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REP fitness AB-5100 bench vs AB-3100

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Jun 1, 2021 4:00:00 PM

REP fitness AB-5100 bench vs AB-3100

This is a comparison between the REP fitness AB-5100 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.

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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-5100 bench

This is an overview of the REP fitness AB-5100 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-5100 Adjustable Bench $399

 
The REP AB-5100 bench is a good option with a push pin design that can also be turned into a decline bench. The only drawback of this design is that this is one of the benches with the widest gap between the two pads from REP fitness. The full specifications of this bench are:
 
  • 11-gauge steel frame.
  • 1,000 lb capacity.
  • Seven back pad adjustments & four-seat pad adjustments with laser-cut degree markings on a stainless steel wear guard.
  • Three large steel supports on the back pad and two on the seat pad for rock-solid stability.
  • Pivoting urethane grip handle and wheels for easy portability.
 
  • Total Height: 17.25"
  • Total Pad Length: 53.25"
  • Back Pad Width: 12.25"
  • Pad Gap: 3"
  • Overall Footprint: 7.5 SQFT
  • 3% Tolerance
 
This is a great bench to convert into a decline bench. Otherwise, you might want to opt for the REP AB 5200 or REP AB-5000 instead.
 

Pros of the REP  AB-5100 Adjustable Bench

 
The pros of the REP AB-5100 are:
 
  • Labeled degrees
  • Big and beefy
  • Heavy bench
  • Decline bench (attachment needed)
  • Pushpin safety
  • Wheelguards
 
The design is big sturdy and will meet the needs of big athletes who want to move big weights but do not have space for a dedicated be ch press station. The pushpin mechanism will provide further stability when benching.
 
The REP AB-5100 can also be turned into a decline bench. For this, you will need to purchase an additional attachment that comes in at slightly under $100. This is a nice upgrade option for anyone who wants to do everything with their bench.
 

Cons of the REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench

 
The cons of the REP AB-5100 adjustable bench are:
 
  • Heavy bench
  • Hard to move
  • 90 degrees
  • Pushpin adjustments
  • 4-inch GAP
 
This bench is heavy and can be hard to move sometimes. While this is great when everybody is big and burly and might not be the best portable bench to get in a commercial setting with mainly average-sized humans.
 
The highest incline is an exact ninety degrees. I always find that to be quite uncomfortable for overhead presses as it easier to lean against a setup that still provides a 5-degree tilt in the highest setting.
 
The push pin adjustments can be hard to adjust. Compared with the fact that this bench is heavy this can get annoying. I am personally not a huge fan of the pushpin design on any bench as it does not allow for quick and easy adjustments.
 
The bench has probably the widest gap between the bottom and top pad compared to other be benches out of the REP fitness lineup. This allows for decline settings at the cost of a possible annoyance for flat benching. This is why o prefer the 5200 or 5000 models I am also not an advocate for decline benching.
 

Alternatives to the REP  AB-5100 Adjustable Bench

 
The alternatives to the REP AB-5100 bench are:
 
 
The REP AB-5200 is my personal favorite among the REP fitness benches. It is easy to adjust and move for a beefy bench and can be stored upright. The only drawback is the price.
 
The REP zero Gap bench is in a similar price range as the 5100 but provides the possibility the adjust the lower pad in a way that there is no gapping. If you really struggle on benches with gaps based on your build then this is the one to get. The downside is the pushpin mechanics. I always hated those and I just would not use benches that are being adjusted this way.
 

Conclusion for the REP-5100 Adjustable Bench

 
The REP 5100 adjustable bench is the best model from REP fitness if you are looking for a decline bench option. Otherwise, I would recommend the 5200 or 5000 models if you do not care about the decline.
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