REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 Review: Is This the Best Bench For Your Home Gym?

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Key Features:

• Flat, incline and decline settings allow you to train in a variety of angles
• Built-in leg rollers for extra stability and support
• Updated padding on the seat, with a reversible seat pad

A good adjustable weight bench is one of the first investments you should make when choosing the right home gym equipment. However, not all benches are created equal, and you don’t want to end up with a wobbly, unstable bench that creates an unsafe training environment.

There are countless adjustable benches on the market, and they come in a variety of styles, prices and levels of durability. At only $319.99, the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 has a reputation for being one of best affordable benches for home gyms.

In this review, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to help you decide if this is the next piece of heavy-duty gym equipment you’ll want to invest in.

Rep Fitness AB-3000 2.0 FID Bench Specs

• Weight: 89.3 pounds
• Weight Capacity: 1,000 pounds
• Dimensions: 56.6 inches x 25.8 inches x 17.1 inches
• Back Pad Angles: -12, zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 70, 85 degrees
• Seat Pad Angles: Zero, five, 10, 15, 20 degrees
• Footprint: 9.85 square feet
• Material: 11-gauge steel
• Price: $319.99

What Is the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 Bench?

REP Fitness makes some of the highest-quality fitness equipment on the market, and it's one of the most popular brands for outfitting a home gym. Many commercial gyms also use REP products, which speaks to their durability and quality.

The REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 is a ladder-adjustable FID bench, which stands for flat, incline and decline. Many adjustable benches don’t offer a decline setting, so that’s a nice feature to have in your home or garage gym if you’re looking to train your muscles from a variety of angles.

If you’ve never trained with an adjustable bench, or aren’t sure if you need one, you may wonder what the benefits are. The primary advantage is in the different back pad angles, which allow you to train your muscles in different ways compared to a flat bench. For example, when performing a bench press on an incline, you’ll feel your upper chest working more than your lower chest, while you’ll target your lower chest more when performing a bench press on a decline. A bench that’s locked in the flat position only allows you to train at a single angle, and an incline bench may not be adjustable if you prefer a higher or lower angle.

You also have five seat positions to choose from, allowing you to match the seat angle to the back pad however you’d like. The leg attachment is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect position for your dimensions.

The AB-3000 2.0 uses a ladder adjustment system, which means you simply lift the upper part of the bench and choose the new angle you want to use. You don’t need to worry about using a pin adjustment, which can be a bit more time consuming.

The AB-3000 2.0 is the only bench from REP that includes leg rollers. You don’t have to use them, but locking your legs behind the rollers provides an extra layer of stability, especially if your legs are too short to place your feet on the ground or if you’re using the decline setting.

While training in the decline setting–which allows you to perform exercises like sit-ups and decline presses–leg rollers keep your body locked in place so you don’t slide down the bench.

With a 1,000-pound weight capacity and 11-gauge steel construction, the AB-3000 2.0 is strong enough to support lifters of all levels and built to last for many years. A 2.1-inch gap between the back and seat pads and an 11.8-inch back pad width help keep you securely in place while training.

Note: If you’re going to be using a barbell, you’ll also need a power rack to safely get the bar in the right position. For an adjustable bench like this one, you’ll primarily want to use dumbbells unless you have a power rack as well.

Related Post: REP Fitness Coupon Page

What’s New with the AB-3000 2.0?

If you’ve seen or used the original AB-3000 bench, it may be immediately clear what’s been upgraded with the 2.0 version. Both are fantastic benches, but the 2.0 takes a great product and makes it even better.

The bases of the bench now have rubber covers, which helps protect your flooring from excess wear and tear while minimizing wobbling during lifts. The rear base is also slightly wider than on the previous model for improved stability. An updated horizontal handle on the leg attachment won’t get in your way during lifts and allows for improved maneuverability around your space.

The biggest difference is the angles of the back pad. The decline position is still -12 degrees, and the highest position is still 85 degrees. The biggest difference is in the middle back pad adjustment increments, which have changed from 20, 35, 50 and 65 degrees to 15, 30, 45, 60 and 70 degrees.

Adding additional angles provides more options when training, and REP made the adjustment based on research which shows that 30- and 45-degree angles provide better muscle activation for certain exercises. REP also added noise dampers for quieter adjustments as you train.

The padding has been upgraded to a smoother material that provides even more grip than the previous material used, and the bottom seat pad is now reversible so you can use whichever option feels best. The back pad is updated with a larger surface area to provide more support during lifts.

Working Out with the AB-3000 2.0

Working out with the AB-3000 2.0 is smooth and easy. The ladder-style adjustment system means you can easily change the angle you’re using in seconds, with clear markings on the side to choose the perfect setting.

The leg roller keeps you safe while using the decline setting, and the wide variety of angles allows you to train nearly any muscle group, providing far more versatility than a flat bench.

Pros of the Rep Fitness AB-3000 2.0

The decline setting, with included leg rollers for added stability, is a great touch, especially for a home gym. Commercial gyms often have dedicated decline benches with a fixed angle, but many adjustable benches designed for home use only have flat and incline settings.

