13 Best Weight Benches to Buy in 2023 – Top Flat & Adjustable Benches

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We feel that REP Weight Benches are the best for the money. Their flat and adjustable benches are well-built, versatile, and reasonably priced. Not to mention they come in various colors and pad configurations.

A weight bench is one of the most important pieces of gym equipment that most lifters can own. I consider it to be one of the ‘core four’: a squat rack, a barbell, some plates, and a weight bench… especially for the home gym.

Benches can range in price, features, quality, etc., which can be challenging when narrowing down a list of potential candidates.

In this article, I’ll take you through some of the best weight benches to buy in 2023. Whether you’re looking for a flat weight bench or an adjustable weight bench, this article has you covered.

Each bench outlined here has been personally tested by the team at Garage Gym Lab or meticulously researched through in-depth spec comparisons, user reviews, and trusted feedback from industry experts.

How to Find the Best Weight Bench for You

Selecting gym equipment can be exhausting, overwhelming, and downright confusing when you factor in different features, prices, etc. Weight benches are certainly no exception, and it’s important to filter them down to make the best buying decision for you.

In addition to this guide, which will detail everything you need to know about weight benches, Garage Gym Lab also has a very useful equipment finder that will filter it down based on a few quick questions. It takes less than 30 seconds – no emails, no funny business – just helpful content right inside your browser.

• Price: $239.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: 3×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Height: 17″
• Length: 48″
• Weight: 62lb
• Pad Width: 12″ or 14″ (also compatible with Thompson Fat Pad. See below)
• Assembly: 10-15 Minutes
• Warranty: 10-Years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Best Overall Flat Bench

REP FB-5000 Flat Bench

4.7

The REP FB-5000 earns top flat bench honors because of its price, three-post design, IPF height, wheels, and wide pad option.

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Full Review

Summary

The REP FB-5000 is one of the most popular flat weight benches on the market, and rightfully so. It has a great design, offers solid specs, and is very well priced. As such, it’s become a go-to weight bench in many home gyms. Since its release several years ago (I have owned the bench since it first launched), several companies have created very similar designs. Considering the price, reputation, pad compatibility, and color options, putting the FB-5000 from REP at the top of the flat bench offerings was an easy choice.

One of the most notable design features of the FB-5000 is that it uses a tripod foot design. That is, it employs a single post as the front foot instead of a wide base (like on the back). Having a single post greatly improves leg drive since you can find your optimal foot placement based on your height and general preferences. Compare this to a wider base, which limits where you can place your feet, and you can see where this would be a big advantage. The popular Rogue Flat Utility Bench is an example of a wider base up front. While that bench has some good qualities, I found it challenging to get consistent leg drive because I was constantly battling the base with my feet. That isn’t the case with the FB-5000 or with any tripod design.

The FB-5000 is a bolt-together bench that ships with some assembly required. It’s a very straightforward assembly, however, which requires attaching the feet to the spine and mounting the pad to the top. All-in, it takes 10-15 minutes.

Another great feature of this weight bench is its 17″ height, which fits within IPF specs. Coupled with the tripod design, this offers excellent leg drive to virtually any lifter. The frame itself is 13″ high, which allows for a thick 4″ pad. Compare that to other benches with a higher frame and a thinner pad of 2.5″ or less.

The pad itself is comfortable, fairly firm, and grippy. This bench uses REP’s popular vinyl that includes a unique texture to reduce slippage when performing a bench press. I do think the Rogue vinyl is superior, but I’ve found REP’s vinyl to be up to the task in every department. That said, I did replace my REP pad with the Thompson Fat Pad, which is my preferred pad. Note that you will not be able to mount the Thompson Fat Pad with the standard REP hardware that ships with the bench. You will need to purchase four 3/8″ diameter x 1″ long bolts. I found mine at Home Depot. Also, note that the Thompson Fat Pad will add 1/2″ to your bench height, making it 17.5″ (still within IPF specs). It will also add 1/2″ to the width over the REP Wide Pad (14.5″ vs. 14″).

If you’d rather save money on the pad and the shipping, you have the option to purchase the REP Wide Pad with the FB-5000. This will add 2″ in pad width, from 12″ to 14″, for an additional $30 if purchased together. You can also buy the wide pad separately, but it will be more expensive. However, if you’re upgrading an already-owned FB-5000 to the wide pad, this is the way to go. As mentioned earlier, 12″ is a common pad width that most people find suitable. I prefer a wide pad, but it’s not an essential upgrade.

A great feature of this bench is that it comes in various colors. You can pick from matte black, metallic black, red, blue, and clear coat. I own the clear coat, and it looks fantastic.

Overall, this is a great flat weight bench. It’s the one I use in my home gym and recommend most to others.

• Price: $295
• Construction: 3×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Height: 15.25″, 17.5″, or 19.75″ (see below)
• Length: 47.375″
• Weight: 68lb
• Pad Width: 12″, 12.5″, or 14.5″ (see below)
• Assembly: 10-15 Minutes
• Warranty: Lifetime on Frame/90 Days on Upholstery

Runner-Up Flat Bench

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

4.9

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is a premium flat bench with features including IPF height, wheels, a wide pad option, and even a stainless knurled handle option.

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Summary

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is the improved version of their popular Monster Utility Bench. In the 2.0 version, they added a tripod/single post design. They also added wheels with the ability to store the bench vertically.

