up perfectly. The coating looks great, the springs still lock tight, and they’ve survived countless drops.
They come in 1.25-pound or 2.5-pound versions. A pair costs around $80, or about $150 for a set of four. Not cheap, but when you consider that buying dumbbells in 2.5-pound increments would cost thousands of dollars, the value is undeniable.
If you’re training in a garage gym like me, space and money matter, and these plates save both.

Impact on Training

My workouts revolve around dumbbells and progressive overload. When you train seriously, small jumps in weight are the difference between steady progress and plateaus.
Jumping 10 pounds total (5 per side) is a lot, especially for isolation movements like curls, lateral raises, or triceps extensions. Adding just 2.5 pounds instead feels smoother and lets you build strength consistently week after week.
If you’re chasing real progress, these plates make it possible to keep increasing load without compromising form or recovery.

Alternatives and Compatibility

I’ve tested a few cheaper knock-offs, and none held up. The springs were weak, they slipped during lifts, and the build quality didn’t compare. Micro Gainz is still the standard.
There are also magnetic fractional plates on the market, but they only work with metal dumbbells. I train with REP Fitness rubber dumbbells, so magnets are useless for me. The Micro Gainz plates clip on perfectly and stay secure.
The only limitation is that fit can vary depending on your dumbbell shape. On some True Grit dumbbells with raised edges, they can slide slightly inward, though they’ve never fallen off.

Pros and Cons

Pros
✅ Extremely durable and well-built
✅ Easy to attach and remove
✅ Ideal for progressive overload with dumbbells
✅ Saves thousands compared to buying more dumbbells
✅ Compact and easy to store

Cons
❌ Slower to change weights mid-workout (requires both hands)
❌ Pricey for their size, but still great value overall
❌ Fit varies slightly depending on dumbbell design

Final Verdict

After a full year of daily use, I highly recommend the Micro Gainz fractional loading plates. They’ve made a huge difference in my training and in my clients’ sessions, letting us make precise, consistent progress without massive weight jumps.

I bought these with my own money, and this is not a sponsored post. If you decide to pick up a set, use code “Method” at checkout for a 10% discount and to support my channel.

👉Buy the Micro Gainz Fractional Weight Plates Here - Use code "Method" for 10% OFF.

It helps me continue creating honest, in-depth reviews for lifters who want to get the most out of their home gym setups. For more reviews, training tips, and dumbbell-only workouts, check out my YouTube channel and subscribe for new videos every week.