REP fitness AB-3100 bench vs Rogue Utility bench
This is a comparison between the Rep Fitness AB-3100 bench and the Rogue Utility bench. 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 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.
Related articles
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.
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Weight Capacity: 1,000 lb
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6 back pad adjustments, from flat to 90-degree incline - including 0, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90 to accommodate any workout routine.
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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.
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Minimal pad gap (approx 2")
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Frame thickness varies from 14 to 4 gauge steel
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Handle and wheels for easy transportation
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Matte black powder coating
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Pad and hardware individually boxed to prevent shipping damage
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Simple 20 minute assembly with a socket wrench (not provided)
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Total Height: 17"
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Total Pad Length: 49.5"
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Back Pad Width: 11.75"
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Pad Gap: 1.75"
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Total Footprint: 8 SQFT
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3% Tolerance
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Rubber feet on all 3 contact points for increased stability.
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Redesigned adjustment ladder for easier adjustment and rubber-coated contact for less noise.
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The improved rear base design for easier assembly.
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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:
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Easy to adjust
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Grippy cushion
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Small Gap
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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
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No decline
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Small bench
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Vertical handle
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Hands can get caught
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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.