Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I agree that this bench is versatile, especially given all the possible attachments. However, it does have some design flaws or at least shortcomings in my opinion.
First... the legs are not wide enough to give the bench stability when used with attachments such as for the dip and chin. It is serviceable for other exercises, but if it was only an inch or two wider on each side it would be much better.
Second... With this bench you need to change attachments frequently. Unfortunately, the bolt and pin assembly that is used to make these changes is plastic on the part that you apply leverage to. While I don't know of one breaking, it certainly looks like this would be a probably outcome over time. You must also insert the pin and screw it tight with the plastic part referenced above to fully engage the attachments into the frame. We could put spaceships on the moon, but we can't come up with something better here? How much could this improvement cost?
Third... if you are using this unit in a confined area, you will need to move it around in order to switch from flat or incline to decline. This requires removing the seat, adding the situp attachment and reversing your direction. If your set up is close to a wall... you will also have to move the bench.
This is speculation on my part, but if you buy the dumbbell spotting system, it appears that the bench gets more stable from the cross bracing. If you buy the chin up and dip attachments first, you will almost certainly NEED to incur an extra $200+ expense. Who knows if this is intentional, but as another reviewer points out, you don't find some things out until you start using the bench.
On the upside, there are many angle settings, seat positions, etc. The bench also is well padded and looks durable. As other reviewers point out, assembly is easy and this unit has a small footprint. It's rated for heavy weight, but interestingly the seat doesn't lock, it just slips in and as I mentioned above, I don't think the base is wide enough. For weights up to 200-300 lbs. I don't see a major problem, but I would want a spotter if I were handling anything heavier because of the possibility of tipping. (I don't handle weights that heavy, but I'm sure some of you might.)
At the price point, this is a good buy. However, be prepared to spend more money if you want to take advantage of all the features. As one reviewer mentioned, you can't even do decline anything without buying another attachment. I felt this was somewhat misleading given the description of the bench as it was written when I purchased mine.
I suspect this would be GREAT with all the attachments. I'm already heavily committed, but in the end the total cost will be quite high. I think the manufacturer should at least through in the situp attachment that is REQUIRED for decline exercises given that it is advertised as a decline bench. It's a good bench, just be aware of what you are getting and what you are NOT!
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Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable weight-lifting BenchSuper Strong, Super Versatile, Flat, Incline, Decline, Upright, 11 Angle Bench! 11 lock out angles: Inclines, Declines, Flat and Upright. 0, 5,10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 75, 80 and 85 degrees. Powder coated grey metallic frame with chrome components. 44"x 10" x 3" heavy duty pad and stitched vinyl upholstery. Very comfortable. 20" flat bench height. 17" x 41" footprint. The 3 position incline seat is narrower than the backrest pad so it does not cut into the inside of your legs and you can move the seat up or down for optimum comfort. 1000 lb rated, 11 & 12 gauge super strong steel frame. (600 lb rated for incline/upright positions.) Unique adjustment ring with foot lever adjust operates from both sides and locks up tight! Patented design. Incline seat follows backrest pad at any angle so it will always be perpendicular unlike other benches where the seat can have a shallow angle allowing the user to slide off. Ultra stable strong platform in aII positions yet is easy to lift and move. Does not need wheels. Bench weighs 60 lbs. Accepts a growing list of optional attachments like the Crunch Situp, Dip Bar Handles and Chin Up Bar. Ships pre-assembled except for feet so you can start lifting in just a few minutes.
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