The time has finally come – you have decided to get your own flat weight bench. Having your own bench will make your life a lot easier; you have yet to discover all these joys. But choosing the ideal bench can be less fun.
You need your ideal bench that will get you on the road to all your health goals. That is why we have compiled a buyer’s guide, so that you can find the best bench on the market. By the time you’re done, you will know everything you need to know!
Contents
The Best Flat Weight Bench: Comparison
| Image | Manufacturer | Model | Capacity (lb) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top | Marcy | SB-315 | 600 | Check Prices |
| Rep Fitness | FB-3000 | 1000 | Check Prices | |
| Adidas | FM-AD713 | 600 | Check Prices | |
| Cap Barbell | FM-703B | 500 | Check Prices | |
| Sunny | SF-BH6502 | 300 | Check Prices |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
1. Marcy Flat Utility Weight Bench: Our Choice
- Weight 20lb
- Capacity 600lb
Keeping all that in mind, let us take a look at the bench. This is a multi-purpose bench that will allow you to perform a variety of different exercises. You can set and reach all your fitness goals. Whether you want to tone your body or bulk up, it does not matter, with this bench you can do it all.
It also features high-intensity foam with a boxed upholstery to support your body and keep it firm while you work on achieving your goals. The 1.25 x 2.25 inch rectangular 14-gauge tubing has a durable powder coat that will withstand every-day wear and tear for years to come.
The tubes are made from incredible high-quality heavy-duty steel tubing, which means that you will not have to worry about the bench collapsing beneath you. It is sturdy and strong. The bench can take up to 600lb, which is a decent load for most fitness enthusiasts.
The bench has a conveniently compact design which is useful for several reasons. The bench is very easy to assemble, and will not take too long to do so, sparing you the frustration of a difficult setup. It was also designed with home gyms in mind and does not take up much space. This allows you to make the most of your designated gym space and allows for more mobility when you want to exercise. The bench comes with a decent warranty.
Minor Issues
This bench is a great asset for any home gym, but as with most products, it does feature a few minor issues that you need to be aware of. These issues will not affect your decision in the long run, but since they are present, you need to be prepared.
The bench comes with the customary instruction manual, but when it comes to the assembly guide, it is a bit confusing. You will eventually figure out what you need to do, but it would be better if the instructions were clearer.
Some users have complained about a slight wobble in the bench, which does not appear to be a feature in every bench. This might be a design flaw in a few batches, but it is something to keep an eye on.
What We Like
- Affordable
- Heavy-duty construction
- Comfortable upholstery
What We Don’t Like
- Slight wobble in some of the benches
- Does not come with decent hardware
- Can be crooked if not assembled properly
2. Rep Flat Bench: Best for the Bigger Budget
- Weight 45lb
- Capacity 1000lb
This bench is proudly manufactured by the Rep Fitness company, a brand that is as committed to fitness as you are.
Minor Issues
Rust tends to develop on some of the tubing; it is superficial, but can impact the overall aesthetic of the equipment. The heavier construction does mean that it tends to be a little wobbly, but this can also be attributed to user error during assembly, so the user must be careful when assembling the product. Speaking of assembly, the tools provided are not the highest quality, which can make the assembly process a little more difficult.
The padding is a little firmer than is ideally comfortable. True, you do not want to sink into the bench like a pillow, but softer padding would be a little more comfortable. None of these are serious setbacks but do require some attention.
What We Like
- Easy to move around
- Does not take up too much space
- 10-year warranty
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly is a little difficult
- Padding could be more comfortable
- Tends to rust a little
3. Adidas Performance Flat Training Bench
- Weight 27.5lb
- Capacity 600lb
The bench is ideal for many exercises and will be a great piece of equipment to help you reach your fitness goals. You can enjoy your work out without worrying about safety. You will feel safe and comfortable as you bench press your way to your end goal.
What We Like
- Easy to move around
- Comfortable
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Could have been constructed with more accuracy
- Does not sit completely flat
- Wobbles slightly
4. CAP Barbell Flat Weight Bench
- Weight 18lb
- Capacity 300lb
The sturdy construction means that the bench is safe for most exercises and is a versatile piece of equipment to have in your home gym. The bench has a very reasonable 300lb limit.
What We Like
- Easy to move around
- Sturdy design
- Affordable
What We Don’t Like
- Anchors and screws come undone
- Bench is a bit short
- Very light
5. Sunny Heavy Duty Sit-up Bench
- Weight 23lb
- Capacity 300lb
It has a sturdy steel frame that can support up to 300lb, and will be sturdy and firm as you complete your routine. It can easily be moved, and folds up for storage.
What We Like
- Can fold up for better storage
- Comfortable
- Multi-functional
What We Don’t Like
- Short
- Badly placed brand stitching
- May wobble slightly
What Makes a Good Flat Weight Bench?
Now that you have decided to set up your own home gym, you should be commended. It can be difficult to commit to anything, but with the right attitude – you can do anything. There are a few things you should first know. A weight bench is not an option, it is a necessity. You need a bench to achieve all your health and fitness goals.
With the right flat bench, you can perform the barbell bench press and all the variants, as well as common movements such as dumbbell rows and skull crushers. Obviously, benches are important, and would be one of the first things that you needed to buy. But there are a few things you need to look for when choosing your perfect bench.
First, you need a bench that is safe, comfortable and sturdy. You cannot go about your routine when you are constantly worried about your bench collapsing underneath you. A safe bench needs to be your top priority, but more on that later.
You also need to make sure that your bench is comfortable. This might push the price up a little but think about it this way: When buying a bed, do you go for a bed that has a tiny shred of foam protecting you from the springs? Or would you choose a bed with thick padding? There is no contest – the foam-covered bed wins.
Do you want to be bench pressing weights, while feeling the contours of the bench cut into your back? Or do you want a bench that properly supports your back? So, do yourself a favor and choose a bed with at least 2-3” of thick high-intensity foam.
You need to choose a bench that will support your weight, the weights you’re using and accommodate the gains you are bound to make. Your weight now will not stay the same, as you gain, you will get heavier. By choosing a bench that supports you now, and not later, you are setting yourself up to buy another bench in a few months. Remember to let it be a little roomy, there is nothing wrong with that.
And what about an incline bench? That is up to you, but it will cost more. Incline benches under $200 will not serve you well in terms of stability. Remember, an unstable bench is not worth your time.
Safety
Bench pressing is one of the more effective exercises, but it can be dangerous too. You do not want your home equipment to lead to tragedy or accidents. There are a few things you need to add to your weight bench if you want to keep it safe for use. A weight bench safety stand is essential, especially if you decide to exercise without a spotter.
When choosing your bench, make sure that it is stable. You would not want to have to try and keep your balance while exercising, and an unstable bench will lead to eventual heartbreak.
Maintenance/Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance are important when it comes to your new bench. You do not want to show off a dirty bench to your friends. Make sure that you wipe the bench down regularly to get rid of any dust or dirt on the bench. A simple solution of soap and water or spray cleaners should be fine, just be careful not to overdo it.
When it comes to the rubber parts of your bench, the instruction manual should have a section for rubber parts. It would be a good idea to see what is recommended by the manufacturer.