One interesting feature of the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 relative to other benches like the REP FB-5000 is that you can purchase it in two heights: standard height (17.5″) or “shorty” height (15.25″). Most lifters will choose the standard height if they plan to keep the standard pad since it maintains the 17.5″ IPF height. Adding a fat pad to the standard height takes the overall height to 19.75″, which is far too tall for most users. If you plan to buy a Fat Pad, the shorty height is ideal because it brings the total height to 17.5″.

The tripod design, as mentioned, means lifters will get much-improved leg drive since they have more freedom to place their feet to maximize leverage. On the front of the front post is a vertical handle that you can purchase in either standard black powder coat or knurled stainless steel (upcharge). This handle spans the entire length of the post, so you get more surface area compared to the REP FB-5000 or other benches. The bench does include wheels for easy portability, which is nice considering this is one of the heaviest flat benches on the market at 68lbs. When stored vertically, it takes up a footprint of 26.25″ x <19.75″.

The different measurements are broken down as follows:

Height
Standard: 17.5″ with standard pad/19.75″ with Fat Pad.
Shorty: 15.25″ with standard pad/17.5″ with Fat Pad.

Pad
Standard Pad: 47″ long, 12″ wide, 2.5″ thick
Competition Fat Pad: 50″ long, 12.5″ wide, 4.5″ thick
Thompson Fat Pad: 50″ long, 14.5″ wide, 4.5″ thick

You’ll be able to select both the height and the pad directly on the product page.

Rogue is known for having excellent vinyl on their pads. This includes both the standard pad and the Fat Pads. Having owned both, I can attest to their stickiness and overall quality. The Fat Pad is especially grippy and well made. The foams are comfortable, dense, and of high quality.

This weight bench ships partially disassembled, which does require some assembly upon unboxing. Eight bolts in the frame and a few in the pad are all you need, so you’ll be up and running in 10-15 minutes.

If you have a bigger budget, the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 could be a great option for your home or commercial gym. It’s a tank and has a better warranty than other options.

• Price: $165+
• Construction: 3×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,200lbs
• Height: 16.7″
• Length: 54.4″
• Weight: 57lb+
• Pad Width: 12.6″ or 14.9″
• Assembly: 10-15 Minutes
• Warranty: N/A

Third-Place Flat Bench

Get RX’d Competition Heavy Flat Bench

4.8

The Get RX’d Competition Flat Bench is a quality flat weight bench at a great price. It includes IPF height, wheels, and several pad options.

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Summary

The Get RX’d Competition Heavy Flat Bench is built very similarly to the REP FB-5000, with the primary differences being price, pad width, and color options. Weighing between 57-69lbs, this is a rugged bench capable of handling 1,200lbs+.

Like the REP bench, the Get RX’d Flat Weight Bench includes a tripod-foot design to maximize leg drive. Off the front of the single post is a vertical handle with a urethane grip. This bench includes wheels on the back for easy maneuvering around the gym, and you can store it vertically.

The pad on this bench is similar in height to the Rogue Monster Utility Bench, but the overall bench height is lower at 16.7″. Shorter lifters will find this bench especially good for generating leg drive. A benefit of this bench is that Get RX’d offers several pad configurations.

The different measurements are broken down as follows:

Econ Pad: 12.6″ wide, 2.5″ thick, 14.7″ tall (total bench height)
Hefty Pad: 12.6″ wide, 4.5″ thick, 16.7″ tall
Hefty Wide Pad: 14.9″ wide, 4.5″ thick, 16.7″ tall

One thing you won’t get with the Get RX’d Comp Flat Bench that you will with the FB-5000 is the ability to change the frame color. As of this article, the Get RX’d bench comes in black, while the REP comes in various colors.

Overall, this is a solid flat weight bench with great specs and an attractive price point.

• Price: $159.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: 3×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,00lbs
• Height: 17″
• Length: 52″
• Weight: 37lbs
• Pad Width: 12″
• Assembly: 10-15 Minutes
• Warranty: 1 Year

Best Budget Flat Bench

Titan Flat Weight Bench

The Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench is an affordable 1,000lb-rated bench with a 17″ IPF height, wheels, and grippy vinyl.

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Summary

Titan Fitness is one of the leading value providers in the gym equipment space. Their Flat Weight Bench is quality entry-level bench at a solid price.

This bench is built with 3×3 11-gauge steel, which isn’t common for budget benches. Most benches in this range include 14-gauge steel or narrower tubing. With a more rugged build, the Titan flat bench has a 1,000lb capacity, which is the same as more expensive benches.

One of the best features of this bench relative to other budget options is that it has a 17″ height. This is helpful when creating leg drive, especially for shorter lifters. However, it doesn’t include a single-post front support, which can interfere with foot placement for some users.

Although this bench only weighs 37lbs, it includes wheels and a handle for easy portability around the gym. Many home gym owners will appreciate the light frame, and considering the higher capacity, it’s surprising it’s not heavier.

The 2″ thick pad has grippy vinyl that works well, but it doesn’t feel as premium as some higher-end benches. It also doesn’t have a wide pad option, which is a downside compared to other options.

For the price, the Titan flat weight bench is a nice bench that won’t break the bank. You can certainly find benches for less money, even down to below $100, but there is a noticeable drop in quality in my experience.

