Which bench --- need advice!!!

[siimng1979]

Hi All,
I'm about to invest in some weight equipment.

I've decided to get a power-rack (cage style),
and a decent bench that I can:
- Incline, decline
- Add a decent preacher attachment to
- Add a decent leg extension attachment to

ANY THOUGHTS/ADVICE ON WHAT BENCH TO GO FOR??????
I want a bench that can withstand alot of combined weight and that is sturdy.

Kind thanks.

[Essexlad]

Budget for said bench?

[siimng1979]

Hello Essex lad.
I too am from the UK (London).

Here's what I'm looking to get:
Weights
http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/...et/9028_p.html

Cage:
http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/...k_/5949_p.html

?200 or so budget on a bench that can: incline/decline add leg extension & preacher attachments...

[siimng1979]

I was thinking of the Powertec Utility Bench P-UB-S.
But not keen on the arm curler attachment currently out there for it.

Not sure if a basic preacher attachment is available for this bench?

[Essexlad]

For the money consider this rack as well as the Powertec;

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...power-rack.php

Both are imported and similar price, but with the Powertec you are paying a bit for the name. The Bodycraft is the nicer rack, unless you intensely dislike the pop-pin safeties.


As for a bench, 200 will get you a very sturdy light commercial bench, but preacher and leg developer are going to be at least 100 quid on top of that. You could get a bench/preacher/leg developer for 200, but it would be a pretty crap one.

For 200 these are the benches I'd consider;
http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/...ey/7087_p.html
Extra 140 for preacher/leg
http://www.fitness-superstore.co.uk/...h/10588_p.html
Extra 110 for preacher/leg
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...bell-bench.php
Extra 100 for preacher/leg
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...line-bench.php
Extra 10 for preacher/leg

[Essexlad]

I was thinking of the Powertec Utility Bench P-UB-S.
But not keen on the arm curler attachment currently out there for it.

Not sure if a basic preacher attachment is available for this bench?

I'm not a fan of that bench, and no a regular preacher pad isn't an option.

[siimng1979]

Thanks for the info Essexlad.
I like the look and sturdyness of the last bench. But I don't think you can add a preacher/leg extension attachments to it...?

For some reason I'm not keen on 'York' benches. The logo and everything just reminds me of Argos gym equipment.

[Essexlad]

Thanks for the info Essexlad.
I like the look and sturdyness of the last bench. But I don't think you can add a preacher/leg extension attachments to it...?

For some reason I'm not keen on 'York' benches. The logo and everything just reminds me of Argos gym equipment.

The F320 I have, it's very stable, not quite as stable as a traditional FID unloaded, but can is still rated in the 600-800lb range and it does take preacher/leg developers. Once loaded, it's very stable.

As for the York, that bench is made by York Barbell, what Argos sells is York Fitness (The York Diamond range fall under this company).

York Fitness = Cheap crap (York diamond = overpriced crap)

York Barbell = High quality

[Keetman]

Thanks for the info Essexlad.
I like the look and sturdyness of the last bench. But I don't think you can add a preacher/leg extension attachments to it...?

For some reason I'm not keen on 'York' benches. The logo and everything just reminds me of Argos gym equipment.

I have the F320 as well and it is a great bench. If you search the forum for "F320" you should come up with a lot of useful info about it as a lot of members, including myself, have posted about it. There was a thread started a couple of months ago comparing it to the ironmaster super bench and I put a lot of stuff in there then....good and bad.

It definitely takes both the leg developer (I have that) and preacher curl attachment (don't own as I have a separate preacher curl bench). They are expensive though. In the states, both of those attachments are $100 accessories each after you purchase the bench for $300 or $250, wherever its at today.

Nice choice though, not much to dislike once you get it.

[pumping4life]

I have a potentially dumb question about that Bodycraft F320.

I bought that with my rack and it is a great bench-very sturdy. I haven't found a nice, smooth way to adjust the FID on it though. I've even tried some silicon spray. Any simple hand placement for quick position changes? TIA

Sorry to be slightly off topic, but since that bench is reccommended here, I thought I would point out the only flaw I have found.

[Keetman]

I have a potentially dumb question about that Bodycraft F320.

I bought that with my rack and it is a great bench-very sturdy. I haven't found a nice, smooth way to adjust the FID on it though. I've even tried some silicon spray. Any simple hand placement for quick position changes? TIA

Sorry to be slightly off topic, but since that bench is reccommended here, I thought I would point out the only flaw I have found.

Do you mean like it sticks or doesn't slide as smoothly or freely as it should?


If so I'm not sure what to tell you. Is there a bind somewhere or something inside the slide bushing that could be impeding the action? I'd look it over real well because mine slides fine. In fact, if I'm not holding the bench when I take out the pin it slams down into the steel.

Just in case, and this is really dumb, but you have loosened the screw handle on the bottom right? I'm sure that's not the problem and if it is just say it isn't and go on and do it

[siimng1979]

Thanks for all your replies chaps.

I've decided to go for the Bodycraft F602 Deluxe FID Bench
(with Leg Ext. & Preacher Curl attachment):

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...acher-curl.php

300 quid all in.
It'll last for years hopefully.
I've been using a 5h1tty 30 quid Argos bench for the past 3-4 years!!! With no leg ext. or preacher attachment...

It's my 30th next week - so this is my present from my g/f.
Next on the list - increase my weights collection, and when I move house soon, I'll get the power cage.

All the best & kind regards.

[Keetman]

Thanks for all your replies chaps.

I've decided to go for the Bodycraft F602 Deluxe FID Bench
(with Leg Ext. & Preacher Curl attachment):

http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/...acher-curl.php

300 quid all in.
It'll last for years hopefully.
I've been using a 5h1tty 30 quid Argos bench for the past 3-4 years!!! With no leg ext. or preacher attachment...

It's my 30th next week - so this is my present from my g/f.
Next on the list - increase my weights collection, and when I move house soon, I'll get the power cage.

All the best & kind regards.

That's probably a good choice, haven't seen one in person. However, I've only seen one bodycraft item I didn't like and that was its function, not quality. The 602 is supposed to be their best so I'm sure its great.

Are you getting all that for $300? In the states that package would be $500! Does the conversion rate make that big a difference?

Enjoy.

[Essexlad]

Google gives me $489 with the current exchange rate. And yeah good choice, it's definately a sturdy bench, great upgrade from argos tat, been there before too .

[siimng1979]

I live in the UK (London) and its costing me 300 British pounds.
That converts to approx $489 US dollars.

Thanks again guys - repped for your help.

I'm looking forward to receiving it and using it

[Keeptryin]

We sell for York and have to say we have had a lot of bad feedback on the stability of there benches. Check out the Legend Fitness Bench if you want to buy one bench and never buy another again. It will be the last bench you will ever have to buy. Legend fitness makes a decline to incline that is a monster!
http://www.christiansfitnessfactory....ine-to-incline

Wow,that is a nice bench.