REP AB-3100 or PowerBlock SportBench

[cwcmac]

bb5150, I'm waiting on your reply after getting feedback info from all those manufacturers that don't have rubber feet on their benches. I have a Hammerstrength pro series bench that retails for about a $1000 and it has NO rubber feet. I'm concerned now about using it until hearing your info from the companies making the benches.
BTW, feel free to buy whatever bench suits your opinions.

It's clearly junk with no rubber feet. Please send it to me so I can dispose of it properly.

[dskoo65]

bb5150, I'm waiting on your reply after getting feedback info from all those manufacturers that don't have rubber feet on their benches. I have a Hammerstrength pro series bench that retails for about a $1000 and it has NO rubber feet. I'm concerned now about using it until hearing your info from the companies making the benches.
BTW, feel free to buy whatever bench suits your opinions.

Oh h*ll no! The COMMERCIAL gym i use has 3 of those HS benches lined up in front of the dumbbell rack. I had no idea about the lack of rubber feet. I will be cancelling my membership ASAP.

Besides, the beep the door makes when I swipe my card is kind of irritating. Most other gyms have a much more pleasant sounding tone.

[jormone]

I was looking through the Samson catalog and noticed this important promotion!



Anti-Skid! Protect the floor AND protect the user! Don't want the bench sliding while leg driving and lifting heavy!

So rubber feet are definitely a feature. Some might not need or want the feature. Some might not like the feature, but I think they are in the minority. Older benches didn't have the feature, but now it is being added.

The (higher quality) Hammer Strength, Power Lift, Rogue, Rae Crowther, Dynamic Fitness, Arsenal, Westside and other benches have the feature. Sorinex even has a rubber foot on the foot peg that holds the bench stably upright. Now that's attention to detail.





It is funny how a feature found on quality benches has been twisted into something that, when missing, would cause injury.

But to each their own. Some people like slip-n-slide, wood floor/platform scratching benches.

[swimmer32]

People don't care about rubber feet vs no rubber feet. They care about the constant whining and bitching about it.

Most of the items in my gym are used commercial products. I have the York STS open top rack that has no rubber feet (the new model does have rubber feet). I touched up the paint and was afraid of the paint smearing on my rubber flooring...........so I ordered rubber feet! Same thing with my Hammer Strength leg press. It didn't have rubber feet, so I ordered some. What I didn't do, was gripe about it in every single thread I posted. For a small amount of money I made the equipment into what I wanted. I also have a Hoist commercial bench with no rubber feet. Honestly, adding rubber feet has never crossed my mind. I've had it for years, on multiple different floors, and it's never scratched any of it. When I move it, it's angled up on its wheels. And when it's on the ground flat it doesn't budget no matter how much leg drive I use.

If you want rubber feet, then get rubber feet. If you think a manufacturer should add rubber feet, then contact them directly and talk to them. Bitching about it on the forum..........over, and over, and over again........isn't going to get you anywhere. You will rarely get an item, used or new, that is exactly what you want it to be. Sometimes you have to take the initiative to make changes to it as you see fit.

[urbanlifter]

Used my AB-3100 again today for a shoulder and arm session, REALLY enjoying this bench!

[Bignick31985]

While I cannot compare the AB3100 to the Power block bench, I can compare it directly to the Titan Fitness bench.

And it blows the Titan Fitness away. For about $50 more, (V1 AB3100 shipped compared to $120 for the Titan), it's unreal how much more stout the AB3100 is.

Better width, more stable, less wobble (ie none), feet mounting design way better, wheels larger, easier to move, pad is nicer, gap is slightly smaller, etc. Only downside I can find is the pad bunches a bit on the final 2 incline settings.

But I honestly do not care, lol. The Titan does the same thing, but the Pros of the 3100 FAR outweigh this small detail. And it's been fixed for V2. But for the V1, $186 shipped cannot be beaten unless you have a good Craigslist market.