• Price: $599.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: 11-gauge steel (2×4 and 2×2)
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Telescoping Spine
• # of Back Adjustments: 7 (0-90 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 5 (-15-45 degrees)
• Height: 17.5″
• Length: 57″
• Weight: 110lb
• Pad Width: 12.25″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 10 Years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Best Overall Adjustable FID Bench

REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Bench

4.9

The REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Bench is a revolutionary bench that eliminates the gap between the seat and the back at every angle. It’s an outstanding bench overall.

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Full Review

Summary

In my opinion, REP has been making the best home gym weight benches for a few years. Because of that, they’ve taken top spots for flat benches and FID benches.

The AB-5000 Zero Gap bench offers an innovative design that eliminates the pesky gap between the back pad and the seat. As previously mentioned, the pad gap can be very annoying for some users depending on the severity of the gap and the lifter’s height. The Zero Gap Bench from REP solves this issue using a sliding seat.

This is far and away the best feature of this bench. Unlike most adjustable bench seats that only tilt to the desired angle, the AB-5000 seat tilts AND slides. Underneath the seat is a pop-pin selector that can position the seat in 1-of-8 sliding slots. The system uses two bearings and two guide rails to accommodate the adjustment, and it’s extremely easy to use. My recommendation is to pull the seat in the forward-most position, set the back pad angle, set the seat angle, and then slide the seat into the closest position to the back pad. I know it sounds like a lot, but you can make all three adjustments in 10-15 seconds.

The back can adjust anywhere from 0 degrees to 90 degrees across seven options (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90) and the seat can adjust across five options (-15, 0, 15, 30, 45). Of the 35 adjustment options, only six cannot achieve a zero gap position. These are positions you likely would never use anyway, however, so it’s of little concern.

The bench measures 17.5″ tall from the ground to the top of the pad, which is within IPF rules and shorter than most adjustable benches. Because of that, it’s an advantage compared to some FID benches since it allows for better leg drive. The front post uses a T-shaped support with a relatively narrow width – at least compared to the back. While you won’t get total freedom to roam your feet, there is plenty of room to find a good spot.

The pads are 2.25″ thick and 12″ wide, but a wide pad is available. The seat does taper down to 8″ near the front to allow some users a more comfortable leg position. They use the same textured vinyl as their other benches, which is grippy and tight-fitting. The foam itself is dense and creates a solid base to lift.

This is a very heavy bench at 110lbs. It’s extremely stable, and with its combination of 11-gauge steel, it can handle 1,000lbs. The bench does offer wheels and a handle for easy transport, and it’s easily stored vertically, which is a huge benefit for home gym owners.

Lastly, this is an FID weight bench, which means you can perform decline work. This is made possible with an optional leg attachment that does cost extra. You can adjust the attachment to your height, and while it does wobble somewhat (almost all do), it’s a secure operation. Of course, you don’t have to buy the attachment. At that point, the AB-5000 is just an adjustable incline bench with a zero gap.

I’ve owned this bench since REP released it in 2018. It remains a bench I regularly use in my rotation, and I’ve been extremely pleased with it.

• Price: $499
• Construction: 7 & 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 7 (0-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 4
• Height: 18″
• Length: 57.7″
• Weight: 115lb
• Pad Width: 12.5″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 1 Year

Runner-Up Adjustable FID Bench

Get RXd FIDAB-2 Adjustable Bench

4.8

The Get RXd FIDAB-2 is a great all-around FID bench with several features, including a vertical stand, wheels, optional dumbbell holders, & more.

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Summary

The Get RX’d FIDAB-2 was introduced in 2021 and nearly made the best overall FID bench on this list. This bench combines some of my favorite features of the REP AB-5200 (incline bench), but it adds a decline attachment and dumbbell holders for chest-supported rows.

As mentioned earlier, I prefer a ladder-style adjustment mechanism over the telescoping spine. It’s easier to use, easier to adjust, and it’s very secure. Until this point, most (not all) FID benches use a telescoping spine, so I was very excited to see an FID bench employ the ladder. The bench includes seven adjustments on the back (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 85) and four on the seat, including a decline angle.

The FIDAB-2 includes a cage around the adjustment section, which keeps the ladder from unwanted movement during the adjustment process. The ladder also includes a nylon-coated pin to prevent the bench’s finish from getting damaged during the adjustment or while the bench is in use. This bench is available in multiple colors, including black, blue, red, yellow, and green.

Weighing in at 115lbs, it’s an absolute tank. I haven’t noticed any wobble whatsoever – totally rock solid. This bench includes a handle and wheels, and when stored vertically, it only takes up an 18″x20″ footprint. The handle sits low on the frame and is covered in urethane – this provides a comfortable grip and lets you lift it low for good leverage and easy portability.

The vinyl on the FIDAB-2 is very grippy. It has a slightly different texture compared to other imported benches I’ve seen from the likes of REP, but it’s very similar overall in terms of grip and feel. The pad is 12.5″ vs. 12″ on the REP benches, which is something that I prefer, and it’s a comfortable/dense foam.

This bench improves on a couple of things compared to the REP AB-5200 incline bench. Firstly, it offers a leg attachment for decline work. This is very similar to the REP AB-5000 and Rogue AB-3 attachments. You can easily remove it with a pop-pin and adjust it based on your height. Like on other FID benches, you may notice some, but it’s not egregious.

The second improvement is that it provides an option to add dumbbell holders, which is useful for chest-supported rows. These mount on the back of the bench, and you can adjust the height to your needs. You can also front mount them since the uprights offer 4-way holes, which means you can technically use a barbell as well. Keep in mind that the bench’s spine may limit the range of motion with a barbell, but you can use a cambered bar or a seal row bar effectively.

