REP Fitness AB-5200 Adjustable Bench In-Depth Review – Best Value Incline Bench?

The REP AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench is one of the best incline benches we’ve ever reviewed. The REP AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench is one of the best incline benches we’ve ever reviewed. Not only is it feature-packed with a laser-cut ladder-style system, grippy vinyl, and a stand-up feature, but it offers all of this at an excellent price point compared to the competition. It is a big, heavy bench and is still pretty more expensive than some prefer, but for those who want a high-end adjustable bench at a price most can swallow, this is an excellent option for your home gym.

The AB-5200 Adjustable Bench from REP Fitness is one of many great benches that Rep sells. It’s pretty unusual for one company to take the top spot in two product categories in our Best-In-Class Reviews, especially with products that aren’t made in the US, but Rep has continually exceeded expectations in this area. The AB-5200 isn’t the most expensive bench on our list, it’s also not the cheapest, but it combines a host of features at a price point better than most.

Expert-Tested By GGR’s Founder

Here at GGR, we pride ourselves on having the best of the best test and review products. Our team consists of a variety of fitness professionals such as certified personal trainers, registered dietitians, gym owners, and high-level athletes. That being said, GGR’s founder and home gym equipment expert Cooper “Coop” Mitchell has extensive experience testing equipment and always gives his most honest review. 

For this bench, Coop personally used it for workouts and shared detailed information and an honest opinion about his experience with it in an in-depth video review. We used our equipment testing methodology to score this bench and took a look at product features such as:

• Stability
• Construction
• Aesthetics
• Stowability

Now, join us as we take a deep dive into Coop’s experience with the AB-5200 Adjustable Bench from Rep Fitness and see what he thought about it. 

REP AB-5200

REP AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench

GGR Score: 4.4

Community Score: 5

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Product Highlights

Our beefiest adjustable bench ever made, and chock-full of design details that improve typical limitations found on other benches.When it comes to durability and portability, this utility bench offers comfort under any load.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The Rep AB-5200 Adjustable Bench is, in our opinion, the best adjustable bench that Rep Fitness currently sells.
• The bench height from the floor to the top of the pad when completely flat is 17.75" which is pretty great for an incline bench with a ladder style.
• The bench is made of both 11 and 7 gauge steel through the 2"x3" frame.
• 1,000 LB capacity, although we'd guess it could handle much more.
• There are 7 adjustable back angles and 3 seat pad angles that are quick to change thanks to the ladder-style adjustment system.
• All logos are laser cut out of stainless steel, something we've been asking for, for years.
• The bench can be stored upright when not in use which is similar to one of our favorite benches, the Sorinex 0-90 NP3 Adjustable Bench that costs more than double what the AB-5200 does.
• The vinyl on used on the bench is Rep's signature grippy vinyl that can be seen on the home gym favorite Rep FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench.
• There are wheels and handles on the bench that makes it easy to maneuver.
• The AB-5200 is very stable when using flat or at an angle.

Cons

• Although this is a great value bench, it's still more than some would want to pay for an adjustable bench. This said, if you spend much less, the quality differences will be dramatic.

Bottom Line

The Rep AB-5200 Adjustable Bench is one of the best incline benches on the market. In our tests and reviews, we've found it to meet most of our spec requests, and it's priced very competitively for the features available. If you're in the market for an adjustable bench to add to your garage gym, or even a commercial gym (we use ours in one) then this is a bench we highly recommend.

A Quick Look at the AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench

REP is a brand that places a lot of importance on value, customer service, and innovation. There is no denying that their commitment to value and innovation really shows when looking at this product. This bench has many uses, is not likely to wear out quickly, and has some great features for the price. 

Whether you are a traditional gym owner or looking to build a great home gym, this adjustable weight bench is a great piece of equipment to add to your workout space. While at first look this weight bench may seem a bit bulky, you will quickly change your mind once you discover the stowability of the bench. 

Two things Coop loves about this bench is how easily it can be moved from one space to the next and the awesome stand-up storage feature that allows you to easily get it out of the way when not in use. 

In general, this adjustable bench is super durable, plenty comfortable, and quite versatile. Whether you want to do decline sit-ups, incline shoulder presses, or chest presses, this bench will fit all your needs. 

Before You Buy

• When in use, this bench may feel a bit bulky in your workout space but it can be easily stowed away when you’re done. 
• The price tag is a bit higher than other similar products but financing is available and you won’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon.
• You can choose the type of pad and post that you want but certain choices will increase the price of the bench, such as choosing a wide pad or adjustable post. 

AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench Video Review

Is the AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench Worth It?

