Did a bit of research, and would like final opinions on my choices on a new home gym!

[kazimir]

Well before I start listing what I plan on buying, I'll tell you my reasons on why I want a home gym.
I've been lifting for awhile now, and I have two younger brothers that want to start lifting. The two nearest gyms are Lifetime, and 24. We needed a gym that was open 24/7, and only Lifetime provided that.
At first we were going to go with the whole Lifetime deal, but I did some calculations and it came out to be about 1500 a year for all three of us, and also we have to pay enrollment fees....
So after figuring that out, that pretty much persuaded me to go with a home gym.

To make things easier, I'm planning on doing Rippetoes with my brothers till they gain more experience. And since we're going with that route, I decided we wouldn't need dumbbells, and other equipment for awhile.(helps me not burn a huge hole in my pockets all at once)

Well... after doing a bit of research, I'm pretty sure I'll be going with the Powertec Power Rack which will cost me about ~350-400ish.


With that out the way, I had to decide what bench to go with... and honestly I found mix reviews...
I came out with the
Ironmaster Super Bench

and
Bodycraft F320

So if you guys could give me some final says on these two benches, or any other benches I should look at, it would be great!

As for the olympic plates+bars, I planned on checking out craigslists/local forums/ebay for some decently priced ones.

I'm also looking around for mats at a decent price, and it seems Dick's Sporting Goods is the place to check out.

I think I got everything down, and if you think I missed anything, or have a suggestion please let me know!!

Also if anyone knows of the best place to get these products, please feel free to shoot me a PM.(Still surfing the web for the best bargains)

-Thanks a ton!

[timothy496]

Interesting post time, anyway, I decided to do a home gym after my twins were born. Trying to either load them up (along with our other two kids) or get a sitter was like a work-out in its self. Well about a week ago, and a grand later, this is what I bought: The Powertec Power Rack (w/o lat) and the Body Craft F320 from Gymcor for $668. I also went to Academy and picked-up the 300 pound Olympic set for $120, 5-30lbs rubber hex chrome handled dumbbells (wife's call) for around $150, an EZ curl bar for $30 and a Swiss Ball for $15. This should get us on our way. To get back to your question, I decided to get the F320 for a few reasons. One, size, with my wife working out I felt this bench would better accommodate her. H*ll, I'm only 5'9" and I'm not trying to put my feet on the bench or use blocks. Personally, I've never cared to lift that way. Two, one poster actually used the powertec/f320 combo set-up and was very happy with it (keep in mind he also has moved on passed this set-up.) Three, for a few dollars more, there seems to be no question that the f320 is a quality bench that I'll be able to use for years. Honestly, I was going to get the super bench but at the end of the day I think the f320 will be a better fit. Please note, I have NOT received the rack or bench. I will post a real world review once I have a chance to give them a go. I was in your shoes a few weeks ago so I understand your frustration with trying to figure out which bench would work best for you. I wish I could have read additional posts from other users of the powertec rack and what bench worked for them.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Im one of the users of the Powertec rack/lat attachment with F320 combos. It was my last setup I last owned before switching over to my new equipment.

The Powertec rack will serve you well. Make sure you also get the lat attachment option as well. Its also actually worth the money. Most lat attachment add ons suck, but the Ptec unit is pretty darn good. Real smooth action and it will take your traditional olympic weights on the horns.

You by all means want the Bodycraft F320 bench. I don't like the IM bench at all. Im not going to go into a big discussion or debate as to why, but I can tell you from experience the F320 is the best bench for that rack. Its super compact. Its also a tgrue FID bench(The IM technically isnt). And it is better built/better designed than the IM. It will take a serious beating and will handle everything you throw at it.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Im one of the users of the Powertec rack/lat attachment with F320 combos. It was my last setup I last owned before switching over to my new equipment.

The Powertec rack will serve you well. Make sure you also get the lat attachment option as well. Its also actually worth the money. Most lat attachment add ons suck, but the Ptec unit is pretty darn good. Real smooth action and it will take your traditional olympic weights on the horns.

