The Best Bench for Most People: A Review of the REP AB-3000

A good bench will be a staple item in building out your home gym. To give you the most versatility, most will want to start with an adjustable bench instead of a flat bench and bonus points if it declines! 89% believe an adjustable bench covers all of their needs. In addition, only a handful want to spend over $400 on a bench.

However, it can be tricky to find the right combination of sturdy and affordable. There are many overpriced options out there, and if you don’t do your research, you’ll end up with a flimsy but expensive adjustable bench, which is not something you want when lifting hundreds of pounds over your head.

Nevertheless, with the ability to handle a heavy load, versatility to go from flat to decline, overall construction, and price tag, the AB 3000 FID Adjustable bench is arguably the best multi-purpose option for most home gym owners. This 1,000-day review of the AB-3000 will discuss the why and some of the drawbacks of this budget-friendly option.

Construction

The bench is heavy (95 lbs) and has a 1,000 lb weight capacity. It includes a stable base made with heavy-duty steel, and you will feel confident when lifting heavy. The structure is still intact three years later, and no concerns are moving forward.

It’s also pretty painless to move. It’s easy to maneuver around the gym with a handle up at the front and wheels on the back.

Versatile

The AB-3000 adjusts from a -20 degree decline to an 85-degree incline with seven total settings, and the ladder system is straightforward to use. Therefore, you can do everything from decline bench to shoulder press.

It also has three seat pad adjustments to ensure you have the right angle for each lift. The back pad uses a ladder system for adjusted settings, and the seat uses a spring pin to change settings. The ankle supports give you sit-up options and more stability when pressing.

Comfort

The back pad for the AB 3000 is 11.5″ wide. The wide pad upgrade for the 5000 series is only 2.5″ inches wider than the pad that comes with the 3000. You definitely feel the extra 2.5″ (stop giggling and focus), but an 11.5″ wide back pad is plenty wide for a comfortable bench. The seat pad on the bench is 10.25″ wide near the back of the pad and 15″ wide in the front.

This bench has a comfortable broad base that lets you feel stable in any movement from the seat pad to the back pad. There is a small gap between the seat and the back pad to allow room for adjustments. Think about getting heavy dumbbells from your knees to your front rack for incline or military presses. If you have done this on a bench with a skinny pad, it can get pretty uncomfortable and unstable; you don’t have that problem with this bench. 

As previously mentioned, this bench discussed in the review is about three years old. It has thick textured padding that is durable and has stayed together for years. Rep has updated it since to a gripper pad.

What’s Not Included and Who Would Want to Upgrade

With price in mind, it may be the best option for many, but here are some items it does not include:

• The AB-3000 does not offer any add-ons or upgrades like the 5000 series benches (wide pad upgrade, spotter platform, adjustable leg attachment).
• It cannot be vertically stored, which can save some room when not in use.
• Most people on this earth truly do not NEED to upgrade from this bench. However, you may consider a heavy flat bench to compliment or a larger adjustable bench if you want a little more back coverage. These provide a bit more support but also will cost you between $150 and $200 extra.

Conclusion

There are many bench options for a home gym, but the REP AB 3000 is possibly the best option when considering its price. Over the past three years, this bench has held up exceptionally well, with still much left in the tank. If considering this bench, you should be confident that this is a workhorse, will last for a very long time, is versatile, simple to use, and is at a price that’s tough to beat.