AdjustableBench

= What makes a good adjustable bench? =
* Solid. No wobble in pads/hinges/ladder/pop pins.
* Not too heavy to move around (11 gauge steel, < 100lbs, wheels)
* No wobble on uneven floors. Tripod frame. (see Cybex 16001 example below)
* Easy, fast, accessible and durable adjustment mechanism (bad: broken pop pins on cheaper benches)
** Pop-Pins: easy to grasp? (sweaty hands? see "grip handle" picture below)
** Pop-Pins: are they all the way in? Some pop-pin arcs wobble or the pop-pins don't line up with the holes (see below)
** Ladder/Pop-Pin Arc: Will paint scrape off over time? Stainless? 
* No (or very small) pad gap! - Gaps can be uncomfortable and shouldn't be necessary (shouldn't need a separate flat bench)
** Example: Cybex 5435 and Rogue AB 2.0 have a high hinge and firm pads; PowerLift dumbbell bench has gap eliminating linkage system 
* Height should be ~17" (or less) to the top of the pad when flat so your feet can be easily planted on the ground
** Competition bench height is 16.5”-17.5” (42-45cm) 
* Covered feet (rubber/uhmw) to prevent movement while in use & scratching/damaging home gym flooring
** The height of the bench should be low (~17" or less) WITH the rubber feet attached
** If a taller bench is desired, thicker feet could be an option
* Durable and firm but comfortable pad (not slippery), ~11.5" wide
** Competition pad width is 29-32cm
* Easy to read adjustment angles (label the angles of incline)
* Narrow/tapered seat so legs aren't forced to splay (uncomfortable during some dumbbell exercises)
* No obstructions around your feet (leg holders, frame tubing, handles)
* Back pad should overhang wheels so it fits in racks with a crossbeam (see frame overhang below)
* Frame should fully support the back pad plywood to the edges so it doesn't crack (see frame support below)
* Back pad screws should be anchored in the pad's plywood so they don't spin freely or pull out (like on some cheaper benches)
* Upright storage option (rear support foot) so it doesn't take up much floor space in a home gym
* Prefer the handle to be accessible
** Comfortably reachable and centered under the seat (see:Rogue AB-2 but not free swinging causing paint to chip)
** Not on the ground where you must bend way over to grab it (see:Elite bench) 
** Not off center where your legs can rub/hit it (see:RC bench)
* Removable wheels? (& wheel attachments) - see bench being impeded by rack crossbeam below, or example2 (foot reversed so wheels don't hinder bench positioning) 
** Some benches are reported to have hard plastic squeaky wheels (Rogue AB 2.0), while others have soft yet sturdy quiet wheels (Rogue AB-3)
File:Poppins.png|pop-pin grip handle
File:Panattalabel.png|label incline angles
File:Arclabels.png|label arc angles
File:Protectedfeet.png|Covered feet
File:Uprightstorage.png|Stored upright (save floor space)
File:Plywoodscrew.png|plywood anchors
File:Removablewheels.png|tripod frame, removable wheels?
