As an ISSA-certified private coach with a house gymnasium setup of my very own, I imagine there are a number of important items of kit it is advisable to reach smashing your objectives: a dependable barbell, a sturdy squat rack, and a high-quality weight bench (plus some bumper plates and dumbbells). When you don’t essentially need to go the adjustable route along 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) permit you to prepare your chest, again, shoulders, and different goal areas from nearly any angle, which might go a great distance in serving to you obtain your strength- and muscle-building objectives.
In relation to the adjustable bench market, nonetheless, it’s not at all times straightforward to discover a resolution that satisfies all the necessities our Breaking Muscle workforce of licensed private trainers, power and conditioning coaches, and CrossFitters search for — together with development high quality, portability, and ease of use — and nonetheless gives nice worth. However because of some intelligent design work by REP Health, you may 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 overview, we’ll break down how one of many trade’s most modern producers blended the very best options from its high 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 know-how 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 totally 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.
- Accessible in six colours, this zero-gap bench might be saved upright to go away extra room in your energy rack, weightlifting equipment, and different residence gymnasium tools.
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 totally different angles, however you may also 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 cope with an annoying hole between the seat and again pads. This distinctive know-how significantly is 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. If you happen to’re working with a tighter gymnasium tools price range, the REP AB-3000 is a rock-solid FID bench that prices practically half the value.
- Whereas it’s designed to be saved vertically, this adjustable bench doesn’t precisely earn high marks for portability. Tipping the scales at 131 kilos, the BlackWing requires some power and endurance to maneuver, which might change into bothersome for those who transfer your bench round usually.
- The non-obligatory leg curler attachment felt extra like an afterthought to our testing workforce, because it doesn’t appear to be comprised of the identical high-quality supplies because the bench itself. Plus, whereas it carried out adequately for sit-ups and crunches, it fell in need of expectations as a Nordic curl resolution.
Our Breaking Muscle Staff 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 elements similar to development high quality, portability, and padding, we developed a proprietary scoring system to rank essential elements that make up an important bench.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Score
Our Breaking Muscle Staff 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 elements similar to development high quality, portability, and padding, we developed a proprietary scoring system to rank essential elements that make up an important bench.
Right here’s how the REP BlackWing scored in every class:
| Issue | Score (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 |
| Accessible attachments | 4 |
| Guarantee | 4 |
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench In-Depth Evaluate
Although it’s definitely not essentially the most budget-friendly bench, the BlackWing undoubtedly delivers rock-solid worth. REP rigorously crafted a high-end piece of gymnasium 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 imagine it’s a worthwhile funding for severe lifters trying to degree up their residence gymnasium setup.
Worth and Worth
REP priced the BlackWing at about $600, greater 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 the fact that the extensive pad possibility prices a further $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 often priced at $529.99 however solely has a weight capability of 600 kilos.
Though the BlackWing might not match everybody’s price range, it nonetheless brings nice worth. Not solely do you get a real FID bench that has a seemingly limitless array of adjustment prospects, however you additionally get REP’s patented ZeroGap™ seat know-how. As somebody who’s all about getting essentially the most bang in your muscle-building buck, I feel the BlackWing boasts greater than sufficient strengths to justify its higher-end price ticket. Our testing workforce rated it 4.5 out of 5 stars for worth and worth.
Building High quality
“Steady” is the phrase that instantly got here to thoughts for our testing workforce when attempting out the BlackWing. REP used premium supplies to supply a top-notch bench that feels greater than able to withstanding all of your exercises for years to come back. Comprised of 11-gauge metal, the BlackWing’s body is a rock-solid piece of engineering, offering glorious stability and total assist.
REP devoted ample consideration to the finer particulars, too. As a substitute of utilizing plastic adjustment knobs like they do on the AB-5000, they opted for chrome steel on the BlackWing. A knurled, stainless-steel deal with not solely makes the bench simpler to maneuver because of its glorious grip-ability, but it surely 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 may simply see which angle you’ve gotten the again pad set to. In the meantime, grooved rubber ft give the bench added stability by conserving it firmly anchored to the ground. Plus, you may select from 5 body coloration choices (metallic black, white, purple, blue, military inexperienced, or matte black) to make sure your bench matches in with the remainder of your private home gymnasium setup.
