Adjustable bench for the short guy, fid31?

[Chillout2015]

Hi, I didn't see a thread about short guy benches lol. I'm interested in buying a adjustable bench for my home basement. I was looking at the fid31 however I see it's on the tall side. This is also why I've decided against the IM bench. I am only 5'6. Bottom of heel to lower knee bend is 16". I know I can just use plates to add height but if I can avoid that then great. The bench I buy will most likely be paired with a ppr200x so need to keep that in mind when buying. I want adjustable because I'm somewhat limited on space and would like to get the most out of it. The fid31 has a few accessories that I'd like to use as well, preacher curl, leg developer. I am just wondering if it's the best option for me? Any input would be appreciated.

[maltralson]

http://www.powerblock.com/prod_homeuse_SportBench.php


Except for attachments the powerblock bench seems to fit the bill.

[Chillout2015]

That it does. It's the perfect height. I just wish it had the attachments lol. I will definitely consider that option.

[Xone]

used cybex 5435 if you can find one

[Sdca7718]

Rae Crowther bench with the rubber feet removed. It's a lot of money but one of the best options for a solid fid bench. They come up on CL sometimes as the Nebula 1080.

[irongrandpa]

My Hammerstrength bench is adjustable from 0 - 85 degrees, it's only 16" tall in the flat position. I got it used for $75.

[tpalmiter]

This was posted yesterday in response to my looking for a bench recommendation from member jrv1932:

Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************
"Just FYI, not sure if this is already common knowledge since the Rogue Bench is so popular but they will customize the bolt together version to 17" (or whatever you like I assume) height for $37.50. I know people do this themselves as well but just another option. I'm still deciding between this and the Elite. The extra charge for cutting makes the Rogue about 30-40 more and not sure if it's worth that plus I like the gripper pad option on the Elite."

This would bring the bench to about $240 shipped.

[Chillout2015]

I really need the attachments. I don't want to just use it for bench press. I think I may just go the IM super bench route and use something under my feet. That seems to offer the most versatility.

[maltralson]

Keep in mind that bench attachments are typically not very comfortable to use and are only one isolation exercise.

I have had a preacher curl and a leg curl attachment for a bench i used to have and barely used either, leg curl was the wrong size for my height and standing curls or incline curls seem to work better than preachers.

[Chillout2015]

I'm having trouble making a decision with this. I got my rack today but have no bench lol. The powerblock seems like it would be too narrow. The ironmaster would have me spending over $500 with three accessories... excessive for my budget. The rest of the recommended adjustables are no where to be found. Any other thoughts. I'd prefer to keep it under $300. I am watching c list like a hawk with no luck so far.

[Domicron]

also, being 5'6, try to go to a gym with various benches and a tape measure and see how each feels. i used to be real paranoid about it, but then i got to bench on something that's 16" tall and it feels a little low...turns out i don't mind my 18" tall bench at all (other than the slight wobble)

[Stasher1]

I'm having trouble making a decision with this. I got my rack today but have no bench lol. The powerblock seems like it would be too narrow. The ironmaster would have me spending over $500 with three accessories... excessive for my budget. The rest of the recommended adjustables are no where to be found. Any other thoughts. I'd prefer to keep it under $300. I am watching c list like a hawk with no luck so far.

You can't have it both ways. A leg extension attachment requires a taller bench height in order to keep your feet from hitting the ground during use. Skip the leg extension attachment in favor of barbell exercises to target the quads/hams, use the inclined back pad to do your curls with dumbbells instead of the preacher attachment/ez curl bar, and you'll have a lot more options.

I'm sure someone will chime in shortly to tell me how wrong I am, but I don't think there's a single decent bench with the option of either of those attachments. The Body Solid GFID71 is probably the closest thing, but it's tall, heavy, long, awkward to move around, and has that big stupid u-shaped front foot/tripping hazard.

[irongrandpa]

The Bodysolid GFID is 20" tall in addition to what was mentioned above. OP, you may be better off getting a decent flat bench, there's been a few discussed in threads here for $125 - $200 shipped , then watch daily for a good commercial FI bench on CL. I had the BS GFID 71 for awhile then found a great Hammerstrength FI for $75 on CL, I sold the BS for $150.

[Chillout2015]

I'd gladly pay $75-$125 for a decent flat bench however the cheapest I've seen is over $200 being the rogue utility. If I'm gonna spend over $200 might as well spend a little more for exactly what I want. I can give on the accessories as long as I can get comfortable adjustable bench. Clist isn't showing much as of yet. I did find someone that listed some cybex stuff and said they might have some benches to post so maybe that will work out.

[Domicron]

http://www.staples.com/PowerMax-Flat...YF078275709408

[Chillout2015]

I tried an 18 " bench out and it wasn't all bad. I feel like a 17" would be good. That gives me a little more options. I'd really like an fid bench but not seeing many options unless I want to spend more. I'm considering the elite flat bench for $214 shipped and will definitely keep an eye out for a nice commercial fid.

[Jboy2007]

im 5'6 and just put a plate on both sides of the bench for my feet to rest/push on. Just get a bench and make it work