Quick Look
Build Quality and Durability: 9/10
Versatility and adjustability: 9.5/10
Comfort: 9/10
Space Efficiency: 9.6/10
Features:9.2/10
Value for money:9.4/10
Looks:10/10
Who is this bench for?
Great For:
- Anyone looking for a budget-friendly, yet heavy-duty weight bench
- Weight lifters who need a wide range of adjustment options
- An easily movable bench
- people with restricted space as this has a very space-saving design
Let downs:
- No decline option
- Wide pad not available
- Bit pricey
Let me guess, you need a solid bench and heard about REP’S AB-4100 and searched about it to know if it’s good.
Well, my friend you are in the right place.
Intrigued by the buzz and the impressive design, I decided to give it a try so I bought it from here. Personally owning REP AB-3100 and Rep-AB 5200 which are from the same family(we will compare) I had a strong belief in REP’S reputation.
Little did I know that this would be the beginning of a transformative fitness journey. In this review, I’ll share my personal experience with the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench, a versatile workout companion that has taken my training sessions to new heights.
Rep AB-4100
The Rep AB-4100 is an excellent versatile bench priced at $400.It comes with a ladder-style adjustment system featuring a built-in upright storage post with rubber coating, an expanded range of incline positions and has 7 back positions and 3 seat positions. Sounds amazing right?
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Affordable price at $400
- Sturdy construction using 7 and 14-gauge steel
- Wide range of adjustments offering 7 back and 3 seat positions
- Minimal pad gap (only 1.57 inches making flat bench exercises comfortable)
- Meets IPF standards
- Compact and lightweight(just 85 lbs and very easy to move)
- Ladder adjustment system(my love as it’s so easy)
- Weight capacity of 700lbs
- Easy to assemble
- 7 colour options
Cons
- No decline option
- Pads are not as thick as some other benches
- No wide pad
- The Back pad might be small in length(36 inches) for really tall people
Rep AB-4100 Adjustable Bench[Detailed Analysis]
All the Technical folks out there…Get ready
As I received the bench, after having it in full shape my first impressions were WOW! This colour combination is so damn good, the black and weight combination bangs (also available in metallic black, matte black, red, blue, army green, purple). Moreover, I was delighted to see the premium bench pads. The feel of these pads was very premium.
Credit:rep fitness
After extensive use, I can clearly identify and critically analyze its goods and bads. Furthermore, having used the AB-5200 and AB-3100 I know I can give a pretty fair comparison.
Before diving deep, Let’s have a look at the specifications
Bench Weight
85lbs
Bench Height
17″
Bench Width
20.3″
Bench Length
51.3″
Back Pad Angles
0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 85
Seat Pad Angles
0, 10, 20
Back Pad Length
36″
Pad Width
12″
Seat Pad Length
13″
Pad Gap
1.57″
Footprint
7.2 SQFT
Tolerance
3%
Weight Capacity
700lbs
Material
7- & 14-Gauge Steel
Design and substance
When I first laid eyes on the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench, I couldn’t help but admire its impressive design and solid construction. The bench exudes durability, which is immediately evident in its high-quality materials and attention to detail.
One of the standout features of the REP AB-4100 is its adjustable design. With various incline positions, this bench offers incredible versatility, allowing you to target specific muscle groups with precision.
Whether I wanted to perform flat bench presses or incline dumbbell flyes, I could easily adjust the bench to suit my exercise needs.
The well-padded seat and backrest provide excellent cushioning and support. I never experienced any discomfort or strain on my back or shoulders, even during intense lifting sessions.
Important to add it just weighs 85 lbs so it’s easy to move around.
Credit:rep fitness
The bench is constructed from heavy-duty steel, giving it a sturdy frame and an impressive weight capacity of 700 lb. This solid construction instils confidence, allowing me to push myself without worrying about the bench’s stability.
The reliable locking mechanism ensures that the adjustable positions stay securely in place throughout my workouts.
