Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench Review (2024): A Stable, Solid Budget Option

Let’s agree on this: Life can be hectic, and you deserve some stability in your life. That’s why when searching for the best weight bench for your home gym, stability is one of the most important features to look at; you don’t want to be wobbling around during your next bench workout.

You’ve probably stumbled on this Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench review searching for a solid weight bench that’ll also comfortably fit into your budget. The Giant 2X Adjustable Bench does just that, with a budget-friendly price and a solid construction. For an inexpensive price, it remains high-quality and very stable in use.

Is this the best budget weight bench on the market? In this review, we’ll go over editorial team member and certified personal trainer Stephen Sheehan’s experience with the weight bench, and discuss the strengths, any weaknesses, and if this bench is the one to add some stability to your home gym.

Quality Bench Reviews? “Weight” No Longer

There’s a lot of fluff on the internet by companies trying to make a quick buck, but the team at Garage Gym Reviews would rather provide you with honest top reviews from a dedicated team of fitness professionals. With a diverse group of certified personal trainers, coaches, and competitive athletes, we live and breathe fitness and are able to provide solid input on the latest and greatest in home gym equipment.

Whether it’s squat racks, weight benches, or kettlebells, we have you covered. In his testing of the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench, Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, used the bench through multiple exercises, noting and rating certain aspects of the weight bench according to our fitness equipment testing methodology, including:

• Durability and construction
• Footprint and portability
• Stability and size
• Adjustability
• Overall value

Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench

GIANT Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• 6 back adjustments, 3 seat adjustments
• Affordable
• 700-pound weight capacity
• Can be stored upright
• Built-in wheels and knurled handle
• Three-post design

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• 6 back adjustments and 3 seat adjustments
• Upright storage
• Grippy padding
• Three-post design

Cons

• No decline capabilities

Bottom Line

The Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench is a high-value weight bench that offers multiple adjustment points, grippy vinyl, and a decent weight capacity at an affordable price.

A Quick Look at the Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench

Based in the USA, Giant Lifting specializes in strength equipment and focuses primarily on bumper plates, benches, Olympic barbells, and more. They have four weight benches available, which vary by price and functionality. There is a budget flat bench, and pricier FID (flat, incline, decline) and adjustable benches. The 2X Adjustable Bench falls in between them, as an inexpensive adjustable bench.

The emphasis on strength equipment, particularly weight benches, makes sense, as consumers are interested in that piece of equipment. According to an in-house study¹ that analyzed Google searches and trends, weight benches are the second-most sought-after piece of fitness equipment in Google searches, only trailing the best treadmills.

The three-post design of the 2X Adjustable Bench leaves room for your feet to plant into the ground, but it remains stable in use. At 62 pounds, the bench is also extremely portable; there is even a knurled handle and wheels to help transport the bench around. The bench can be stored vertically as well.

While Giant Lifting doesn’t disclose the gauge of steel used in the bench frame, their 2X Flat Bench uses solid 11-gauge steel. Stephen and I aren’t entirely sure if the same steel is used on the 2X Adjustable Bench, but the overall stability and 700-pound weight capacity should be more than enough for most lifters.

Before You Buy

• As of this writing, the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench is not in stock, but on pre-order—probably due to Black Friday fitness equipment deals. They’re expected to be back in stock in the middle of December, just in time for the holidays.
• Financing is available both through Affirm and ShopPay, with the ability to have interest-free payments (if you qualify).
• If you’re not a fan of gaps in your adjustable bench’s back and seat pad, be forewarned: The Giant 2X Adjustable Bench has a sizable pad gap, and Stephen notes it’s not the most comfortable during flat benches.

Is the Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench Worth It?

Full disclosure: We are fans of this weight bench at this price point. It’s inexpensive, stable, and built pretty well. Stephen rates the value a 4.5 out of 5 and says, “For under $300, you get a rock-solid bench with enough bench options to complete almost any strength exercises you might have on your program.”

Compared to other products, the 2X Adjustable Bench is more of a budget option—closer to the REP AB-4100 or 3100 than the $600 REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench, or the $900 Rogue Manta Ray Bench. 

The AB-3100 is a tad cheaper than the Giant bench ($10 less), and Titan Fitness has their Elite Series Adjustable Bench, which is $300 but comes with a leg roller and the ability to convert to a decline bench. Still, the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench comes in competitively priced with a solid construction.

