Introduction

A good bench is going to be a staple item in building out your home gym. To give you the most versatility, most will want to first invest in an adjustable bench over a flat bench. In fact, 87% believe that an adjustable bench covers their “home gym needs,” while only 39% say that a flat bench does. In addition, you definitely don’t want to choose a cheap random bench that you’ll ultimately be laying on and potentially lifting hundreds of pounds on. The term “Buy Once Cry Once” is often used when talking about home gym equipment but may apply to benches more than any other item.

The REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench is a premium option that is about as impressive as it gets. This full incline bench is built like a tank and includes several little details that all add up to create a very nice bench for home gym owners or even those in a commercial gym setting. It’s beefy, versatile, simple to operate, easy on the eyes, and while the bench is an investment, it is priced competitively.

The Beef

Sometimes you look at a bench, and you may ask yourself, “Where’s the beef? I don’t want want to lift on that.”

That’s not the case with the AB-5200. This thing is rock solid, and when in use, there is absolutely no wiggle like you’ll find with cheaper adjustable bench options. It’s made with 11 to 7 gauge steel throughout and weighs about 125 pounds. It has a weight capacity of 1,000 lbs and the capability to handle people of all different sizes. This thing is built to last a while… Below is a breakout of dimensions:

The “gap” you’ll see above is 1.8.” However, it really isn’t that noticeable. There are 42″ between the edge of the “gap” and the top of the bench, so you do have the ability to slide up and completely avoid it for the flat bench unless you are taller than 6.5 feet (estimate). This also means that your head will always have support for any of the incline positions.

While many would like to have a dedicated flat bench, this will be enough for most people.

The pad is firm, grippy, and very comfortable. Overall, you’ll feel extremely secure when using this bench.

Versatility

This bench includes many angle adjustments, is easy to transport, and can be stored vertically, making it very versatile.

Angle Adjustments: This bench can be adjusted into seven different settings (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 85.) There are also 3 seat choices, so you’re comfortable in each position. It’s unlikely that you’d ever find yourself wanting more angle options.

It’s effortless to switch with the ladder design. It takes just a few seconds to raise or lower, unlike other benches that use a pop-pin to adjust.

Portable: While it’s not the smallest bench globally, it’s still straightforward to move around with a stainless steel handle in the back and wheels on the front.

Stores Vertically: This bench will also help you save on space. The unique design allows for it to be flipped up and stored away. When standing on its own, the bench feels pretty secure and would take a decent amount of force to bring it down. The bench below has been left in the position for days with no issue.

If your home gym is getting crowded, this is an excellent feature.

Wide Pad Add On

Here’s an additional reason to consider this bench it’s the same pad but wider (not thicker). The wide pad adds 2 inches to and some comfort to your heavy lifts. Outside of custom solutions, this seems to be the widest option available for adjustable benches available today. For the majority, this seems like an upgrade that is not absolutely necessary. The regular pad that is included is stout enough.

Nevertheless, this will eliminate some of that shoulder hang-off and increase support for certain lifts for many. It was also an easy replacement, and the old bench can be used for floor presses. Lastly, it costs $39.99 for the wide back or $75 with the seat pad, which is also a nice addition.

Other Details

• In general, it’s a beautiful bench. The red looks sharp, and there were no issues with the paint found. The stainless steel nameplate is another great feature. While there are a few scuffs, the red has held up well for several years.

• You can also get it in blue or black.

• Assembly was straightforward, taking only about 20 minutes.

• Just wanted to point out in here somewhere that it does not decline. REP has several premium FID benches, those are going to be at least $100 more expensive after adding the leg attachment. Therefore, if you don’t think the decline feature is going to be used often, it may not be worth it. They also do not include the easy to adjust ladder or wide pad option.

• The optional spotter platform is a nice addition, but not sure how much home gym owners would use it? It’s probably not worth the additional $89.99. It’s also not the easiest process to take on and off.

• This bench currently costs $499 (with free shipping). While it’s worth it for many, most may not be ready to make that type of investment. For those, we’d recommend the AB-3000, which is truthfully the #1 bench we’d recommend to most home gym owners. It will get the job done and is several hundred dollars less.

FIDAB-2 vs. REP AB-5200

This bench is very similar to the REP AB-5200, which has gained a reputation as one of the best benches someone can get for their home gym. The primary differences in these two benches are with the attachments. This FIDAB-2 adds the ability to add a decline option and dumbbell holders, while the Rep AB-5200 has a wide pad option (14 inches wide). Also, the back base on the FIDAB-2 is a bit wider, which makes it a tad more stable than the AB-5200 when standing up. Other than that, they are nearly identical without the logos.

If your bench selection is down to these options, which one should you get?

• Both are similarly priced, but the REP AB-5200 is probably going to be at least $100 cheaper after shipping and $200 with other attachments added. Get RXd only ships this via freight. Therefore, if no attachments are going to be considered, the AB-5200 will be the better option.

• If decline bench and other ab movements are important, go with the Get RXd option.

• The wide pad on the AB-5200 will eliminate some of that shoulder hang-off and increase support for certain lifts. Most will appreciate this while doing flat bench. This is an option that Get RXd does not currently offer. Therefore, if this attachment is more important than the decline feature, the AB-5200 would be the recommendation.

• The dumbbell rack is a nice feature and could probably be used as a second tiebreaker (after price) if you can’t decide which one of the attachment options above is more important.

The Rep AB-5200 is a Better Option For Most Than the Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0

Without question, the Rep AB-5200 and 2.0 from Rogue are two of the best options out there. However, the AB-5200 is a better option for most. Why?

• Neither are small, but the AB-5200 is several inches longer than the Rogue 2.0. This is especially helpful if you are over 6 feet tall.

• The AB-5200 is more comfortable. The pad is just a tad softer (and grippier) but still extremely firm. It’s also .75″ WIDER.

• The AB-5200 can be stored vertically, saving quite a bit of space when not in use. The 2.0 does not have this ability. For home gym owners, this is HUGE.

• 7 pad adjustments (5200) vs. 6 (2.0). The Rep includes a cage with the ladder design and also feels a bit smoother when adjusting.

• The 2.0 may be a litttttttle bit more stable, but the 5200 still has very little budge.

• The 5200 is $100 cheaper. It is not made in the USA while the Rogue one is though

• Both are phenomenal benches.

Conclusion

Rep Fitness is known for its high-value/quality benches, and this is just another example of that. It’s tough to find much to complain about here. The AB-5200 would be a nice addition to just about anyone’s gym with its versatility, ease of use, durability, and overall stoutness.

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