Another great feature of the REP AB-4100 is its space-saving design. When not in use, the bench can be easily folded and stored, making it perfect for those with limited workout areas or home gyms.
I appreciated the convenience of being able to store the bench without sacrificing valuable space.
Beyond its practical features, the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench also boasts a sleek and modern appearance. Its clean lines and minimalist design blend seamlessly into any gym environment, adding a touch of sophistication.
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Body
When it comes to the body and frame of the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench, durability and stability are at the forefront. Crafted with top-notch materials, this bench is built to withstand rigorous workouts and heavy lifting sessions.
The frame of the REP AB-4100 is constructed using 14-gauge and 7-gauge steel, providing a solid and sturdy foundation.
I was immediately impressed by its robust build, I was assured that it could handle any weight I threw at it under 700 lbs. Throughout my workouts, the bench remained rock-solid, without any wobbling or shifting that could compromise my form or safety.
Credit:rep fitness
What stood out to me was the wide base of the bench, which further enhanced its stability. It provided exceptional support, especially during exercises like bench presses or leg workouts, where a firm and stable platform is essential.
I felt confident in my movements, knowing that the bench would stay put and allow me to focus on getting the most out of each repetition.
Not only is the frame strong, but it is also designed with user comfort in mind. The bench features a contoured shape that perfectly aligns with the natural curves of the body.
This thoughtful design element provided optimal support, reducing any strain or discomfort during my workouts.
The backrest, in particular, cradled my back and shoulders, promoting proper posture and minimizing the risk of injury.
Another notable aspect of the body and frame is the high-quality padding. The seat and backrest are generously cushioned, offering a comfortable surface to rest on during workouts.
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Ladder adjustment system(my favourite)
I love this adjustment system. It’s so easy and quick to do rather than adjusting using pop pins which I absolutely hate doing. As for the ladder adjustment you just pick up the rod attached to the back pad and set it at any angle you want.
Credits:rep fitness
It also has a ladder enclosure that ensures the support doesn’t slip out causing possible injuries. You don’t want your spine popping out of nowhere!
Another thing I love is that it has angles marked from 15,30,45,60,75,85 which really helps you set it according to your needs. Personally, when I do the incline bench press I want the angle to be 30 degrees but without angles marked it can be difficult
Pads
One of the standout features of the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench lies in its thoughtfully designed pads and the minimal gap between them.
These elements work together to deliver a comfortable and secure workout experience, making a noticeable difference during training sessions.
The pads on the REP AB-4100 are crafted with Clean Grip pad material, prioritizing both comfort and durability. They offer generous cushioning, providing a soft and supportive surface for your body.
Whether you’re performing chest presses or seated exercises, the pads deliver a comfortable platform that minimizes pressure points and ensures you can focus on your workout without any discomfort.
What sets the REP AB-4100 apart is the minimal gap between the seat and backrest pads( 1.57”) and a 12” wide and 36” back pad which is about 5” shorter than the AB-5200 and might be a bummer for very tall people. This feature contributes to a smooth transition, eliminating any potential discomfort that might arise from a larger gap. It creates a seamless surface for exercises requiring continuous support, such as decline sit-ups or bench flyes.
Beyond comfort, the minimal gap also enhances the bench’s safety. It eliminates the risk of fingers or clothing getting caught, minimizing the chances of accidents or injuries.
This attention to detail reflects REP’s commitment to user safety and underscores their dedication to creating a reliable and user-friendly product.
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Feet and mobility
The REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench is equipped with sturdy and reliable feet, offering excellent stability and mobility for a seamless workout experience.
The feet of the bench are designed to provide a solid foundation during your exercises. They offer a wide and stable base(6.6 inches) that prevents any unwanted wobbling or rocking while you’re performing various movements.
I found this feature, especially reassuring during intense workouts, as it allowed me to focus solely on my form and technique
without any concerns about the bench shifting or slipping.