Overall, this is a solid budget option and very much worth a look at while shopping for your next weight bench. Still, it won’t be for everyone; the 700-pound weight capacity will be suited for most athletes, but stronger athletes and powerlifters may want something with a higher weight capacity. Also, weightlifters wanting a true FID bench will need to look elsewhere, as the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench has no decline options.

Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench Specs

Using the Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench

Editorial team member Stephen Sheehan, CPT, CNC, used the Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench during a workout at GGR headquarters. “I used the bench for strength training movements, including presses, flyes, lateral raises, and rows,” he says. Along with this, he used the bench through each of the angle options to determine how stable it was at every angle.

The back pad has six different angles ranging from flat to 90 degrees, and the seat pad has three angles; both are maneuvered by an open ladder system. Although the amount of angles are limited, a 2020 study² has shown that varying angles during bench press can help activate different muscles during different exercises; a higher angle above 45 degrees begins to activate the anterior deltoid more, for example. 

The back ladder system has handles to make adjusting easy, and the seat pad has a plate that can be pulled on to adjust the seat down. However, the open ladder system does make it easier to pinch your finger in between the ladder adjustments, so exercise caution while making adjustments. Stephen rates the adjustability a 4 out of 5, mostly due to limited adjustment angles.

The padding felt comfortable for Stephen while in use, but his one complaint was the pad gap. “The gap is 1 or 2 inches, depending on the angle, and it would definitely dig into my low back while I was benching,” Stephen explains. Aside from this nuisance, the bench performed very well.

Construction and Durability

Although it’s a budget-friendly weight bench, the Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench is built solidly, earning a 4.5 out of 5 for both its construction and durability. While Giant Lifting doesn’t disclose the thickness of the steel used in the frame, it’s built solidly, and the welds are clean.

The bench frame comes in either a red or black powder coat, and Stephen notes, “The powder coat has a smooth, even look. I didn’t notice any discernible scuffs or scratches. I’d feel confident that the coat will last for a long while as you use this bench.” No powder coating is indestructible, however, so it’s important to take care of your bench, since Giant Lifting doesn’t cover dings, nicks, or scratches in their warranty.

The bench padding is about 2 inches thick, and Stephen notes that it’s supportive and grippy while in use; he never found himself shuffling or sliding around on the bench. His one issue is the wide pad gap, which can be annoying on certain exercises. Shorter athletes may be able to avoid the pad gap entirely by resting on the 36-inch-long back pad only while benching.

Footprint and Portability

The Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench weighs 62 pounds, which is lightweight—especially for an adjustable bench. Furthermore, the bench also can be rolled around with a knurled handle and wheels, making it very easy to transport. Once you’re done with your weight bench workout, you can also set the bench up vertically to store it and free up your home gym space.

Stephen rates the portability of the bench a 4.5 out of 5. He appreciates the knurling on the bench handle, but does note, “It’s a bit more aggressive than some barbells I’ve used before. While I like it, aggressive knurling may not be for everyone.”

RELATED: What Is Barbell Knurling?

Stability and Size

Stephen applauds the Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench for its stability, saying, “It felt very stable in use and felt similar to my REP AB-3100 bench at home. The ladder keeps everything in place, and the grippy pad helps keep me from sliding around.” This is impressive, especially since a budget weight bench might sacrifice a bit of stability for a lower price. The Giant 2X Adjustable Bench remains solid, though, even at a competitive price.

The overall size of the bench is good and mostly within normal standards. The 17-inch height is within IPF standards, making it decent for powerlifting. However, the pad width tapers from an IPF-acceptable 11.5 inches to a thinner 8 inches. Stephen found it to be comfortable, but because the width may be too narrow for some lifters, we rate the stability and size a 4 out of 5.

Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench vs REP AB-3100

REP AB-3100

REP AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3

GGR Score: 4.36

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Product Highlights

• Affordable
• Easy assembly
• Narrow seat
• 6 adjustable back positions
• Three-post design for no interference

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rated for 1,000 lbs rated,
• Affordable at less than $200
• 17” height
• 3 seat pad adjustments from flat to incline
• 6 back pad adjustments from flat to 85 degrees
• 2.5” pad thickness
• Matte black powder coating
• Small, 2-inch gap between the seat and back pad
• 11.5 inch pad width
• Quick and easy assembly
• 10-year frame warranty that

Cons

• Fairly large footprint
• Only locks when the bench is horizontal
• Wide, circular, steel feet with no rubber padding
• No decline option
• May not work for many larger users

Bottom Line

If you are looking for an adjustable bench and do not need a decline option and cannot pay close to $1,000, then the Rep Fitness AB-3100 Adjustable Bench V3 is one we'd suggest. It is made overseas and comes with a 10-year frame warranty and high quality steel construction. It can adjust to six positions and is rated to 1,000 pounds. For the price, you may not find a better or higher quality adjustable bench.

