REP fitness AB-3000 bench vs Reflex competition bench

This is a comparison between the Rep Fitness AB-3000 bench and the Reflex competition bench. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the Reflex competition bench

The Reflex competition bench comes in at $1697 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 Reflex Competition bench

The reflex competition bench setup delivers a sturdy machine for bench pressing competitions. This is the kind of bench where all sizes of athletes can perform to their very best. A competition bench is needed so that spotters can do their work properly, but also to provide the athletes with enough grip on the bench. All of this is included in this piece of equipment. The specifications are:

Meets International Powerlifting Federation ( IPF ) Guidelines
3/16 wall and 11ga. Welded Tubular steel construction.
Powder Coated finish.
Oversized 24×30 Polished Diamond 6061 Aluminum skid plate for foot deck.
6 position band pegs.
14 position Weight saddles w/ handles and engraved numbers.
11 position Over-Sized Safeties w/ engraved numbers.
Full Framed supported Pad
Plastic lined Saddles & Safeties
Additional adjustment hole in both Saddles & Safeties to use 1/2 hitch pin.
1in high-density foam pad.
Made in the USA
Weight 370LB
Length 60”
Width 50”
Height 55”

Remember that if you have to move this one around a lot it will be shipped by freight as it is so bulky.

Pros of the Reflex competition bench

This is a secure, sturdy bench press setup which meets the standards of the IPF. With this, even the biggest athletes can chip away at their geared 1000LB be ch presses.

Cons of the Reflex competition bench

It is a single purpose station which means you still have to provide a squat setup for your competition. It will also be hard to ship or transport to wherever the competition is held.

Alternatives to the Reflex competition bench

Alternatives to the competition bench are

The Rogue combo rack is also IPF approved and can be used to squat and bench with plenty of spotter hopping around. It can also be broken apart for easier transport. If you regularly want to do powerlifting competitions in different locations this might be the better pick.

The Rogue Westside bench is a beast that even your biggest athletes won’t break. In addition, it gives you more options for starting positions and attaching bands. This makes it a great work station to prepare for your next competition.

The Rogue AB3 is the bench of choice for weekend warriors who want to have all bench press options at home. This bench is portable and therefore not recommended when you want to bench 1000LB or do other crazy stuff that might make the bench move around.

Summary for the Reflex competition bench

If you are looking for a stationary bench station which complies with IPF standards the reflex competition bench is a good pick for you. However, if I was to get something for competition use I would invest the extra dollars in the combo rack to get a two for one.

Overview and review of the REP fitness AB-3000 bench

This is an overview of the REP fitness AB-3000 bench including pros, cons, and alternatives. The original was published under which rep fitness bench to buy. Follow the links for more details.

REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

This bench is a great low-budget option to build a solid gym. It is not as beefy as the AB-5200 but still great for most home gym settings. The only downside is the considerable gap on this bench. The full specifications of this bench are:

7 different angles, including -20 (decline), 0 (flat), 20, 35, 50, 65, and 85 degrees
Weight capacity: 1,000 lb
Thick, firm, 2.5" pad wrapped in very durable textured vinyl for maximum comfort and support.
Wheels allow for efficient maneuvering around the gym.
Solid steel ladder.

Total Height: 18"
Total Pad Length: 54.25"
Back Pad Width: 11.5"
Pad Gap: 1.75"
Total Footprint: 11.25 SQFT
Weight: 95lbs
3% Tolerance

A great bench on a budget with which you can not do a lot wrong.

Pros of the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

The pros of the AB-3000 FID are:

Leg attachment included
The sticky surface on the cushion
Easy to adjust

This is a bench that is easy to adjust and comes with a leg attachment for added stability. REP fitness also did a great job by using a grippy sie face leather for all their benches which makes you less likely to slide on the bench itself.

Cons of the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

Cons of the REP AB-3000 FID adjustable bench are:

Vertical handle
Hands can get caught
Gap in flat position

Even though you still find vertical handles on many benches out here to transport this design is not of its time anymore. A horizontal handle is easier to use and makes it more convenient to lift the bench off the ground to wheel it around.

This bench has no protective rail on the hook system to get it upright. This means your hand can get caught. The REP AB-5200 design does a better job of protecting your fingers.

The biggest downside of this bench is the big gap in the flat bench position. If this turns you off you should go for the AB-5200 or AB-5000 instead.

Alternatives to the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

If you want to save a little more money you can opt for the smaller REP 3100 which comes with very similar functions like the 3000.

The REP 5200 is the top-of-the-line bench from REP fitness with all the bells and whistles. You will be hard-pressed to find another adjustable bench to at big and well designed for under $500.

The Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 is the bench that I own as I have a fully equipped gym from Rogue fitness. This model is not outlandishly priced like the AB3 and the AB2 but still more expensive than the REP fitness models. In return, you get a high-quality almost zero gap bench made in the US.

The TITAN Max adjustable FID bench is the low-cost player in the market for adjustable benches. What TITAN saves you in money they cut short in quality control. Be mindful when you opt for TITAN.

Conclusion for the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

Great low a budget all-around option if you don’t mind the gap in the flat bench position.