== Cybex 5435 ==
The popular Cybex 5435 has many of these features but unfortunately is not manufactured anymore
* well designed, solid, easy & fast adjustments, height to top of pad: 16.5"
* unfortunately the successor bench, the Cybex 16000 & 16001 has a much larger pad gap and wobble and hole alignment problems
File:Cybex5435.png|Cybex 5435 bench
File:Cybex5435-backflat.png|Cybex 5435 bench
File:Cybex5435-manual.png|Cybex 5435 details
=== Frame design ===
* Compact design, minimal pad gap, easy to maneuver, and sexy
* Sturdy frame transfers load directly down to the ground under the high stress areas
* Bench shouldn't tip when performing exercises that put weight on one side of the bench, ex: barbell hip thrusts
* Bench legs shouldn't impede dumbbell exercises, ex: chest incline dumbbell rows
* 3 points of contact so the bench doesn't rock on slightly uneven floors
** Noteworthy example: The Cybex 16001 corrected the flat floor level tube of the 16000: "Contact with the floor is by a footpad and all floor level tubes are well above the floor to insure that a high point in an uneven floor cannot cause the bench to rock." and "All of the benches have been redesigned so that there are no end caps. "
** Also see the back of the frame of: Nautilus style benches, Powerlift dumbbell bench, EliteFTS 0-90/WS Signature bench
* Flat steel plate feet & no wide fat back beam to trip over! (many benches have an unnecessarily wide protruding flat back beam/foot)
File:Cybex5435-frame.png|Cybex 5435 frame
File:Cybex5435-frame2.png|Cybex 5435 frame
File:Barbellhipthrusts.png|Barbell hip thrusts
File:Padgap.png|Pad gap examples (Cybex 5435/Rogue AB-2/3/Sorinex NP/Rogue AB2)
File:Tripodframes.png|Paramount/Cybex tripod style frames, unimpeded incline db rows
File:Cybex16000to16001.png|Cybex 16001 fixed their 16000's flat footpad problem
=== Frame overhang ===
* Unlike many benches the Cybex 5435's back pad extends past the rear frame so it is still usable if the wheels hit a rack's crossbeam
File:Cybex5435-side.png|Cybex back pad extends past wheels
File:Powerblocksportbench.png|Powerblock bench wheels extend past pad
File:Bench-crossbeam.png|Bench impeded by rack's back crossbeam
=== Frame back pad support ===
* Frame should fully support the back pad or the unsupported plywood could split requiring ugly repairs
** Especially important when leaning on one side of the bench (one arm rows) or when performing step-ups
File:Cybex5435-back.png|Cybex back support
File:Lifebench-back.png|No back support at edges
File:Lifebench-broken.png|Broken plywood
File:Precorbench-back2.png|Repaired plywood
File:Precorbench-back.png|Repaired back
File:Omnibench-frame.png|Omni Fitness Frame full steel pad support
File:Reflexback.png|Reflex bench back pad supported by frame
=== Adjustments & Decline option ===
* Life Fitness used to make a bench with a frame similar to the 5435, but with an arc adjustment mechanism and pop-pins. It had a large pad gap and did not have a true tripod frame but the front foot was small and didn't get in the way. It was originally made by HighTech before Life Fitness bought them in 1995
* Hoist used to make a bench with a similar frame but it also had a large pad gap and did not have a true tripod frame, while the Quantum QWT-130 did have the tripod frame
* The Yukon 0-90 bench also has a similar frame but is otherwise a very poor imitation of the original ($420)
* The Nebula/Rae Crowther Awesome bench has a smart detachable leg holder (the seat remains narrow and the bench offers decline! unfortunately it has large pad gap) 
* The Rogue AB-2 is a re-brand of the Awesome bench but doesn't offer the decline attachment while the Rogue AB-3 offers rollers for leg support
* The Cybex tripod frame still seems to be the superior design: stability without an obtrusive frame, and minimal pad gap!
** If looking for a pop-pin style bench see the Life Fitness arc design below -- the pop-pin barrel looks to be well supported by both sides of a support tube, the arc is centered and can't be mistakenly welded in the incorrect location nor can the pop-pin be unaligned, and the frame is protected from being scraped by the chromed arc.
File:Lifebench.png|Life Fitness bench 
File:Hightechbench.png|HighTech bench
File:Hoistmultibench.png|Hoist bench
File:Quantumqwt130.png|Quantum QWT-130
File:Rcbench-decline.png|Nebula/RC bench with decline attachment $1100 
File:Awesomeback.png|Nebula/RC Awesome leg holder (notice the properly angled tightening knob to prevent rattle, which is not on the AB-3)
File:Awesomepin.png|RC (blue) / Nebula (white) / Rogue (black) arc & pop-pin support 
File:Lifearc.png|Life Fitness arc & pop-pin support & frame protection
File:Legendarc.png|Legend Bench arc / RC bench arc (zinc coated)
* Notice the thickness of the Awesome bench's adjustment arc compared to the thin steel of cheaper benches 
** (see video of the RC bench: youtube) Hear the confidence instilling sound when the pop-pin locks into place, and notice the complete lack of wobble or slack when the bench is lifted 
** Should the pin go all the way through the arc/spine? Rogue response: " ... there is some minor fluctuation between parts ... as long as there is >50% of the spine hitting the pin it isn't an issue" 
* Prefer the adjustment mechanism (arc or ladder) not to be painted to prevent future chipping, see Legend arc above (but not covered in cheap flaky chrome!)
