Benches - What do you look for?

[RoCol]

I am really wanting to upgrade from my Ironmaster Superbench with a new FI bench this calendar year but am starting to get information overload with what I want in bench.
What do you consider important in benches?
Ideally I would be able to find something used but Canadian Kijiji in New Brunswick only gives me Horizon Treadmills and Leg Magics. I think I've narrowed it down to 4 new choices:

1) Rogue AB 2.0: Weighs 128lbs, 17.5" tall, 11.25" wide, 2x3 11 gauge, 2 seat positions, 6 bench positions, 1 colour, will cost approx. $800 plus $300+ to ship.
2) XTC Fitness X-Series Super Bench: Canadian made (support local), weighs 65lbs, 17.5" tall, 10" wide, 2x3 11 gauge, 3 seat positions, 4 bench positions, 3 colours, $319 plus $125 shipping
3) Legend 3103: Weighs 93lbs, 18" tall, 10.25" wide, 3x3 11 gauge, 7 positions, a gazillion colours, waiting on a quote but the cost looks like it would be around $800 plus hundreds more to ship.
4) Atlantis B-177: Canadian company, weighs 73lbs, 17' high, waiting for width and cost information from the company, 7 positions, a lot of colour options.

Any thoughts on any of these?

Thanks!

[anthony6377]

No experience with any of those benches, but my three biggest considerations in order of importance would probably be as follows:

1) Height
2) Pad gap
3) Maneuverability

I have the Elite Fitness Collegiate 0-90. I LOVE the bench but don't really like the company.

[BulkMore]

If you're willing to spend $800 or more on a bench...doesnt matter what you choose...its all going to be commercial grade and top notch.

Out of those 4 rogue is probably the best. Name, resell value, quality, 12" width, etc etc.

[C123C]

No experience with any of those benches, but my three biggest considerations in order of importance would probably be as follows:

1) Height
2) Pad gap
3) Maneuverability

This along with width as a lot of commercial benches in gyms can be narrow and a real PITA for me. I'm 6'3" so this matters a lot. I would make sure the seat angle adjusts but I'd assume they all do.

I have the Rogue Adjustable 1.0. I assume you are quoting Canadian dollar with conversion as that price you quoted is well above retail in USD. Excellent bench - very stable - as good or better than anything I've used in that regard which surprised me as a lot of flat/incline benches have wiggle to them. Good height and width. It's a long unit which permits the back/top portion to give you a near complete flat bench on its own. Maneuverable too with the handle although I like the 1.0 handle better than the upgraded 2.0.

You seem to have good brands listed so I don't think you are going to go wrong with any of them. See if one differentiates on price or someone here as experience with the others. Baring no other real difference choose the one that looks the coolest to you.

[RoCol]

All the prices are Canadian and since the dollar isn't performing quite well right now the American companies tend to be a little more costly. Ideally I was hoping to spend under a $1000 but at the same time I also want to buy a bench and not have to upgrade again in the future.

With respect to width, what do people consider ideal? The Ironmaster bench I believe is 10" and it feels narrow, along with the fact that the padding is very soft and the height is very high it is time for a change

I appreciate the responses!

[Domicron]

i think you need to visit some gyms to get an idea for what different options there are. most people really love the pop-pin design.

i think bench height and pad width are the two most critical factors. after that it becomes preference, imo.

[C123C]

All the prices are Canadian and since the dollar isn't performing quite well right now the American companies tend to be a little more costly. Ideally I was hoping to spend under a $1000 but at the same time I also want to buy a bench and not have to upgrade again in the future.

With respect to width, what do people consider ideal? The Ironmaster bench I believe is 10" and it feels narrow, along with the fact that the padding is very soft and the height is very high it is time for a change

I appreciate the responses!

I like 11" at a minimum and 12" or near there as ideal for a flat or adjustable bench. Would not buy otherwise.

I hate balancing my shoulder blades on narrow benches and even have a Thompson Fat Pad which is 14" for flat benching. Overkill but I like it and it's nice and easy on the shoulders.

