If you're just beginning to set up a home gym for strength training, you will need an adjustable weight bench as it is one of the most essential pieces for training. Along with a set of adjustable dumbbells, having an adjustable weight bench will allow you to do a wide variety of strength exercises to burn fat and build muscle.
The PowerBlock Sport Bench is produced by the same company that makes the PowerBlock adjustable dumbbells, so they know a thing or two about strength training. Their sport bench is an excellent piece of equipment that comes in at an unbeatable price.
In this PowerBlock Sport Bench review, we'll take a closer look at the features, warranty, attachments, and more to help you decide if this is the weight bench you need for your home gym.
Pros & Cons Of The Powerblock Sport Bench
The PowerBlock sport bench is a quality, well-built adjustable dumbbell bench from a trusted manufacturer in the space. Unfortunately, the bench doesn't have a decline position, but that's only a minor inconvenience when you consider everything else you can do.
This bench has 5 adjustable incline positions, and the seat can incline as well to make some movements easier. It also has a 550lb weight capacity which will allow you to lift heavy.
And it comes with a 10-year warranty for home use on the frame and a 1-year warranty for the upholstery.
What We Like
What We Didn’t Like
Unique Features Of The Powerblock Sport Bench
We really enjoyed using the PowerBlock sport weight bench. The 5 available positions, including flat, military, and other varying degrees, allowed us to do everything we needed. And we like to lift heavy, so the 550lb weight limit is a nice bonus. Clean-up is also easy with the easy-clean black vinyl in the padded top.
Here are a few more features we really liked:
5 Position Adjustable Bench
We've found that adjustable benches with at least 5 positions are enough to do almost any exercise we want.
The PowerBlock sport bench does have 5 positions, including flat to 30, 45, 60 degrees, and military positions.
The military position is when the bench is straight up, allowing you to do exercises like military presses with dumbbells.
Powder Coated Steel Tubing
The PowerBlock sport bench also comes with 14 Ga. 2″ x 3″ powered coated steel tubing. The 14 gauge is thinner than the typical 11 gauge tubing used on commercial grade gym benches. This allows the sport bench to be so light and mobile, something we appreciated when we were ready to break down after our workout. The frame design is very similar to what you will find in most gyms.
Built-In Wheel And Handle Kit
After a challenging workout, we really appreciated the built-in wheels and handle kit for easy storage. Although we could have picked up and moved the bench without the wheels, it was nice to be able to roll it to the corner of the gym when we finished working out. No one wants to lug a heavy weight bench across the room when they're tired from a workout.
Contoured Pad
The contoured seats and pads, along with the vinyl padding and internal foam, made this a very comfortable bench. However, we didn't sink into the bench, and it wasn't too comfortable. We weren't tempted to nap when we were lying on the bench, but we didn't mind laying on it when we needed to.
Optional Dip Attachment
The dip attachment doesn't come with the bench, but it is an excellent investment if you want to take your workouts to the next level. The weight capacity of the dip attachment is 250lbs, and most adults will have to bend their legs while doing the dips, but that's true for many machines. There's also an available chin-up attachment if you want to do even more. If you're not interested in purchasing the dip attachment, you can check out our tips for alternative dip exercises.
Separate Seat And Back Pad Adjustment
We really like that you can adjust both the seat and the back pad. Adjusting the seat allows for a customized fit that will enable you to perform some moves more comfortably. There is a gap between the seat and back bad like on most benches. Just make sure to put the small of your back on the backrest and not over the gap.
Powerblock Sport Bench Review
Product Specifications
Dimensions | 50″L x 21.5″W x 18″H |
Weight | 57 lbs |
Bench Positions | Flat to 30, 45, 60 degree, and military |
Maximum Capacity | 550 lbs |
Warranty | Yes, 10-year frame, 1-year upholstery |
Overall, this is a great weight bench, especially for beginners. If you want to use super heavy weights, this may not be ideal for you, but it's an excellent choice for someone who wants to do dumbbell exercises.
The first thing you'll notice about the PowerBlock Sport Bench is that it is effortless to assemble. Assembly is pretty straightforward, and you should be able to get it assembled and work out with it in no time.
There are no tools needed. It pretty much comes pre-assembled with everything that you need included.
The PowerBlock Sport Bench isn't just limited to dumbbell workouts, either. Its 550lb weight limit, handle, and wheels make it a perfect bench to add to squat racks, power racks, and smith machines. When it's added to any of those, your workout options are endless.
If you don't have a power rack, though, you will still be able to complete many upper body bench workouts. Some of the moves you will be able to do on the PowerBlock Sport Bench are:
If the bench isn't enough for you, there are some available attachments. The PowerBlock Sport Bench can be upgraded with a dip attachment that connects to the top of the back support.