* Solid frame integration of the pop-pin since all weight is on that one pin! (not like the cheap & dangerous ones that easily break off!)
* The Life Fitness bench also appears to have plastic frame protection to prevent the arc from rubbing against the metal frame
= Compare other bench styles =
== Ladder benches ==
File:Hoist2160.png|Hoist CF-2160
File:Hoist3160bench.png|Hoist CF-3160
File:Americanbarbellbench.png|American Barbell Bench $575
File:Atlantisb177bench.png|Atlantis PRF0070 (B177) ~$1000 CAD (previous tripod frame pic) 
File:Barbarianbench1.png|Barbarian Multibank Pro £299
File:Barbarianbenchwide.png|Barbarian Warrior Wide $499 AUD (tripod frame)
File:Vulcanvprime.png|Vulcan Prime $340
File:Matrixvyd85a.png|Matrix VY-D85A $675
File:Coregymheavyduty.png|Core Gym Heavy Duty £625 (pic)
File:Pendulumub.png|Pendulum Utility Bench $850, 148lbs
File:Dynamicultra.png|Dynamic Ultra Pro (20" height, 3x3, 140lbs)
File:Dynamicaccell.png|Dynamic Accell (19" height, 100lbs)
File:Gophersport-ironrange.png|GopherSport IronRange $469 (2x3, 18", 60 lbs)
File:Maxwodbench.png|MaxWOD bench $439 (Dynamic) (Height: 19")
File:Rogueab20bench.png|Rogue AB 2.0 bench $550 (130lbs! 1" Pad Gap, Back Pad: 11" W)
File:Gorilabench.png|Gorila Bench $650 CAD
File:Espbench.png|ESP Pro Adjustable £980
File:Eliteftscollegiatebench.png|EliteFTS Collegiate $675 TSS WS 0-90 $699("shortest pad gap"?)
File:Wssignaturebench.png|EliteFTS 0-90 TSS WS Signature $764 without spotters
File:Sorinexutilitybench.png|Sorinex Utility $949 w/o spotters
File:Reflexbench.png|Reflex bench $871 (6 positions,110lbs, full frame backpad support, narrow gap, narrow seat, wide backpad)
File:Powerliftdbbench.png|Powerlift bench $1000 (tripod frame, Height: 19 3/16")
File:Panattabench.png|Panatta bench (14 positions)
File:Sorinexnpbench.png|Sorinex NP $899 (6 positions, 120lbs, 18" height, low handle)
File:Sorinexnp3.png|Sorinex NP3 $1199
File:Primebench.png|Prime adjustable bench
File:Torquexfibbench.png|Torque XFIB $795 (105 lb)
File:Bodysolidbench.png|Body Solid SFID325 ~$400 (big pad gap)
File:Tagpowerbench.png|TAG Power bench (17.5"H, 12"W Pad, 8,10 gauge, 85lbs)
File:Edgebench.png|Edge Fitness Bench $500 (12"W Pad, 11 gauge)
File:Xseriessuperbench.png|X-Series Super Bench $390 CAD $380 USD (Powerbody)
File:Forceusacommercial.png|Force USA Commercial $499 AUD Video
File:Tkohdbench.png|TKO HD 930FID $480
File:Tuffstuffclb325.png|Tuff Stuff CLB-325 (66lbs)
File:Powerblocksportbenchbig.png|Powerblock SportBench $180 (pad gap, rear frame projects past back pad)
File:Inspirescsbench.png|Inspire SCS $350 
File:Elementladderbench.png|Element GetRX +many clones (20" height)
File:Coloradoraptor.png|Raptor Adjustable Bench $400 (H: 21", Pad W: 11.5")
File:Esportironbull90.png|Esport Iron Bull 90 $395 CAD (17.5" H, 11.5" pad width, rubber feet, large pad gap when flat) 
File:Ibexbench.png|IBEX bench
