Most of my reviews on adjustable weight benches target affordable, non-commercial models. However, every once in a while I like to review a commercial weight bench that's better suited to more extreme weightlifting and training needs.
That’s why I’ve decided to take a good look at the Rep Fitness AB-3000 light-commercial weight bench. This particular adjustable weight bench is meant for home gym settings or non-crowded public gyms.
Light-commercial construction is great if you want something sturdier than non-commercial models, but you also want to find something that is relatively affordable. And that is exactly what the Rep Fitness AB-3000 bench can give you.
The REP Fitness brand has been on the market for quite some time now, and that alone says something about the AB-3000 FID bench's quality. But we are more interested in the facts, right? So let's take an in-depth look into this bench's features, pros and cons, and more.
Table of Contents
REP FITNESS AB-3000 FID weight bench Reviewed
Product Specifications
Dimensions | 54"L x 26"W x 17.5"H |
Weight Capacity | 1000 lbs |
Back Positions | 7 |
Bench Weight | 85 lbs |
User Height | 63" to 76" |
Main Features Of The Rep Fitness Weight Bench
The frame of this bench is made of heavy-duty steel that is ASTM rated and can support up to 1000 lbs (453.6 kg). The thickness of the steel varies from part to part, ranging from 7-gauge to 14-gauge.
This bench is fully adjustable and offers flat, incline and decline position as well as adjustments ranging from 85-degree incline to -20-degree decline for a grand total of 7 back positions. The seat offers 4 different positions and provides ergonomic support.
The entire bench (seat, back pad, and foot roller) uses an upgraded pad made of ultra grippy fabric, which has an anti-slip design to help keep users in place while lifting. The older version of the REP Fitness AB-3000 weight bench used vinyl padding, which isn't nearly as durable or comfortable as the upgraded model.
The assembled dimensions in the flat position are 54″ x 26″ x 17.5″ (137.2 x 66 x 44.5 cm) and the empty weight of the bench is 85 lbs (38.6 kg). The back-base is equipped with transportation wheels for easy portability, so even though this bench is heavier than most, it can be easily moved.
REP FITNESS offers a 10-year frame warranty and a 30-day warranty on the padding and upholstery.
Packaging & Assembly
The REP Fitness AB-3000 FID Adjustable Bench comes mostly pre-assembled. Of course, it's recommended that you double-check if the bolts are properly tightened to avoid any unwanted surprises. Most users suggest using a socket wrench, and you should be good to go after a few minutes of tightening.
With that being said, several users claimed to have issues locating and tightening the bolts properly since the instructions don't cover this. That’s why I’ve included the original assembly video to help out:
Pricing Guide
The fact of the matter is... this isn't a budget-friendly weight bench. Yes, there are plenty of budget options on the market that will cost you less than $100, but this model isn't one of them.
That being said, it's important to understand that you get what you pay for. The higher price tag is a reflection of the heavy-duty steel construction, extreme sturdiness, high level of adjustability, and massive 1000-pound weight support.
My Experience Using The AB-3000 FID
Frame & Adjustability
I've tried out a lot of weight benches in my days, and very few come close to the Rep Fitness bench in terms of construction. The frame is as sturdy as it gets, and I have no trouble believing that this bench can handle the 1000-pound weight support it claims to have.
Considering the high price tag, I did think that there were be a few more adjustment options; some benches at this price point - and even cheaper - have more adjustments for both the back and seat. Adjusting between the 7 back positions was easy, though, and I really like the ladder system (rather than the traditional lock-pin system).
The transportation wheels are a great bonus. In fact, they're a necessity considering the 85-pound weight of the bench, which is heavier than most.
I’ve scoured the market for negative reviews regarding the sturdiness and found only two. Both of them were in regards to bad welding at the seat-pad. However, both reviews had the older vinyl-pad bench version, not the newest version. Another thing to note is that this welding issue seems to be a problem with 1 in 200 users, so hopefully, you won’t experience this issue.
Comfort
The bench's wide side at the shoulders measures 11.5 inches (29.2 cm) and the distance from the top side of the pad (flat position) to the ground is 17.5 inches (44.5 cm). REP FITNESS also designed the bench to have a very minimal gap between the seat pad and the back pad, which is a major plus considering many benches have a large gap that can make the workout uncomfortable.
I love that the ultra-grippy pad is rather soft, but still very durable. I believe that there will be several users who will find the pads too soft, though. But in my opinion, they're soft enough for comfort but also firm enough for stability.
Height & Weight Limitations
Unless you're The Hulk, you should experience no weight limitations when using the REP FITNESS. Considering the dimensions, users ranging from 5’3” to 6’4” should have no problems using this bench.
Besides bench length and width, one of the most important specs is the height – 17.5 inches. The IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) recommends height of weight benches to be between 16.5” and 17.75” to cater to as many people as possible while also preventing the risk of injury, and at 17.5", Rep Fitness meets those standards.
That said, 17.5" is on the high end of that recommendation, so shorter individuals - let's say below 5'3" - might have a hard time using the AB-3000 FID.
Pros And Cons Of The Rep Fitness
Let’s summarize all the information from above in a list of pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
Comparisons With Similar Weight Benches
One of the best ways to do your due diligence for selecting the best weight bench for you is to compare it with similar models. There are 3 that are very similar in functionality and design to the Rep Fitness bench:
Is The Rep Fitness AB-3000 FID Worth Buying?
- STRONG AND STABLE: Heavy-duty 1,000 lb rated...
- FULL ADJUSTABLE INCLINE AND DECLINE: Now you...
- EASY TO CLEAN AND STORE: Wheels on the rear...
- PERFECT SUPPORT FOR LIFTING: The pad measures...
Would I recommend REP FITNESS AB-3000 FID bench? I certainly would... as long as you're willing to pay for light-commercial quality. But if you're on a budget, then there are other benches that are better worth your time - and money.
If for some reason this particular weight bench is not good enough for you, be sure to check our adjustable weight benches guide for more recommendations.
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Last Updated on September 12, 2021