I’m a big fan of this bench. It’s solid, feature-rich, and includes a great ladder adjustment.

• Price: $950
• Construction: 11-gauge steel (2×4 and 2×2)
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Telescoping Spine
• # of Back Adjustments: 9 (0-78 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 6 (-15-40 degrees)
• Height: 18″
• Length: 68″ (when flat)
• Weight: 117lb
• Pad Width: 12″
• Assembly: Ships Assembled
• Warranty: Lifetime on Frame/90 Days on Upholstery

Third-Place Adjustable FID Bench

Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench

4.8

The Rogue AB-3 Adjustable Bench is a premium FID bench with numerous adjustment options, a telescoping spine, and other nice features.

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Summary

The Rogue AB-3 is one of the nicest adjustable benches on the market and one of the most well-reviewed. It offers more adjustment options than most, is very heavy-duty, and offers a great warranty backed by the Rogue reputation.

The back pad on the AB-3 can adjust anywhere from 0 degrees to 78 degrees across nine options (0, 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78) and the seat can adjust across five options (-15, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40). The 78-degree max upright angle is something that some people may find lacking on this bench since most others offer 85 degrees or even 90 degrees.

The bench measures 18″ tall from the ground to the top of the pad, which is fairly common for adjustable benches. The REP AB-5000 is an example of a shorter FID bench, but most adjustable benches are 18″+ tall. The front foot is relatively low profile, which helps to find good foot placement and produce solid leg drive. Under the frame are rubber feet to protect the floor and keep the bench from sliding. However, these feet contribute to the higher 18″ height. Making these lower profile would allow the overall bench height to drop.

The pads are 2.25″ thick and 12″ wide, which is right in the wheelhouse of adjustable benches. The seat gradually tapers down, which many users prefer for overall leg comfort. The pad gap on the AB-3 is wider than most. Since the pads have a downward angle into the gap, it’s around 6″ from top-to-top. These angles, however, make it more comfortable than some benches with narrower gaps.

The bench is built with a combination of 2×2 and 2×3 11-gauge steel and weighs in at 117lbs, giving it a 1,000+lb weight capacity. On the front of the front post is a swivel handle that extends out for easy portability.

The AB-3 comes standard with the leg attachment to make it a true FID bench. This leg attachment, like many others, can be easily removed and adjusted for user height/preferences. This attachment feels higher quality than others I’ve used from REP and Get RX’d, but some wobble still exists.

The AB-3 from Rogue is among the more expensive options, but it’s a high-quality, highly-adjustable bench with a stellar track record. With one of the strongest warranties in the game, you can rest easy knowing you’ve made a good buy.

• Price: $319.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: Steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 7 (-15-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 3
• Height: 18″
• Length: 54″
• Weight: 88lb
• Pad Width: 12″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 10 years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Best Budget Adjustable FID Bench

Griffin Adjustable FID Bench

5.0

The Griffin Adjustable FID Bench is a budget-friendly offering with 21 total configurations, wheels, and a leg attachment.

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Summary

The Griffin Adjustable FID bench is a budget-friendly option for flat, incline, and decline movements. This is not a revolutionary design by any means. In fact, several companies offer this exact same bench with a few minor differences on the handle, foot base, etc. However, the Griffin version offers a slightly better price than some others, ships to Canada, and has a couple of design features that I prefer.

Firstly, this is a 1,000lb rated bench that weighs 88lbs. It has a ladder-style adjustment with seven positions on the back (-15, 0, 20, 35, 50, 65, & 85), and it offers a pop-pin guide rod adjustment on the seat that includes three positions. While this bench does wheel easily, you can’t store it vertically.

Near the front of the bench is a mounted leg roller attachment, which allows for decline movements. This is going to be something some people like and others do not. While you can technically remove the roller altogether, it also includes the handle to maneuver the bench, so I recommend keeping it on. That said, it’s not always ideal to have it on since some users may find that it gets in the way, feels awkward, or otherwise makes it slower to get into position each time you perform a movement. The roller is somewhat adjustable by sliding it inside a laser cutout and tightening it with a bolt.

The front and back bases have rubber caps to protect your flooring, which differs from some benches with steel plate bases. The front foot is narrow to allow for solid leg drive/feet positioning. I also like the steel handle compared to the plastic handles commonly seen on other benches.

The pads are 2.5″ thick, which creates an 18″ overall height from the floor to the top of the pad. Again, this is common for adjustable benches. The pads measure 12″ in width, but it’s important to note that the seat gets wider as it gets closer to the leg rollers. This is contrary to most benches that gradually taper, and it’s something that some users may not like. I agree that it takes some getting used to, and I prefer a thinner seat personally. The gap on this bench is ~2″, which is very manageable.

In my opinion, this bench from Griffin represents a nice home gym adjustable bench option for those looking to save some money and still get a functional piece.

• Price: $499.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: 2×3 7 & 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 7 (0-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 3
• Height: 18″
• Length: 55.25″
• Weight: 125lb
• Pad Width: 12″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 10 Years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Best Overall Adjustable Incline Bench

REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench

4.9

The REP AB-5200 is one of the best overall weight benches on the market. It includes 21 adjustment options, a wide pad option, wheels, and a vertical stand, among other nice features.