Wish I had 50 posts so I could post comparison shots of these 2 benches.

So to sum up....buy the V1 or V2 AB 3100. I don't see how any bench in the sub $200 range can compare.

[NHAngler]

While I cannot compare the AB3100 to the Power block bench, I can compare it directly to the Titan Fitness bench.

And it blows the Titan Fitness away. For about $50 more, (V1 AB3100 shipped compared to $120 for the Titan), it's unreal how much more stout the AB3100 is.

Better width, more stable, less wobble (ie none), feet mounting design way better, wheels larger, easier to move, pad is nicer, gap is slightly smaller, etc. Only downside I can find is the pad bunches a bit on the final 2 incline settings.

But I honestly do not care, lol. The Titan does the same thing, but the Pros of the 3100 FAR outweigh this small detail. And it's been fixed for V2. But for the V1, $186 shipped cannot be beaten unless you have a good Craigslist market.

Wish I had 50 posts so I could post comparison shots of these 2 benches.

So to sum up....buy the V1 or V2 AB 3100. I don't see how any bench in the sub $200 range can compare.

Which titan bench are you comparing to and are those shipped prices? Do you have the v1 or v2 bench?

[NHAngler]

Never mind, sounds like you have the v1 bench.

[Bignick31985]

I have the V1 AB3100. Compared to the Titan Fitness flat/incline bench. Wish I could post pics. V1 AB3100 smokes it. I imagine the V2 is as good or better.

Titan cost me $120 shipped (free shipping).
Rep AB 3100 V1 cost me $186 and change shipped.

Guess I could've just order the $300 Rep FID to begin with, but still on the quest to save, lol. I can't see upgrading this one for a long while.

[NHAngler]

I have the V1 AB3100. Compared to the Titan Fitness flat/incline bench. Wish I could post pics. V1 AB3100 smokes it. I imagine the V2 is as good or better.

Titan cost me $120 shipped (free shipping).
Rep AB 3100 V1 cost me $186 and change shipped.

Guess I could've just order the $300 Rep FID to begin with, but still on the quest to save, lol. I can't see upgrading this one for a long while.

Embarrassed to say but I was using a Fuel fitness FID bench and looks just like the Titan. Both look like the CAP version of this. I'll bet many of these are built from the same factories or at least sourced parts. While it worked for me, I was getting nervous and sure I was at the limits of what it could hold. Kind of a wannabe class within the FID category. I am sticking with a flat bench for a while but really interested in the AB3100 or 3000. The 3000 has some solid reviews behind it and looks like a quality pc. I would expect the 3100 to be close or the same. I may order the 3100 within the next few months depending on feedback. I was in a hurry until the thought of some big bills on the way. Taxes on house due in about 6 weeks along with 5 tons of pellet fuel for the winter.

[Domicron]

i think the CFF FID is underappreciated around here lately, but i like that it's got a 3 leg design and no flared seat pad.

for the price range that OP is looking though, i'd definitely go with the 3100 over the powerblock bench.

[lsi1]

relocated this thread and answered my own question from the cheapo sticky.

[urbanlifter]

relocated this thread and answered my own question from the cheapo sticky.

Guessing that decision landed you back on the 3100-V2? Specs-wise it's still impossible to beat, only way I could see myself taking the PB over the V2 would be if Amazon had a flash sale and it dropped down to $149 again. As it sits the only advantages to the PB are the higher quality pads and overall finish.

[lsi1]

Guessing that decision landed you back on the 3100-V2? Specs-wise it's still impossible to beat, only way I could see myself taking the PB over the V2 would be if Amazon had a flash sale and it dropped down to $149 again. As it sits the only advantages to the PB are the higher quality pads and overall finish.

with a coupon and google express I could get the powerblocks bench for around $145 and the rep on amazon is cheaper at $232 shipped(and tax) vs reps own site of $246.

I think the Rep is the better. overall but is it $100 better is my big question.