Oddly I may be the only person who dislikes pop-pins on benches. I'd rather have a tight fitting hinged brace on an adjustable bench but that's just me. I think pop-pins allow for more side to side wiggle as there needs to be some tolerance for the pin/hole. I could be wrong but that's my preference and impression.

[RoCol]

i think you need to visit some gyms to get an idea for what different options there are. most people really love the pop-pin design.

i think bench height and pad width are the two most critical factors. after that it becomes preference, imo.

I think that's a great idea about trying to visit some gyms, I think most around here carry Hammer Strength stuff. I've never used a pop pin before but haven't really thought a ladder style was bothersome.

[RoCol]

I like 11" at a minimum and 12" or near there as ideal for a flat or adjustable bench. Would not buy otherwise.

I hate balancing my shoulder blades on narrow benches and even have a Thompson Fat Pad which is 14" for flat benching. Overkill but I like it and it's nice and easy on the shoulders.

Oddly I may be the only person who dislikes pop-pins on benches. I'd rather have a tight fitting hinged brace on an adjustable bench but that's just me. I think pop-pins allow for more side to side wiggle as there needs to be some tolerance for the pin/hole. I could be wrong but that's my preference and impression.

I actually saw a Thompson Fat Pad pop up here used (one of the few times any respectable equipment has been available) and was tempted to pull the trigger but without knowing what my next bench was going to be let it slide.

[jormone]

#1 atlantis - a real nice bench but probably expensive when new, check this thread & pics
#2 xtc? - looks good for price but I've not seen one reviewed
#3 legend - I've read the pads might be soft?
#4 rogue - solid but too heavy, pain to move imho (I don't see advantage over the dynamic bench (maxwod) )

[Stasher1]

#1 atlantis - a real nice bench but probably expensive when new, check this thread & pics
#2 xtc? - looks good for price but I've not seen one reviewed
#3 legend - I've read the pads might be soft?
#4 rogue - solid but too heavy, pain to move imho (I don't see advantage over the dynamic bench (maxwod) )

Fwiw, I have the Nebula 1080 (the precursor to the Rogue AB-2) and it's no more cumbersome to move than some of Body Solid's sturdier options (GFID71) but much more compact and solid-feeling.

[jormone]

Fwiw, I have the Nebula 1080 (the precursor to the Rogue AB-2) and it's no more cumbersome to move than some of Body Solid's sturdier options (GFID71) but much more compact and solid-feeling.

The Rogue AB-2 is 94lbs. Nice bench. The Rogue AB 2.0 is the 128 lb'er.

[Stasher1]

The Rogue AB-2 is 94lbs. Nice bench. The Rogue AB 2.0 is the 128 lb'er.

My mistake. I saw the $800 price tag and assumed he was talking about the AB-2. Wasn't thinking about the American/Canadanistan exchange rate.

[Bench905]

#1 atlantis - a real nice bench but probably expensive when new, check this thread & pics
#2 xtc? - looks good for price but I've not seen one reviewed
#3 legend - I've read the pads might be soft?
#4 rogue - solid but too heavy, pain to move imho (I don't see advantage over the dynamic bench (maxwod) )

I sold my Legend 3103...pads way too soft for my liking.

[RoCol]

I sold my Legend 3103...pads way too soft for my liking.

This I needed to hear! I dislike my current bench quite a bit due to the softness of the pad.

[RoCol]

[QUOTE=jormone;1412778673]#1 atlantis - a real nice bench but probably expensive when new
#2 xtc? - looks good for price but I've not seen one reviewed
#3 legend - I've read the pads might be soft?
#4 rogue - solid but too heavy, pain to move imho]

The softness of the Legend has popped up a few times now, which lets me rule that out. The main issue with the Dynamic one is the height, I am hoping for something 18" and under if possible. The XTC bench I have not seen reviewed anywhere and I actually had never heard of the company, they popped up when I Googled Canadian made equipment as I was thinking I could cut down on cost by not having to pay a huge conversion rate and shipping; the unknown of the company does make me a little leery as I do not want to have to upgrade again. As for the Atlantis, that thread is the one that turned me onto that bench as a possibility in the first place as it looks great...along with everything else he has bought.

