Which bench would you recommend? (reps)

[jGvasa]

1. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5280822

2. http://www.olympiasports.net/product/index.jsp?productId=1205432&cp=1170115


Also:

How does this bar set look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1



The first bench has the ability to use it more as a squat rack, since the bench detaches. However, the second one has the lat bar. Which one would you recommend? Thanks, will rep for helpful replies!

[need2eat]

Honestly, the first one wouldnt be too bad, I dont guess, if your goals dont involve being above average in strength and unsafe squats dont phase you.

Before you think Im just being an *******, Im not trying too.



If I were in your shoes, I would do three things.

1) Buy an FID bench with a total user capacity of no less than 600 lbs, some have leg extension and curl attachments if thats your thing. Look into marcy 4050, ironmaster super bench, and body solid powerlift bench.

2) Get your hands on a rack, ebay has them sometimes for 180 U.S. new, there are also used ones listed, also check any and all classifieds you can, as someone is always wanting to get rid of the exercise equipment they dont use. If your thinking you dont have room for a rack in your house, what about outside?

3) If buying a used rack didnt net you a set of weights, which usually, it will, as people wanna sell all their crap at once or you went new, then you should look into a 300lbs olympic weight set, they can be found, new retail for $120-150.



Trust me, spend the dough now, get this and be done with it, as you will eventually wish to hell you woulda bought it.

Good luck

[BiigJohn]

I would only buy a maxicam benchpress. They are custom made and used in gyms all over the world. Extremely strong, not your typical flimsy Sportsmart bench.

[Blue Blazer]

1. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5280822

2. http://www.olympiasports.net/product/index.jsp?productId=1205432&cp=1170115


Also:

How does this bar set look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1



The first bench has the ability to use it more as a squat rack, since the bench detaches. However, the second one has the lat bar. Which one would you recommend? Thanks, will rep for helpful replies!

Hey, well I was in shoes about 6-8 months ago and I know this ain't all sunshine and rainbows, it's hard choosing a weight set and bench when your pretty new to the subject, you gotta search search and search, and check out magazines, what people are recommeding, it can be a long process, but it is worth the wait...

Well, surprinsingly the golds gym bench looks alright, but I do not recommend it...actually stay away from walmart when it comes to fitness.

You definetely need a power rack, I recommend Powertec, solid rack, some cool attachments and good price.

Second, you will need a solid FID Bench (flat, incline, decline), The ideal one would probobly be Ironmaster, because its strong, good price and you can buy all kinds of attachments, you will be able to do your benching in your power rack with this bench.

Third, a 300 lb olympic weight set (255lbs of plates with 45 lb bar), you can get this pretty much anywhere, and if you have enough cash, buy a set of dumbbells, if not just buy some olympic DB handles with the clips, and also buy an ez curl bar...

With all of this, you will have no problems gaining mass and strenght, they are the necessities of a home gym....good luck man

[jGvasa]

Thanks for the great advice guys, all rep'd

Edit: Did some digging, how's this look:
Bench: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARCY-AB-4050-Heavy-Duty-FID-Multi-Weight-Bench_W0QQitemZ110133637326QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4408 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rack (need low ceiling): http://newyorkbarbells.tv/8010pr.html
Barbell & Weights: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1

Total: $550

Problem is, my budget is really around the $400 dollar range. It's definitely gonna be a squeeze

[Blue Blazer]

Thanks for the great advice guys, all rep'd

Edit: Did some digging, how's this look:
Bench: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARCY-AB-4050-Heavy-Duty-FID-Multi-Weight-Bench_W0QQitemZ110133637326QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4408 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rack (need low ceiling): http://newyorkbarbells.tv/8010pr.html
Barbell & Weights: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1

Total: $550

Problem is, my budget is really around the $400 dollar range. It's definitely gonna be a squeeze

To be honest I'm not loving the bench nor the rack, the bench is good but it is still a good bench, the rack is very low, roughly 3,5 feet...if you have a low ceiling how about you buy squat rack something like this:
http://www.muscleandstrength.com/watermark.php?src=images/exercises/03legs/01squat2.jpg
not this one but something of that style...seems like a better idea...
check out ironmaster.com as well....there bench is awesome, but if you look that one, go for it

[BiigJohn]

Thanks for the great advice guys, all rep'd

Edit: Did some digging, how's this look:
Bench: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARCY-AB-4050-Heavy-Duty-FID-Multi-Weight-Bench_W0QQitemZ110133637326QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4408 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rack (need low ceiling): http://newyorkbarbells.tv/8010pr.html
Barbell & Weights: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1

Total: $550

Problem is, my budget is really around the $400 dollar range. It's definitely gonna be a squeeze



Try to look on craigslist. Weights are weights so I am sure you can save a lot of money! Good Luck!