There is also a Sport Bench Chin attachment with a 250 lb capacity available. These attachments will allow you to add bar dips and pull-ups/chin-ups using various grip positions to your workouts. If you don't want to invest in the pull up attachment, you can check out our guide to pull up alternatives.
Apart from performance and quality, the warranty is one of the first things we look at when it comes to workout equipment. We're admittedly tough on the equipment, so a good warranty is a must for us. The PowerBlock sport bench warranty is 10-years for home use on the frame and a 1-year for the upholstery.
Comparing The Sport Bench With The PowerBlock Travel Bench
If you travel often, it may be hard to take a weight bench on the road. Or you just may want something a little more compact for your home. If that's the case, the PowerBlock travel bench is for you.
The travel bench is very similar to the Sport bench. Both have a 14-gauge steel frame and can support up to 550lbs. However, the travel bench also includes a pair of detainer pins that let you fold the legs into a comfortable travel position. It also has a built-in handle for easy transport to and from the car.
However, the travel bench doesn't have the adjustable options the Sport bench has. So if that's important to you, the sport bench would be a better fit.
However, the travel bench is ideal for dumbbell chest presses and other flat bench exercises in small spaces. You can also fold out the legs and perform a wide variety of workout bench or jump box exercises.
- LIGHTWEIGHT EXERCISE BENCH: Fold out the legs...
- HIGH DENISTY FOAM FOR ADDED COMFORT: Stay...
- FOLDS UP FOR EASY STORAGE: This weight bench...
- LONG LASTING FOR YEARS OF USE: The weight...
Comparisons With Similar Adjustable Weight Benches
Powerblock Sport Bench vs Ironmaster Super Bench
The Ironmaster Super Bench is a workhorse of a bench. This Ironmaster bench has a weight capacity of 1000lbs and can quickly adjust to 11 angles from decline to upright. Both of those numbers dwarf what the Powerblock sport bench can do, at 550lbs and 5 adjustable positions. However, the Ironmaster Super Bench seat does not adjust, but the seat on the sport bench does.
And if you aren't a fan of the gap between the seat and the backrest, the super bench is a no-gap weight bench. Both models are solid options and have much to offer, depending on your priorities and budget.
- SUPER STRONG 1000 LB RATED. Heavy duty,...
- QUICKLY ADJUSTS TO 11 ANGLES WITH PATENTED...
- MULTI FUNCTIONAL, PROVEN DESIGN. Ideal for...
- SOLID WARRANTY AND SUPPORT WITH OVER 35 YEARS...
Powerblock Sport Bench vs Vanswe Weight Bench
The Vanswe Weight Bench is another great option if you want to add bench work to your routine. The Vanswe bench is an adjustable weight bench designed with a 3 positional seat pad and 7 positional back pad making it perfect for barbell and dumbbell training. Unlike the PowerBlock sport bench, the Vanswe weight bench offers a fully flat, incline, and decline adjustability. It is also rated to 800 pounds, compared to just 550lbs for the sport bench, so it will last through your most strenuous workouts.
However, if the warranty is important to you, the warranty on the sport bench is better than the Vanswe bench. The Vanswe bench has a 3-year warranty on the frame and a 3-month warranty on the pads. Compare that to the 10-year-1-year warranty for the PowerBlock sport bench.
- 【800 Lbs Weight Capacity】Vanswe weight...
- 【2.5" Soft Foam Padding】2.5" thick foam...
- 【Fully Adjustable...
- 【2022 Upgraded】Added a removable leg...
People Also Ask (FAQs)
Is the Powerblock Sport Bench sturdy enough to do step-ups?
Yes, the PowerBlock bench is definitely sturdy enough for step-ups. It's very durable and also a good height for step-ups for most people. However, be very careful if you try to do plyometric box jumps because mobile weight benches aren't very stable.
Does this bench lay completely flat?
Short of getting out our level, the sport bench did seem to lay completely flat. This made it perfect for bench presses, chest presses, dumbbell pullovers, and more.
How easy does this fold up for storage?
If you don't have ample space, you can fold the bench flat and prop it up in a closet or against a wall. The handle and wheels make it easy to pull the bench wherever it needs to go once you've finished your workout.
What is the pad thickness & material?
The pads on the PowerBlock sport bench are roughly 2" made of high-quality leather.
Conclusion
If you are building your home gym, the PowerBlock Sport Bench is an excellent addition. Throw in an adjustable set of dumbbells, and you will be able to do a wide variety of strength exercises to burn fat and build muscle in a small space.
- Separate seat and back pad adjustment
- 5 position back pad adjustment
- Optional dip attachment available
- 550 LB weight capacity
Last Updated on February 22, 2023