Rogue AB-2 bench review

[tonypearn]

I was on the fence about several different benches and it took me months to pick which bench to buy. I was planning on the Reflex bench, but they ignored several emails. I also, debated on the Rae Crowther bench and the EliteFTS bench and they also both ignored emails! I have no idea why a company would not respond to sales inquiries.

I order a lot of Rogue products and they have the best service going in my opinion. I emailed them a question and they responded in about an hour. Anyway, I ordered the bench last Wednesday and it came already! They also had a great shipping rate. I ordered the bench and a few new bumpers for $140'shipping.

Anyway, I've been going to major gyms all my life and the Rogue AB-2 may be the best bench I've ever seen. It is rock solid and doesn't wobble even a millimeter when inclined. It adjusts very easily and has so many points of adjustments to make it very handy. The wheels make it easy to move around despite its weight. Also, the handle folds out of the way. The pic on the Rogue site must be an old pic. The seat also has an adjustment for decline, like the Rae Crowther bench, so I assume the leg brace attachment will be available in the future.

The sides of the bench are also covered in a mesh fabric, which looks good and seems like it will hold up well. After I have it and did a workout with it, I can honestly say I don't know why I even bothered considering another bench. Priced well, looks great, solid, great service, and shipped lighting fast- not sure what else someone would want.
I took several pics for you guys. Oh, yeh- the pad gap feels fine because they are sloped down and it fills it up better. You can see it in the pics.

[tonypearn]

Problems with pics, but here is one.

[dragon360]

Congrats on a nice pickup Tony. I like the look of these benches.

[rpark]

Glad you agree. I got one of their first gen benches with the handle offset to the right (fixed). And my only complaint was the handle. Had a review on here a while back, but I do agree it is a solid nice bench. The bench is basically the same that Rae Crowther offered but without the decline/leg pad attachment. I've heard they made some subtle changes in design like the swinging or fold away handle. EDIT: Also after a couple years, I still love my bench... no complaints it continues to serve me well.

[gtbiker13]

How tall are you? Do you notice the pad gap while flat benching or can you fit on the long portion of the bench? I'm really debating weather to buy this bench or save some money and get the adjustable 2.0. Both seem to get good reviews so its a tough choice.

[tonypearn]

For some reason my iPad is having issues with the pics.

I'm 5'11" and I don't really notice the pad gap during flat bench. It actually sits right at my arch in my low back, so you don't really feel it.

[C123C]

How tall are you? Do you notice the pad gap while flat benching or can you fit on the long portion of the bench? I'm really debating weather to buy this bench or save some money and get the adjustable 2.0. Both seem to get good reviews so its a tough choice.

I own the Adjustable 1.0 and am 6'3". I fit on the flat section fine. That said I use another bench for flat bench now (Monster with Fatpad).

OP - glad you like the AB-2. Looks like an awesome bench. Your experience is pretty standard from other reviews I've seen.

[rpark]

How tall are you? Do you notice the pad gap while flat benching or can you fit on the long portion of the bench? I'm really debating weather to buy this bench or save some money and get the adjustable 2.0. Both seem to get good reviews so its a tough choice.

The pad gap is a non issue for me on flat bench. I use the gap to sit in... then slide up a hair.... then I'm benching on the upper back portion only.