[need2eat]

I like the rack joeymo pointed out for space issues.


the one you linked would require a seriously low starting point on squats 4'...and once your exhausted, trying to hit those damn bar catches wouldnt be fun...haha.


the one joeymo shown could be used for bench and squats with a reasonable starting point and safety in mind.



Definitely check the classifieds....and ebay...its unreal what you will find.



for what its worth, I saw a marcy 4050 on ebay for under 50bux brand new, its in new jersey and pick up only, no reserve, the price may increase but damn, worth keeping an eye on.

[storm1507]

1. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5280822

2. http://www.olympiasports.net/product/index.jsp?productId=1205432&cp=1170115


Also:

How does this bar set look: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1



The first bench has the ability to use it more as a squat rack, since the bench detaches. However, the second one has the lat bar. Which one would you recommend? Thanks, will rep for helpful replies!

The Gold's bench will be fine for you. I have this bench and use it for squats up to 250#. It doesn't budge. One thing I would advice is to use it w/ Oly. weight sets. I have the standard 1" weight bar and will need to modify the bench. The standards are right where most of our hands need to be when benching. Not a problem if you have the Oly set.

As for comparing the 2 benches, you want to gain mass?...squats are more important than a lat pulldown.

[Blue Blazer]

The Gold's bench will be fine for you. I have this bench and use it for squats up to 250#. It doesn't budge. One thing I would advice is to use it w/ Oly. weight sets. I have the standard 1" weight bar and will need to modify the bench. The standards are right where most of our hands need to be when benching. Not a problem if you have the Oly set.

As for comparing the 2 benches, you want to gain mass?...squats are more important than a lat pulldown.

Sure the Gold's Gym makes an alirght lil bench/squat rack, but let's be real, this can't be safe, it has "round" tubing and not square (square being the strongest), and let's just say wouldnt want to "not be able to go back up for a rep" those safety spotters don't look safe in an incident...it looks like a bad imitation of my powertec bench rack system (discontinued powertec bench)...check out ironmaster and bodycraft, you won't regret it...

[jGvasa]

The spotters are supposed to hold up to something like 300 lbs. The one thing that keeps me going back and forth between the golds gym and powerrack/bench set up is that currently, I cannot join a gym (age, blah) however next year (Ocboter this year techniqually) I will. I have enjoyed working out at home with the equipment I have (crappy bench + bar, not olympic) because of how convenient it is. However, a gym seems to have so much more, and because of all the equipment there's more options available. Blah

[bigbeezy]

I say save some money and get a bench from big 5 or walmart. that is what i had when i was young and it worked great. when you startt really pushing up some weight, then you can look at joining a gym or getting a new bench.

[Smokem]

I have this rack: I paid $175 for it.
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/92565.html

But for $50.00 more this is the way to go. FREE freight too!
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/92563.html

The bench came from Sports Authority $100 very similar to this one.
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARCY-AB-4050-Heavy-Duty-FID-Multi-Weight-Bench_W0QQitemZ110133637326QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4408 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

My weights a 300 lb set for $100.00 came from Sports Authority. You can get a 300 lb set at Dick's Sportinggoods for this price as well.

Hope this helps.

If I had to do it over again I would go with this:
http://www.flexcart.com/members/elitefts/default.asp?m=PD&cid=120&pid=576

[jGvasa]

I have this rack: I paid $175 for it.
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/92565.html


Where did you purchase the rack from?