You by all means want the Bodycraft F320 bench. I don't like the IM bench at all. Im not going to go into a big discussion or debate as to why, but I can tell you from experience the F320 is the best bench for that rack. Its super compact. Its also a tgrue FID bench(The IM technically isnt). And it is better built/better designed than the IM. It will take a serious beating and will handle everything you throw at it.

The bodycraft bench is a solid bench. But remember that you will practically be sitting on the floor when the bench is in the 90 degree position. Not exactly a desirable trait if you are trying to kick dumbells into place for dumbell shoulder presses. Additionally it has those stupid adjuster pins that you have to unscrew and then screw back into place everytime you adjust the bench.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

The bodycraft bench is a solid bench. But remember that you will practically be sitting on the floor when the bench is in the 90 degree position. Not exactly a desirable trait if you are trying to kick dumbells into place for dumbell shoulder presses. Additionally it has those stupid adjuster pins that you have to unscrew and then screw back into place everytime you adjust the bench.

Actually just a clarification.

A. I know you had the Powertec FID bench, but the push pins on the bodycraft arent the exact same as the powertec ones. They dont need to be screwed in to lock em back in place. Spring loaded only and the action is silky smooth unlike the Ptec bench. So all you do is pull, readjust the bench, let the pin go and it self locks into place. The Bodycraft push pins are actually the same design thats used on the Lamar equipment. A nice upgrade over powertec in this respect for ease of adjustment.

B. You do sit lower to the ground with the bodycraft bench your correct here, but this can actually a big advantage for doing dumbell presses. Especially when dropping them back down to the ground when your set is done. The lowered seat height on the F320 also has an advantage in the smallish Ptec rack for military presses and overhead lat work as well as you will gain extra flexibility on various pulldown excercises inside the cage. Very useful especially for individuals over 6' in height.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Actually just a clarification.

A. I know you had the Powertec FID bench, but the push pins on the bodycraft arent the exact same as the powertec ones. They dont need to be screwed in to lock em back in place. Spring loaded only and the action is silky smooth unlike the Ptec bench. So all you do is pull, readjust the bench, let the pin go and it self locks into place. The Bodycraft push pins are actually the same design thats used on the Lamar equipment. A nice upgrade over powertec in this respect for ease of adjustment.

B. You do sit lower to the ground with the bodycraft bench your correct here, but this can actually a big advantage for doing dumbell presses. Especially when dropping them back down to the ground when your set is done. The lowered seat height on the F320 also has an advantage in the smallish Ptec rack for military presses and overhead lat work as well as you will gain extra flexibility on various pulldown excercises inside the cage. Very useful especially for individuals over 6' in height.

The problem with a bench that sits so low to the ground is that heavy dubells are very hard to swing up into place when doing shoulder presses. I don't know what kind of weight you work with, but I typically do working sets with 100 lbs dumbells. Now if you are not using very heavy weight this is a non issue.

[QUALITYGUY1]

Look at the base configuration of the Ironmaster, now look at the rack pic you posted...it is easy to see that you will run into problems using the bench trying to place the base over the support at the bottom of the rack etc.
The Bodycraft is the only bench completely compatible with a Power Rack or Smith, especialy if you add the lat attachment. That is the reason I bought the Bodycraft after comparing many other FID's. Cost me $270 plus another $140 for the Leg Attachment and Scott Curl. There are also other issues with the Ironmaster that are going to confound you beyound sitting closer to the floor as with the BC, which actually proved as advantage as I found out, and I DO use heavy Dumbbells.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

Look at the base configuration of the Ironmaster, now look at the rack pic you posted...it is easy to see that you will run into problems using the bench trying to place the base over the support etc.
The Bodycraft is the only bench completely compatible with a Power Rack or Smith, especialy if you add the lat attachment. That is the reason I bought the Bodycraft after comparing many other FID's. Cost me $270 plus another $140 for the Leg Attachment and Scott Curl. There are also other issues with the Ironmaster that are going to confound you beyound sitting closer to the floor as with the BC, which actually proved as advantage as I found out, and I DO use heavy Dumbbells.

