The humble weight bench is a must-have for all home gyms. It forms the centerpiece of your workout whoever you are, as we all know, lifting weights can be just as good for you as running on a treadmill.
Which is why when looking for the best adjustable weight bench, you need to follow a few simple rules to make sure you buy the perfect one for your workout.
What To Look ForIn An Adjustable Bench?
Stability
The stability of the bench is super important, which is why I point this out first. There is nothing worse than a bench that rocks and sways as you press.
The bigger you are, the more likely an unstable bench is likely to move and it can seriously hinder your workout, not to mention be potentially dangerous with heavy weights over your head.
As these benches are adjustable, they have more moving parts when compared to a flat bench that doesn’t offer incline features etc. So you should look for a flat and sturdy base that offers a wide platform to support both the bench and your own bodyweight.
Which brings us nicely onto…
Max Capacity
Each bench has a recommended maximum capacity load, which should be taken into consideration before buying. Essentially you want something that will be able to hold your weight without collapsing, and also offer the possibility to take additional weight further down the line.
If you are using your adjustable bench to build muscle, both your own weight and the weights you lift will increase over time, so be sure to look for a bench that will stand up to everything you will throw at it.
Adjustment Settings and Features
There are various settings and feature which make adjustable weight benches appealing over their non-adjustable counterparts.
Let’s take a look at a few of them:
- Incline Bench – having an adjustable incline bench is the feature most looked for when it comes to weights benches.
- Arm curls – be raising the bench into the incline position, you are able to lean over with your arm and use dumbbells to perform a supported arm-curl. This is beneficial when increasing weight, to provide additional support to the arm and avoiding injury.
- Height Adjustable – Having a height-adjustable weight bench is great for those taller or shorter than average. It will allow you to comfortable plant your feet on the floor, increasing stability. And also enable you to reach down and pick up the dumbbells and bar without compromising your posture.
- Folding – having a home gym is great if you have space. With that being said, it is always nice to have equipment that will store away neatly until you’re ready to use it. this is where a foldable weight bench comes into its own. Folding away into a much smaller, taller size, they can be stored down the side of a wardrobe or behind a door etc.
So What Is The Best Adjustable Bench?
Below we review 5 of the highest-rated adjustable benches available, man are used as commercial adjustable weight benches, which gives you an idea of the quality we are looking at here.
So let’s jump into our adjustable weight bench reviews:
1. Bowflex SelectTech 5.1
Bowflex is a big name in the home gym arena, with a vast array of products to suit every goal. From the treadmills and ellipticals to full blow home gyms and the very weight bench below.
Features
Let’s take a look a the key features of the Bowflex 5.1:
- Adjustable to six different positions
- 90-degree incline setting
- 17-degree decline setting
- Removable padded leg supports for better decline body support
- 30-year warranty on the frame and 1 year on the upholstery
Pros
- Wide sturdy base
- Great customer reviews and ratings
- Additional leg support
Cons
- Does not flatten or fold for easier storage
- Decline angle can we a little low at times
Product Details
- Weight – 63 lbs
- Dimensions – 54 x 19 x 9 inches
- Max Capacity – 480 lbs
Customer Reviews
The Bowflex 5.1 scores 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon at the time of writing and is rated for its superb strength and stability, even with larger people and heavyweights.
The leg bar has been known to be uncomfortable for some users and depending on your height, you may need to adjust your seating position to ensure your back rests against the padding and avoids the backrest/seat pad join.
Our Thoughts
For the price, the Bowflex comes in at the lower end of our models reviewed in this guide. The reviews a pretty solid with just a few points to look out for as mentioned above. The 30-year frame warranty gives us great peace of mind that you are buying a product that will last many, many years.
2. Body-Solid Powerline Folding Bench
The Body-Solid bench by Powerline is a no-nonsense weight bench that performs as well as other higher-priced models, at a much lower price. Offering a flat, incline and decline exercising position, the Body-Solid is indeed a solid contender for the best adjustable bench.
Features
- A total of 7 adjustment positions
- Supports bench press, curls, shoulder-press, crunches, and leg raises
- Wheels for easy movement and positioning
Pros
- Foldable – packs down flat for under bed storage
- Easy to maneuver
- 7 changeable positions
- ALL components have a lifetime manufacturers warranty
Cons
- Slightly bigger footprint than other models
- No knee supports for sit-ups
- Seat cannot be moved, only the back-rest
Product Details
- Weight – 60 lbs
- Dimensions -57 x 22 x 10 inches
- Max Capacity – 500 lbs
Our Thoughts
For the price, this weight bench is an absolute gem and one that you can be sure will last. All arts of the machine are covered for the manufacturers lifetime warranty, which is something you don’t see with other models.