[KaiserWRX]

Thanks for the great advice guys, all rep'd

Edit: Did some digging, how's this look:
Bench: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-MARCY-AB-4050-Heavy-Duty-FID-Multi-Weight-Bench_W0QQitemZ110133637326QQihZ001QQcategoryZ4408 3QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Rack (need low ceiling): http://newyorkbarbells.tv/8010pr.html
Barbell & Weights: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=260087787826&rd=1&rd=1

Total: $550

Problem is, my budget is really around the $400 dollar range. It's definitely gonna be a squeeze


I have that bench. DO NOT BUY IT. It lasts about 3 months before the parts become loose. I still use it and it's lasted almost 2 years, but it scares me - any day it will break while I'm lifting on it and I'll break my neck. STAY AWAY FROM MARCY & APEX brands - they are terrible quality. Right now, my bench has the sponges from the smith part falling out (padding), the recliner knob broke, it is completely loose everywhere, and the "upholstery" is torn everywhere - partly from use and partly from the staples that hold it in place have simply fallen off.

[lil_how_how]

I have that bench. DO NOT BUY IT. It lasts about 3 months before the parts become loose. I still use it and it's lasted almost 2 years, but it scares me - any day it will break while I'm lifting on it and I'll break my neck. STAY AWAY FROM MARCY & APEX brands - they are terrible quality. Right now, my bench has the sponges from the smith part falling out (padding), the recliner knob broke, it is completely loose everywhere, and the "upholstery" is torn everywhere - partly from use and partly from the staples that hold it in place have simply fallen off.


Couldn't you tighten the loose hardware, replace the worn hardware, and put new staples in with a staple gun?

Obviously I'm not advocating poor craftsmanship, I'm really just suggesting this for your own safety and comfort.

[jGvasa]

I'm leaning towards getting the sumo power rack + bench (looking for bench) as I found 300lb weights for $110 at Dicks.

Looking for a cheap, reliable bench. I've heard good things from powerline. Is something this simple ok: http://cgi.ebay.com/PowerLine-Flat-Incline-Decline-Bench-Weight-Adjustable_W0QQitemZ190118933610QQihZ009QQcategory Z15281QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(I don't care about leg attachments)

Just saw this suggested by someone as well: http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/5900.html for a sumo rack

[queman90]

I'm leaning towards getting the sumo power rack + bench (looking for bench) as I found 300lb weights for $110 at Dicks.

Looking for a cheap, reliable bench. I've heard good things from powerline. Is something this simple ok: http://cgi.ebay.com/PowerLine-Flat-Incline-Decline-Bench-Weight-Adjustable_W0QQitemZ190118933610QQihZ009QQcategory Z15281QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
(I don't care about leg attachments)

Here is a link to the new hampshire craigslist I suggest you take a good
look at the for sale sporting section. If you find something you like near you you could get a great deal and might even ask the person selling the equipment to lower the price a little

http://nh.craigslist.org/

also in the search part type in simple things like [weight] even if you find a item a month old it might still be for sale

[MuscleHead36]

Or if you have a Sam's Club in your area go there to get your stuff.

http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=368310

[jGvasa]

I'm definitely going to check craigslist consistently over the next few days, thanks for the suggestion. Sams club seems a bit higher priced than the full-size ones at nybarbell, but I'll keep an eye out.

[jGvasa]

Bump


Just got back from grabbing a 300lb set from Dicks. From what I hear, the bar actually weighs in around 35-40 pounds (and it feels like it..boo) but it'll do for now.

I'm going to be buying one of the 2 following racks (flip flopping at the moment)

http://newyorkbarbells.tv/pro92560.html -Titan Rack
http://newyorkbarbells.tv/92565.html -Sumo Rack

My basement ceiling is 6'8". If anyone has one of those racks, please leave your feedback. I already have a chin up bar, and can do dips on chairs, so the rack is only for bench/squat. If the sumo rack is good quality, I'll get that because of the better price.

As for bench, this is where I'm still playing around with the most. At Dicks, I checked out some of the benches that looked in pictures. Most of them seemed quite cheap, and would become wobbly within a few months of use.

If I could find a good bench for $160 or lower, I'm happy. From what I've learned after a few searches, Marcy benches do not hold up after a few months and become very unstable, so I'm trying to steer away from them. Been looking on ebay mostly (checking craigslist too, but most NH sellers are not what I'm looking for),

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[jGvasa]

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