[urbanlifter]

I think the Rep is the better. overall but is it $100 better is my big question.

That does complicate things, SWEET deal on the PB!. Honestly, reading over your intended use again in the cheapo thread the PB might actually be the better choice for our unique situation. The biggest advantage with the REP design is the rear post for added stability, the minimal pad gap, and the 11.5" wide pad. Height is negligible, both are three foot design, and relatively light weight so they are easy to move around. The decision will likely boil down to whether you ever intend on consolidating down to a single bench, the REP could easily serve as both where the PB would make a great DB bench.

[bisonp]

That does complicate things, SWEET deal on the PB!. Honestly, reading over your intended use again in the cheapo thread the PB might actually be the better choice for our unique situation. The biggest advantage with the REP design is the rear post for added stability, the minimal pad gap, and the 11.5" wide pad. Height is negligible, both are three foot design, and relatively light weight so they are easy to move around. The decision will likely boil down to whether you ever intend on consolidating down to a single bench, the REP could easily serve as both where the PB would make a great DB bench.

Rep bench is only 1.5" taller but the seat adjusts up where as the SportBench seat drops down. That's going to make for a pretty large height difference in the incline positions, probably over 5". The SportBench is lower than I'd like at 6'3", but it fits the wife and kids nicely.

I don't think the seat height of the Rep would be a problem, just something to keep in mind.

[lsi1]

I'm 6'2 and leaning pretty heavily towards the Rep because I have a tiny gym space with room for only 1 bench at a time. I have no plans on selling my Rogue bench at this point but would have to store it out of my gym. The seat height and narrower width have pretty much moved me away from the power blocks just trying to decide now on waiting on the v3 or pulling the trigger on the v2.

[urbanlifter]

The seat height and narrower width have pretty much moved me away from the power blocks just trying to decide now on waiting on the v3 or pulling the trigger on the v2.

When did they say they were releasing a V3? I thought the current one was the revised with better center hinge and they tooled around with the frame components.

[lsi1]

[QUOTE=urbanlifter;1553668261]When did they say they were releasing a V3? I thought the current one was the revised with better center hinge and they tooled around with the frame components.[/QUOTEhttps://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=174674901&page=4 Dukes response towards the bottom.

[dukenukem7777]

I'm 6'2 and leaning pretty heavily towards the Rep because I have a tiny gym space with room for only 1 bench at a time. I have no plans on selling my Rogue bench at this point but would have to store it out of my gym. The seat height and narrower width have pretty much moved me away from the power blocks just trying to decide now on waiting on the v3 or pulling the trigger on the v2.

When did they say they were releasing a V3? I thought the current one was the revised with better center hinge and they tooled around with the frame components.

V3 is already here and being sold, just waiting on my team to update the listings. Anyone ordering under the current listing will receive V3. Some small improvements:

1) Rubber feet on all 3 contact points for increased stability and less wear on floors. Everyone can rejoice.
2) Re-designed adjustment ladder for easier adjustment and rubber coated contact for less noise.
3) Improved rear base design for easier assembly.
4) Improved hinge design at seat and back pad to avoid tailbone contact.

[Domicron]

V3 is already here and being sold, just waiting on my team to update the listings. Anyone ordering under the current listing will receive V3. Some small improvements:

1) Rubber feet on all 3 contact points for increased stability and less wear on floors. Everyone can rejoice.
2) Re-designed adjustment ladder for easier adjustment and rubber coated contact for less noise.
3) Improved rear base design for easier assembly.
4) Improved hinge design at seat and back pad to avoid tailbone contact.

can't believe you finally gave in to the rubber feet hype...tsk tsk

i am curious to see the rubber coating on the ladder and how well it'll hold up over time. rubber feet on the bench is fine (although if you have mats down it don't matter) but against metal contact?

nice to see you're still improving on it.

