Introduction
There are hundreds of benches to choose from as you look to add one for your home gym.
Hopefully, this breakdown of Jake & Adam’s bench choice with reasoning and the community responses will help give you a good idea of the best bench choice for you.
This article with a video attached is outlined below:
- Jake’s Choice: REP Blackwing
- Adam’s Choice: REP AB-4100
- Additional feedback from the community.
Jake’s Choice
I would go with the REP Blackwing. While this isn’t the most expensive bench on the market, it’s going to be a premium bench that covers all of my “wants” & is going to be a bench that lasts for many years.
It is arguably the “best value premium bench” out there when you look at everything it does.
While there are many features, the unique selling points for me include:
- Adding a leg roller and using it for a decline bench is ideal. I would much rather do a decline bench that can lock my legs in place. I also like having the ability to use it for ab movements as well. Even though I am over 200 lbs, I know it will still be sturdy enough. This is the key reason I chose it over the AB-5200 2.0 (even though those beautiful color combos tempted me).
- My home gym has limited space, so I need an option that stores vertically and is out of the way when not in use.
- I prefer a wide pad vs. the traditional 11″ or 12″ pad. The Blackwing gives me that option.
Adam’s Choice
Adam has been a big proponent of the AB-3000 as the best bench for most people. He may not be wrong, but if he had to do it again, Adam would choose the AB-4100.
The primary reason he would make the switch is the AB-4100’s ability to store vertically. As his gym continues to fill up, space becomes even more precious. In addition, it’s easier to move around.
Lastly, he mentions that he does not use the AB-3000’s decline feature much and doesn’t think he would miss it.
Therefore, with only a price difference of $80, he’d choose the AB-4100.
Community Response
In general, most chose solid adjustable benches that will ultimately last for a very long time (at different price points). You didn’t really see anyone say, “I’d just buy the cheapest option out there,” which you may hear a lot with certain pieces of equipment.
With your bench purchase, and considering you will likely be lifting hundreds of pounds over your body, you want to make sure you have a solid base.
REP was easily mentioned the most when we asked the community. There were a wide variety of REP mentions for many different reasons:
- AB-3000 (best for the money)
- AB-4100 (easiest to use, great value)
- AB-5200 2.0 (High value, beefy bench)
- Blackwing (A premium option that can do anything and includes a lower price vs. Rogue)
Other answers mentioned include:
- Rogue Manta Ray was the choice on top of mind for many who want a premium USA Made.
- Ironmaster: A versatile option that can be built out over time.
- Crandall Fitness: Includes several similar benches to REP at a lower price.
- Prime Fitness: Impressive adjustable bench that potentially has a compelling ecosystem added to it later.