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REP Fitness has certainly made their fair share of weight benches, from flat benches to adjustable benches, and FID benches as well. They’re some of our favorites, as each new model innovates and improves on the last one.
Their latest adjustable bench is no exception. The REP Fitness Blackwing combines the better features of two of their previous high-end models: the AB-5000 Zero-Gap Bench and the ladder-style adjustments of the REP AB-5200 Adjustable Bench. These have been some of our favorite benches to recommend and show REP’s innovation with each new weight bench.
How does the latest weight bench stack up? In our REP Blackwing adjustable bench review, we’ll look at the many highs—and a couple lows—in this adjustable bench and see if it’s the new weight bench to beat on the market.
Testing Dozens Upon Dozens of Weight Benches and Counting
We’ve tested, researched, and reviewed literally dozens of weight benches; seriously, I tried to count and lost track at around 50 or so. Our team of testers—including certified personal trainers, weightlifting coaches, and competitive athletes—know these pieces of gym equipment and will give our expert opinion to help you make an informed decision and purchase.
GGR’s founder and weight bench connoisseur Coop Mitchell was able to test the REP Blackwing extensively. He’s one of the best people to try this new weight bench out, as he’s had a lot of experience with REP’s other benches: the REP Fitness AB-5200, the REP AB-5000, and the REP AB-4100, just to name a few. His knowledge of these weight benches is extensive, and he looked at multiple areas of the bench’s construction, durability, and performance.
REP Blackwing
REP Fitness Blackwing Adjustable Bench
Product Highlights
- Heavy-duty FID adjustable bench
- 12 different angle adjustments with back pad
- 6 adjustable angles for seat pad
- Comes in standard and wide widths
- Compatible with optional leg roller attachment
- Vertical storage
- 11-gauge steel frame
- ZeroGrap technology ensures no gap between back and seat pad at every angle
- Pads made with new CleanGrip material
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide bench option
- Multiple color options
- Compliant with IPF competition height standards
- 1,000-lb weight capacity
- Vertical storage
- Heavy-duty materials
Cons
- Pricey compared to other adjustable benches
- Some reviews said ZeroGap adjustments were tedious
Bottom Line
REP Fitness has continued to innovate with the Blackwing Adjustable Bench. Continuing to improve on previous benches, the Blackwing is a compact weight bench with a variety of adjustable angles for both the seat and back pads; plus, it stores vertically. The ZeroGap adjustments ensure there is no gap between the two pads at any angle, and the adjustments have been simplified since its first iteration. Although a bit pricey, the innovation and high-quality materials used make this bench worth a look.
A Quick Look at the REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench
Since its creation in 2012, REP Fitness has based its company on three foundational principles: innovation, customer service, and value. The REP Blackwing certainly fits the mold for innovation. This bench takes the Zero-Gap feature of the AB-5000 and the ladder system from the AB-5200 and combines them into one adjustable bench that uses the sturdier ladder-style adjustments while maintaining no gap between the seat and back pads at any angle.
This is a true FID bench, meaning it can go from flat, to an incline or decline bench, across 12 adjustable angles on the back pad, and six more on the seat pad. Combining the best features from previous models and improving upon them, REP is now calling the Blackwing their ultimate high-quality adjustable bench.
If you have some REP equipment in your home gym already, then REP offers this bench in different colors, so you can get the color you need to match with your REP Fitness PR-4000 power rack.
Before You Buy
- The back pad uses a closed ladder system, where the adjustment arm rests on the inside of the rails. This helps keep the ladder in place and keeps the bench stable, preventing the back from wobbling side to side.
- The Zero-Gap feature of the AB-5000 was big and bulky; REP improved the adjustment system for the Blackwing to make it more user-friendly, making a side pop-pin system that slides easily.
- This bench can be stored vertically and moves around on wheels with a stainless steel knurled handle on the other end, for easy pick-up. However, the Blackwing is heavy, too, meaning if you’re constantly wanting to move this bench around, it may get annoying over time.
- There is a standard pad width and a wide width, which is the difference between 12.2 inches and 14 inches. When deciding which one to get, remember the standard width fits with IPF specifications, so if you’re competing, that may be the way to go. The wide pad will be great for broader athletes, though.
- The Blackwing comes with an optional leg roller attachment. Coop got the leg roller to test out Nordic curls, one of his favorite exercises. Even with the wide pad, it wasn’t the ideal bench for Nordic curls. Additionally, it felt like the leg roller was an afterthought and isn’t at the same level of quality as the bench itself.
