As an ISSA-certified personal trainer with a house fitness center setup of my very own, I consider there are a couple of important items of apparatus you must achieve smashing your targets: a dependable barbell, a sturdy squat rack, and a high-quality weight bench (plus some bumper plates and dumbbells). Whilst you don’t essentially need to go the adjustable route together with your dumbbells, investing in an adjustable weight bench is a great technique to maximise your train choices. In spite of everything, true FID benches (flat, incline, decline) assist you to practice your chest, again, shoulders, and different goal areas from nearly any angle, which might go a good distance in serving to you obtain your strength- and muscle-building goals.
In terms of the adjustable bench market, nevertheless, it’s not at all times straightforward to discover a answer that satisfies all the necessities our Breaking Muscle staff of licensed private trainers, power and conditioning coaches, and CrossFitters search for — together with development high quality, portability, and ease of use — and nonetheless supplies nice worth. However because of some intelligent design work by REP Health, you possibly can benefit from the flexibility of a dozen ladder-style changes and the consolation of a gap-free lifting expertise concurrently.
On this REP BlackWing adjustable bench evaluation, we’ll break down how one of many trade’s most revolutionary producers blended the very best options from its prime fashions right into a beastly bench that’s constructed like a tank and performs like a boss.
Key Takeaways
- The BlackWing Adjustable Bench combines the ladder-style changes from the REP Health AB-5200 with the redesigned ZeroGap™ seat expertise from the REP AB-5000 to provide the better of each worlds in a single well-built bench.
- The REP Health BlackWing is available in two completely different pad widths (12.2 or 14 inches), has a weight capability of 1,000 kilos, and meets Worldwide Powerlifting Federation (IPF) competitors peak requirements, making it well-suited for powerlifters and broadly constructed athletes.
- Out there in six colours, this zero-gap bench could be saved upright to go away extra room on your energy rack, weightlifting equipment, and different home gym equipment.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Execs
- The BlackWing is ultra-versatile, as it may be utilized as a flat bench, incline bench, or decline bench. Not solely can you utilize the ladder-style system on the again pad to select from 12 completely different angles, however you can too use the pop-pin adjustment on the seat pad to modify between six angles starting from -10 levels to 45 levels.
- REP’s patented ZeroGap™ function removes a possible distraction by making certain you’ll by no means need to take care of an annoying hole between the seat and again pads. This distinctive expertise significantly turns out to be useful when performing a flat bench press, as you’ll be seamlessly supported from finish to finish.
- This heavy-duty FID bench is constructed to final utilizing 11-gauge metal for the body and REP’s new CleanGrip materials for the padding. The Colorado-based firm additionally deserves credit score for giving the BlackWing a premium look with high-end finishes like stainless-steel knurled handles and laser-cut logos.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Cons
- Though the BlackWing brings a variety of helpful options to the desk, a $600 price ticket would possibly make it too costly for some individuals. For those who’re working with a tighter gym equipment budget, the REP AB-3000 is a rock-solid FID bench that prices almost half the value.
- Whereas it’s designed to be saved vertically, this adjustable bench doesn’t precisely earn prime marks for portability. Tipping the scales at 131 kilos, the BlackWing requires some strength and persistence to maneuver, which might turn into bothersome when you transfer your bench round usually.
- The non-compulsory leg curler attachment felt extra like an afterthought to our testing staff, because it doesn’t appear to be made out of the identical high-quality supplies because the bench itself. Plus, whereas it carried out adequately for sit-ups and crunches, it fell wanting expectations as a Nordic curl answer.
Our Breaking Muscle Group has ample expertise attempting out each place on a wide range of adjustable benches to carry out lifts just like the bench press, overhead press, and flye variations. Assessing components comparable to development high quality, portability, and padding, we developed a proprietary scoring system to rank crucial elements that make up an amazing bench.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Ranking
Our Breaking Muscle Group has ample expertise attempting out each place on a wide range of adjustable benches to carry out lifts just like the bench press, overhead press, and flye variations. Assessing components comparable to development high quality, portability, and padding, we developed a proprietary scoring system to rank crucial elements that make up an amazing bench.
