The Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0 checks all of the primary boxes you’d want to in an adjustable bench. It’s stable, has numerous adjustment positions, easy to operate, comfortable as a flat bench, and the quality is phenomenal. This bench is also made in America, which is crucial to many potential buyers and a differentiator from other options on the market.
There is some steep competition within this price range, but if “Made in the USA” is an important factor and you’re willing to pay a premium price, this is a bench to consider.
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This review will discuss:
Stability, Portability, and Construction
No Gap, Comfortable, Pad Width
Stable, Portable, and Well-Constructed
When in use, this bench feels locked to the ground. There is no wobble or concern for stability whatsoever. It weighs nearly 130 lbs and includes a 24.5″ back base with rubber caps on the end of each side. Furthermore, it’s made from 2×3″ 11-gauge laser-cut steel and bolt-together construction. This adjustable bench will be able to handle any weight thrown at it. If maintained properly, this bench will last a lifetime.
Also, while it’s not easy to pick up, this bench is not difficult to maneuver. With wheels on the back and a handle in front, it’s easy to move around the gym.
Adjustablity
For this bench, there are 6 adjustment options, ranging from zero to 85 degrees. This should give the average home gym owner enough versatility, but it’s important to note that this does not include a decline setting. The ladder design is effortless to adjust, and it takes just about a second to switch from one level to the next.
The seat pad has two angles – flat and incline. While other options on the market have more seat pad settings, this doesn’t seem to make much difference. It’s doubtful you’ll ever find yourself wishing there was a third.
Minimal Gap + Comfortable, but understand the Width
One of the primary selling points of this bench is the lack of a gap in-between the seat pad and back pad. Therefore, there is no interference when using in the flat bench setting. There is also no pinching or discomfort a gap may bring in when using in the incline position.
Overall, this bench is comfortable and allows you to get the correct body placement while benching.
- The grippy vinyl does help keep your back locked into a single spot while in use. It’s also thick, and there are no concerns about its long-term durability.
- The front setup with a single post gives you plenty of room to find a good position to lift.
- The bench is very firm. You do not sink in while using, and there should be no issues with “soft spots” over time.
The width of the pad for this bench is 11.25,” which is a bit more narrow than what most would typically find in a premium adjustable bench. It also does not meet IPF specs for flat bench. While this may be the preference for some, there are others with 12″ widths below and may be a better option for the “big dawgs” out there.
Other Specs and Details
- The height of this adjustable bench is 17.5,” which means that it does meet the IPF pecs. That’s a nice perk for those competing in powerlifting.
- The overall pad length is 52.” Anyone under 6’6″ shouldn’t have any issues having full contact when using in an incline position.
- There are some comments online about the quality of the wheels. However, after nearly a year with this bench, they still roll fine, and it doesn’t seem to be an issue. Nicer wheels do exist on some other adjustable benches though.
- Optional vertical storage ($20) to a wall and spotter decks ($100) are available as add ons for an additional price.
Price
This is Rogue’s cheapest adjustable bench, but at $545 + Shipping, this is definitely an investment for most. Since it is so heavy, the shipping price is not low either. You’ll see that it costs $183 to ship just a few hundred miles away in the example below. Therefore, it may be a purchase you want to make with other items, where the shipping price shouldn’t increase too much. With that being said, this is a bench that should last many, many years. When considering that, it’s still a better long-term value than buying a cheaper option that may only last a few years.
Comparison to the Competition
The competition that this bench faces is definitely high right now. While this bench is made in the USA, there are a couple of import options that provide a bit more versatility and/or “beefiness.” The Rep AB-5200 and Get RXd FIDAB-2 are both examples of this. Some additional details of these benches include:
- The base models for both of these are cheaper than the Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0.
- Both have a pad width of 12″ and the AB-5200 has a wide pad add on option that adds an additional 2″
- The AB-5200 and FIDAB-2 can be stored vertically without any additional add-ons.
- Both import options also have 7 back options compared to just 6 on Rogue, plus both have more seat positions.
- The FIDAB-2 also has the ability to add in the “decline” option
- While in a similar price range, the other options are around $55-75 cheaper.
To Conclude
This Made in America bench is built like a truck and is going to last a lifetime. It’s also easy to use, comfortable, and sturdy. Nevertheless, the competition is steep, and it should only primarily be considered if “Made in the USA” is an essential factor. The other options are a bit more versatile, but this bench will absolutely get the job done.
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