The material is comfortable, smooth, grippy and easy to clean, and the wide base with rubber foot pads will keep your bench securely in place while you’re working out. A 1,000-pound weight capacity means lifters of all skill levels will be able to train with this bench.

Many users will love the ladder adjustment system, which doesn’t require using a pin or knob to change the angle. The bench is also available in five different colors, including metallic black, matte black, white, red and blue, allowing you to color-coordinate with any equipment you may already have.

The REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 costs only $319.99, which is a great price for the quality you’re getting. There are cheaper options on the market, but they don’t have the same high-quality, stable and durable design.

Cons of the Rep Fitness AB-3000 2.0

Some lifters who don’t like leg rollers may find these get in the way of their usual training.

The angles have also been changed in the 2.0 version, which most will appreciate, but some may prefer the angles of the original AB-3000.

While $319.99 is a very fair price for the quality of bench you’re getting, it’s not the cheapest option on the market. If you’re putting together a home gym on a budget, spending this much on a bench may be challenging and you may want to find a cheaper alternative from a retailer like Amazon.

Who Should Buy the REP Fitness AB-3000

If you love strength training and want the best for your home gym, this is the bench for you. It’s safe, durable and will last for many years with proper care. Many cheaper benches tend to feel a bit wobbly and unstable when used with very heavy weights, but the AB-3000 2.0 can support some seriously heavy loads.

If you want an adjustable bench with decline settings, this is one of the best on the market.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll likely want to find something cheaper, as the $319.99 price tag isn’t necessarily cheap, and you’ll need weights to lift on your bench, which can also be a little expensive.

If you plan to use a barbell, you’ll need to have some type of power rack or squat rack to safely get the bar in the correct position, as adjustable benches are mainly used with dumbbells. If you don’t have a power rack, or you’re buying benches for a commercial gym, you may want to consider a powerlifting bench specifically designed for the bench press.

How the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 Stacks Up Against Other Products

REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 vs. REP Fitness AB-4100

If you browse REP’s bench selection, you’ll notice that many of the benches share very similar features, and it’s hard to tell the difference between them.

Compared to the AB-3000 2.0, the REP Fitness AB-4100 is slightly smaller and lighter. The AB-3000 2.0 weighs 89.3 pounds, with dimensions of 17.1 inches by 25.8 inches by 56.6 inches, while the AB-4100 weighs only 85 pounds, with dimensions of 17 inches by 20.3 inches by 51.3 inches.

The AB-4100 is also designed for easier moving and storage, includes a closed ladder adjustment system and doesn’t have the same decline settings.

If you’re going to be moving your bench around a lot, and want something smaller and lighter, yet still durable, the AB-4100 is a better choice. However, at $399.99, it’s more expensive than the AB-3000 2.0, and doesn’t include the decline setting and leg rollers.

REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 vs. Sole SW116

The Sole SW116 is another popular adjustable bench, but has a slightly different design and functionality.

While the AB-3000 2.0 uses a ladder system, the Sole SW116 features a knob adjustment system. You pull the knob, adjust the incline and then release the knob to lock in your new setting, similar to many machines found in commercial gyms.

The weight capacity of the Sole is only 550 pounds, while the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds.

If you prefer the knob adjustment system found in the Sole SW116, it may be the better choice, but at $349, it’s more expensive and has a lower weight capacity. If you don’t mind the ladder adjustment system, we suggest sticking with the REP AB-3000 2.0.

REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 vs. NordicTrack Workout Bench

The NordicTrack workout bench also features flat, incline and decline settings, but uses a knob system rather than a ladder adjustment. Weighing 62 pounds, it’s lighter than the REP Fitness AB-3000 and has a lighter weight capacity of 610 pounds.

Overall, the NordicTrack adjustable workout bench is still a quality bench and great piece of equipment, but it’s a bit smaller and lighter, and has a lower weight capacity. It may be good for beginners or those who want a lighter bench, but heavier and stronger users will likely need something sturdier.

REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 FAQs

Is the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 made in America?

While some companies like Rogue proudly keep all of their manufacturing in the U.S., REP does not fully disclose where its products are manufactured. Instead, it claims to look for the best value with the highest quality, wherever that may be. At the time of writing, REP’s primary manufacturers are in China.

Is the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 adjustable?

Yes, it’s fully adjustable, with a variety of flat, incline and decline settings ranging from -12 degrees to 85 degrees. You can also adjust the lower seat pad to fit your personal preference.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an adjustable bench for your home gym, it’s going to be tough to beat this REP Fitness adjustable bench. It’s durable, packed with nice upgrades and built to last with a tough steel frame. Lifters of all strength levels will be able to safely train on this bench, and at $319.99, it’s a reasonable price for its quality.

There are many options to choose from when looking for the perfect adjustable bench, and in our opinion, the REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0 is an excellent adjustable bench to choose.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.