Name: Vulcan Strength Training Systems
Address: 655-H Pressley Rd, Charlotte, North Carolina
Rating: 4.77

“I was recently in the market to replace the set of bumpers I first purchased when I left my Crossfit box and set up my garage gym. I had recently purchased a set of Vulcan V Lock change plates, and while they're pretty simple, I was blown away by the quality of the design and subtle attention to detail inherent in the manufacturing. I spend a lot of time testing my equipment in house and researching new gear online, and Vulcan's bumper plates received consistently high praise due to their innovative design and overall value for the money. My plan was to purchase a set of standard black bumpers until I came across these Alpha bumpers. I had a lot of questions initially, and Vulcan's customer service was great about addressing any of my issues and really made me feel comfortable that these were a step above and really the top of the line training bumper on the market today. I had used other recycled bumper plates before (and really nearly all major bumper manufacturers) and wasn't happy with the bounce, the amount of noise, and inconsistencies in the manufacturing in terms of feel and appearance of each plate. From the moment I pulled these off the skid (excellent shipping by the way - not a single scratch on anything), I knew these were exactly what I was looking for. You get the same simple but polished look of the V Lock plates, the great Vulcan lettering, and the color flakes actually are more understated and attractive in person than they are in pictures. The coloring wasn't a big selling point for me, but I've been surprised by all the positive comments from my friends and training partners who really seem to dig the look. For me, the biggest selling point is that the width and hardness are much more like virgin rubber. You get that great dead bounce which is very important if you train in a garage with up to 2 or 3 people in close proximity at times. In addition, their claim that these are some of the quietest bumpers out there is definitely true. If you're used to the noise you get with other recycled bumpers or even some virgin plates, it's almost weird how quiet these are. The collars are excellent. They fit tight on the bar, but slide on and off very smoothly. I also love the sizing of the tens which will avoid the waffling and cracking that always seems to happen with this size plate. They're basically an additional change plate allowing the brunt of the force to be absorbed by the larger, thicker plates. They claim these can be dropped while alone on the bar and that all of these plates can be used outside, but I don't tempt fate and tend to baby my equipment. All in all, I've been very happy with these. Can't speak to durability yet, but I feel very secure with the warranty that Vulcan offers and their customer service has been top notch so far. If you're still on the fence, don't be. While you're at it, go ahead and pick up a set of V Locks as well and you're all set.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Thank you for such an in depth review! Outstanding.

Posted 8 years ago

“I was recently in the market to replace the set of bumpers I first purchased when I left my Crossfit box and set up my garage gym. I had recently purchased a set of Vulcan V Lock change plates, and while they're pretty simple, I was blown away by the quality of the design and subtle attention to detail inherent in the manufacturing. I spend a lot of time testing my equipment in house and researching new gear online, and Vulcan's bumper plates received consistently high praise due to their innovative design and overall value for the money. My plan was to purchase a set of standard black bumpers until I came across these Alpha bumpers. I had a lot of questions initially, and Vulcan's customer service was great about addressing any of my issues and really made me feel comfortable that these were a step above and really the top of the line training bumper on the market today. I had used other recycled bumper plates before (and really nearly all major bumper manufacturers) and wasn't happy with the bounce, the amount of noise, and inconsistencies in the manufacturing in terms of feel and appearance of each plate. From the moment I pulled these off the skid (excellent shipping by the way - not a single scratch on anything), I knew these were exactly what I was looking for. You get the same simple but polished look of the V Lock plates, the great Vulcan lettering, and the color flakes actually are more understated and attractive in person than they are in pictures. The coloring wasn't a big selling point for me, but I've been surprised by all the positive comments from my friends and training partners who really seem to dig the look. For me, the biggest selling point is that the width and hardness are much more like virgin rubber. You get that great dead bounce which is very important if you train in a garage with up to 2 or 3 people in close proximity at times. In addition, their claim that these are some of the quietest bumpers out there is definitely true. If you're used to the noise you get with other recycled bumpers or even some virgin plates, it's almost weird how quiet these are. The collars are excellent. They fit tight on the bar, but slide on and off very smoothly. I also love the sizing of the tens which will avoid the waffling and cracking that always seems to happen with this size plate. They're basically an additional change plate allowing the brunt of the force to be absorbed by the larger, thicker plates. They claim these can be dropped while alone on the bar and that all of these plates can be used outside, but I don't tempt fate and tend to baby my equipment. All in all, I've been very happy with these. Can't speak to durability yet, but I feel very secure with the warranty that Vulcan offers and their customer service has been top notch so far. If you're still on the fence, don't be. While you're at it, go ahead and pick up a set of V Locks as well and you're all set.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Thank you for such an in depth review! Outstanding.