Because Stephen noticed similarities between the Giant 2X Adjustable Weight Bench and the REP Fitness AB-3100, let’s take a look at the two.

Looking at the specifications, it is apparent that they are remarkably similar weight benches—in some regards nearly identical. Both benches offer the same six back adjustments and three seat pad adjustments, use an open ladder system, and are lightweight benches with 700-pound weight capacities.

The differences are slight but can factor into which bench you prefer. The back pad of the Giant Lifting bench is a tad longer, which may be ideal if you’re taller. However, the AB-3100 has a slightly wider pad that tapers to 9 inches instead of 8 inches, which may be enticing for broader athletes.

The REP AB-3100 barely edges out the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench in price by $10, since both companies offer free shipping. REP also offers more colorways than Giant. Giant Lifting, however, has a longer warranty on their upholstery.

Overall, both benches are solid contenders for a high-quality budget weight bench. Minor differences may help you decide which bench is best for you, but I don’t think you’ll go wrong with either one. You can check out our review of the AB-3100 and other REP benches in our REP Fitness adjustable and flat bench reviews.

Customer Experience

Customer service can be reached through phone or email, and there is a chat function, where Giant will reply back via chat or email. The warranties on the bench are around industry standards—10 years on the frame and 90 days on the upholstery—but because lifetime warranties are becoming more commonplace, we’d like to see a bit longer of a warranty. 

Giant Lifting also offers 30 days to return your product, so long as the product is unopened and in new condition. Stephen rates the overall customer experience a 3.5 out of 5, due to OK warranties and returns, as well as standard means to contact customer service.

Ordering and Assembling the Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench

The Giant 2X Adjustable Bench can be purchased directly from Giant Lifting, and shipping is free. You can choose to finance your purchase through Affirm or ShopPay, where you can qualify for interest-free monthly or bi-weekly payments. 

Assembly of the Giant Adjustable Weight Bench is minimal and simple, although customer reviews have mixed feelings on the shipping, as some customers had benches come in dinged or scratched. We had no such issues with our bench, however.

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, there are 25 reviews on the Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench, averaging to an impressive 4.88 out of 5 stars. We’d love to see more reviews, however, so we’ll update this page as reviews continue to come in.

With all reviews being 4- or 5-star ratings, customers have overall enjoyed the bench for its stability, heavy-duty construction, and great price point. The 4-star reviews all had one complaint in common: shipping issues. Each of their benches arrived scuffed or marked up, which they guessed was from the shipping process. However, other reviews say the bench arrives in great packaging and with no damage, so this doesn’t seem to be a common issue.

If you are concerned, make sure to inspect your bench upon arrival and contact customer service before beginning to assemble and use the bench.

Final Verdict of Our Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench Review

The Giant Lifting 2X Adjustable Bench is an awesome find with a solid, heavy-duty construction, and a very competitive price point. This can be a great addition to most people’s home gyms, but it’s still not made for everyone. Here are a few reminders on who the Giant bench is best suited for:

• At a more budget-friendly price of $279, the Giant 2X Adjustable Bench still is incredibly stable and durable, making it a high-value weight bench.
• Powerlifters should note that the bench height of 17 inches is within IPF standards, but the back pad tapers to 8 inches, which is not typical of IPF-approved weight benches.
• The 700-pound weight capacity may be too light for some stronger athletes.
• Back pad adjustments are somewhat limited, and there are no decline options.

Full Rating

Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench

The Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench is a high-value weight bench that offers multiple adjustment points, grippy vinyl, and a decent weight capacity at an affordable price.

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 279.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.3

Giant Lifting Adjustable Weight Bench: FAQs

References

1. Garage Gym Reviews (2024, Feb 8). Data Study: Home Gym Equipment Trends In Strength and Cardio Equipment. https://www.garagegymreviews.com/home-gym-equipment-trends-2024 
2. Rodríguez-Ridao, D., Antequera-Vique, J. A., Martín-Fuentes, I., & Muyor, J. M. (2020). Effect of Five Bench Inclinations on the Electromyographic Activity of the Pectoralis Major, Anterior Deltoid, and Triceps Brachii during the Bench Press Exercise. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 17(19), 7339. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197339

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

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