Video Review
Is the REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench Worth It?
The REP Blackwing also hits another of REP Fitness’ core points—value. When Coop started looking at the REP Blackwing, the price actually surprised him. He was expecting a higher price point with all the functionality and innovation of the Blackwing. At $600 with free shipping, it’s got great value.
Coop notes about its value and quality, “If I’m looking at the function and quality and everything like that, this bench is a standout. No doubt about it; this is, in my opinion, REP’s best adjustable bench they’ve come out with and maybe one of the best adjustable benches that’s on the market, from a function standpoint…So I think the value on it is great.”
We understand $600 may be more than some people want to spend on a weight bench; if that’s the case, there are great budget-friendly benches, like the REP AB-3000.
However, if you are looking for a sturdy, functional adjustable weight bench with a lot of customization and made with heavy-duty materials, then this is the bench for you and your garage gym. You may be able to find a slightly higher-quality bench from a company with American-made components, but the details put into this bench truly makes the Blackwing, as Coop says, a standout.
Great for:
- Those wanting a premium bench with a value price point and attachment options
- Lifters wanting a full FID bench that still fits IPF specs for powerlifting
- People with compact home gyms who need a bench to store vertically
Not recommended for:
- People only wanting a flat weight bench
- Those who need a more budget-friendly option
- Anyone who may have trouble moving around a 131-pound bench
REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench Specs
| Price | $599 ($619 for wide bench) |
| Weight | 131 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 1,000 lbs |
| Footprint | 59.5” L x 25.8” W x 17.2” H |
| Back pad angles | -8 to 85 degrees |
| Seat pad angles | -10 to 45 degrees |
| Back pad dimensions | 38.2” L x 12.2” or 14” W |
| Seat pad length | 15.6” |
| Seat pad width | 12.2” (or 14”) and tapers to 8.5” |
| Frame material | 11-gauge steel |
Using the REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench
The REP Blackwing is a true FID bench, meaning not only is it a flat bench, but it can be adjusted to a decline or incline bench, making it suitable for just about any dumbbell bench press or row workout. The bench’s decline is at -8 degrees; typical declines are -15 degrees, but the bench sacrifices a bit of decline angle to keep the bench low, at 17.2 inches high. Coop notes, “I would rather have a lower bench than a higher decline.”
The top angle of the back pad goes all the way up to 85 degrees, nearly perpendicular to the floor. This is ideal for seated overhead presses with a barbell or dumbbells.
One issue Coop had was with the leg roller attachment. He ordered the optional leg roller as it had been promoted to be able to function as a Nordic bench. If you know Coop, you know he loves Nordic curls, so he had to try it.
Even with the wide back pad at 14 inches, Coop reports, “This is not an ideal Nordic curl solution. Fourteen inches is a little bit thin. Also, there’s no toe kick plate on the leg roller.” Although it’ll work for sit-ups and crunches fine, the foam is too thin for a Nordic curl; a dedicated Nordic bench would be a better option if you’re looking to add that to your garage gym.
RELATED: Best Core Exercise Equipment
Furthermore, the leg roller didn’t quite match the level of quality of the Blackwing. Coop assumes that the leg roller is the same across all benches. While that makes sense from the company’s perspective, the leg roller just doesn’t match the aesthetic of the rest of the bench with different foam and plastic knobs. It’s a minor gripe, but it’s a little annoying with the rest of the product being at a high-end level.
Adjustment Systems
The innovations made on the adjustment systems of the Blackwing are what really make it stand out. The back pad is adjusted with a ladder system, the seat pad uses a unique pop-pin, and then the seat can be moved back and forth to reduce gap space with their Zero-Gap feature.
The back’s ladder system is made with care. The bench is made sturdier by having the adjustment arms located inside of the ladder rail. In Coop’s experience, this helped reduce any sideways wobble that would otherwise have happened at incline angles. The arms have UHMW protectors, too, to protect the bench from any metal-on-metal contact.
Additionally, the pillow block bearings adjusting the back pad are extremely well made and they actually have grease fittings on them…if you ever feel the need to grease them. Coop says that “you will never use this bench enough to where you will have to use them.” Still, it is an indicator of the high-end quality of the components being used.