Credit:rep fitness
In addition to providing stability, the feet of the REP AB-4100 also contribute to its mobility. The bench is designed with transport wheels conveniently located on one end and a horizontal handle allowing for easy manoeuvrability. Have a look
Credits:rep fitness
This feature is particularly beneficial for those who have limited space in their workout area or need to frequently move the bench around.
I appreciated how effortlessly I could tilt and roll the bench to my desired location, making it a breeze to adjust my workout setup or store the bench when not in use.
The combination of stable feet and mobility-enhancing features makes the REP AB-4100 a versatile and user-friendly exercise bench.
Whether you need to reposition it for different exercises or tuck it away after your workout, the bench’s feet and transport wheels make the process quick and hassle-free.
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Assembling and shipping
The delivery and assembly experience of the REP AB-4100 Adjustable Bench exceeded my expectations in terms of efficiency and user-friendliness.
I was impressed with the promptness and reliability of the delivery service. The package arrived on time and was well-protected, ensuring that the bench was in excellent condition upon arrival.
The attention to detail in packaging showed the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction
credits:rep fitness
The assembly process was a breeze. The package included clear and concise instructions, making it easy to follow.
The parts and hardware were neatly organized and labelled, saving me time and effort in searching for the right components.
Additionally, all the necessary tools were provided, eliminating the need for any additional equipment. Moreover, you just have to attach the back pad, seat pad and the rear support base
The instructions were straightforward, and each step was well-explained. I appreciated the intuitive design of the bench, as the pieces fit together seamlessly. The connections felt secure and solid, giving me confidence in the bench’s durability and stability.
YOU CAN SEE HOW TO BUILD IT HERE
Looks
These are all the colour options available. Rep has really stepped by for the looks this time with this great colour variation.
Now most people will go for black either metallic or matte but I think it’s way too common. This may seem odd but I chose a different colour that appeals to me and motivates me to workout using that bench.
Personally, for me, the white colour is an awesome option, it seems so cool and will elevate your gym aesthetics as well.
YOU CAN SEE THE BENCH IN ACTION HERE
REP AB-4100 vs. REP AB-3100
The REP AB-3100 is the predecessor of the AB-4100. It costs $130 less at $270 and comes with slightly fewer features
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of these two models, taking into account every specific detail.
Design and Build:
REP AB-4100: The AB-4100 features a 7 gauge and 14 gauge steel frame, providing excellent stability and durability.
It incorporates a wide and sturdy base for added support during workouts. The bench’s pads are well-cushioned using clean grip pads, offering comfort during exercises.
REP AB-3100: Similar to the AB-4100, the AB-3100 also has a robust steel frame construction. It boasts a wide base for stability, ensuring a solid foundation.
The pads on the AB-3100 are well-padded and are covered with a non-slip, textured vinyl that holds lifters in position and is easy to clean, offering a comfortable workout experience.
Adjustability:
The AB-4100 offers incline positions, 7 back pads and 3 seat pad positions, whereas the AB-3100 offers 6 back pads and 3 seat pad.
Both offer the same seat pad angles 0, 10, and 20 and slightly different back pad angles
The max angle for AB3100 is 90 whereas the AB4100 has 85.
Both use the ladder adjustment system. It provides quick and easy adjustments, enabling users to target specific muscle groups with precision and preventing injury using the pop pin (personal experience).
Maximum Weight Capacity:
Both have the same weight capacity of 700lbs.
Gap between Pads:
The AB-4100 has a 1.57-inch gap between the back and seat pads and the AB 3100 has a 1.75-inch gap between the back and seat pads making the AB-4100 more suitable for flat bench exercises.
Moreover, the AB-4100 comes with a 36-inch back pad length compared to the 34.75-inch AB-3100, it isn’t a significant difference and side by side you might even not notice.