Each the seat pads and again pads come lined in REP’s new CleanGrip vinyl, which our testing workforce believes is the very best materials the corporate has used thus far. Additional grippy and simple to wash, it’s precisely the kind of vinyl lifters search for, as a grippy materials can stop you from sliding round on the bench and feeling unstable and unsafe.
As somebody who makes use of an adjustable bench for every thing from dumbbell chest flyes to rows to overhead presses, I imagine 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 determination that helped this bench earn all 5 stars for development high quality.
Supply and Meeting
With free transport on all orders, REP makes the ordering course of slightly extra budget-friendly. Our testing workforce didn’t encounter any supply points, which speaks volumes about how nicely the bench was packaged and dealt with.
Assembling the BlackWing did take a while (round 20 minutes). Our product testers, who’ve assembled a whole lot of items of gymnasium tools, take into account this to be on par for a completely adjustable bench. Nevertheless, REP didn’t embody any instruments to help with this course of. To deliver your BlackWing to life, you have to to have a ratchet and sockets readily available, in addition to slightly little bit of endurance 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 facet, a completely assembled BlackWing measures 59.5 inches lengthy, 25.8 inches extensive, and 17.2 inches tall, placing it firmly throughout the IPF competitors commonplace. 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 ideas 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 a further $20. Whereas the usual possibility 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 possibility is a giant profit from a consolation and efficiency standpoint, as a wider again pad will present extra assist. Nevertheless, remember 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 ft add to the general stability of this heavy-duty bench. The entrance foot measures 14.8 inches extensive, which provides 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 endurance for lifters. In spite of everything, nobody desires 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 workforce of testers in a snug place to execute all of their lifts.
Furthermore, the padding is wrapped in dense CleanGrip vinyl that appears and feels higher than different varieties of vinyl REP has used on their benches. Not solely is the matte black materials further grippy, but it surely’s additionally a breeze to wash. So, even for those who’re breaking a severe sweat in your storage gymnasium, 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. ft. In reality, at 59.5 inches lengthy, it’s nicely forward of different REP benches and is without doubt one of 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 and not using a 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 at the least 3.1 sq. ft 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 cut back the bench’s footprint by over a 3rd is a giant profit for residence gymnasium homeowners with restricted area. Nevertheless, due to its giant footprint and heavy body, the BlackWing scored 4 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability.
Efficiency and Ease of Use
Is the juice well 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 workforce was impressed with the way in which REP applied the distinctive spring-loaded pop-pin and ratcheting system to make easy and safe changes to the seat pad. Although just 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 every thing 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 offer you 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 provides 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 doable to select from 12 totally different again pad angles ranging between -8 to 85 levels. Apart from the ample angle selections, the testers additionally loved the added sturdiness of getting the adjustment arms situated contained in the ladder rail. This helped cut back any wobble that will have occurred at incline angles, and in my expertise, it is a widespread problem with cheaper benches.
As well as, REP designed the seat pad to have the ability to go from -10 to 45 levels. That kind 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 actually shines essentially 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’ve gotten the last word software to get the job achieved. We scored the BlackWing 5 out of 5 stars on this space.
Accessible Attachments
You’ll be able to take your BlackWing expertise to new heights for those who’re prepared to pay the precise worth. For about $110, you should purchase the non-obligatory leg curler attachment that was particularly designed to suit with this ultra-versatile, ultra-stable adjustable bench. Nevertheless, it’s best to mood your expectations about simply how purposeful the attachment is.
Though our testers have been keen to check the curler’s means to carry out Nordic curls, they have been in the end left disenchanted by the expertise. Between skinny foam and an absence of a toe kick plate, the curler proved to be lower than excellent 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 use it to develop your belly muscle groups with sit-ups, crunches, and different core workouts. Finally, 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 stainless-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 gadgets. Whereas that offers you a strong window to make the most of the BlackWing and nonetheless be lined, the coverage isn’t fairly pretty much as good as a few of REP’s rivals.