Thanks for the help!

[matchsprint]

Pads vary in density over the years and depending on use so try Otto see them first hand.

Are you competing? Competition benches are lower and narrower than what a lot of people like to get. And while you can brace your shoulders on a wider bench, if you get shoulder impingement it works against you. I'd suggest you try a bunch but also decide if you are competing because then you can limit your choices.

Don't forget Rae Crowther. They have one of the very best benches and they do a lot of business in Canada so they keep their prices and shipping under control.

[GarageIron]

[QUOTE=RoCol;1412794793]

#1 atlantis - a real nice bench but probably expensive when new
#2 xtc? - looks good for price but I've not seen one reviewed
#3 legend - I've read the pads might be soft?
#4 rogue - solid but too heavy, pain to move imho]

The softness of the Legend has popped up a few times now, which lets me rule that out. The main issue with the Dynamic one is the height, I am hoping for something 18" and under if possible. The XTC bench I have not seen reviewed anywhere and I actually had never heard of the company, they popped up when I Googled Canadian made equipment as I was thinking I could cut down on cost by not having to pay a huge conversion rate and shipping; the unknown of the company does make me a little leery as I do not want to have to upgrade again. As for the Atlantis, that thread is the one that turned me onto that bench as a possibility in the first place as it looks great...along with everything else he has bought.

Thanks for the help!

XTC equipment is built by Power Body Inc. They build very high quality equipment and are fabricators for Westside Barbell's equipment. A friend of mine bought about 3 of them (XTC) for his powerlifting gym a few months ago. I'll ask him how they are holding up. The Atlantis is going to run about $850+Shipping if I recall, but they do show up used occasionally on Kijiji.

[jormone]

XTC equipment is built by Power Body Inc. They build very high quality equipment and are fabricators for Westside Barbell's equipment. A friend of mine bought about 3 of them (XTC) for his powerlifting gym a few months ago. I'll ask him how they are holding up. The Atlantis is going to run about $850+Shipping if I recall, but they do show up used occasionally on Kijiji.

It is a bit strange that Power Body couldn't find the 1 best hinge system and stick with it (smallest gap with most flexibility): they appear to have 3 different ones.

http://www.powerbody-fitness.com/ben...purpose-bench/

[RoCol]

[QUOTE=GarageIron;1412806063]

XTC equipment is built by Power Body Inc. They build very high quality equipment and are fabricators for Westside Barbell's equipment. A friend of mine bought about 3 of them (XTC) for his powerlifting gym a few months ago. I'll ask him how they are holding up. The Atlantis is going to run about $850+Shipping if I recall, but they do show up used occasionally on Kijiji.

If you could get some info on what he has thought of XTC that would be awesome, I would love to support a Canadian and same some cash in the end as well. Thank you!

[Hardgains88]

I agree with you on the height issue! I have a heavy duty Body Solid ladder style that is quite tall (guessing 20" or more) and it is a pain to have to use plates, plus it's still not the same. Leg drive is important. As far as width and softness of padding, they are important but don't assume that wider and harder is best for you without trying them. Wider pads can bother some peoples shoulders, especially if you have to wrk at scapula rotation more for shoulder issues. I also wouldn't rule out the legends padding as too soft based on your not liking the super bench you have. The legends is a much higher quality and thicker foam and I am sure a very different feel. As far as ladder vs pop pins, laters are plenty sturdy, but tend to have less adjustment positions for the back rest. If this is a factor consider it in the choice.

[C123C]

I didn't stress it as all your benches mentioned are in the 17-18" range which is good for an adjustable but since this is a decent thread that's applicable to a lot of people, anything much over 18" in height would be a non-starter for me. I'm 6'3" and I'm going to have my Rogue Monster bench cut down as with the FatPad it's nearly 20". Can I bench on something this high? Yes, just like I can bench on a narrow pad with some setup effort. Do I like it or feel it's close to optimal? No, and now that I have a bit of time on my hands it's going to be changed and get it in the 17-18" range.