Right here’s how the REP BlackWing scored in every class:
| Issue | Ranking (out of 5) |
| Worth and worth | 4.5 |
| Building high quality | 5 |
| Supply and meeting | 5 |
| Dimensions | 4 |
| Padding | 4.5 |
| Footprint and portability | 4 |
| Efficiency and ease of use | 5 |
| Incline ranges | 5 |
| Out there attachments | 4 |
| Guarantee | 4 |
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench In-Depth Assessment
Although it’s actually not probably the most budget-friendly bench, the BlackWing undoubtedly delivers rock-solid worth. REP rigorously crafted a high-end piece of fitness center tools that stands out for its versatility, sturdiness, and construct high quality. Regardless of a hefty price ticket and a reasonably large footprint, we firmly consider it’s a worthwhile funding for critical lifters trying to degree up their dwelling fitness center setup.
Worth and Worth
REP priced the BlackWing at about $600, larger than their different adjustable bench fashions. For comparability, the newest model of the AB-5200 begins at $549.99, whereas the AB-5000 is on sale for $449.99, as of this writing. Remember that the vast pad choice prices an extra $20, and the leg curler attachment is bought individually for about $110.
From a competitor standpoint, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 — which does have a small hole between the seat pad and again pad — usually prices about the identical ($595) because the BlackWing. In the meantime, the TITAN Collection Adjustable FID Bench by Titan Health is generally priced at $529.99 however solely has a weight capability of 600 kilos.
Though the BlackWing could not match everybody’s funds, it nonetheless brings nice worth. Not solely do you get a real FID bench that has a seemingly countless array of adjustment potentialities, however you additionally get REP’s patented ZeroGap™ seat expertise. As somebody who’s all about getting probably the most bang on your muscle-building buck, I feel the BlackWing boasts greater than sufficient strengths to justify its higher-end price ticket. Our testing staff rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars for value and worth.
Building High quality
“Secure” is the phrase that instantly got here to thoughts for our testing staff when attempting out the BlackWing. REP used premium supplies to provide a top-notch bench that feels greater than able to withstanding all of your exercises for years to come back. Constituted of 11-gauge metal, the BlackWing’s body is a rock-solid piece of engineering, offering glorious stability and general assist.
REP devoted ample consideration to the finer particulars, too. As an alternative of utilizing plastic adjustment knobs like they do on the AB-5000, they opted for stainless-steel on the BlackWing. A knurled, stainless-steel deal with not solely makes the bench simpler to maneuver because of its glorious grip-ability, nevertheless it additionally provides to the BlackWing’s premium aesthetic.
REP additionally improved the consumer expertise by together with knurled handles for adjusting the incline and utilizing laser-cut numbers on the body so you possibly can simply see which angle you could have the again pad set to. In the meantime, grooved rubber toes give the bench added stability by retaining it firmly anchored to the ground. Plus, you possibly can select from 5 body shade choices (metallic black, white, purple, blue, military inexperienced, or matte black) to make sure your bench matches in with the remainder of your house fitness center setup.
Each the seat pads and again pads come coated in REP’s new CleanGrip vinyl, which our testing staff believes is the very best materials the corporate has used up to now. Additional grippy and straightforward to wash, it’s precisely the kind of vinyl lifters search for, as a grippy materials can forestall you from sliding round on the bench and feeling unstable and unsafe.
As somebody who makes use of an adjustable bench for all the pieces from dumbbell chest flyes to rows to overhead presses, I consider nothing is worse than laying down on one which feels slippery or has tears in it. The thick, matte vinyl REP used on the BlackWing is the kind of design choice that helped this bench earn all 5 stars for development high quality.
Supply and Meeting
With free delivery on all orders, REP makes the ordering course of just a little extra budget-friendly. Our testing staff didn’t encounter any supply points, which speaks volumes about how effectively the bench was packaged and dealt with.
Assembling the BlackWing did take a while (round 20 minutes). Our product testers, who’ve assembled lots of of items of fitness center tools, take into account this to be on par for a totally adjustable bench. Nevertheless, REP didn’t embrace any instruments to help with this course of. To carry your BlackWing to life, you will want to have a ratchet and sockets available, in addition to just a little little bit of persistence to place all of the items in place.
Total, we scored this bench a 4.5 out of 5 stars for supply and meeting.
