Introduction
Get RXd has released an awfully impressive bench here. THE FIDAB-2 is a well-built, versatile, stable, and overall high-value FID Bench. It includes many features that make this arguably one of the most versatile benches on the market. With the ability to be stored vertically, decline capabilities, seal row ability, firm but grippy pad, and overall stoutness, the FIDAB-2 is an option for many to consider.
Let’s talk about it.
Built Solidly
This FIDAB-2 is exceptionally sturdy and will be able to handle those of all sizes. The bench is constructed with seven and 11-gauge steel and includes a 1,000 lb weight capacity. When in use, there is no wobble whatsoever. The back base is over 26 inches, while the front is about 14.5. Even when purposefully trying to make it shift, this bench will not budge much. This is especially important, considering many lift alone in a home gym setting.
While it weighs a beefy 115 lbs, it is still very easy to move with a grippy handle and high-quality wheels.
Adjustability + Pad
Seven back positions are included – 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 85. The degrees are laser cut into a ladder system, and those options will give all of the pad height options you’ll need. This ladder system is simple to move. It just takes a few seconds to switch positions, and only one hand is needed, unlike a “pop-pin” adjustment type.
The pad on this bench is a high-density, fully recycled 180D foam that’ll help keep you in place no matter your position or how much you sweat (within reason). There is minimal compression, which should last a very long time, especially in a home gym setting.
Furthermore, it’s important to mention that the top pad is about 41 inches. While there is a 1.8″ gap between the back and seat pads, it will not bother most while doing a flat bench because of the height of this bench. Most can slide above and use it without their head extending over the top. Lifting on this minimal gap isn’t too bothersome either.
In addition, four different seat positions give you two options for incline, flat, and decline (explained below. This includes the same grippy vinyl that’ll help keep you in place no matter your position.
Decline Option
The leg roller attachment helps take this bench to the next level. This accessory easily attaches to the top of the bar so that someone can perform decline bench or other ab movements.
When attached, this does not get in the way of performing standard lifts in the incline, decline, or upright position unless you are very tall (likely 6’6″ or above). Regardless, it takes less than 10 seconds to put on and off. This means that you don’t need to remove the attachment every time you want to do something that doesn’t require the decline feature. This attachment does cost an additional $89.99, though.
There is some wobble when using the decline feature, but the overall experience feels very stable. Even larger humans should feel comfortable once in position.
One issue would be that it may be a little tricky getting on and off when at a higher setting, especially if you have heavy weight in your hand, like dumbbells. Therefore, certain people may need some sort of stool to get on the very top or someone to hand them heavy dumbbells if that is what they want.
Dumbbell Rack
The dumbbell rack is a unique feature that allows someone to perform dumbbell seal rows. Plus, while not necessary, the dumbbell rack can add stability to the bench when doing specific movements (like Russian twists) in the decline position.
Without this feature, getting in the correct position to do seal rows can be a cumbersome process. With this rack, you grab, lift, and then set back in one at a time. When putting back on the rack, you need to be a bit careful because there is not a ton of “extra hand space,” but the overall process is pretty simple.
It’s $29.99 to add this feature.
Stores Vertically
The ability to be stored vertically is extremely helpful for those with a home gym. This bench is easy to lift into position, and its wide base sits solidly on the ground. It would take quite a bit of force to knock it down. This is especially important for those with little kids or pets that may roam around the garage.
The footprint shrinks to just 18″ by 20″ when flipped upright so it can be stored up against a wall or within a squat rack.
Other Points
- The powder coat finish on this bench being reviewed is smooth and looks fantastic. It does appear that the color will hold for a long time. There are five color options – Black, Blue, Red, Green, and Yellow.
- The overall footprint is 57.7″ x 20.2″ when flat.
- It’s the only FID-capable bench that can also be stored on its head.
- Even with the wider front base (14.5 inches) explained above, there is plenty of room to get a firm base.
- It sits about 17.75″ tall when in the flat position, which is a comfortable position for most.
- The width of the back pad is 1 foot.
Price
The overall value of this bench is quite high and is priced pretty similarly to other premium adjustable benches on the market and much lower than the AB-3 from Rogue. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean it is cheap. The base price, not including the attachments, is $489.
Other benches will get the job for most home gym owners at a lower price, but those do not come with all of these bells and whistles.
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 between 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, making it a tad more stable than the AB-5200 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 will probably be $75 or so cheaper after shipping. Therefore, the AB-5200 will be the better option if no attachments are purchased.
- If decline bench and other ab movements are essential, 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 tiebreaker if you can’t decide which one of the attachment options above is more important.
Conclusion
In the end, this is up there with one of the best adjustable benches you can get for your home gym. It’s as versatile as any bench out there, can decline, is built like a tank, and the overall value is high.
For those willing to make the upfront investment, this would serve a home gym and multiple types of people for a long time.
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Good review, thanks very much. The decline attachment and dumbbell holders seals the deal. I plan to purchase this FIDAB-2 bench soon