The seat pad uses a pop-pin instead of a ladder system, but with a ratcheting system that eases the use of the bench. The pop-pin is cut at an angle and the holes rounded to adjust as you simply pull up on the seat pad. It’s a very smooth and easy clicking adjustment—plus, “it sounds really good,” according to Coop. It locks in on the way down, though, so to lower the seat pad, you’ll have to use the side’s pop-pin.
The Zero-Gap system on the seat has been reworked from the AB-5000 to be streamlined and simpler to use. For one, it’s lighter and less bulky than the previous system. Previously, there were multiple knobs to tighten and loosen underneath the bench; it’d be a hassle.
The new system put the adjustment knob on the side so that you can make adjustments while sitting on the bench if you want to. In addition, the adjustment knob is now stainless steel, an upgrade from the plastic knobs of the AB-5000. The pop-pin is spring-loaded and once you make your adjustment, the knob can be tightened to be secured. While its use is similar to the AB-5000, the feature has been refined to be much easier to use.
Construction & Durability
Along with the design of the ladder system providing support throughout all angles, this bench was just built to be solid. The bench frame is made with 11-gauge steel, has a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, and the back leg is wide at 25.8 inches. The front splays out in a wide “wing” pattern, too (probably where the bench got its name, Coop surmises).
Everything is stable and heavy-duty about this bench, which also makes it a bit on the heavy side at 131 pounds. A lot of REP’s benches have trended on the heavier side, but the Blackwing is one of the heaviest. The REP AB-5000 is 20 pounds lighter, for example. While it adds to the stability and durability of the bench, it also makes it a little tough to move around.
The pads are covered in REP’s new CleanGrip vinyl, of which Coop was a big fan. Over the years REP has upgraded their vinyl, and the CleanGrip “is the best vinyl that they’ve used yet,” Coop notes on the pads. He still prefers the Rogue Thompson Fat Pad vinyl, but aside from that, he thinks this may be the grippiest vinyl yet. The matte vinyl also looks a little bit thicker and durable than previous vinyls REP has used.
Outside of the build, there are plenty of aesthetics to dote on. For one, there are no stickers anywhere on the bench. Instead, logos are laser-cut, which is always a clean look. Every other angle is also laser-cut along the ladder of the back pad adjustments, to help keep track of where your bench is positioned. Plus, the knobs and handles are stainless steel—the handle on the front has knurling, too.
Portability & Footprint
The REP FItness Blackwing can be stored vertically, with rollers on one end and a stainless steel knurled handle on the other end (a nice touch). This makes a great bench for compact spaces, and that’s good, as the bench is long. “I mean, this thing is a boat,” Coop jokes. But he’s not wrong; at 59.5 inches, it’s one of the longer adjustable benches on the market.
Even the AB-5200, which is an incredibly long bench where the back pad can be used solely as a flat bench, is still an inch shorter than the Blackwing. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, unless you’re looking for compact exercise equipment. While it can be stored vertically, it’s heavy, and you’ll need over 5 feet of space to use it properly.
Comparison to Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0
Product Highlights
- Made in the USA
- 10 back pad adjustments
- 3 seat positions
- Little gap
- Great pad
- 3×3 11-gauge steel construction
Pros & Cons
Pros
- A lot of adjustment options for a ladder-style bench
- There’s barely a pad gap at most angles, and sometimes there’s none
- Very stable and portable
- Made in the USA
- Heavy duty and made to last
Cons
- All the parts are in separate boxes, so assembly can take a while
- Other benches, though maybe not quite as good, may provide a better value
- Not an FID bench as there is no decline position
Bottom Line
The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is one of the brand's best benches to date. Yes, its price tag is a little steep, but if you have the money, you get a lot of bang for your buck.
When compared to one of Rogue’s top benches, the Adjustable Bench 3.0, you can see a lot of the innovation. Most notably is the Zero-Gap feature. The Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 is constructed to have a very small gap between the pads, no more than 1 inch. At some points, there is no gap. However, REP ensures no gap across every angle and adjustment.
Another note to point out is that Rogue’s bench pad doesn’t go below 0 degrees. While it can do a flat bench and incline, it’s not a true FID bench like REP’s Blackwing. With fewer adjustment angles than the Blackwing as well, the Rogue bench has just a hair less versatility.
Both benches are good value, each being about $600. However, upgrading the Rogue adjustable bench to a stainless steel ladder system pushes the price to $100 more. If you’re looking for a little more functionality and a decline option, the REP Blackwing is probably the way to go.