Uh I own a powertec rack and the IM bench fits no problem. Practically sitting on the floor and trying to swing dumbells into place for shoulder presses sucks...period. You waste a rep or two worth of energy in the process. I am not stuck on the IM bench, but I would choose any number of benches over the bodycraft for this reason alone.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

The problem with a bench that sits so low to the ground is that heavy dubells are very hard to swing up into place when doing shoulder presses. I don't know what kind of weight you work with, but I typically do working sets with 100 lbs dumbells. Now if you are not using very heavy weight this is a non issue.

Your weight is inline with what I work with(Depending on shoulder excercises and reps Im in the 90-130lb. range). But I still dont see any difference in swinging the weight up. Your still in a sitting position. You can still put the weights end over end on your knees with the F320.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

Look at the base configuration of the Ironmaster, now look at the rack pic you posted...it is easy to see that you will run into problems using the bench trying to place the base over the support etc.
The Bodycraft is the only bench completely compatible with a Power Rack or Smith, especialy if you add the lat attachment. That is the reason I bought the Bodycraft after comparing many other FID's. Cost me $270 plus another $140 for the Leg Attachment and Scott Curl. There are also other issues with the Ironmaster that are going to confound you beyound sitting closer to the floor as with the BC, which actually proved as advantage as I found out, and I DO use heavy Dumbbells.

Agree 100%.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

Uh I own a powertec rack and the IM bench fits no problem. Practically sitting on the floor and trying to swing dumbells into place for shoulder presses sucks...period. You waste a rep or two worth of energy in the process. I am not stuck on the IM bench, but I would choose any number of benches over the bodycraft for this reason alone.

Since you never owned or used the F320 bench though, you really can't make the assumption you did though. The 2 people here who have at one point owned the F320 are giving different experiences altogether over your assumptions.

[bbjerke]

You might try http://www.buysellfitness.com too. They only have used and new fitness gear, so you don't have to sift through the cruft.

[rock_ten]

If doing SS and then presumably other basic kinds of things, any old plain cage would do just fine, surely. So I'd get the cheapest one with the least add-ons (like lat ****) I could.

For a bar and plates, like you noticed - second hand **** is good. If you can't find anything and have to buy it new, its still only like $100 for a 300lb set (here in england that costs about $250). If 300lb will last you for a while, just buy that much new, and then try to buy more plates second-hand, rather than buying plenty of weight to last you forever all brand-new.

Ask at local gyms/schools/etc that might be selling off old bars, plates, even cages.

[QUALITYGUY1]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Agree 100%.

All this guy needs to do is to go to a store that has this equipment and place the benches in the rack as pictured, add an olympic bar, adjust the benches & rack as if he were going to do flat, incline, and decline work, jump aboard, and he will see EXACTLY what we are talking about.
Oh yes, and then grab a couple dumbbells and do the same...

[timothy496]

Originally Posted by 1devil

Uh I own a powertec rack and the IM bench fits no problem. Practically sitting on the floor and trying to swing dumbells into place for shoulder presses sucks...period. You waste a rep or two worth of energy in the process. I am not stuck on the IM bench, but I would choose any number of benches over the bodycraft for this reason alone.

Not to come off as a smart @ss but what other benches would you choose?

[QUALITYGUY1]

Go to this site and click on the "see adjustments" and observe and picture the bench in and/or out of a rack/smith with you on it doing various movements.
http://www.bodycraft.com/320.tpl

Now go to this site and picture doing the same adjustments i.e. FID...maybe OK flat, but now as you incline, first you need to add the seat, then, where do you place the base as you need to move the unit back into the rack??
Also, picure yourself TRYING to do ANY decline work on this with your legs flailing in the air with no place to put them LOL.
http://www.ironmaster.com/store/Super-Bench-pr-3.html

[1devil]

Originally Posted by timothy496

Not to come off as a smart @ss but what other benches would you choose?

