Another BodySolid SFID325 Review

[scooter9988]

Hey - I just received and assembled the Body Solid SFID325 bench. I took some pics and as there isn't alot of info around here on this bench I thought I would post them.

My overall impressions:

- overall fit and finish is very good / sturdy / strong
- ladder support is much beefier than the BodyCraft f602
- easy to adjust
- fairly heavy (heavier than the BodyCraft f602)
- very firm padding (I like this)
- quite narrow compared to BC f602 and previous Impex POS
- full upright position is much closer to 90 degrees than either of my other benches
- larger wheels than f602 - rolls very smoothly
- grab handle is really nice
- ships in a large / heavy box - mostly assembled - just add seat pads and leg assembly
- comes with cheap stamped metal wrench tools for assembly (these are POS - used my own wrenches)
- very basic assembly manual - mostly a blown up diagram and a few photocopied pages with numbered steps - but not really needed - like I said almost fully assembled out of the box.

Anyway here are the pics.

[scooter9988]

More pics

[scooter9988]

Compared to BodyCraft f602

After waiting for over 2 months for a nice bench to come up for sale on Kijiji / Craigs I gave up and ordered the SFID325. 3 days after it was shipped out I came across a mint BodyCraft f602 - picked that up for $75 so I had the opportunity to compare both side by side.

Overall the SFID325 is made of higher quality materials and is heavier yet slightly narrower and more "elegant" then the f602. For now I will be keeping both and may dedicate the f602 to dumbbell work while the SFID325 will probably live in my Body Craft f430 rack.

[grumpytude]

very nice pics, I think you'll really like the new bench. For the price it's tough to beat. I've had zero issues with mine. let us know how you like it with your workouts. Where did you order it from?

[KBKB]

Good write-up. (Repped.)

I found your photos of the seat upholstery compelling. Here they are, inline, for easy comparison:

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3208573&d=1301094045

http://forum.bodybuilding.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=3208583&d=1301094050

I am struck by how much cleaner the BodySolid seat looks. It appears to me that the upholstery for the top of the seat is a separate piece and that it is sewn to the portion that goes around the seat padding. And, the way the BodySolid upholstery and padding is attached to the seat base is superior as well. Better workmanship and better quality, IMO.

[Keetman]

Good review.

I think these benches are good comparisons. The 602 looks like the 320, except it doesn't have the sliding seat and the legs seem to stick out quite a bit. If it is the same, I can definitely understand why you like the BS better. I don't mind the 320, its not a bad bench, but the difference in quality between the benches is visible in your pics (the 320 pads look just like the ones on the 602). It also seems like the single post in the front is superior to the big legs coming out into the way.

Bodycraft should step up their game. From what I can see I'd recommend the BS over the 602 based solely on your pics.



Now to the OP or grumpy.... how does this stack up compared to a commercial bench? I don't expect it to be of that quality, I'm just curious. A good commercial bench just doesn't move hardly at all when you're using it. While I doubt the 602 is that good, it does give a commercial vibe off, imo. Just wondering how much that translates into how it feels when you're using it.

[grumpytude]

Good review.

I think these benches are good comparisons. The 602 looks like the 320, except it doesn't have the sliding seat and the legs seem to stick out quite a bit. If it is the same, I can definitely understand why you like the BS better. I don't mind the 320, its not a bad bench, but the difference in quality between the benches is visible in your pics (the 320 pads look just like the ones on the 602). It also seems like the single post in the front is superior to the big legs coming out into the way.

Bodycraft should step up their game. From what I can see I'd recommend the BS over the 602 based solely on your pics.



Now to the OP or grumpy.... how does this stack up compared to a commercial bench? I don't expect it to be of that quality, I'm just curious. A good commercial bench just doesn't move hardly at all when you're using it. While I doubt the 602 is that good, it does give a commercial vibe off, imo. Just wondering how much that translates into how it feels when you're using it.

well as I have stated before- if possible I would want 3 separate benches (thats just me- I'm just picky) a flat, an incline only and a decline. That being said-the bodysolid is right up there, and for $300-well worth it. I think its very solid, doesn't move when using it. I might be ordering a Legend FID bench-so I can compare it to that in the future. As for a commercial vibe- I would say yes it does- I'm sure scooter will chime in, but as soon as I opened the box I was impressed by the build of it and the quality of the upholstery. i don't want to take over scooter's post here since I did my own review. Are there better benches? of course- but you will pay at least double (including shipping on some models). I originally was going to get the legend FI bench and then I came across this by chance- I was getting other stuff from Legend at the time, so I wanted to save some money - but I don't feel I sacrificed quality. maybe someone else can come up with a comparable bench for $300? I know it hands down better than the powertech flat bench I have.

[scooter9988]

very nice pics, I think you'll really like the new bench. For the price it's tough to beat. I've had zero issues with mine. let us know how you like it with your workouts. Where did you order it from?