Rogue, for instance, provides a restricted lifetime guarantee on frames that voids if a product has been broken attributable to negligent or defective use, alteration, upkeep, storage, or dealing with by the consumer. Plus, it gives a three-year guarantee on sewn gadgets — 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 transferring elements and one yr of protection for upholstery and attachments. This is applicable to tools used solely in non-public indoor residence settings, similar to basements and garages.
So, though REP’s guarantee coverage is strong, it falls in need of 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 stainless-steel finishes, the BlackWing provides many enticing options in a single well-built bundle (or bench, on this case). REP designed this bench to deal with heavy hundreds time and again by using high-quality supplies that shouldn’t have any hassle holding up over time. Listed below are the entire specs for the BlackWing, beginning with a full breakdown of its dimensions and ending with a better take a look at its compatibility with attachments.
Dimensions
The REP BlackWing measures 59.5 inches lengthy, 25.8 inches extensive, and 17.2 inches tall for a complete footprint of 10.7 sq. ft. This 131-pound FID bench has a seat pad size of 15.6 inches with a 38.2-inch lengthy again pad that’s accessible in two totally different widths (12.2 inches or 14 inches). So, whether or not you’re a broad athlete who wants extensive pads or somebody on the smaller facet who wants the usual dimension, the BlackWing might be tailor-made to your physique kind.
Wanting under, the entrance foot is 14.8 inches extensive, 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 neatly swapped the AB-5000’s plastic adjustment knobs for chrome steel ones that look (and really feel) like a transparent improve.
In the meantime, the seat and bench pads are lined 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 similar ranking because the AB-3000, which we take into account among the best values for a budget-friendly residence gymnasium bench. Alternatively, the REP AB-4100 solely has a weight capability of 700 kilos.
Suitable Attachments
REP designed an non-obligatory Leg Curler Attachment particularly for this bench. You’ll be able to insert the attachment into the built-in receiving put up on the BlackWing’s again body to carry out core workouts, decline presses, and Nordic hamstring curls.
Remember the fact that the attachment is not included if you buy the bench. The leg curler is bought individually for about $110.
REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Buyer Evaluations
It’s no shock that the BlackWing has garnered nearly unanimous 5-star critiques on REP’s web site primarily based 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 critiques, the BlackWing’s high-end finishes and advantageous 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 elements. From a worth perspective, the BlackWing is correct on par with Rogue’s Adjustable Bench 3.0, which prices slightly below $600 for the usual mannequin. Nevertheless, that determine jumps to $695 for the stainless-steel model — practically $100 greater than the $600 BlackWing.
Nonetheless, you get extra flexibility with REP’s latest bench, as you may change between 12 again pad angles in comparison with simply 10 for the Adjustable Bench 3.0. Whereas each benches permit you to set the seat pad angle at 0, 15, and 30 levels, the BlackWing provides extra versatility with three extra angles (-10, 8, and 45 levels).
One main distinction to contemplate is whether or not you like your gymnasium tools to be made within the USA. In that case, you’ll need to go along 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 constantly 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 ft
- Guarantee: Restricted lifetime on the body
Closing Verdict: Is the REP BlackWing Adjustable Bench Value It?
If you happen to worth versatility, it’s exhausting to not put the REP BlackWing on the high of the very best adjustable bench checklist. With 72 potential combos and nil gaps, you may get inventive along with your exercises and by no means have to fret about not feeling absolutely supported. Plus, though the leg curler attachment lacked the identical polish because the bench itself, it nonetheless provides you much more train choices.
After all, 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 possibly can ask for (and extra), it’s price paying slightly extra for a really distinctive adjustable bench that may simply be REP’s most interesting design work thus far.
FAQs
There are a number of worthy contenders, together with the REP AB-5000, which provides you the ZeroGap function and loads of adjustment choices for round $450. Nevertheless, in case your price range permits, the BlackWing is the very best bench REP produces, because it gives essentially the most flexibility and assist and is crafted with high quality supplies that look nice and may final.
If you happen to like to alter 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 flexibleness to carry out flat, incline, and decline variations of various workouts instantly opens the door to a extra inventive, dynamic exercise.
Key elements to contemplate embody the scale of the hole between the again and seat pads (too giant 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 often extra sturdy. You’ll additionally need to ensure that there’s ample padding to offer a snug and supportive platform for lifting.