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Full Review

Summary

The REP AB-5200 has been one of my go-to adjustable home gym benches since its release. It’s a very well-made adjustable incline bench with several notable features. While I love the Get RX’d FIDAB-2 listed above, the REP AB-5200 has one unique feature that I really appreciate… a wide pad option.

While wide pads are common on flat benches, they’ve rarely seen in the adjustable bench world until REP introduced them in 2021. I purchased the wide pad the day it was released, and I’m a big fan of it overall. REP allows you to buy the back pad only or both the back and the seat in the wide variant. I purchased both, but I prefer the narrow seat since I can get better leg drive. The standard pads on the 5200 bench are 12″ wide, while the wide pads are 14″ wide. All pads are 2.25″, which creates a total height of 18″. The pad gap on this bench is less than 2″, which is completely avoidable in the flat position for most people because of the back pad length.

The frame is built using a combination of 11-gauge and 7-gauge 2×3 steel, which creates a very beefy 125lb bench. Seriously, this thing is a tank. It’s one of the most solid benches that I own. The front foot is essentially a single post in that it’s very narrow and allows for great leg drive. On the front of the post is a horizontal steel handle that sits low on the frame. Wheels on the back make it easy to move around, and a top brace allows for vertical storage.

The AB-5200 uses a ladder-style adjustment, which I prefer over other styles. It’s very fast and easy to use. A cage surrounds the position hooks to eliminate ladder movement when adjusting/using the bench, and a nylon-coated pin protects the bench’s finish. You can adjust the back along seven positions (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 85) and the seat along three positions. 85 degrees is my favorite upright angle since 90 degrees can be too vertical.

Off the back, you can add a separately-purchased spotter platform. If you’re using the bench in a commercial gym or even in a home gym and you lift with a spotter, this can be very helpful. It’s large and includes a diamond pattern on top. This is something also unique about the AB-5200 that the Get RXd FIDAB-2 doesn’t offer.

Lastly, You can buy the 5200 in several colors: black, blue, red, and clear coat. While you don’t get decline ability on the 5200 as on the FIDAB-2, this bench may cost less, and it offers a wide pad.

If you’re not someone who uses decline much, I highly recommend the AB-5200. It’s one of the best incline benches for the money and is a great home gym bench overall.

If you like the design of the 5200 but want to save some money, check out the AB-4100 as an alternative adjustable bench.

For further reading, you can check out our full AB-4100 review.

• Price: $595
• Construction: 3×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 10 (0-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 3
• Height: 17.5″
• Length: 55.75″
• Weight: 125lb
• Pad Width: 11.25″ (Vinyl Option) / 11″ (Molded Foam Option)
• Assembly: Assembly Required
• Warranty: 10 Years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Runner-Up Adjustable Incline Bench

Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0

4.7

The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is a very high-quality bench that could easily take top honors in this category. It includes several features including wheels, a vertical stand, two pad options, etc…

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Summary

The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is the latest addition to the Rogue bench lineup. This bench is the upgraded version of the 2.0, which previously held a spot in the ‘Best Weight Bench’ awards. This is a very high-quality and well-regarded incline bench with several excellent features. It could very well take the top honors in this category.

This bench is constructed with 3×3 11-gauge steel to create a 125lb frame – one of the heaviest in its class. It uses a tripod design similar to the AB-5200 and offers a horizontal handle to wheel around the gym. One thing I like about this bench design is that it offers a 17.5″ height, which is within IPF specs and which is less than most adjustable benches (18″+).

It uses a similar ladder-style design with a cage enclosure. It also provides 10 positions ranging from 0-85 degrees and three positions on the seat ranging from 0-30 degrees. This makes it one of the most adjustable benches on the market.

Like all Rogue pads, the pad on this bench is very high-quality. You can purchase the 3.0 with two pad options. The traditional vinyl-wrapped foam option is slightly less expensive and offers a grippy texture with a tight fit and durable stitching. They’ve also introduced a molded foam pad that’s slightly narrower (11″ vs. 11.25″), but more durable and a little more grippy. Wide-shouldered lifters may find either option too narrow, but if you perform a lot of chest flies, you may prefer the narrower width. Another great feature of this bench is that the pad gap is only 1″ in the flat position.

Buyers can purchase the Adjustable Bench 3.0 in black, red, or blue, with either stainless steel or black accents. You can also store this bench vertically, which is an improvement over the 2.0 version. It also includes wheels for easy portability.

Overall, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is an outstanding incline bench option. If you like the shorter height and narrower width pad, this will likely appeal to you more than others.

• Price: $439.99
• Construction: 2×3 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 12 (0-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 3
• Height: 18″
• Length: 50″
• Weight: 96lb
• Pad Width: 12″ & 10″ (see below)
• Assembly: 10-15 Minutes
• Warranty: Lifetime on Frame/6 Months on Upholstery

Third-Place Adjustable Incline Bench

Vulcan Prime Adjustable Bench

4.9

The Vulcan Prime Adjustable Bench is a well-priced and well-spec’d weight bench with a whopping 36 total adjustment configurations.

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Summary

The Vulcan Prime Adjustable Bench is one of the most adjustable weight benches on the market. It also has some of the best value with an attractive price (plus free shipping) and one of the best warranties among all adjustable benches.

Weighing in at 96lbs, this bench is constructed with 11-gauge steel and can handle 1,000lbs. Like most adjustable benches, it offers a handle and wheel combo to move around the gym easily. It also includes one of the narrowest front posts, which provides excellent leg drive and foot positioning.

