REP fitness AB-5000 bench vs Monster Utility bench
This is a comparison between the Rep Fitness AB-5000 bench and the Rogue Monster 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:
-
Regular height
-
Shorty height
-
Thompson fat pad
-
Competition pad
-
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:
-
Made in Columbus, OH, USA
-
3x3” 11 gauge steel tubing
-
Footprint: 44”L x 24”W
-
Weight (without pad): 52 lbs.
-
Gussets feature laser-cut Rogue "R" logo
-
Rubber feet for added stability
-
Includes hardware for assembly
-
Available in Standard or Shorty height
-
Choice of Standard, Comp Fat Pad™, or Thompson Fat Pad™
-
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-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
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 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
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
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.