File:Fringe-4415.png ‎|Fringe Sport Pro-Lift $399 (18.5", Pad: 11", 60 lbs)
File:Rep3100v3.png|Rep AB-3100 v3 $199 (17.5" height, 11.75" pad width) (v1 pic) (v2 pic)
File:Agilefit-sfib.png|AgileFit SFIB $379 (2x3 11g, 17.5"H, Pad: 12"W)
File:Prlifting-b2.png|PR Lifting B2 $279 (18" Height, 80lbs, Pad: 11"W)
File:Tydaxbench.png|Tydax Bench $295 CAD (18" Height, 12"W Pad)
File:Lifelinebench.png|Lifeline Bench $300 (Height: 16.75", Pad: 12", 2x3 11gauge, 61 lbs)
File:Eleikoclassic.png|Eleiko Classic Adjustable
=== Ladder benches with decline ===
* Benches with decline have a wider seat and add obstructions for your legs
* Some have bare metal on the ladder to prevent chipping of paint
File:Hoist2165.png|Hoist CF-2165
File:Hoist3165bench.png|Hoist CF-3165
File:Fit505ultrafid.png|Fit505 Ultra FID $299 CAD
File:Titanfid.png|Titan FID $190 (H: 18.25", Pad: 11.75", 88lbs)
File:Repfitnessbench.png|Rep Fitness Bench $250 $220 AUD
File:Valordd40bench.png|Valor DD-40 $325
File:Bosbenchv3.png|BoS FID 3.0 $317 CAD 
File:Bodysolidsfid425.png|Body Solid SFID425 $495
File:Strengthshopriotbench.png|Strengthshop Riot Bench £250 Riot €300
File:Atlantisb279bench.png|Atlantis B279
File:Matrixmga86.png|Matrix MG-A86
File:Hoist5165bench.png|Hoist 5165 $499
File:Visionst780.png|Vision ST780 11 gauge, 101lbs, 19" height
File:Barbells4mebench.png|Barbells4Me $130 Wide seat but removable leg holder
== Nautilus style ladder benches ==
* Adjustment ladder paint may eventually scrape/wear away
File:Nautilusf30bench.png|Nautilus F30-90 bench
File:Ethosbench.png|Ethos Utility Bench $300 (poor pads)
File:Getrxbench.png|Get RX bench ~$300 (frame could be more compact/less protruding in the front/back pad doesn't extend past back wheels)
File:Wilderbench.png|Wilder Fitness bench
File:Boltnitrous.png|Bolt Nitrous Bench $450
== Hammer Strength style benches ==
File:Hammerstrengthbench.png|Hammer Strength $1000
File:Hammer-older1.png|Notice tripod frame & lifted spine on older models to prevent wobble on uneven floors
File:Valorbench.png|Valor DD-11 $300 (review)
File:Esporthammerbench.png|Esport T1039A $495 CAD
File:Primalspyder20.png|Primal Strength Spyder 2.0 £450 (pic)
File:Matrixmga85.png|Matrix MG-A85
File:Matrixmga82.png|Matrix MG-A82 (low profile - 17.8")
File:Sportsarta991.png|SportsArt A991 (104 lbs)
File:Technogymbench.png|Technogym bench 130lbs
File:Elementmabbench.png|Element MAB ~$500 +many clones (review)
== Telescoping/Other benches ==
File:Primexlbench.png|Prime XL bench
File:Powerliftleverbench.png|Powerlift lever bench (no pad gap)
File:Prostarps701bench.png|ProStar PS701 (225 lb)
File:Matrixmga695.png|Matrix MG-A695 (140 lb)
File:Wilderurb019.png|Wilder URB-019
File:Cybexbigironbench.png|Cybex Big Iron Bench
File:Cybexstmab.png|Cybex ST-MAB
File:Ucsbenchwhite.png|UCS bench $1150 (150+ lb)
File:Performbetter6454.png|PB Extreme Adjustable $399 (hydraulic piston assist, Back pad: 5 positions, seat: 5 positions)