One of the best features of this bench is that it not only includes a ladder mechanism, but that it offers so many adjustments. While most benches in this class have six or seven adjustments, the Vulcan Prime Adjustable Bench has twelve! The back maxes out at 85 degrees and hits many angles along the way (0, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 75, 85). The seat adjusts three ways from 0-30 degrees.

Aside from the adjustments, the most unique feature of this bench is its tapered back pad. What starts at 12″ in the lumbar spine region tapers down to 10″ in the mid-back and scapula regions. This is something you’ll either really like or something that will steer you to something different. While some users love a 10″ pad, others (like myself), do not. However, I think a 10″ pad shines with accessory work, namely chest flies and neutral grip dumbbell presses.

The pads are covered in grippy vinyl similar to other imported benches, and they include a 6-month warranty. This is much better than the 30-day warranty on most other weight benches. It also includes a small and very manageable pad gap of less than 2″.

If you’re looking for a highly adjustable weight bench, the Vulcan Prime Adjustable Bench is a great candidate. With a solid price and free shipping, it’s an especially nice home gym option.

• Price: $269.99 (free shipping)
• Construction: Combination of 4-gauge and 11-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Ladder
• # of Back Adjustments: 6 (0-90 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 3
• Height: 17″
• Length: 49.5″
• Weight: N/A
• Pad Width: 11.75″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 10 Years on Frame/30 Days on Upholstery

Best Budget Adjustable Incline Bench

REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench

4.9

The REP AB-3100 v3 is an excellent budget adjustable bench with IPF height, 18 adjustment configurations, and wheels.

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Summary

At $209, the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench v3 has a lot going for it. IPF height, minimal pad gap, ladder design, and a 1,000lb capacity at that price combine to make a very compelling offer.

The AB-3100 is built using a combination of 4-gauge and 11-gauge steel to create a strong bench capable of handling 1,000lbs. It has a true tripod design with a very narrow single front post and rubber feet to protect your floor. On the front of the single post is a rubber-coated handle that extends outward, and on the back are two wheels for portability. The bench isn’t designed to be stored vertically, but you can do it by propping it up and preventing the wheels from sliding out by placing something behind them.

One of the best features of this bench is that it has a total height of only 17″, which is one of, if not the lowest in the industry. This is within IPF specs and will provide the majority of lifters with an opportunity to generate great leg drive. The single post design only helps in that regard.

The AB-3100 uses the popular ladder design, and it provides six back adjustments (0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90) and three seat adjustments to dial in the angle. It also uses coated pins to protect the bench’s finish. The 3100, like all of REP’s benches, comes in several colors, including black, red, and blue.

The bench pads are 2.5″ thick and 11.75″ in width. While they are slightly narrower than the 12″ pads, 1/4″ inch isn’t going to make much of a difference. The seat pad tapers slightly down from 11.75″ towards the front of the bench to give your legs a little more freedom. There is a small gap of less than 2″ on the bench, which is very competitive with other products. The vinyl is similar to REP’s other offerings – it has a grippy texture to prevent slippage.

In general, this is a great adjustable incline bench for the price. If you’re shopping for a home gym weight bench on a budget (that doesn’t suck), the REP AB-3100 may be tough to beat.

• Price: $499
• Construction: Combination of 11-gauge and 12-gauge steel
• Weight Capacity: 1,000lbs
• Adjustment Type: Telescoping Spine
• # of Back Adjustments: 11 (0-85 degrees)
• # of Seat Adjustments: 11
• Height: 17.2″
• Length: 47″
• Weight: 65lbs
• Pad Width: 10.5″
• Assembly: 15-20 Minutes
• Warranty: 10 Years on Frame/1 Year on Upholstery

Most Versatile Weight Bench

Ironmaster Super Bench PRO v2

4.5

The Ironmaster Super Bench Pro v2 is a very versatile bench. It includes IPF height, wheels, no pad gap, and multiple attachments for different exercises.

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Summary

The Ironmaster Super Bench Pro V2 is one of the most versatile weight benches in the industry. The Pro version improves on the original Super Bench in several ways, including IPF height.

Unlike most adjustable benches with back pads and seats that adjust, the Super Bench Pro has a single back pad that adjusts. The seat is then attached to the frame to create the proper angle. There are a total of 11 pad adjustments ranging from 0-85 (0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 85). There are also 11 seat adjustments, each with a corresponding angle. Because it’s built this way, the Super Bench Pro creates a zero pad gap in every position.

The pad itself measures 44” long, which makes it long enough to use as a flat bench without the need for an additional seat. One downside to the Super Bench Pro is that it has a width of 10.25”, which many lifters will find to be too narrow for conventional bench pressing. This is, however, an improvement over the regular Super Bench, which is 10”.

The bench is constructed with a combination of 11-gauge and 12-gauge steel, and its base weight is 65lbs. It’s can handle 1,000lbs in the flat position and 600lbs in any adjusted position. Perhaps the biggest improvement of the Pro version is that it reduces the frame height from 20” to 17.2”, which is within IPF specs. The front of the Pro version is narrower than the regular version also, but it’s still not a single post design, so you may not get as much freedom to set your feet.

Unlike the regular version, the Super Bench Pro V2 comes with wheels and a handle as standard. It can also be stored vertically, which makes it a great option for a home gym weight bench.