For more information on Rogue’s bench, check out our Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 review.
| REP Blackwing | Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 | |
| Price | $599 ($619 for wide bench) | $595 ($695 for stainless steel) |
| Weight | 131 lbs | 125 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 1,000 lbs | Not disclosed |
| Footprint | 59.5” L x 25.8” W x 17.2” H | 56.5” L x 24.75” W x 17.5” H |
| Back pad angles | -8 to 85 degrees | 0 to 85 degrees |
| Seat pad angles | -10 to 45 degrees | 0 to 30 degrees |
| Back pad dimensions | 38.2” L x 12.2” or 14” W | 52” L x 11” W (overall pad length) |
| Seat pad length | 15.6” | Not disclosed |
| Seat pad width | 12.2” (or 14”) and tapers to 8.5” | Not disclosed |
| Frame material | 11-gauge steel | 11-gauge steel |
Customer Experience
REP Fitness provides a 10-year warranty on bench frames, plus a one-year warranty on sewn items. In addition, they offer 30 days for returns, where an item may be sent back for a refund. However, REP Fitness will charge a 15% restocking fee for items not in their original packaging. This restocking fee and nonrefundable shipping fees will be taken out of your final refund, but will also be discussed with you prior to authorizing the return.
You may also cancel or edit your order at any time prior to the order beginning the fulfillment process. After that, there are no more cancellations or edits; you’ll have to look at a return.
Speaking of which, REP now offers free shipping on all online orders. While this is a big deal and saves lots of customers’ money, there may be times where they’d charge for additional shipping, such as a delivery address change or shipment re-routing.
There are a few ways to contact customer support: by email, by phone (during business hours), and through a live chat on the website.
Ordering and Assembling the REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench
REP Fitness offers free shipping on all orders, so if you’re looking at the REP Blackwing, that $600 won’t jump due to shipping costs. As of this writing, the latest orders of the Blackwing will begin shipping through the month of July, and REP suggests referring to your order confirmation for a shipping date.
There are financing options available through Affirm, but only on shopping cart orders over $650, so your REP Blackwing won’t qualify by itself.
Customer Reviews
Because the REP Fitness Blackwing is a newer weight bench, there are not a lot of reviews out yet. As of this writing, there are only 12 reviews on REP’s website; however, they’re all extremely positive, with one outlier discussing a few finer details that they would’ve liked to have seen—mostly, different seat angles. Still, this review gave five stars, which was also all of the other reviews. Customers seem to really enjoy the bench.
Final Verdict of Our REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench Review
While the price may stop some from looking at this bench, the REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench is a high-quality bench with a lot of versatility and functionality. It’s definitely worth the price tag, and will last for a long time due to its quality construction and heavy-duty materials.
Coop’s main callout would be the heft of the adjustable bench; at over 130 pounds, it may frustrate some people while moving it around. Furthermore, we’d love to see the leg roller attachment brought up to the same level of quality as the Blackwing down the road. If the price and weight of this bench don’t deter you, the REP Blackwing is a high-value, quality adjustable bench for a garage gym.
REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench Rating
REP Fitness Blackwing Adjustable Bench
REP’s latest bench keeps improving on past innovations. Is this the best weight bench on the market? Find out in our REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench review.
Product Brand: REP Fitness
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 599.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.7
REP Blackwing Adjustable Bench FAQs
Which REP Fitness bench is the best?
The best bench from REP Fitness for you will depend on your needs and budget. If you are just looking to do a barbell bench press, then a flat bench will do. However, if you’re looking for a bit more versatility, then you may look for an adjustable bench.
The REP AB-4100 adjustable bench is a great mid-range bench with good quality. If you need something less expensive, there is the AB-3000, which is a true FID bench. On the higher end, we recommend the REP Blackwing.
Should I get an adjustable weight bench?
You should get an adjustable weight bench if it fits your needs. Being able to adjust the angles on your weight bench adds more functionality to your bench for different angles for presses, as well as abdominal work and attachments. However, if the main use will be a flat bench, then an adjustable bench may not be worth it.
What should I look for in an adjustable weight bench?
One thing to consider in an adjustable bench is the price and your budget. Find one that is in your price range, and then find one that matches your needs. Does your adjustable bench need to be a true FID bench, or you can get a leg roller to use as a decline? Also, it may be wise to look at possible attachments and find one that has the attachments you may want down the road.
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Further reading
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