The lamar, the bodycraft f602 are both good benches.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Since you never owned or used the F320 bench though, you really can't make the assumption you did though. The 2 people here who have at one point owned the F320 are giving different experiences altogether over your assumptions.

You have never owned an IM bench yet you make lots of assumptions about that bench. I look at the bodycraft f320 and clearly see a significant flaw with it. I never said that my observation was gospel, just my opinion. You seem to have some weird emotinal investment in this discussion.

[RIKTER]

You can sit quite low to the ground with the IM bench in the upright position as well, if thats what you prefer, as it has something the bodycraft bench doesnt...and adjustable/removable seat. Looking over the dimensions of the benches/rack I dont see why the IM wouldnt fit comfortably into the rack shown...but, as previously stated, if you can go and try out both/all brenches in person first, do that.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by RIKTER

You can sit quite low to the ground with the IM bench in the upright position as well, if thats what you prefer, as it has something the bodycraft bench doesnt...and adjustable/removable seat. Looking over the dimensions of the benches/rack I dont see why the IM wouldnt fit comfortably into the rack shown...but, as previously stated, if you can go and try out both/all brenches in person first, do that.

The IM bench fits very well in the powertec rack. I should know I own both.

[QUALITYGUY1]

Originally Posted by 1devil

The IM bench fits very well in the powertec rack. I should know I own both.

Well then it's quite clear...you can either make the same mistake 1devil made, or do the right thing and get the BodyCraft bench.





































j/k

Just look at and try the stuff BEFORE you buy it, that way i'm sure you will be happy with your choices. Try not to buy sight unseen

[1devil]

Originally Posted by QUALITYGUY1

Well then it's quite clear...you can either make the same mistake 1devil made, or do the right thing and get the BodyCraft bench.


































j/k

Just look at and try the stuff BEFORE you buy it, that way i'm sure you will be happy with your choices. Try not to buy sight unseen

Look feel free to dislike the IM bench or any other piece of equipment. However, why would you tell people the IM bench does not fit in the powertec rack when it clearly does.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

You have never owned an IM bench yet you make lots of assumptions about that bench. I look at the bodycraft f320 and clearly see a significant flaw with it. I never said that my observation was gospel, just my opinion. You seem to have some weird emotinal investment in this discussion.

Your right, I never OWNED an IM bench, but I used one for about a week. I know the bench as well as anyone. I know I highly prefer the F320 over it, and I know the F320 is a better fit for the Ptec rack(which I did own), let alone a better built bench period.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

Your right, I never OWNED an IM bench, but I used one for about a week. I know the bench as well as anyone. I know I highly prefer the F320 over it, and I know the F320 is a better fit for the Ptec rack(which I did own), let alone a better built bench period.

Bottom line: If you are ok with basically sitting on the floor while doing shoulder presses buy the f320 bench. The bodycraft bench has an 800lbs limit, the IM has 1000lbs limit. But the bodycraft is a better built bench? HMMMMM.

[kethnaab]

*looks around and chuckles*

nice to see some things never change, eh? :P

1devil, I think I understand what the lads are talking about regarding the IM "not fitting" in the rack when at an incline or a decline. You won't be able to get the bar from the holding pins if you simply set it on an angle and slide it back into the rack. This is easily solvable by turning the bench around and using the front part of the cage to hold the bar.

The only issue I have with the bench is that I have stumpy legs and a jacked up lower back, and the IM bench is a few inches higher off the ground than my stumpy legs would normally like. Of course, even benching off of a normal standard bench, I like to have a pair of 45s under my feet, so take that for what it's worth.

If you are into heavy decline DB presses, you'll have a helluva time doing them with the IM as well, unless you have a "system" set up to get into position. I like flat DB, incline DB, incline BB and decline BB, and the IM does great for all of those.

I'm also a big fan of the angle-switching system the IM has. It's the easiest thing I've used. The adjustable height seats, when you convert the bench to do seated presses is excellent as well. I DEFINITELY know what you're talking about, regarding heavy DBs and sitting back into the bench. Plumetting my ass toward the ground with a few hundred lbs sitting on my kneecaps is a harrowing experience. That won't be a problem with the IM.

