Is there a consensus "best" adjustable bench?

[Heisman2]

Just reading through the REP fitness thread it seems there are several benches different people favor for different reasons. I know the Prime bench is thought to be really good albeit more pricy; I'm not sure if people think it's better than the other versions available. Just curious if there are any other big name brand contenders out there as I'm willing to pay more for top quality as I don't intend to buy more than one adjustable bench ever if I can avoid it.

[ncsuLuke]

Do you want decline too? If I didn't I would probably give the Legend adjustable bench the hardest look. For decline it seems to be Prime and Rogue IMO. After owning 3 Rep benches they are fine but almost all of them had something wonky with them and if you're looking for the best I would avoid them.

[Heisman2]

Do you want decline too? If I didn't I would probably give the Legend adjustable bench the hardest look. For decline it seems to be Prime and Rogue IMO. After owning 3 Rep benches they are fine but almost all of them had something wonky with them and if you're looking for the best I would avoid them.

Good question, I don't foresee myself using a decline option. It would only be for ab work if anything and there are many other things I could do for abs.

[rpark]

Rogue AB-2 or AB-3 is a solid bench.... not perfect for everyone, but a solid choice. It’s the old nebula design, I’m not sure what the newer better designs are, but a lot of times it’s subjective. I’m sure sorinex, Rogers, prime, legend, etc all have comparable benches too.

[ShreddedSikh]

I second rpark's suggestion that pretty many manufacturers make a great bench. Personally among Rogue's offerings I prefer the Rogue Adjustable bench 2.0 to the AB-2, but theres no bad choices here. I had an AB-2 and then went to an adjustable bench 2.0....The adjustable bench 2.0 doesn't have a huge gap in the pad, and the 17.5" height vs the 18" was a lot better for me. Seems subtle and it may not make a difference depending on how tall you are, but I'm 5'11" and 18" was too tall for my tastes.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

In my opinion the Rogue Adjustable 2.0 bench hits everything you could possibly want out of a bench for a FI bench and the padding is super firm with a rock solid ladder structure! This would be and is my choice as a dedicated rack bench.

If we're talking for a dumbbell dedicated/accessory bench then I would go for either the Legend 3-Way for an FI bench, or Legend 4-Way for an FID bench due to the slightly more precise pop-pin adjustment angles etched into the steel cams (obviously this would be as a secondary bench to compliment my first choice above).

If money was no issue and you feel like hauling around a monster tank on wheels, then a Rogers FI bench (very cool looking bench and hits all the specs just right as well, plus custom color options).

I personally wouldn't go for the Prime bench when I further looked at it a while back...soft narrow back pad (if it's intended for a dedicated rack bench I may add), kind of looks cheap and generic for the premium it cost and I don't like the adjustment rungs it has on it...if I had to compliment one thing on it then that would be the shoulder/arm support attachment for various seated curls on it, but that feature is not necessary, nor nearly important enough to even consider getting that bench, but your mileage may vary of course.

My overall thoughts are to save up and buy USA made for the bench new, or look around to score a potential deal on one used since I view lifting as a life long commitment I can justify saving and spending a bit more on something that'll last forever.

[jdforsy]

Cybex 5435 and it’s not even close.

[Heisman2]

Cybex 5435 and it’s not even close.

Do you or anyone else have a link to this bench? I cannot find it by googling.

[PCRulesPSDrools]

Just reading through the REP fitness thread it seems there are several benches different people favor for different reasons. I know the Prime bench is thought to be really good albeit more pricy; I'm not sure if people think it's better than the other versions available. Just curious if there are any other big name brand contenders out there as I'm willing to pay more for top quality as I don't intend to buy more than one adjustable bench ever if I can avoid it.

Hammer Strength Free Weight Adjustable Bench ( FWADJ ) for me. The one with the foot plate.

This one.

[Asjogren]

Hammer Strength Free Weight Adjustable Bench ( FWADJ ) for me. The one with the foot plate.

This one.

I agree.. I have one and it’s my favorite of my 3 benches. In my rack,or dumbells or my functional trainer...it just works. I mainly use it with my functional trainer.