This is copied from another forum and pretty standard guidelines for comp benches which accomodate a lot of varied body types. If the bench someone is looking at deviates significantly from this, that should be a clue to look elsewhere or really understand the tradeoff:

6. BENCH: THE BENCH SHALL BE STURDY FOR MAXIMUM STABILITY AND CONFORM TO THE DIMENSIONS SPECIFIED BELOW:

A. LENGTH NOT LESS THAN 4 FEET AND SHALL BE FLAT AND LEVEL

B. WIDTH BETWEEN 11.5 TO 12 5/8 INCHES

C. HEIGHT 16.5-17 3/4 INCHES MEASURED FROM FLOOR TO TOP OF PADDED SURFACE WITHOUT BEING COMPRESSED OR COMPACTED. NON-ADJUSTABLE BENCHES SHALL HAVE UPRIGHTS 34-39 INCHES FROM FLOOR TO BAR REST POSITION WHILE ADJUSTABLE BENCHES SHALL BE 32.25 TO 39 INCHES.

D.
MAXIMUM WIDTH BETWEEN INSIDES OF BAR RESTS SHALL BE 3FT 7 1/8 INCHES

[RoCol]

Pads vary in density over the years and depending on use so try Otto see them first hand.

Are you competing? Competition benches are lower and narrower than what a lot of people like to get. And while you can brace your shoulders on a wider bench, if you get shoulder impingement it works against you. I'd suggest you try a bunch but also decide if you are competing because then you can limit your choices.

Don't forget Rae Crowther. They have one of the very best benches and they do a lot of business in Canada so they keep their prices and shipping under control.

I'm not competing but definitely miss the use of some of the lower benches compared to the Ironmaster. The RC bench I originally was checking out but it was a little out of my price range, especially considering the horrible exchange. Thanks

[urbanlifter]

For those still looking at benches, I ran across this today and thought it was worth posting. It's refurbished, comes with original warranty and they say 'limited signs of wear'. $279 shipped for the Body-Solid ProClub bench seems like a good deal, but I'm not in the market

https://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/...h-Refurbished/

[Hardgains88]

For those still looking at benches, I ran across this today and thought it was worth posting. It's refurbished, comes with original warranty and they say 'limited signs of wear'. $279 shipped for the Body-Solid ProClub bench seems like a good deal, but I'm not in the market

https://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/...h-Refurbished/

That's definitely a killer deal. I have an older body solid heavy duty adjustable bench, similar, but the leg design was terrible. It has a huge u that protrudes from the front and gets in the way of foot placement. This version totally dies away with that. The ladder is sturdy, the only issue is that there are not a lot of back pad incline positions, so not the most adjustable. It's a super value though!

[C123C]

For those still looking at benches, I ran across this today and thought it was worth posting. It's refurbished, comes with original warranty and they say 'limited signs of wear'. $279 shipped for the Body-Solid ProClub bench seems like a good deal, but I'm not in the market

https://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/...h-Refurbished/

Nice bench. As long as the pads aren't too soft I'd take that in a heartbeat. Hell of a value.

[urbanlifter]

The padding is supposed to be fairly firm from what I recall, I think Brucedelaney is an owner so maybe he will chime in. They appear to have another really good deal on refurbished BS, I also ran across this today and its a great hyper at that price. The pads are excellent, the frame is solid, and I really like the footplate design over the roller versions. This machine doesn't give up anything versus the commercial Precor units I have used.

Body-Solid GHYP345 for $249 shipped

https://www.fitnessfactory.com/Home/...n-Refurbished/

[Skidmarx]

No experience with any of those benches, but my three biggest considerations in order of importance would probably be as follows:

1) Height
2) Pad gap
3) Maneuverability

I have the Elite Fitness Collegiate 0-90. I LOVE the bench but don't really like the company.

This. I will add that pad width and firmness is also important to me. I've owned some nice commercial grade benches and the pads tended to be too wide for my frame and pinched the skin on my shoulder blades during flat/incline bench presses. I finally found my forever bench and it's an old hammer strength unit made for a half rack(track) system. I modified it to function just as a stand-alone bench.