REP fitness AB-3100 bench vs FB-4000
This is a comparison between the REP fitness AB-3100 bench and the REP fitness FB-4000. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the REP fitness FB-4000 comp lite bench
This is an overview of the REP fitness FB-4000 bench including pros, cons, and alternatives. The original was published under which rep fitness bench to buy. Follow the links for more details.
Related articles
REP FB-4000 Comp lite bench $115
The FB-4000 is one of the lowest-priced options in the bench department of REP fitness. This bench is a little beefier than the FB-5000 but not compatible with a Thompson fat pad. The full list of specifications is:
-
Total height: 17"
-
Total Pad Length: 45.25"
-
Pad Width: 12"
-
Total Footprint: 7 SQFT
-
Designed with Competition Standards
-
3% Tolerance
If you want a good bench for a low price this is it.
Pros of the FB-4000 Comp lite bench
-
Light and easy to move
-
Low price
-
Single post design
-
Grippy cushion
The grippy cushion is one of the best product ideas of REP fitness for their benches. Combine it with a low price and single post design and you get yourself a good recipe for a nice bench for a home gym.
Cons of the FB-4000 Comp lite bench
-
Vertical handle
-
700lbs limit
-
Finish
-
Instability when sitting on it
Vertical handles are not as good as horizontal ones for rolling your bench around. Minor issue, but still worth mentioning and will probably be fixed I future designs.
This bench has a 700-pound limit while others of REP fitness have a 1000 or even 1500 pound limit. If you want a big sturdy bench this is not the one. Even though you could bench 700 on this, I wouldn’t recommend it.
This bench is also designed for bench pressing, not for general use. The single post makes it unstable for exercises like hip thrusts or step-ups.
Alternatives to the FB-4000 Comp lite bench
The Rogue Utility bench and the TITAN hefty bench are good alternatives to the FB-400 if you want a thick pad or a multi-purpose bench.
Conclusion for the FB-4000 Comp lite bench
Good price , solid bench... can not do a lot wrong here.
Overview and review of the REP fitness AB-3100 bench
This is an overview of the REP fitness AB-3100 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-3100 Adjustable Bench V3 $219
The REP AB-3100 adjustable bench is a great option for the small pocket. If you want a great bench for a small price and do not intend to bench 500 pounds or more on a regular basis then this is a good option.
-
Weight Capacity: 1,000 lb
-
6 back pad adjustments, from flat to 90-degree incline - including 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 to accommodate any workout routine.
-
3 seat pad adjustments, from flat to incline. A seat pad with the ability to incline keeps you locked in place when the back pad is inclined.
-
Minimal pad gap (approx 2")
-
Frame thickness varies from 14 to 4 gauge steel
-
Handle and wheels for easy transportation
-
Matte black powder coating
-
Pad and hardware individually boxed to prevent shipping damage
-
Simple 20 minute assembly with a socket wrench (not provided)
-
Total Height: 17"
-
Total Pad Length: 49.5"
-
Back Pad Width: 11.75"
-
Pad Gap: 1.75"
-
Total Footprint: 8 SQFT
-
3% Tolerance
-
Rubber feet on all 3 contact points for increased stability.
-
Redesigned adjustment ladder for easier adjustment and rubber-coated contact for less noise.
-
The improved rear base design for easier assembly.
-
Improved hinge design at seat and back pad.
Pros of the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3
Here some of the biggest advantages of the REP Adjustable bench V3:
-
Easy to adjust
-
Grippy cushion
-
Small Gap
-
Big wheels
This bench is easy to adjust and comes with the REP fitness signature grippy cushion on the newer models. As it is a small bench you will also not have a lo of gapping compared to bigger benches.
Cons of the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3
Cons of the AB-3100 are:
-
No decline
-
Small bench
-
Vertical handle
-
Hands can get caught
-
90 degree upright
This bench is fairly small so if you are a very big lifter and move heavy weights on a regular basis you might want to go for something g else.
While you save a little money compared to other options from REP fitness this bench does not provide a decline option. If you are in a budget and want a decline option the REP AB-3000 is a better option.
Compared to the REP AB-5200 which is beefier this bench has no protective rail that covers the adjustment rail. This means you can get your fingers caught when you are putting this bench in different positions. The 90 degrees upright position can be uncomfortable and I personally prefer an 85-degree angle at the highest position.
Alternatives to the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3
The REP fitness 3000 is an option in a similar budget range that can also provide decline options. If that is what you are after then spend the little extra to cover all your needs.
The Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 is the bench that inhabits my own home gym. It is a great sturdy design that comes in a nice black. The horizontal handle makes it easy to move even though it is beefy. The only downside is the higher price compared to the 3000 series from REP.
The TITAN Max adjustable bench is TITAN’s take on a low-budget beefy adjustable bench. If you want to go as cheap as possible for a decent adjustable bench then this is the one. The drawback is that TITAN is known for quality control issues.
Conclusion for the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3
I personally think that the AB-3100 is a great option for anyone who does not want to spend more than around $200 on a good adjustable bench for their home or commercial needs. The only downside would be the gap on this.