What makes the Super Bench Pro so versatile is that it offers multiple attachments for a variety of movements. These cost extra, but they can configure the bench in ways other adjustable weight benches simply cannot. A list of the available attachments is as follows:

• crunch sit-up (recommended for decline movements to hold legs)
• Leg extension/leg curl
• Dip bar
• Preacher curl
• Lat tower (yes, a full-blown lat tower)
• Chin-up bar

If you’re looking for a weight bench that offers maximum versatility, the Super Bench Pro v2 is a great option.

Types of Weight Benches

Flat/Utility Bench

As the name implies, this is a flat weight bench that you can use in a variety of ways. The most notable is the flat bench press, but you can use a flat weight bench for things like dumbbell rows, dumbbell flies, split squats, step-ups, and other movements.

Adjustable FID Bench

FID stands for ‘Flat/Incline/Decline.’ If you like to perform decline bench press or decline ab movements, then having a full FID weight bench is likely to appeal to you. Generally speaking, FID benches are the most expensive but also the most versatile.

Incline Bench

An incline weight bench allows for movements in either the flat or incline position. These are versatile benches that allow for dozens of movements. If you’re not someone who uses the decline feature much, my recommendation is an incline bench – you’ll save some money and still get a ton of variety in your training.

Adjustment Types

Adjustable weight benches primarily offer three adjustment types:

Ladder Style

The ladder style adjustment is my favorite because it’s very fast, it’s very convenient, and it’s very secure. A user can adjust the back and seat of a ladder-style bench in a few seconds, and these benches will accommodate the full range of adjustment positions. You will find this adjustment type on FID adjustable benches and incline benches.

Telescoping Spine

The telescoping spine is another very popular adjustment type. It’s an extremely secure mechanism that allows for fast adjustments using a simple pop-pin. The curved spine has laser-cut holes at various degrees to accommodate a comprehensive range of positions. Like the ladder-style benches, you will find this type of mechanism on FID and incline benches.

Guide Rod with Pop-Pin

The guide rod is a less common adjustment type that slides a tubular steel post up and down inside of a slightly larger fixed tubular steel post. A pop-pin is used to make the selection.

How to Pick the Best Weight Bench

With dozens of weight benches claiming to be the best, how do you choose the right one? At Garage Gym Lab, we’ve made it our quest to highlight products that are truly worth your money through in-depth reviews, comprehensive equipment spec sheets, and a network of trusted equipment experts. Each bar on this list has been tested and used by the GGL team.

Here are the key factors we considered when selecting the best weight benches in 2023:

Price

Price is an important consideration for obvious reasons. Weight benches can range in price from under $100 to well over $1,000. Price will ultimately come down to many of the features listed below, but notably, it will reflect material quality, specs, features, and manufacturer/origin. Adjustable benches are generally more-to-much-more expensive than flat benches.

Construction Quality

How well is the bench made, and what type of materials does it use? Some benches use 3×3 11-gauge steel like you’ll find on high-end power racks. Others use wider or narrower frames with thicker or thinner gauge steel. Is the bench bolted together or welded? If it’s bolted, do all the holes line up, and are the frame components free of warping? If it’s welded, do the welds indicate quality craftsmanship?

Weight Capacity

Depending on the amount of weight you’ll be throwing around, weight capacity can be a very important factor. Keep in mind that weight capacity reflects the bar weight plus the weight of the lifter. If you’re a 300lb lifter benching 500+lb, anything less than an 800lb capacity is not recommended. Flat benches generally have a higher weight capacity than adjustable benches.

Bench Height

Bench height in the flat position is a very important factor for anyone, but it’s especially important for competitive lifters. The International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) stipulates that benches must be between 42cm-45cm (16.5″-17.7″) from the ground to the top of the pad. While you may not be competing in the IPF, other federations use similar guidelines, and it’s generally a good height for most users. That’s because most people can generate good leg drive within this range. Most quality flat benches will offer 17″ or 17.5″, while most adjustable benches are 18″+.

Adjustment Style

As outlined above, there are three main adjustment styles on adjustable benches. Ladders are very fast, convenient, and secure. Telescoping spines are slower, but they’re very secure and have a great aesthetic. Guide rods are much less common.

Adjustment Options

How many total adjustment options are available? Some adjustable benches may offer five back adjustments, while others provide more than ten. Similarly, how many seat options are there? Some offer two, some four, and others even more. Multiply them to see how many total configurations are possible.

Portability

Let’s face it – weight benches are heavy. Quality flat benches are around ~60lbs, while adjustable benches can exceed 120lbs. Having options for portability can be important and convenient. Thankfully most adjustable and flat benches offer handles and wheels.

Storage

Weight benches take up a fair amount of space, which can be especially important in a home gym. Some benches will allow for upright storage by simply tilting the bench vertically. Others can be secured to a wall with a hanger. Others offer neither.

Pad Quality

You want a weight bench that’s comfortable, grippy, and capable of withstanding abuse. Different vinyl coverings offer different types of textures that determine how well you can “stick” to the bench. The type of foam itself will determine how comfortable it is. Most people want a firm pad – not too firm to cause discomfort, but not too soft to cause significant compression. Does the vinyl bunch up, or is it tightly fitted around the pad?

