Reflex flat bench vs Rogue Utility bench
This is a comparison between the Reflex flat bench and the Rogue Utility bench including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the Monster utility bench
The Rogue Monster Utility bench comes in at $265 and is a great addition to your existing gym to widen the possible exercises you can do. This article was originally published in "Which bench to get to from Rogue".
What else to consider from Rogue
Overview of the Utility bench
The
monster utility bench is the workhorse in the
Rogue portfolio. It is the best portable
bench from
Rogue which you can not adjust. The
Utility bench can be customized which leaves you with six different configurations. You can choose between:
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Regular height
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Shorty height
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Thompson fat pad
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Competition pad
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Standard pad
The three different pads will give you more grip when you are on the bench, depending on your size. The shorty setup enables to have the bench at the same height while having a big pad. The specs are:
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Made in Columbus, OH, USA
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3x3” 11 gauge steel tubing
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Footprint: 44”L x 24”W
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Weight (without pad): 52 lbs.
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Gussets feature laser-cut Rogue "R" logo
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Rubber feet for added stability
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Includes hardware for assembly
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Available in Standard or Shorty height
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Choice of Standard, Comp Fat Pad™, or Thompson Fat Pad™
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Color: Black
Pros of the Utility bench
The pros is the
Utility bench is its low price and versatility. With the new pad options, there is even some individualization possible.
Cons of the Utility bench
The
Utility bench can not be adjusted. Some big athletes moving very big weights might also find it to be too flimsy to
bench 600 pounds on.
Alternatives to the Utility bench
The
Rogue Adjustable bench is still budget-friendly and comes with the option to adjust the
bench for incline
bench presses or dumbbell exercises.
The
west side bench is the ultimate station for the serious
bench presser. If you aspire to or already
bench more than 400 pounds, this might be the way to go.
The
Rogue AB3 is the crown jewel of
Rogue’s portable
bench portfolio.
Summary for the Utility bench
Overview and review of the Reflex flat bench
The Reflex flat bench arm kit comes in at $1674 and is a great addition to your existing gym to widen the possible exercises you can do. This article was originally published in "Which bench to get to from Rogue".
Overview of the Reflex Flat bench
The
reflex flat bench is the sturdy design of the reflex line applied to a
regular flat bench setup. You will get a solid piece of equipment with little moving parts apart from the barbell. This is a good setup for your big athletes who are moving big weights. The specifications of the
Reflex flat bench are:
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Combination of 3×3 11ga. & 3/16-walled fully Welded Tubular steel construction.
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Powder Coated finish.
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Plastic lined weight bar saddles.
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Adjustable Saddles w/ 11 positions.
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Weight storage.
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7 position adjustable safeties.
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Weight storage.
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1in high-density foam pad.
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Weight 167 - 470LB
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Length 60” - 70”
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Width 48”
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Height 58” - 64”
The
reflex flat bench will stay where you place it and go nowhere. This is especially good when you want to ensure the same setup each and every time you
bench.
Pros of the Reflex Flat bench
A sturdy setup that keeps you safe, even when moving big weights around. Can also be used as central plate storage in the middle of multiple racks.
Cons of the Reflex Flat bench
Single-purpose use and not a lot of flexibility to change. Needs more floor space than other solutions you might come up with for the bench press.
Alternatives to the Reflex Flat bench
The
reflex competition bench comes in only slightly more expensive than the
flat bench version. In return, you get an IPF approved machine to practice for the real thing. Of you are considering a
bench press setup like this you might as well spend the few extra to get the competition version.
The
reflex decline bench press is the piece of equipment that I would get if I had the floor space left. Out of the different
bench press variations, the decline is the one I feel most uncomfortable with when done on a free-standing
bench. The
reflex decline would address this.
The
AB3 bench is Rogues portable
bench which can be used for flat, incline and decline setups. As it is on rolls it might not be as stable as the Reflex series, but if you are not a beast, this will be more than sufficient to get your work done.
Summary for the Reflex Flat bench