Dimensions
Positively on the bigger aspect, a totally assembled BlackWing measures 59.5 inches lengthy, 25.8 inches vast, and 17.2 inches tall, placing it firmly inside the IPF competitors customary. Weighing in at 131 kilos, it’s additionally fairly heavy in comparison with a few of REP’s different benches. For instance, the AB-5000 is 20 kilos lighter, and the AB-5100 suggestions the scales at 95 kilos.
In the meantime, the BlackWing comes inventory with 12.2-inch-wide pads that may be upgraded to 14 inches for an extra $20. Whereas the usual choice compares favorably to one thing just like the Titan Collection Adjustable Bench (which comes with a 12-inch-wide pad), the BlackWing is 1.2 inches wider than the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0. For extra sizable athletes, having that choice is a giant profit from a consolation and efficiency standpoint, as a wider again pad will present extra assist. Nevertheless, understand that the 14-inch-wide pads are not compliant with IPF guidelines, because the width can’t exceed 12.6 inches.
The design of the entrance and rear toes add to the general stability of this heavy-duty bench. The entrance foot measures 14.8 inches vast, which supplies higher anchoring and appears to be the inspiration behind the BlackWing’s identify. All in all, we scored this bench 4 out of 5 stars for dimensions, with the load being one of many solely drawbacks.
Padding
Skinny padding can result in skinny persistence for lifters. In spite of everything, nobody needs to lie down on a bench and really feel as if the metallic body is digging into their again. Fortunately, the BlackWing has thick cushioning that places our staff of testers in a cushty place to execute all of their lifts.
Furthermore, the padding is wrapped in dense CleanGrip vinyl that appears and feels higher than different kinds of vinyl REP has used on their benches. Not solely is the matte black materials additional grippy, nevertheless it’s additionally a breeze to wash. So, even when you’re breaking a critical sweat in your storage fitness center, you received’t have to fret about your bench struggling any floor injury so long as you wipe it down after your final rep.
From a padding perspective, we scored the BlackWing 5 out of 5 stars.
Footprint and Portability
Primarily based on its dimensions, the BlackWing has a reasonably sizable footprint of 10.7 sq. toes. In reality, at 59.5 inches lengthy, it’s effectively forward of different REP benches and is among the longest adjustable benches in the marketplace. Whereas the AB-5200 is simply an inch shorter, the AB-5100 is 5 inches shorter than the BlackWing, with the AB-5000 falling proper within the center at 57 inches lengthy.
These dimensions, together with weighing 131 kilos, make the BlackWing a bit difficult to maneuver round and retailer vertically with no little little bit of effort. Nonetheless, our testers appreciated the knurled deal with and rollers for serving to take a few of the burden off. If you wish to retailer the BlackWing vertically, you’ll must have a minimum of 3.1 sq. toes of area to accommodate it. Fortunately, the bench’s closed ladder system additionally assists with the storage course of, because it prevents the arm of the again pad from sliding misplaced when the bench is positioned upright.
Total, being able to scale back the bench’s footprint by over a 3rd is a giant profit for dwelling fitness center homeowners with restricted area. Nevertheless, due to its massive footprint and heavy body, the BlackWing scored 4 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.
Efficiency and Ease of Use
Is the juice definitely worth the squeeze with the BlackWing? Primarily based on our testers’ experiences, it met the bar from a efficiency standpoint. REP hit a house run with its new adjustment programs, making it easy to slip the seat forwards and backwards utilizing the Zero-Hole function that’s made their AB-5000 mannequin significantly well-liked.
Noticeably lighter and fewer cumbersome than its predecessor, our staff was impressed with the way in which REP carried out the distinctive spring-loaded pop-pin and ratcheting system to make clean and safe changes to the seat pad. Although much like the system used on the AB-5000, they felt it was a transparent improve and simpler to make use of.
Most significantly, the BlackWing supplied a secure platform for our testers to carry out all the pieces from spider curls to chest-supported dumbbell rows. Having a sturdy bench that may go from a flat place to being tilted again to -8 levels in a matter of seconds with none hiccups ought to provide you with peace of thoughts and loads of confidence heading into your exercise. The BlackWing acquired all 5 stars for its robust efficiency and user-friendly design.