Posted 8 years ago

“Bought this bar for my fiance for a garage gym. I did a lot of research to get the best quality for the price, and found the Vulcan One as the highest quality barbell for the price. It is a quality bar and great for a beginner. As entry level lifters who aren't interested in competing, but getting into shape, this bar is great. Also, we were pleased it shipped relatively quickly (i.e. within one week). I'm looking to buy one for myself as well!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“The only improvement I would like to see with this set is the addition of 1 1/4 pound plates. That would allow those of us who do a lot of Oly lifting with pound bumpers to make essentially a 1 kilo increase when lifting close to maximal efforts or trying to set new PRs.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This bar has the best knurling and finish I have ever touched. It's not sharp or smooth, it's just sticky and really well done. The sleeves are beautiful, too, and the slipperiness makes it easy to get plates on and off. The satin finish on shaft isn't as pretty, but I don't care about that, it's training equipment, and it keeps the bar from sliding in your hands. Overall I'm very happy with this bar.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This is one fine piece of equipment. I did my do diligence researching quality GHD's and decided to take a shot with Vulcan because of my complete satisfaction with previous purchases. If you are on the fence with this, don't be. It's worth every cent, and the free shipping only further increases it's value. The pads are thick and the construction of the frame is very sturdy. I'm 5'11" and 220lbs and feel comfortable and safe while doing reverse hypers and strict abdominal work. My wife loves the step up plate that ensures a safe entry and exit. This is a worth while investment and we are more than satisfied with our purchase.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“These plates are fantastic. We have multiple sets of competition bumpers but I really prefer the Vulcan training bumpers over them. They have a better bounce, and much quieter, and more affordable. Don't have to worry about the disc coming loose like on my pendlay plates.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I got these change plates as part of my total overhaul from steel to bumper plates. These things are legit!! Very nice construction and they fit tightly on the barbell sleeves. When I use these, very rarely do I feel the need to use collars. I'll be picking up another set of these V-Locks in the very near future.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This r=rope was a steal. High quality, god nylon boots, strong rope. We use for indoor and outdoor with our athletes.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I can't believe no one has reviewed this yet. Hopefully this will convince others to buy this. The rack was sent extremely well packaged and arrived quickly (about 2-3 working days). The pieces were packaged so well that even after FedEx completely annihilated the cardboard, all of the pieces managed to stay unharmed and all nuts and bolts were accounted for. The product itself…unbelievable. Not sure why people buy less sturdy products for 2x as much other than just for the name I guess. The steel is solid and all of the pieces feel like you could drop a tank on it and the rack wouldn't bend. I did have to go out and buy a larger adjustible wrench as well as a socket for my ratchet to put the pieces together but the savings for the quality was worth it. Plus I got to buy new tools so win-win. If having to buy tools is a deal breaker (despite saving literally hundreds of dollars), maybe this rack isn't for you. I did some ridiculously exaggerated kipping pull ups and there was only a slight wobble. I just wanted to see what the rack could take and I was impressed. If I could only tolerate absolutely zero wobble then I would have bought a rack that bolted into a wall. I will note that I didn't try my ridiculous pull-ups with any plates mounted to the rack which I imagine would have reduced the wobble to pretty much 0; however, if I ever find myself doing those kinds of pull ups for real then I shouldn't be allowed to use the rack. To be honest, there was so little movement that I didn't care to even test it with the weights holding it down. The fact that it comes with spotter arms was a plus. This rack will last longer than I will. Vulcan does offer military discounts which was great and the customer service was excellent when inquiring about it. I will recommend this product to anyone looking for a squat rack.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Thanks so much for your review Michael!

Posted 8 years ago

“These 10lb color bumpers are very nicely made. They are made just a tad smaller than the heavier plates to decrease the impact on them when dropping the bar. Still they appear to be very sturdy in their own right. I've had them for a little over a month now and have no complaints whatsoever. Another solid purchase from Vulcan Strength.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“I just purchased 2 pairs of the red econ 55 lb bumpers. The quality and appearance are excellent, and the price is about the lowest you can find for colored bumpers including shipping. I have other bumpers from a variety of manufacturers (Pendlay, Kraiburg, OneFitWonder) and these compare very favorably. They also weren't oily or smelly as new bumpers sometimes are. I would highly recommend Vulcan bumpers.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Feels great,great bar for the price...it's great for training...”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Have been using them for about 2 months now. They tended to slip around on my new Elite bushing bar when I started using them, but that seems to have settled down with use as the inside of the inserts get some wear on them. Very happy with these.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Got the whole set, and love them. The only improvement I can see is to offer 1 1/4 pound plates. 2 1/2 pounds can make or break a PR in the snatch.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“The kettlebells were great. They came in quickly and in wonderful condition. I love the smooth finish, easy for cleaning and great on the hands.”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“This is the first bearing bar I have ever owned. On the first night I had it, I set a new PR. So if you want to set PR's buy this bar!”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“My first and hopefully only bar.. I think I made a respectable choice.. Gonna add a weight set and squat rack next”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Fast shipping to Canada, great customer service, we love the bells a great addition to our fleet, helping us get ready for the 2015 IUKL World Championships”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

“Fast shipping to Canada, great customer service, we love the bells a great addition to our fleet, helping us get ready for the 2015 IUKL World Championships”

Helpful Report

Posted 9 years ago

Shipping & Delivery
Delivery Methods	Courier, Postal Service
Average Delivery Time	Within 5 Days
On-time Delivery	Greater than 89%
Accurate And Undamaged Orders	Greater than 94%
Customer Service
Communication Channels	Telephone, Email, Live Chat
Queries Resolved In	Under An Hour
Customer Service	4.1 out of 5

Vulcan Strength Training Systems Reviews