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Which bench to buy from Rep fitness?

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 30, 2021 4:53:50 AM

REP AB-5000 ZERO GAP Adjustable Bench Review (BEST FID BENCH 2019!)

Which bench to buy from Rep fitness?

This is an article that shows you the bench options from REP fitness including pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for details. You can follow me on Instagram for the most up to date information and to ask questions.

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Index

The benches in this article are sorted from the highest price to the lowest for your convenience. The mechanics of these benches are quite similar and the main differentiators are whether they are zero gap and how heavy they are. The more expensive the bench, the heavier it usually is.
 
 
 

Quick reference

The quick reference is for those who do not want to research too much and throw money at REP fitness. I have done the research for you and checked with other sites. Anyone else can also scroll down and narrow it down for the benches highlighted here. 

 
The best in the market for under $500
 
Zero Gap
 
Great value for money option
 
 

REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench $469

 

Overview of the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench

 
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.
  • Optional Spotter Deck sold separately.
 
  • Total Height: 18"
  • Total Pad Length: 55.25"
  • Back Pad Width: 12"
  • Pad Gap: 2.25"
  • Toal Footpring: 8.25 SQFT
  • Weight: 125lbs
  • 3% Tolerance
 
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 pros of the REP AB-5200 are:
 
  • Easy-adjust
  • Good outside rack bench
  • Horizontal handle
  • Easier to move
  • Can be stored upright
  • 85-degree incline
  • Spotter deck option
  • Less likely to catch fingers
  • Labeled degrees
  • Color options
 
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 cons of the REP AB-5200 are
 
  • Gap in seat
  • Light compared to bigger benches
  • Price
  • Short seat
 
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

 
Alternatives to the REP AB-5200 are:
 
 
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.
 
 

REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench $399

 

Overview of the REP AB-5100 Adjustable Bench

 
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.
 
 

REP AB-5000 Adjustable Bench zero-gap

 

Overview of the AB-5000 Adjustable Bench

 
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.
 
 

REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

 

Overview of the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench $249

 
This bench is a great low-budget option to build a solid gym. It is not as beefy as the AB-5200 but still great for most home gym settings. The only downside is the considerable gap on this bench. The full specifications of this bench are:
 
  • 7 different angles, including -20 (decline), 0 (flat), 20, 35, 50, 65, and 85 degrees
  • Weight capacity: 1,000 lb
  • Thick, firm, 2.5" pad wrapped in very durable textured vinyl for maximum comfort and support.
  • Wheels allow for efficient maneuvering around the gym.
  • Solid steel ladder.
 
  • Total Height: 18"
  • Total Pad Length: 54.25"
  • Back Pad Width: 11.5"
  • Pad Gap: 1.75"
  • Total Footprint: 11.25 SQFT
  • Weight: 95lbs
  • 3% Tolerance
 
A great bench on a budget with which you can not do a lot wrong.
 

Pros of the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

 
The pros of the AB-3000 FID are:
 
  • Leg attachment included
  • The sticky surface on the cushion
  • Easy to adjust
 
This is a bench that is easy to adjust and comes with a leg attachment for added stability. REP fitness also did a great job by using a grippy sie face leather for all their benches which makes you less likely to slide on the bench itself.
 

Cons of the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

 
 
  • Vertical handle
  • Hands can get caught
  • Gap in flat position
 
Even though you still find vertical handles on many benches out here to transport this design is not of its time anymore. A horizontal handle is easier to use and makes it more convenient to lift the bench off the ground to wheel it around.
 
This bench has no protective rail on the hook system to get it upright. This means your hand can get caught. The REP AB-5200 design does a better job of protecting your fingers.
 
The biggest downside of this bench is the big gap in the flat bench position. If this turns you off you should go for the AB-5200 or AB-5000 instead.
 

Alternatives to the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

 
 
If you want to save a little more money you can opt for the smaller REP 3100 which comes with very similar functions like the 3000.
 
The REP 5200 is the top-of-the-line bench from REP fitness with all the bells and whistles. You will be hard-pressed to find another adjustable bench to at big and well designed for under $500.
 
The Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 is the bench that I own as I have a fully equipped gym from Rogue fitness. This model is not outlandishly priced like the AB3 and the AB2 but still more expensive than the REP fitness models. In return, you get a high-quality almost zero gap bench made in the US.
 
The TITAN Max adjustable FID bench is the low-cost player in the market for adjustable benches. What TITAN saves you in money they cut short in quality control. Be mindful when you opt for TITAN.
 

Conclusion for the REP AB-3000 FID Adjustable bench

 
Great low a budget all-around option if you don’t mind the gap in the flat bench position.
 
 

REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3 $219

 

Overview of the REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3

 
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.
 