Pad Compatibility

Different benches offer different support structures and hole patterns. Therefore, the pads themselves are built to conform to those structures. There are, however, after-market pad options, like the Thompson Fat Pad, that some users prefer. Will the bench allow that, or does it only fit the stock pad? Some benches offer more than one pad width option – a standard pad and a wide pad. 12″ pads are among the most common, but you’ll also see 10″-12.5″ pads. Wide pads are typically 14″-14.5″. This all comes down to preference and your body type. For example, a narrow-shouldered lifter may prefer a 12″ or less pad width.

Pad Gap

Adjustable benches invariably have a gap between the back pad and the seat, except for the REP AB-5000 Zero Gap Bench. This can be an important consideration because some people use adjustable benches to perform flat bench movements, and the gap can be uncomfortable. A gap of 2″ or less is considered small, but some benches have much larger gaps. Other benches have back pads long enough to perform flat movements without ever contacting the gap.

Assembly

Some benches will ship fully assembled – simply unbox and get to lifting. Others require assembly, the extent of which depends on the bench and the manufacturer. Generally, most benches requiring assembly can be built in less than 20 minutes.

Warranty

As it relates to weight benches, there are generally two types of warranties – a warranty on the frame and a warranty on the pad. How long these warranties last and the company’s reputation are important factors.

Extra Features

Some benches have innovative features and options that separate them from the pack. The zero gap on the REP AB-5000, the dumbbell holders and leg attachment on the Get RX’d FIDAB-2, the elbow pads on the Prime Adjustable Bench, the various attachments on the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro, etc… are all examples of extra features worth considering.

Honorable Mentions

• Bells of Steel Fat Flat Bench

  – This is Bells of Steel’s version of the REP FB-5000. 3×3 11-gauge steel construction results in a weight capacity of 1,000lbs. It can be wheeled, stored vertically, and it offers IPF height of 17″. A single post front foot allows for great leg drive. It comes with a 4″ thick/12″ wide pad, but you can also buy their wide pad version which is 4.5″ thick/14″ wide. The wide pad creates a 17.5″ bench height (still IPF-spec).

• Prime Fitness Adjustable Bench

  – This bench nearly made it into the winner’s circle. There’s a strong case to be made for it since it’s very versatile and well-made. It’s fairly expensive at $675 before shipping, but it offers full FID functionality. It includes 10 back pad adjustments ranging from 0-85 degrees and 5 seat adjustments. It also includes a very unique elbow attachment for dumbbell curl isolation movements. The downside is that it offers a 10″ wide pad, which is nice for accessory work but not so much bench press work (for most people). It sits 18″ off the ground, includes a pure single front post, and can be wheeled for easy portability.

• Rogue Flat Utility Bench

  – This is a decent and basic flat bench. It’s welded and ships fully assembled. For the price, there are better options, in my opinion. This does not have a tripod design, it’s not IPF height (18″), it doesn’t have wheels, and it cannot support the Thompson Fat Pad. It is, however, lightweight and can be stored on a wall hanger easily. Considering most tripod-design benches cost less, I recommend them over the Rogue Flat Utility Bench.

• REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable Bench

  – This is one of those adjustable bench designs that many companies have. It’s essentially the same as the Griffin Adjustable FID bench, but it’s slightly more expensive, doesn’t have rubber foot caps, and has a slightly different handle. It’s still a nice budget option, and if you’re buying other things from REP, it will save you on shipping.

• Titan Max Adjustable FID Bench

  – This is Titan’s best adjustable bench. As an FID bench, you’ll get flat, incline, and decline positions via a leg attachment like other benches. It offers 10 back pad positions and 7 seat positions with a telescoping spine on both. It has a fairly wide pad gap, but Titan includes a separate wedge piece to bridge it. Not a perfect solution by any means, but it does help. The bench includes a handle and wheels, but it cannot be stored vertically due to its long and angled rear frame. For its price, I think there are better options, but it’s one to consider.

FAQs about Weight Benches

• Do I need a weight bench for my home gym?

  A home gym weight bench is very important to have. I consider it part of the core 4: a bench, a rack, a bar, and some plates. Owning a bench, whether a flat bench or an adjustable bench, can open up a lot of training variety. Most home gym benches can also be easily moved and stored, making them compact and efficient.

• Should I buy a flat bench or an adjustable bench?

  A flat weight bench will excel in some movements, like the flat bench press. They’re also smaller, less expensive, and lighter. On the other hand, an adjustable weight bench is far more versatile. If you perform incline or decline movements, an adjustable bench is a borderline must-have. In an ideal situation, you would have both to maximize performance and variety, but if you can only pick one, go with the one that fits your training style the most.

• How much do weight benches cost?

  Benches will generally range in price from less than $100 to over $1,000. Below is a general guideline of how pricing may shake out:
  Budget Flat Bench: $50-$125
  Mid-Tier Flat Bench: $126-$159
  High-End Flat Bench: $160+
  Budget Adjustable FID Bench: $150-$299
  Mid-Tier Adjustable FID Bench: $300-$499
  High-End Adjustable FID Bench: $500+
  Budget Incline Bench: $75-$199
  Mid-Tier Incline Bench: $200-$449
  High-End Incline Bench: $450+

Final Thoughts

In our opinion, REP is at the top of the game when it comes to weight benches.

The FB-5000 flat bench is very well-designed, durable, and aesthetic.

The AB-5000 Zero Gap Bench is the first of its kind and functions extremely well in flat, incline, and decline positions.

If you’re looking for a solid incline bench, the AB-5200 is hard to beat for the money. It’s one of the most heavy-duty benches we’ve tested, and it’s one of the best looking too.