[urbanlifter]

can't believe you finally gave in to the rubber feet hype...tsk tsk

I got tired of waiting on rubber feet, so I just added rubber to my floors in the form of flooring. BUT wait, is there going to be a problem with rubber/rubber contact? Maybe we should put some UHMW in there somewhere just in case?

[dukenukem7777]

rubber feet on the bench is fine

.

What it's actually more useful for is avoiding people getting their protractors and 3 yard levels out to test for flatness on metal plate.

[chadsalt]

I got tired of waiting on rubber feet, so I just added rubber to my floors in the form of flooring. BUT wait, is there going to be a problem with rubber/rubber contact? Maybe we should put some UHMW in there somewhere just in case?

Rubber on rubber is a stability issue.

[ripper238]

Not a fan of ether bench, but for the price it is what it is. As for rubber feet just get a rubber mat for under it, its more likely you will damage the floor do to a dropped DB.

Besides, its not like you cant buy slider feet or rubber ones from Home Depot.

[lsi1]

I was always told to never double layer your rubber.

Rubber feet are the least of my concerns it was more the improved ladder that I was waiting on.

[jormone]

https://www.bellsofsteel.com/product...decline-bench/

With the Bells of Steel v3 re-design of the AB-3000 it looks like the AB-3 benches could merge into 1 frame and be sold with different options. Would probably be a more efficient production line and offer buyers more after purchase options.

The AB-3000 FID could come with the wide seat pad and detachable foot holder while the AB-3100 FI with narrow seat and detachable flat-position support post. Buyers could then convert/upgrade after purchase if they so desired (to a decline bench if they bought the 3100 or to a narrow seat if they bought the 3000).


... and I still wonder what happened to the AB-5000.

[lsi1]

V3 is already here and being sold, just waiting on my team to update the listings. Anyone ordering under the current listing will receive V3. Some small improvements:

1) Rubber feet on all 3 contact points for increased stability and less wear on floors. Everyone can rejoice.
2) Re-designed adjustment ladder for easier adjustment and rubber coated contact for less noise.
3) Improved rear base design for easier assembly.
4) Improved hinge design at seat and back pad to avoid tailbone contact.

I ordered the bench tonight. My only gripe is that your sales staff did not know that you were selling the v3 when I called about benches today and I would have saved $20 when Amazon had the bench priced at $219 shipped instead of the $239 it was after I read your reply here.

[dukenukem7777]

https://www.bellsofsteel.com/product...decline-bench/

With the Bells of Steel v3 re-design of the AB-3000 it looks like the AB-3 benches could merge into 1 frame and be sold with different options. Would probably be a more efficient production line and offer buyers more after purchase options.

The AB-3000 FID could come with the wide seat pad and detachable foot holder while the AB-3100 FI with narrow seat and detachable flat-position support post. Buyers could then convert/upgrade after purchase if they so desired (to a decline bench if they bought the 3100 or to a narrow seat if they bought the 3000).


... and I still wonder what happened to the AB-5000.

Thanks for the suggestions.

AB-5000 has gone under extensive re-development. Tons of thought has gone into the design and materials chosen, so it's taken longer to get done than anticipated. Probably a dozen "versions." I hope to have the final production model here within a week.

I ordered the bench tonight. My only gripe is that your sales staff did not know that you were selling the v3 when I called about benches today and I would have saved $20 when Amazon had the bench priced at $219 shipped instead of the $239 it was after I read your reply here.

PM me your order # and I'll take care of it.

[lsi1]

Thanks for the suggestions.

AB-5000 has gone under extensive re-development. Tons of thought has gone into the design and materials chosen, so it's taken longer to get done than anticipated. Probably a dozen "versions." I hope to have the final production model here within a week.



PM me your order # and I'll take care of it.

Thank you. I'm looking forward to my new bench on Tuesday I'll post my thoughts after I use it Wednesday morning. Thank you for the rubber feet it gives me peace of mind knowing that the plywood and rubber mats I drop loaded barbells onto will be protected from my benches floor destroying feet.