REP fitness AB-5000 bench vs AB-3100 bench

This is a comparison between the REP fitness AB-5000 bench and the REP fitness AB-3100. Follow the links for more details.

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.

Overview and review of the REP fitness AB-5000 bench

This is an overview of the REP fitness AB-5000 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-5000 Adjustable Bench zero-gap

The REP AB-5000 bench is the zero-gap bench option from REP fitness. The lower part of this bench can be moved in place so that the gap disappears. This is a great bench for very lifters who still want an adjustable bench to move around but no gap when flat benching. The full specifications of this bench are:

Patented: This product was designed by REP in the USA and protected by one or more issued patents.
11-gauge steel frame.
Flat, incline, and decline positions with 7 back pad adjustments and 4 seat pad adjustments.
Laser-cut degree markings on a stainless steel wear guard
Unique pop-pin and bearing system adjustment for zero gap between seat and back pad. Adjusts in 1 second.
Easy to move with urethane grip handle and wheels

Total Height: 17.75"
Total Pad Length: 53.5"
Back Pad Width: 12.25"
Total Footprint: 8 SQFT
Weight Capacity: 1,000 lb
3% Tolerance

This is a solid option at the higher price range of REP fitness bench portfolio of like the pin design and want no gap between the two pads of the bench.

Pros of the REP AB-5000 Adjustable Bench

The pros of the REP AB-5000 bench are:

Zero gap
Good inside the rack bench
Harder cushion
Longer seat
Labeled degrees
A HIgher degree of safety due to push pins

The main feature of this bench is the zero-gap design. This makes it a good bench to keep inside your rack as it is not as easy to adjust as other benches in the REP fitness lineup.

It also comes with a harder cushion than some of the other REP fitness options and a longer seat than the REP AB-5200.

The labeled degrees on this bench are one of the biggest distinguishing features of the REP fitness compared to the competition. If I was a designer at someone else’s company I would probably copy it.

Cons of the REP AB-5000 Adjustable Bench

Cons of the REP AB-5000 are:

Cumbersome to adjust
Heavy
Vertical instead of a horizontal handle
90-degree incline

This is a big and hard-to-adjust bench. What you can in options for the setup you lose in speed for the adjustment itself. I also don’t like the 90 degrees top spot and prefer the 85-degree option in the REP AB-5200. The vertical handle to move the bench is also not of its time anymore as horizontal handles are easier to use.

Alternatives to the REP AB-5000 Adjustable Bench

Alternatives to the REP AB-5000 are

The REP AB-5200 bench is the better option if you don’t mind a little gap in your bench while gaining a lot more comfort in adjusting it. I am personally not a huge fan of the safety pin design on adjustable benches as it is a pain to use. The hook system is more dangerous for your fingers but has greater ease of use.

The Rogue AB2 adjustable bench works with the push pin design and can also be upgraded to the AB 3 by buying a leg attachment. These are the sturdiest benches you can get from one of the best vendors in the market. Their price is off-putting. The range close to $1000. At TITAN fitness you can build an entire gym on this budget.

The Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 is the model a personally own and I am very happy with it. This bench can be stored upright, is beefy, and still reasonably easy to move around. The price is also not outrageous even though it comes in higher than REP fitness’s top model AB-5200.

The TITAN Max adjustable FID bench is TITAN’s take on a beefy adjustable bench. If you want something for a low price to rival REP fitness and Rogue TITAN is the right place to shop.

Conclusion for the REP AB-5000 Adjustable Bench

The REP zero-gap bench does what it says on the tin. You can always set it up in a way that there is no gap between the upper and lower pad. This makes it a pain to adjust at times with the pushpin system, but that is the price you pay for this feature to work.