Mobility and Storage:
Both are equipped with transport wheels, allowing for easy mobility and storage. Users can conveniently tilt and roll the bench to their desired location or fold it for compact storage.
The AB-3100 is 15 lb lighter than AB-4100 at 70 lbs . However, both are easy to move around
Verdict:
I think the AB-3100 is better as it is more affordable and comes with many features of the AB-4100.
REP AB-4100 vs. REP AB-5200
It is a daddy size AB-4100 priced at $450 which is $50 more than the 4100. However, it also offers some extra features compared to AB-4100.
Design and Build
The REP AB-5200 is a significantly more beefy bench than the AB-4100,it gives a very cool and premium look, and it screams serious business. It is built with 11 and 7-gauge steel in comparison to the AB-4100 which is built with 14 and 7-gauge steel
Adjustability
Both the benches offer the same 7 back pad positions at angles(0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 85) but slightly different seat pad positions.
Although both offer three seat pad positions the AB-5200 offers 0, 15, and 30 degrees on the seat and AB-4100 offers 0, 10, and 20.
This may concern some people but for me, I only change the seat angle slightly so even AB-4100 does the job
Maximum weight capacity
Heavy lifters need to take notes. The AB-5200 offers a whooping 1000 lbs weight capacity which is 300 lbs more than the AB-4100.
Although for me (a 190 lb guy) the AB-4100 does the job for just 50 bucks more than the AB-5200, I felt significantly more stable on the AB-5200.
Pads
The AB-5200 has a 2 inches gap between the seat and back pad whereas the AB-4100 features a 1.57 inches gap which makes the AB-4100 more suitable for flat bench exercises like skull crushers, bench presses and flat dumbbell presses.
Furthermore, the back pad of AB-5200 is 41.75 inches compared to 36 inches of AB-4100, now this is a big deal for me as a 6ft3.
Its 5.25-inch larger back pad significantly helped a tall man like me to position myself well for the incline or flat positions.
Not to mention,The AB-5200 also comes with a dedicated wide pad which the AB-4100 doesn’t come with and the pad of the AB-5200 I felt was extra grippy, almost making me sleep on my bench!
Mobility and Storage
Both benches have transport wheels but due to the almost bulletproof frame of AB 5200, it can be significantly difficult to move around.
Verdict:
The ball is in your court.Personally, I like the AB 5200 better because of the extra features such as a wide pad and longer back pad just for $50 more. However, the 4100 is not a bad option either if you want a lighter bench that is easy to move around.
User’s reviews
Should you buy the REP AB-4100?
If you are a person who has about $400 this is the way to go. It is a perfect mid-priced bench for your workout.
The bench offers good adjustments and an easy-to-cater ladder adjustment system(which I am in love with).
This bench is also lightweight and takes minimal space so if you are the one that has very little space, you go for this.
Additionally, I am in love with the versatile colour options, especially the white and black option which almost makes me……
Wrap it up
The REP AB-4100 is a great value for the price. It is a sturdy and well-built bench that offers a wide range of adjustments.
The minimal pad gap is a nice touch, and the fact that it meets IPF standards is a big plus for serious lifters. The only real downside is the lack of a decline option, but this may not be a dealbreaker for most people.
If you are looking for an affordable, sturdy, and versatile adjustable bench, the REP AB-4100 is a great option. It is a good choice for both home gyms and commercial gyms.
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Let’s rate
Build Quality and Durability: 9/10
Versatility and adjustability: 9.5/10
Comfort: 9/10
Space Efficiency: 9.6/10
Features:9.2/10
Value for money:9.4/10
Looks:10/10
Overall:9.38/10
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FAQS
Is The REP AB-4100 Good For Powerlifting?
Absolutely, it works perfectly for any type of training
Are adjustable benches worth it?
Definitely, you can perform all types of exercises from different positions targeting different muscle groups. For example, you can target your upper, lower and middle chest using the same bench.
Does the AB 4100 offer a decline option?
No, but it does offer incline positions.