Incline Ranges
As a real FID bench, the BlackWing offers you the choice to coach on a flat bench, on an incline, or at a decline. By incorporating a closed ladder-style adjustment system, REP made it potential to select from 12 completely different again pad angles ranging between -8 to 85 levels. In addition to the ample angle selections, the testers additionally loved the added sturdiness of getting the adjustment arms situated contained in the ladder rail. This helped scale back any wobble that might have occurred at incline angles, and in my expertise, it is a frequent situation with cheaper benches.
As well as, REP designed the seat pad to have the ability to go from -10 to 45 levels. That sort of vary separates the BlackWing from different adjustable benches just like the AB-3000, which has 5 seat pad changes, and the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0, which solely has three angle selections for the seat pad (0, 15, and 30 levels).
Total, that is the place the BlackWing really shines probably the most. Whether or not you need to get stronger on the incline press, develop your delts from an upright place, or construct your decrease chest on a decline, you could have the last word device to get the job performed. We scored the BlackWing 5 out of 5 stars on this space.
Out there Attachments
You possibly can take your BlackWing expertise to new heights when you’re prepared to pay the precise value. For about $110, you should buy the non-compulsory leg curler attachment that was particularly designed to suit with this ultra-versatile, ultra-stable adjustable bench. Nevertheless, you need to mood your expectations about simply how useful the attachment is.
Though our testers have been keen to check the curler’s potential to carry out Nordic curls, they have been finally left dissatisfied by the expertise. Between skinny foam and a scarcity of a toe kick plate, the curler proved to be lower than best for executing this brutal hamstring train. Plus, even with the 14-inch-wide model, our testers discovered the again pad to be too skinny for the BlackWing to be a real Nordic bench.
That stated, the attachment isn’t a complete bust, as you should utilize it to develop your belly muscle tissue with sit-ups, crunches, and different core workout routines. In the end, although, the curler didn’t obtain the identical consideration to element from REP because the star of the present. In comparison with the BlackWing itself, the supplies used on the curler — like the usage of plastic knobs over chrome steel — felt a notch under. For these causes, this bench acquired 4 out of 5 stars on this class.
Guarantee
REP Health features a 10-year guarantee on bench frames, together with a one-year guarantee on sewn objects. Whereas that provides you a strong window to make the most of the BlackWing and nonetheless be coated, the coverage isn’t fairly nearly as good as a few of REP’s rivals.
Rogue, for instance, presents a restricted lifetime guarantee on frames that voids if a product has been broken as a consequence of negligent or defective use, alteration, upkeep, storage, or dealing with by the consumer. Plus, it supplies a three-year guarantee on sewn objects — a two-year leg up on REP.
In the meantime, Drive USA stands behind its frames with a lifetime guarantee, together with a 10-year coverage on shifting elements and one 12 months of protection for upholstery and attachments. This is applicable to tools used solely in non-public indoor dwelling settings, comparable to basements and garages.
So, though REP’s guarantee coverage is strong, it falls wanting a few of its rivals. Due to that, we scored the BlackWing 4 out of 5 stars on this class.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Specs
From its IPF-compliant peak to its chrome steel finishes, the BlackWing presents many engaging options in a single well-built bundle (or bench, on this case). REP designed this bench to deal with heavy masses time and again by using high-quality supplies that shouldn’t have any hassle holding up over time. Listed below are the whole specs for the BlackWing, beginning with a full breakdown of its dimensions and ending with a more in-depth have a look at its compatibility with attachments.
Dimensions
The REP BlackWing measures 59.5 inches lengthy, 25.8 inches vast, and 17.2 inches tall for a complete footprint of 10.7 sq. toes. This 131-pound FID bench has a seat pad size of 15.6 inches with a 38.2-inch lengthy again pad that’s out there in two completely different widths (12.2 inches or 14 inches). So, whether or not you’re a broad athlete who wants vast pads or somebody on the smaller aspect who wants the usual measurement, the BlackWing could be tailor-made to your physique sort.
Trying under, the entrance foot is 14.8 inches vast, with the rear foot measuring 10 inches wider. The entrance deal with is 6.9 inches lengthy with a diameter of 25 millimeters.
Supplies
REP spared no expense when it got here to the BlackWing’s development. Made with 11-gauge metal, this bench is constructed to take a pounding — and proceed performing. Plus, REP well swapped the AB-5000’s plastic adjustment knobs for stainless-steel ones that look (and really feel) like a transparent improve.