Grab the situp attachment and the seat. I used the pullup attachment. It's surprisingly effective, but I do pullups with the attachment on my rack, so I didn't bother with the pullup attachment for the bench.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by kethnaab

*looks around and chuckles*

nice to see some things never change, eh? :P

1devil, I think I understand what the lads are talking about regarding the IM "not fitting" in the rack when at an incline or a decline. You won't be able to get the bar from the holding pins if you simply set it on an angle and slide it back into the rack. This is easily solvable by turning the bench around and using the front part of the cage to hold the bar.

The only issue I have with the bench is that I have stumpy legs and a jacked up lower back, and the IM bench is a few inches higher off the ground than my stumpy legs would normally like. Of course, even benching off of a normal standard bench, I like to have a pair of 45s under my feet, so take that for what it's worth.

If you are into heavy decline DB presses, you'll have a helluva time doing them with the IM as well, unless you have a "system" set up to get into position. I like flat DB, incline DB, incline BB and decline BB, and the IM does great for all of those.

I'm also a big fan of the angle-switching system the IM has. It's the easiest thing I've used. The adjustable height seats, when you convert the bench to do seated presses is excellent as well. I DEFINITELY know what you're talking about, regarding heavy DBs and sitting back into the bench. Plumetting my ass toward the ground with a few hundred lbs sitting on my kneecaps is a harrowing experience. That won't be a problem with the IM.

Grab the situp attachment and the seat. I used the pullup attachment. It's surprisingly effective, but I do pullups with the attachment on my rack, so I didn't bother with the pullup attachment for the bench.

Well of course the Im bench is not perfect. But BDI would have think that you will get cancer if you use it.

[kethnaab]

Originally Posted by 1devil

Well of course the Im bench is not perfect. But BDI would have think that you will get cancer if you use it.

and jock itch...cancer and jock itch...which makes squatting difficult, or so i'm told.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

Bottom line: If you are ok with basically sitting on the floor while doing shoulder presses buy the f320 bench. The bodycraft bench has an 800lbs limit, the IM has 1000lbs limit. But the bodycraft is a better built bench? HMMMMM.

LOL, please, the IM has a 600lb limit in all positions other than flat. And to be honest it should also have a 600lb. limit in the flat position too since ALL of the weight is CENTERED off the tiny pivot bolt on the IM bench regardless of incline,decline or flat position. How they come up with the ratings for that bench IMO is a crock. But anyway.......

The F320 is 800lb. rated in ALL positions. So overall the F320 has a better "rating".

But lets be honest here. Who here is going to put up 500-600lbs assuming they are around 200-250lbs. on a barbell for ANY excercise?

Maxing out the F320 bench is going to be pretty darn hard even for the strongest men on the planet.

[BusyDizzyIzzy]

Originally Posted by 1devil

Well of course the Im bench is not perfect. But BDI would have think that you will get cancer if you use it.

Never said that, but I will continue to preach the fact there are MANY better benches for the money. The F320 is one fine example.

[1devil]

Originally Posted by BusyDizzyIzzy

LOL, please, the IM has a 600lb limit in all positions other than flat. And to be honest it should also have a 600lb. limit in the flat position too since ALL of the weight is CENTERED off the tiny pivot bolt on the IM bench regardless of incline,decline or flat position. How they come up with the ratings for that bench IMO is a crock. But anyway.......

The F320 is 800lb. rated in ALL positions. So overall the F320 has a better "rating".

But lets be honest here. Who here is going to put up 500-600lbs assuming they are around 200-250lbs. on a barbell for ANY excercise?

Maxing out the F320 bench is going to be pretty darn hard even for the strongest men on the planet.

More goofiness. If you can't refute my points, you simply decide to say that IM is lying about the weight tolerance of their bench. Like I said before, I could care less if you like the bench or not. But you are now actually fabricating information. Why????