REP fitness AB-5200 adjustable bench vs AB-5100
This is a comparison between the REP fitness AB-5200 bench and the REP fitness AB-5100. Follow the links for more details.
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.
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 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
-
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
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 R
EP 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.
Overview and review of the REP fitness AB-5200 adjustable bench
This is an overview of the REP fitness AB-5200 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-5200 Adjustable Bench $469
The
REP AB-5200 is the current top dog among the REP fitness benches. It is easy to adjust, has a minimal gap between the lower and higher pad, and can be easily rolled around with it included pair of rolls. The full specifications of this bench are:
-
This product was designed by REP in the USA and is a Patent Pending Product.
-
11-7 gauge steel throughout 2x3" steel frame with a 1,000 lb capacity.
-
7 back pad adjustments with laser-cut degree markings in 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 85 degrees.
-
3 seat pad adjustments to find the perfect angle.
-
High-grip pad material with an ultra-dense foam core, backed by 3/4" plywood.
-
Ladder back design with cage. Nylon cover over bolts to protect the paint on the ladders.
-
Urethane-covered back pad handles.
-
Oversize stainless-steel handle and wheels with a low lift-off point for easy maneuverability.
-
Thick steel wheel guards to protect the wheels when being maneuvered, and to lessen tripping hazard.
-
Space-saving design allows the bench to be stored in an upright position.
-
Stainless logo plates.
-
You can not go wrong with this bench except for the price. This the most expensive bench from REP and you might opt for something else to push your savings further. Compared to the competition from Rogue Fitness you are saving a lot as you are still staying under $500 where the top range of Rogue fitness products can take you close to $1000.
Pros of the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench
The big pro of this bench is that it is easy to use and transport even though it is beefy. The horizontal handle at the base of the bench makes it easy to lock up and roll around. This makes it great outside the rack bench for all purposes on a free-weight area.
The incline options run up to 85 degrees and it can also be stored upright when in the flat position. This makes it easy to put this bench against a wall when it is not being used to free up some space. I personally also like that the highest option is not a true 90-degree angle as this is easier to train in while putting less strain on your shoulders.
REP Fitness also has three extra features on this bench compared to Its main competitor Ro hue Fitness. The mechanics for putting the bench up and down are protected by a little rail. This makes a lot less likely to catch your fingers in them. The angles for the different inclines are numbered so that you always know which degree you are training on. The last bonus is that REP Fitness offers different color options for its benches where Rogue only comes in black.
Cons of the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench
The seat has a gap and the lower part is always quite short. If you have a very big backside or it happens to fall on the gap in your bench press setup then you might want to go for the
REP zero-gap bench instead.
Compared to other bigger benches from competitors this bench is fairly light. Within the REP range, it is the beefiest you can get, but other vendors offer some bigger benches specifically for powerlifters. This is only a consideration if you intend to be ch press more than 700 lbs on a regular basis on your bench. For all other scenarios, I personally think that the
AB-5200 is more than enough.
The last thing is that this is the most expensive bench from REP Fitness you can get. That is nOt the definition of the ultimate bargain, even though REP fitness will already save you a lot of money competed to Rogue fitness.
Alternatives to the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench
The
REP zero Gap bench is a good alternative if you think you need a longer lower seat and no gap in the bench pad. The
Zero gap also works with a push pin setup for the different incline settings which makes it more secure once it clicks in. The downside is that it can be a pain to adjust mid-session.
The
Rogue AB2 adjustable bench works with a push pin mechanic and comes very close to the
REP fitness Zero gap bench design. If you want your bench from the best vendor around and like the push pin design, this is it. I personally think that this bench is a little pricey even for Rogue standards.
The
Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 is the closest design from Rogue to the
REP AB-5200. I own this bench myself and if you have any worries about a gap I can assure you that it is virtually nonexistent for the
Adjustable bench 2.0. Price-wise it is close enough to the
AB-5200 to consider it if the rest of your gym is also from Rogue.
The
TITAN max adjustable FID bench is TITAN’s approach to a beefy adjustable bench. Titan Fitness is the low-cost competitor in the home gym space to REP fitness and Rogue fitness. They are known to have more quality issues on minor things like the coating and welds but make up for it with dumping prices.
Conclusion for the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench
The
REP AB-5200 is an excellent bench for the price tag and will be beefy enough for all your needs in a home or commercial gym. You can not do a lot wrong here unless you are super worried about the gap in a bench, which this model has a minimal one of. The best alternative would be the
Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 it a slightly higher price.