In the meantime, the seat and bench pads are coated within the firm’s new CleanGrip matte vinyl, which is thicker and appears extra sturdy than earlier vinyl produced by REP.
Weight Capability
The REP Health BlackWing has a weight capability of 1,000 kilos. This is identical ranking because the AB-3000, which we take into account among the finest values for a budget-friendly dwelling fitness center bench. Alternatively, the REP AB-4100 solely has a weight capability of 700 kilos.
Appropriate Attachments
REP designed an non-compulsory Leg Curler Attachment particularly for this bench. You possibly can insert the attachment into the built-in receiving put up on the BlackWing’s again body to carry out core workout routines, decline presses, and Nordic hamstring curls.
Remember that the attachment is not included while you buy the bench. The leg curler is bought individually for about $110.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Buyer Opinions
It’s no shock that the BlackWing has garnered virtually unanimous 5-star evaluations on REP’s web site based mostly on its specs, versatility, and efficiency. Though a number of customers highlighted how heavy the bench is, the spectacular construct high quality and skill to have a zero-gap lifting expertise stood out as overwhelming positives.
Described as “distinctive” and “amazingly sturdy” in separate evaluations, the BlackWing’s high-end finishes and high quality particulars make it a house run within the eyes of nearly everybody who supplied suggestions on REP’s web site.
REP BlackWing vs. Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
The Rogue vs REP adjustable bench battle comes down to some key components. From a value perspective, the BlackWing is correct on par with Rogue’s Adjustable Bench 3.0, which prices just below $600 for the usual mannequin. Nevertheless, that determine jumps to $695 for the chrome steel model — almost $100 greater than the $600 BlackWing.
Nonetheless, you get extra flexibility with REP’s latest bench, as you possibly can change between 12 again pad angles in comparison with simply 10 for the Adjustable Bench 3.0. Whereas each benches assist you to set the seat pad angle at 0, 15, and 30 levels, the BlackWing presents extra versatility with three extra angles (-10, 8, and 45 levels).
One main distinction to contemplate is whether or not you like your fitness center tools to be made within the USA. In that case, you’ll need to go together with Rogue, as REP manufactures a majority of their merchandise in China. Nonetheless, that’s not essentially a knock on the BlackWing (or any of REP’s benches), as we’ve persistently discovered them to be well-constructed and well-performing.
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
- Dimensions: 17.5” H x 52” L x 11” W
- Weight capability: 1,000 kilos
- Supplies: 11-gauge metal, vinyl cowl, rubber toes
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime on the body
Closing Verdict: Is the REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Value It?
For those who worth versatility, it’s arduous to not put the REP BlackWing on the prime of the very best adjustable bench record. With 72 potential combos and 0 gaps, you may get inventive together with your exercises and by no means have to fret about not feeling totally supported. Plus, regardless that the leg curler attachment lacked the identical polish because the bench itself, it nonetheless offers you much more train choices.
In fact, the BlackWing’s $600 price ticket places it extra within the premium bench class than the budget-friendly one. However between its glorious development and skill to do something you could possibly ask for (and extra), it’s price paying just a little extra for a very distinctive adjustable bench that may simply be REP’s best design work up to now.
FAQs
There are a number of worthy contenders, together with the REP AB-5000, which supplies you the ZeroGap function and loads of adjustment choices for round $450. Nevertheless, in case your funds permits, the BlackWing is the very best bench REP produces, because it supplies probably the most flexibility and assist and is crafted with high quality supplies that look nice and may final.
For those who like to vary up your angle of assault and maximize what you are able to do with dumbbells and a barbell, investing in an adjustable weight bench is the way in which to go. Having the pliability to carry out flat, incline, and decline variations of various workout routines instantly opens the door to a extra inventive, dynamic exercise.
Key components to contemplate embrace the dimensions of the hole between the again and seat pads (too massive could make the bench really feel unstable), the variety of again and seat pad angles, and the way straightforward it’s to make changes. Take note of whether or not the bench has a pull-pin or ladder adjustment system, because the latter is usually extra sturdy. You’ll additionally need to ensure there’s adequate padding to offer a cushty and supportive platform for lifting.
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