[Heisman2]

Do you guys have a link to the hammer strength free weight adjustable bench? I cannot find it. I only see hammer strength multi adjustable bench (https://shop.lifefitness.com/hammer-...1625_a16f689d5)

I don't see any mention of it here: https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ches-and-racks

[SomeIronBoy]

Do you guys have a link to the hammer strength free weight adjustable bench? I cannot find it. I only see hammer strength multi adjustable bench (https://shop.lifefitness.com/hammer-...1625_a16f689d5)

I don't see any mention of it here: https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ches-and-racks

Im almost positive they are done offering that bench as of last year or the year before. The only bench hammer offers besides the one that fits the racks is their Pro Style, which is a super nice bench. Are you looking for Best bench to purchase brand new Im assuming?

I'd +1 for any Bowflex or Marcy bench LOL

But for real, if I was looking at any new one it would be either the Prime, The sorinex 0-90, or the Awesome Bench by Rae Crowther, the Prime being my top choice, especially at the price. I only want USA made Equipment, and would want a bench I haven't tried before.

[piratelifebad]

My Prime bench is a f*&king joy to use everyday. Might be my favorite piece of gym equipment. So easy and quick to adjust, zero noticeable gap, light enough to move around with ease.

[Asjogren]

Do you guys have a link to the hammer strength free weight adjustable bench? I cannot find it. I only see hammer strength multi adjustable bench (https://shop.lifefitness.com/hammer-...1625_a16f689d5)

I don't see any mention of it here: https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ches-and-racks

They no longer make the Hammer Strength with the foot plate. I bought mine off Craigslist for $125 and spent just under $100 to refurbish it. I guess if you’re looking for new this bench is out of the question. The others that have been recommended are all great benches And you couldn’t go wrong with any of them.

I seem to do better with lower height benches 16-17” range. I have a beastly Hammer Strength rack docking bench that’s about 18” high and I find it a little too tall in flat position. The back of the seat drops down vs lifting the front of the seat up on incline positions so it works for me.

It’s just a thought you should be sure height works for you. The Prime intrigues me but it is a bit too tall for me. Again this is just a personal preference.

Good luck

[McBrody]

Do you guys have a link to the hammer strength free weight adjustable bench? I cannot find it. I only see hammer strength multi adjustable bench (https://shop.lifefitness.com/hammer-...1625_a16f689d5)

I don't see any mention of it here: https://lifefitness.com/facility/pro...ches-and-racks

I made a thread on Rogers Pendulum adj bench a few weeks ago. https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=178468931
The bench is an absolute beast, made with 7 gauge steel so it's heavy. I'm considering it but I wouldn't get it until next year if I do decide to buy it.https://www.rogersathletic.com/pendulum-utility-bench/

[urbanlifter]

Much like barbells benches are a tough buy, you can own 10-20 of them (which I have) and claim that each one is your favorite bench for various. At the end of the day you REALLY have to ask yourself what are the most important features (height, weight, pad, attachments, mobility/storage, adjustment design, ect). Because you could buy the highest quality/overbuilt bench on the market and end up realizing that doesn't fit your needs as well as a residential quality bench. The Cybex 5435 was one of my favorite adjustable benches of all time, but as I've gotten older I wanted an incline bench with more shoulder friendly options which led to a little shopping around.

[Heisman2]

Thank you to everyone for your thoughts. I have repped everyone (I think) who was not on spread. I will consider everything posted above for sure. Leaning towards the Prime. It has the tapered seat that I like and while 18" may be slightly too high I can put down some blocks of some sort to prop my feet up (if it works for Julius Maddox it should work for me, lol). I will still put some more thought into this. Gonna need to make a spread sheet of them all with pros and cons, lol.

[EricAtl]

Another vote for the legend 3 way.

[ncsuLuke]

Im almost positive they are done offering that bench as of last year or the year before. The only bench hammer offers besides the one that fits the racks is their Pro Style, which is a super nice bench. Are you looking for Best bench to purchase brand new Im assuming?

I'd +1 for any Bowflex or Marcy bench LOL

But for real, if I was looking at any new one it would be either the Prime, The sorinex 0-90, or the Awesome Bench by Rae Crowther, the Prime being my top choice, especially at the price. I only want USA made Equipment, and would want a bench I haven't tried before.