A great piece of equipment with ample adjustment options and the ability to store flat is a bonus. Buy this if budget and storability or high on your list.
3. Ironmaster Super Bench
The Ironmaster Super Bench is the big boy of the lot, with a huge max capacity capable of holding up to 1000 lbs it really is designed for anything and anyone.
These weight benches are often chosen for commercial gyms and fitness centers due to their price, durability and their multiple adjustment points.
Features
- 11 Adjustable positions
- Additional attachment friendly
- Can be used with a home gym, racks and smith machines
- 10-year warranty and money-back guarantee
Pros
- Smaller footprint than most adjustable benches
- Super heavy-duty padding and frame
- More positions to get just the right workout
Cons
- Higher priced than the others featured in this article
- No leg bars – although additional attachments are available and can be added if needed
Product Details
- Weight – 65 lbs
- Dimensions -44 x 18.8 x 21 inches
- Max Capacity – 1,000 lbs
Customer Reviews
Users of this bench have commented on its quality build and state that it is as close to high-end gym equipment you can get for your home gym.
The main downside is that it doesn’t have wheels so moving can be a little difficult due to the weight of the bench.
Our Thoughts
If you’re looking for a tough bench that can take a lot of weight and then some more, this is the one. It’s in the high price bracket, however, you do get what you pay for and Ironmaster is known for their quality equipment.
4. XMark 11-Gauge XM-7472
If the Ironmaster was heavy-duty, then the XMark is SUPER heavy duty. with a max load capacity of 1,500 lbs, this is the kind of equipment you will find in any good gym.
With several back adjustment options, including a flat military press setting, the XM-7472 is designed to take a beating. With 11-gauge 2″ x 3″ rectangular steel framework that is powder-coated to provide a sleek finish.
Features
- Built-in transit wheels for easy movement and setup
- 3″ all over Duracraft padding
- Tear and sweat resistant covers
- Foot and leg holders for assisted support
Pros
- Ability to add attachments
- 7 adjustable positions
- 1500 lb weight capacity
Cons
- No leg attachment supplied
- Much heavier than the other models
Product Details
- Weight – 81.4 lbs
- Dimensions – 62.2 x 25.8 x 20.3 inches
- Max Capacity – 1,500 lbs
Customer Reviews
Users found this product easy to assemble in around 30-45 minutes, with the bench being nice and sturdy when exercising.
One or two people mentioned that it would have been easy to move if it had a handle fitted, however that doesn’t take away from the performance.
Our Thoughts
This adjustable weight bench is built with heavy usage in mind, if you plan on using the bench at least 2-3 times per week then we suggest the XMark as it provides a super durable padded finish and tough steel construction.
Portability is easy with the 2 built-in transport wheels, so don’t worry about the additional weight of this bench.
5. Valor Fitness DD-25
The DD-25 is middle of the range when it comes to price and also has fewer reviews than the others featured. Still, I wanted to include this bench to show you that there are alternative options available in the adjustable weight bench arena.
Features
- 5 adjustable positions
- Can be used with smith machine and or a power rack
- Flat bench press position
- Wrap-around seat padding for leg comfort
Pros
- Handle and wheels for easy movement and positioning
- Heavy-duty padding and wraps
- Max weight 450 lbs
- Leg brace for assisted support
Cons
- Limited adjustment positions
- Lower weight capacity than some of the other heavy-duty benches
Product Details
- Weight – 75 lbs
- Dimensions -61 x 22 x 51 inches
- Max Capacity – 450 lbs
Customer Reviews
Customers found this bench easy to assemble despite on having a bit of an issue with the packaging, however, it’s unknown if that was the seller of the delivery service used.
Most rate this as a study, high-end gym bench.
Our Thoughts
When it comes to an adjustable weight lifting bench, the idea if to have ample position settings to use for your workouts. The Valor DD025 only has 4 of them, which is almost half of the other machines in this review.
Whilst the Valor is a heavy duty adjustable weight bench, it doesn’t quite match up to the Ironmaster or the XMark (reviewed above).