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In this video we demonstrate the differences between Olympic plate setups and standard plate loading systems, and show how each affects the swing.
If you're setting up a plate loadable mace for your training, understanding these differences can help you choose the setup that works best for you.
If you're using a plate-loadable steel mace, there are a few different ways you can set it up.
Some people run standard 1” plates, while others prefer using Olympic plates with an adapter.
Both setups can work. But there are some important differences that affect how the mace swings, how the load behaves, and how the leverage changes during training.
Here are a few things to consider.
Plate Diameter Changes the Swing
One of the biggest differences between Olympic plates and 1” plates is simply their diameter.
Olympic plates are typically much larger.
For example:
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A 5 lb Olympic plate is often close to the same diameter as a 10 lb standard 1” plate.
That means the load sits farther away from the handle and closer to your body when you're swinging.
With mace training, that matters.
The farther the mass is from your hands, the more leverage and torque you create. When the plates get larger in diameter, the weight shifts closer to your body and slightly changes how the swing feels.
This is one reason many people find 5 lb standard plates to be ideal for plate-loadable maces. They’re compact, easy to stack, and allow you to build plenty of load without dramatically increasing the diameter.
Plate Stability During Swings
Another thing to consider is how the plates are secured.
With many Olympic plate adapter setups, the plates are held in place with a collar. That works fine for static lifts, but during dynamic movements like mace swinging, the load is constantly shifting.
You may notice the plates pushing against the collar as the mace moves through different positions.
This is especially noticeable during movements like:
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360s
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Mills
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Direction changes
In positions like order position, gravity and momentum can push the plates down toward the collar.
For simpler movements like 10-to-2 swings, this might not be as noticeable. But once you start doing more dynamic swings, the shifting load becomes more obvious.
Center of Gravity Changes as You Add Plates
Another difference comes down to how the center of gravity changes as you load the mace.
With many Olympic plate setups, the plates stack back toward the handle. As you add more plates, the center of mass actually moves closer to your hands.
What that means in practice is that as you add weight, the effective length of the mace becomes shorter.
In other words:
The heavier the mace gets, the less leverage you have.
And there isn’t really much you can do about that with that style of setup.
Why Our Plate Loading System Is Different
CK Maceworks maces are designed differently.
Our loading pin threads through the plates and tightens them against the nut, which keeps the plates secure without relying on an external collar.
But more importantly, as you add plates, the stack extends outward away from the handle.
That means the center of gravity moves farther away from your hands, not closer.
So instead of the mace effectively shrinking as you add load, it actually grows longer.
That gives you:
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More leverage
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More torque during the swing
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A slower, more controlled arc
Which is exactly the type of loading most mace athletes are looking for.
Adjusting the Swing by Choking Up
If you prefer a shorter feel while swinging, you can simply choke up on the handle.
Every CK Maceworks mace includes 18 inches of knurling, which gives you plenty of room to adjust your grip.
You don’t need to move your hands the full length of the plate stack either.
Even moving your grip a few inches up the handle can bring the center of gravity back into the arc you prefer.
This gives you a lot more flexibility when adjusting the swing compared to fixed setups.
Why Many Athletes Prefer Longer Plate Stacks
Many experienced mace athletes actually prefer longer stacks of smaller plates.
Longer loading stacks create:
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A slightly slower swing
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More time to react during the movement
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Increased torque from the lever arm
This extra leverage is a big part of what makes mace training unique.
The longer lever forces your body to decelerate and redirect the load, which builds shoulder durability, grip strength, and rotational control.