I ordered it from treadmillfactory. I'm up in the prairies of Canada so there isn't a lot of online and even less local selection. I debated the SFID325 for a while but the local BodySolid dealer didn't stock this model so wavered .... then I decided to just go for it - glad I did!

I have only had one workout using this bench and so far it's definitely a keeper. It is really very solid and heavy for its size.

Keetman: I'm not sure what defines gym quality but I totally agree with grumpytude - this a a heavy duty piece of gear! I've also got the Bodycraft PL1000 lever gym which has pretty much the same bench as the F320 and yep the F602 and F320 bench construction is about the same. Not that it is bad - just a step down from this BS SFID325 - which I will agree with you on definitely gives off a "commercial vibe".

- the stitching is better
- the upholstery material is higher quality
- the wheels are bigger
- the steel is THICK and HEAVY! much thicker than the BodyCraft
- the weld quality is higher
- I like the smaller front leg as opposed to the large feet alot!
- the ladder adjustment handles are bigger / metal not small and plastic and are on both sides of the bench.
- there is a roller on the ladder support ie: you can just lift the seat and the ladder moves up and drops into the next notch - on the BC you need to put the arm into the slot manually.
- that front handle is really nice - on the Bodycraft you need to grab the foam rollers or ? to move the bench - on the SFID325 it is an easy one handed maneuver!


Overall I like this bench A LOT! In fact the overall experience with this bench has me considering the BodySolid Pro Club-Line Multi Squat Rack (SMR1000). I've been looking into a heavier duty rack for a while and based on my experience with this bench (from the same BodySolid series) I am now seriously considering that option. Of course it also helps that it is available up here in Canada as well ;-)

[justinluck]

BodySolid Pro Club-Line Multi Squat Rack (SMR1000) . I've been looking into a heavier duty rack for a while and based on my experience with this bench (from the same BodySolid series) I am now seriously considering that option. Of course it also helps that it is available up here in Canada as well ;-)

Great review Scooter and, wow, that is a nice rack!

[henryd31]

Looks like a real nice bench for the money paid. And not to take away from the bench, but
from these pics and I remember from reading grumpytude's review, it appears the bench
only really allows Flat/Incline. The decline position without any leg support seems to be
unusable. Is that a correct statement ? This design choice might have something to do
with how the bench presents itself, being smaller, or appearing more elegant. It's apparent
the quality of materials is higher but the functionality seems a bit sacrifised.

[scooter9988]

Looks like a real nice bench for the money paid. And not to take away from the bench, but
from these pics and I remember from reading grumpytude's review, it appears the bench
only really allows Flat/Incline. The decline position without any leg support seems to be
unusable. Is that a correct statement ? This design choice might have something to do
with how the bench presents itself, being smaller, or appearing more elegant. It's apparent
the quality of materials is higher but the functionality seems a bit sacrifised.

You are correct about the decline issue. At this point my workout doesn't include any decline bench exercises so for me, currently, that isn't an issue. I plan on keeping the BC 602 as well so I could always use that for those if the need arises.

[scooter9988]

Great review Scooter and, wow, that is a nice rack!

Yeah.... Now I just need to convince my wife that we NEED one of those as well.... Though I do have a buyer lined up for my F430 if I do convince her ;-)

[Keetman]

Yeah.... Now I just need to convince my wife that we NEED one of those as well.... Though I do have a buyer lined up for my F430 if I do convince her ;-)



I am set to upgrade to a new rack next week and will be selling my F430 if it all goes as planned (I also have a buyer lined up). I just took the route of getting it and asking for forgiveness later. I'd have been more upset to have let the rack go than to argue with her for a bit :D. She actually took it "okay", at least as best as can be expected. She just doesn't care about the gym as much as I do, which is fine.




On the answers to the questions I had..... as far as a commercial bench is concerned, anybody can put that on their product. I have had my hands on a couple of true benches that could be considered "commercial" and believe me there is no comparison. The one I have now..."hoist" is one of those and is just unbelievable. Its rock solid when I'm on it.....almost as though its bolted down. Hard to explain unless you've seen or used one.

I wouldn't expect the 602 to necessarily stack up to those types of benches and that wasn't the point of my inquiry. It just had a nice look to it that at least gave the impression of "commercial". I was just curious as to how it translates, but honestly, I guess I'd have to use one for a bit to know for sure.

It really does seem like a nice bench. I'm not sure why they even bothered with the decline though. They should've either put leg holds on it, or probably even better...just put a longer support at the underside of the head so it was even sturdier in the flat position and couldn't even have gone into decline. I'm also curious about the space between the pads.

Those are really the only things I see that give me any pause. Looks like a nice piece of equipment.

[scooter9988]

I am set to upgrade to a new rack next week and will be selling my F430 if it all goes as planned (I also have a buyer lined up). I just took the route of getting it and asking for forgiveness later. I'd have been more upset to have let the rack go than to argue with her for a bit :D. She actually took it "okay", at least as best as can be expected. She just doesn't care about the gym as much as I do, which is fine.




