Weight Bench Buying Guide
Buying Guide
How To Choose A Weight Bench
A good bench does more than bench press. Here's how to choose between flat and adjustable, what to check, and how our four benches compare.
Flat Or Adjustable?
This is the first decision. Everything else is about spec and use.
Choose a flat bench if…
- You mainly bench press, and use the bench for step-ups, rows and seated work.
- You want the most stable pad, with no gap between seat and back.
- You want something lighter and easier to move, for less money.
Choose an adjustable bench if…
- You want incline pressing, seated presses and supported rows.
- You want decline work too: choose a FID (flat, incline, decline) bench.
- One bench has to cover everything in a home or studio gym.
What To Check Before You Buy
Compare Our Benches
Two ranges: Team for home gyms and light commercial use, and Competition for heavy use in commercial gyms and serious home gyms.
| Bench | Type | Angles | Rated load | Colours | Frame warranty (home / commercial) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Flat Bench | Flat | Flat | 450kg | Black, blue, red | 2 years / 1 year |
| Competition Flat Bench 2.0 | Flat | Flat | 450kg | See product page | 5 years / 2 years |
| Team Plus Adjustable Bench | Adjustable (FI) | Flat to 90° incline | 450kg | Blue, red | 2 years / 1 year |
| Competition Adjustable Bench 2.0 | Adjustable (FID) | −15° decline to 85° incline | See product page | Red, blue | 5 years / 2 years |
Specs are from each product page. Full dimensions and weights are listed there too. Warranty details: warranty information.
The Range
Flat · home and light commercial
Team Flat Bench
- 450kg rated, high-density pad
- 22kg, so easy to move around
- Black, blue or red
Flat · powerlifting
Competition Flat Bench 2.0
- 450kg rated, oversized bolted steel frame
- 17-inch (43cm) height to IPF standards
- Handle for easy moving
Adjustable · flat and incline
Team Plus Adjustable Bench
- 450kg rated
- Flat to 90° incline, no decline
- Urethane handle, blue or red
Adjustable · flat, incline, decline
Competition Adjustable Bench 2.0
- −15° to 85°: our most versatile bench
- Small 5cm gap between seat and back pad
- Red or blue
FAQs
Which bench is best for bench pressing?
A flat bench gives the most stable base. The Competition Flat Bench 2.0 is built for heavy pressing, at 17 inches (43cm) high to powerlifting standards. If you also want incline work, the Competition Adjustable Bench 2.0 has a small pad gap and works well flat.
What's the difference between FI and FID?
FI benches adjust from flat to incline. FID benches add decline positions too. The Team Plus is FI; the Competition Adjustable Bench 2.0 is FID, from −15° to 85°.
Can I use a Team bench in a commercial gym?
Team benches are suitable for light commercial use, such as a small PT studio, with 1 year's frame warranty in a commercial setting. For busy gyms we recommend the Competition range.
Do benches need assembling?
Most need light assembly. Tighten every bolt fully and check them now and then. A wobble is usually a bolt that wasn't tightened evenly.
More Buying Guides
Planning the rest of your gym? Start here.
Not Sure Which To Choose?
Tell us about your space, your training and your budget, and we'll point you to the right kit. We're here Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm (UK time). Kitting out a gym or studio? Our design team can plan it with you, or you can try our free 3D gym planner.