The Sorinex 0-90 looks really nice, especially since you can get it with a wide pad. Price is pretty tough to swallow though but the question was which one is the best. If I hadn't been playing bench roulette lately and had a reason to stick with Prime I'd be tempted to grab one.

[C123C]

I made a thread on Rogers Pendulum adj bench a few weeks ago. https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=178468931
The bench is an absolute beast, made with 7 gauge steel so it's heavy. I'm considering it but I wouldn't get it until next year if I do decide to buy it.https://www.rogersathletic.com/pendulum-utility-bench/

Tempting bench to buy. Looks like a 12" pad. Didn't see the specs on it. Would certainly rank up there on my wish list.

I have the Rogue Adjustable 1.0. Meets all my needs perfectly but seeing stuff like this it's hard to resist.

[ShockDaMuscles]

I have both the Cybex 5435 and the HS FWADJ if you have any questions about those. HS FWADJ is perfect for me, I like the shallow decline option and the incline angles are just right for me. Cybex 5435 is great looking bench as well, the pad is kinda narrow but that can be upgraded if you're willing to DIY or get an upholstery shop to make you one. The lowest incline angle is a bit steep but that can be fixed by raising the front by putting a riser block under it.

If you're looking to buy new, I'd throw in the Legend 3-way and Rogue AB-2. The pop-pin gives you good adjustability as far as incline angles and you get a 12" pad (with Rogue's AB-2). Keep in mind Legend charges extra for the 12" pad upgrade. It just comes down to preference and what features are important to you.

[Sais]

My Prime bench is a f*&king joy to use everyday. Might be my favorite piece of gym equipment. So easy and quick to adjust, zero noticeable gap, light enough to move around with ease.

Your review helped me in my decision to buy one. i'm on week four on waiting for it to ship. Thanks

[McBrody]

Tempting bench to buy. Looks like a 12" pad. Didn't see the specs on it. Would certainly rank up there on my wish list.

I have the Rogue Adjustable 1.0. Meets all my needs perfectly but seeing stuff like this it's hard to resist.

2 1/2 years ago I spoke to the sales rep Gabe Harringrton through some emails regarding the previous model which looks similar to the current one and the specs for that model were 17" height, back pad 11 1/2" width and he said custom color is no extra charge. That bench at that time was $850 before shipping. That would be this bench https://www.rogersathletic.com/media...chro_bench.jpg

[BulkMore]

Do you or anyone else have a link to this bench? I cannot find it by googling.

If you cant find the cybex 5435 by googling, then you're not googling. Put the abacus down and find a computer with the internets.

[Heisman2]

If you cant find the cybex 5435 by googling, then you're not googling. Put the abacus down and find a computer with the internets.

LOL, I meant somewhere to buy it new, not used.

[McBrody]

Heisman, the reason a lot of people like that cybex bench is the height 17", the weight about 75 lbs and it's 11 gauge so it's strong. They stopped making that bench along time ago. A very good alternative if you want new is the Atlantis B-177, it's has a 17" height, it weighs 73 lbs and is 11 gauge. I think it's even better because it's ladder design which tend to be sturdier and have less problems. Here's a link https://www.atlantisstrength.com/en/...ustable-bench/

If you end up getting it, post a review and pics.

[Deep-Voiced-One]

LOL, I meant somewhere to buy it new, not used.

The Cybex 5435 bench is a discontinued model, not to sound all PC and correct McBrody, but I think the old Cybex bench height was a hair shorter than 17" (maybe 16.5", or something like that)...either way though it was a highly regarded adjustable bench on the boards.

As for height I found that anywhere around the 17" to 17.5" (no taller) to be more than sufficient for me, for some reason even though the Legend 3103 is 18" tall it works better for me as a DB and leverage station bench more than a strict barbell bench.

[McBrody]

I've seen it listed on used equipment web sites and on here at 17" high in flat position.

https://forum.bodybuilding.com/showt...hp?t=150266703

[McBrody]

My bench is 16 1/2" high, great height for me.

[Asjogren]

My bench is 16 1/2" high, great height for me.

Nice bench.. I also love the 16.5” height. It just seems to fit me better. I have 2 benches at that height .