 

REP FB-5000 with Wide pad $189

 

Overview of the REP FB-5000 with Wide pad

 
The REP FB 5000 is a great value-for-money flat bench and comes highly recommended by multiple reknown Youtubers as a good alternative to the Rogue Utility bench. The full specifications of this bench are:
 
  • Total Height: 16.75"
  • Total Pad Length: 48"
  • Back Pad Width: 13.75"
  • Weight: 62lbs
  • Total Footprint: 7.25 SQFT
  • Designed with Competition Standards
  • 3% Tolerance
 
  • Heavy-duty 3x3" 11 gauge steel frame with even thicker connecting plates.
  • Durable vinyl upholstery with 3" thick pad with plywood base. Connects with four (4) bolts. Two (2) extra bolt holes on frame for future pad compatibility.
  • 16.75" height from floor to top of pad. 
  • 3-foot design for ease of leveling. 
  • Welded metal endcaps.
  • Handle and wheels for easy transport.
  • Available in 4 colors: Matte Black, Hammertone Red, Hammertone Blue, Metallic Black. Please see the image above for the difference between the Matte and Metallic Black finish. 
 
Great beginner bench when you do not want to invest in an adjustable bench when you don’t mind that your bench is imported.
 

Pros of the REP FB-5000 with Wide pad

 
The pros of the REP FB-5000 are:
 
  • Meets competition specifications
  • Handles 1000 pounds
  • Single post
  • Price
  • Easy to move
  • Grippy cushion
  • 4 post attachment of the pad
  • Value for money
 
The list of pros for this one is long and best summarized as a competition standard bench for a very low price. The single post design helps you to simulate the bench press setup in a powerlifting competition at home. Compared to the Rogue competition the pad is better attached to the gram with 4 instead of four frames.
 

Cons of the REP FB-5000 with Wide pad

 
The cons of the FB-5000 are
 
  • Relatively light
  • Not adjustable
  • No decline
  • Instability when you sit on it
 
This is a great bench for bench pressing. If you are looking for a multi-purpose bench for your home gym for hip thrusts, step-ups, resting between sets, and other things you might to do with a regular bench, then the FB-5000 is not great. While the single post design is great for setting up for the bench press it takes away stability for all other exercises you might want to do with a bench.
 

Alternatives to the REP FB-5000 with Wide pad

 
 
The Rogue Utility bench is the better option if you are looking for a general-purpose bench that can be used to do all kinds of exercises.
 
The TITAN hefty bench is TITAN’s approach to a thick pad low-price bench. If you want a thick pad for cheap then this is the road to travel.
 

Conclusion for the REP FB-5000 with Wide pad

 
The REP FB-5000 is hailed as one of the best benches for the money in the market. I personally would say that if I am already looking at the REP fitness way I would upgrade to an adjustable bench on my budget. One of the greatest weaknesses of the Rogue fitness bench portfolio is the jump from the flat bench to the adjustable bench setups which you do not have with REP.
 
 

REP FB-4000 Comp lite bench $115

 

Overview of the FB-4000 Comp lite bench

 
The FB-4000 is one of the lowest-priced options in the bench department of REP fitness. This bench is a little beefier than the FB-5000 but not compatible with a Thompson fat pad. The full list of specifications is:
 
  • Total height: 17"
  • Total Pad Length: 45.25"
  • Pad Width: 12"
  • Total Footprint: 7 SQFT
  • Designed with Competition Standards
  • 3% Tolerance
 
If you want a good bench for a low price this is it.
 

Pros of the FB-4000 Comp lite bench

 
Pros of the FB 4000 bench are:
 
  • Light and easy to move
  • Low price
  • Single post design
  • Grippy cushion
 
The grippy cushion is one of the best product ideas of REP fitness for their benches. Combine it with a low price and single post design and you get yourself a good recipe for a nice bench for a home gym.
 

Cons of the FB-4000 Comp lite bench

 
The cons of the FB-4000 are:
 
  • Vertical handle
  • 700lbs limit
  • Finish
  • Instability when sitting on it
 
Vertical handles are not as good as horizontal ones for rolling your bench around. Minor issue, but still worth mentioning and will probably be fixed I future designs.
 
This bench has a 700-pound limit while others of REP fitness have a 1000 or even 1500 pound limit. If you want a big sturdy bench this is not the one. Even though you could bench 700 on this, I wouldn’t recommend it.
 
This bench is also designed for bench pressing, not for general use. The single post makes it unstable for exercises like hip thrusts or step-ups.
 

Alternatives to the FB-4000 Comp lite bench

 
 
The Rogue Utility bench and the TITAN hefty bench are good alternatives to the FB-400 if you want a thick pad or a multi-purpose bench.
 

Conclusion for the FB-4000 Comp lite bench

 
Good price , solid bench... can not do a lot wrong here.
 
 
 

Topics: Bench, Garagegym, Home Gym, REP Fitness