On the answers to the questions I had..... as far as a commercial bench is concerned, anybody can put that on their product. I have had my hands on a couple of true benches that could be considered "commercial" and believe me there is no comparison. The one I have now..."hoist" is one of those and is just unbelievable. Its rock solid when I'm on it.....almost as though its bolted down. Hard to explain unless you've seen or used one.

I wouldn't expect the 602 to necessarily stack up to those types of benches and that wasn't the point of my inquiry. It just had a nice look to it that at least gave the impression of "commercial". I was just curious as to how it translates, but honestly, I guess I'd have to use one for a bit to know for sure.

It really does seem like a nice bench. I'm not sure why they even bothered with the decline though. They should've either put leg holds on it, or probably even better...just put a longer support at the underside of the head so it was even sturdier in the flat position and couldn't even have gone into decline. I'm also curious about the space between the pads.

Those are really the only things I see that give me any pause. Looks like a nice piece of equipment.

I agree with you on the decline issue - if they could have made it more sturdy by leaving out the decline feature (if they weren't going to bother with leg hold anyway) then they should have taken that route. There is obviously a bigger share of the market who wants a FID bench whether those features all work or not ;-) ....ah marketing. Like I said that currently isn't a big issue for me so I won't worry about it for now.

As far as the pad spacing goes - I have been able to make it work fairly well so far - I am 6' even and my butt seems to end up on the seat pad while the small of my back arches over the crack alright.... of course a smaller gap would always be better but so far it seems to work for me.

There are definitely better benches out there - no question - but I don't think there are many that will compete for the price of the SFID325... and around here (Canada) there really isn't much competition at that price point (IMO). Companies do seem to like to throw around terms like commercial and professional even when products don't warrant it.

[Rockfella]

How does this compare with the GFI21 and GFI71. I really liked this one and might just zero down on it. Thanks for the amazing detailed pics.

[4America]

Thanks for the review

[Cpl.Girthington]

Haven't noticed OP around much lately, but I have the GFID 71 and the biggest difference to consider is the ability to use accessories. There is not a receiver on this bench like on the gfid 31 and 71. Also the gfid 71 has a similar ladder style adjustment for the backrest, but the seat adjustment is a pop pin style (similar to the bodycraft bench above referenced). The pop pin allows for more angles to choose from at the seat, but in all reality I'm sure you could get by with three or four settings. Being where I am and having the equipment I have now, I would choose the fid 325 over the fid 71. Some people absolutely love using accessories with their benches (preacher curl, leg developers, etc.), but at this point I have enough other options that I really don't use this feature enough to justify it.

[Rockfella]

The GFI-71 although comes with extra stuff like leg curls and **** but has a major flaw. It is too high to bench press! The 325 is the best bench in the bodysolid line-up.
Cheers.

Haven't noticed OP around much lately, but I have the GFID 71 and the biggest difference to consider is the ability to use accessories. There is not a receiver on this bench like on the gfid 31 and 71. Also the gfid 71 has a similar ladder style adjustment for the backrest, but the seat adjustment is a pop pin style (similar to the bodycraft bench above referenced). The pop pin allows for more angles to choose from at the seat, but in all reality I'm sure you could get by with three or four settings. Being where I am and having the equipment I have now, I would choose the fid 325 over the fid 71. Some people absolutely love using accessories with their benches (preacher curl, leg developers, etc.), but at this point I have enough other options that I really don't use this feature enough to justify it.

[iportal]

Hey - I just received and assembled the Body Solid SFID325 bench. I took some pics and as there isn't alot of info around here on this bench I thought I would post them.

My overall impressions:

- overall fit and finish is very good / sturdy / strong
- ladder support is much beefier than the BodyCraft f602
- easy to adjust
- fairly heavy (heavier than the BodyCraft f602)
- very firm padding (I like this)
- quite narrow compared to BC f602 and previous Impex POS
- full upright position is much closer to 90 degrees than either of my other benches
- larger wheels than f602 - rolls very smoothly
- grab handle is really nice
- ships in a large / heavy box - mostly assembled - just add seat pads and leg assembly
- comes with cheap stamped metal wrench tools for assembly (these are POS - used my own wrenches)
- very basic assembly manual - mostly a blown up diagram and a few photocopied pages with numbered steps - but not really needed - like I said almost fully assembled out of the box.

Anyway here are the pics.

Thank you for doing the review, this is the bench that I have in my sights.

I currently have a model based on the body-craft and it's okay but I'm looking a the body solid.

I'm glad that it's sturdy as I have used a few and even some 'commercial' items aren't as steady as I'd like.

I understand from a design point of view that it's hard to make a bench 100% stable with so many moving parts.

Thanks again for the review, I'm glad to know it's a nice bench, it really does look the part.