File:Ironmasterbench.png|Ironmaster $279 (20" height, Pad: 10.5"W)
File:Ironmasterprobench.png|Ironmaster Pro $369 (17.2" height, Pad: 10.5"W)
File:Transformerincline.png|The Transformer
File:Promaximafw150bench.png|Promaxima FW-150 (100 lb)
File:nlstealthbench.png|Northern Lights Stealth $399 CAD $280 USD (Height: 17.5", Back Pad: 9.5" wide, < 90 lb)
== Pop-pin benches ==
* Some have chrome on the adjustment arc or replaceable metal protection strips to prevent scraping of paint
File:Precoricarianbench.png|Precor Icarian bench
File:Rcawesomebench.png|RC Awesome $945 (10" pad, $150 optional foot holder)
File:Rcawesome2017.png|RC Awesome 2017 $795 (optional foot holder)
File:Rogueab3bench.png|Rogue AB-3 $935 (removable foot catch, 6" Pad Gap, Back Pad: 12" W)
File:Titandecline.png|Titan Decline bench $450 (Pad: 11"W, 92lbs)
File:Rep5000.png|Rep AB-5000 $499 (17.5"H, 12" Pad, 112lbs, Zero Pad Gap)
File:Rep5100.png|Rep AB-5100 $399 (17.5"H, 12" Pad)
File:Vaseven-primea32.png|VA SEVEN Prime A32
File:Precordbr119bench.png|Precor DBR0119 $1100 (106 lb, 18" Height) 
File:Startracb7506bench.png|Star Trac IP-B7506 (Height 20")
File:Precor-paint1.png|Precor bench (see worn/scraped paint on arc)
File:Esportt1039.png|Esport T1039 $495 CAD (see replaceable metal protection on arcs)
File:Rep-polaris.png|Rep Polaris COM-1039 $399 (17.25" height)
File:Fringesportbench.png|Fringe Sport bench ~$480
File:Fringe-super.png|Fringe Sport Super $459
File:Vulcan-vr-75.png|Vulcan VR-75 $650 (17"H, 96lbs)
File:Omnibench.png|Omni Fitness Bench 
File:Omninorthstar.png|Omni Northstar $620 (Pad: 12")
File:Batcafz6.png|Batca FZ-6
File:Paramountbench.png|Paramount XFW-7500
File:Freemotionf203.png|FreeMotion F230
File:Matrixg3fw80bench.png|Matrix G3-FW80 (frame: 3 points of contact, but unnecessarily long frame?)
File:Legend3103bench.png|Legend 3103 ~$560 (Height: 18" Pad: 10" (12" pad = +$25))
File:Capfmi104.png|Cap+ FMI-104 $350 (review)
File:Rugged-y001.png|Rugged Y001 $279 (2x3 11g, 83lbs)
File:Atxmonsterbench.png|ATX Monster £945 (12 position, arc labels: youtube)
File:Strengthshopbench.png|Strengthshop bench $275 (obtrusive front foot)
File:Againfasterbench.png|Again Faster bench $480 (wide front foot)
File:Strencormulti.png|Strencor Multi Bench $275
File:Wilderurb005bench.png|Wilder URB-005
File:Prliftingbench.png|PR Lifting bench 
File:Tuffstuffcdm400.png|Tuff Stuff CDM-400 (82lbs)
File:Elementfidbench.png|Element +1 2 3 clones (review)
File:Titanfitnessbench.png|Titan Fitness bench (~$115) (wide front foot)
=== Pop-pin benches with decline===
* Wide seat forces leg to splay on some exercises
* Have leg support that can get in the way of your feet (some are easily detachable)
File:Legend3164bench.png|Legend 3164 $630 (detachable decline leg holder, but wide seat)
File:Esportfidbench.png|Esport FID bench $300 CAD