Honestly, we feel like this purchase would be one that is absolutely worth it, we consider it to be one of the best benches we have ever reviewed. We love the small details of the product, like the use of laser cut numbers and metal plate logos over stickers. 

We also appreciate that the materials REP used in the construction of this product are ones that you won’t have to worry about quickly wearing down. This means you will be able to use it long term without compromising aesthetics or functionality. 

That being said, it is a big, heavy bench and is still quite a bit more expensive than the majority of people would prefer, especially beginner or recreational lifters. However, for those who want a high-end adjustable bench at a price they can swallow, this is an excellent option for any home gym.

AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench Specs

Workout Experience With the AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench 

For this review, Coop focused on demonstrating the usability of the bench in a garage gym setting. He admitted that although he has multiple adjustable benches, he most often uses this one for workouts. 

From seated overhead press to bent over rows and incline bench press, it just about did it all for Coop. One of the really great things about this adjustable bench is that unlike many others, it doesn’t have wide legs that keep you from being able to use it as a flat bench. The feature that helps it be able to stand up is also great for tucking your feet behind. 

The ability to utilize the ladder system of this bench and quickly transition from one position to the next was one of Coop’s favorite features and will likely be a favorite for other users too.

When flat, this incline bench is 17.75″ tall from the floor to the top of the pad. Ideally, it would be 17″, however, this is extremely hard to do in an incline bench, if not impossible, so this is a good compromise. Although Coop suggests most who can afford a bench at this price also buy a cheaper flat bench, you could easily get away with this being the sole bench in your garage gym.

If you want to, you can purchase optional spotter decks for the AB-5200, which are similar to what can be seen as an add-on for the Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0. While it may seem a bit strange, it becomes even more functional without impacting the aesthetics. 

Footprint and Stowability

One of the most unique features of this bench is that it has a standup feature so it is easy to stow away and does not take up much space. Even though the bench is nearly 58 inches long and 26 inches wide (which takes up a good chunk of space when in use), it can be easily moved out of the way. 

When you’re ready to store it, the bench can be placed upright along a wall or anywhere else you desire thanks to the stand on the back post of the bench. This is a great design addition for home gyms and one I hope more companies implement.

REP Fitness has yet again taken features from much more expensive offerings and applied them to a more budget-friendly, yet high-quality bench of their own creation. For instance, the stand-up feature is very similar to the Sorinex 0-90 NP3 Adjustable Bench (of which Coop has two because he likes it so much.)

To maneuver the bench, there’s a smooth stainless steel metal handle on the front (it would have been cool to see this knurled) that you can pick up the front of the bench, and then thanks to the commercial-grade casters on the back, you can place it where you like. 

Weighing in at 115 pounds, the bench shouldn’t be an issue for most able-bodied people to maneuver. While the heavier weight of the bench may be off-putting to some, keep in mind that its weight does make it extremely stable. 

Construction

Made of commercial-grade 11-gauge steel and heavy-duty bolts, this  bench is rated to be able to take on a max weight of 1,000 pounds which is plenty for even experienced and intense lifters! One thing Coop did point out was the fact that there is a bit of wobble when the bench is placed at an incline. To solve this issue, he took a recommendation from other users online and added some washers to decrease wiggle room. 

Not only is this bench durable, it was also designed with comfort and functionality in mind, The pad of the bench utilizes extra grippy CleanGrip material which provides you with the perfect amount of friction while still being easy to clean. You won’t have to worry about sliding around while lifting or the material being resistant to cleaning.

Designed to be portable and space-saving, the front handle is made of knurled stainless-steel so you can get a grip even when your hands are sweaty. Plus, the metal, plastic-lined stand makes for easy storing away and the grooved- rubber back feet ensure that it will stay put without wrecking your floors. 

Adjustability

As far as adjustability goes, this bench gets a rating of 4.25 out of 5.  You can adjust the angle of the back pad into both incline and decline positions and the seat pad. You can also adjust the post if you choose the adjustable post model during the customization process when placing your order. 

The bench top has a width of 12 inches and most notably, there is only a 1.8-inch gap between the back and seat pads. This means that when using the bench in the flat position there won’t be a huge annoying gap. Although it won’t feel as nice as REP’s other adjustable bench, the AB-5000 ZERO GAP, it will be nicer than many competitors.

The REP AB-5200 uses a ladder-style adjustment system which is nice due to how quick and easy it is to adjust. Rather than having to use two hands for a pop-pin style bench like the Rogue AB-3 and Rep AB-5000, the AB-5200 can be operated with a single hand for both the back pad and seat pad.

The adjustment system of the AB-5200 bench has quite a few options including 10 back pad angles, three decline back pad angles, and four seat pad adjustments. The back pad adjustments include the following: 0, 20, 30, 37.5, 45, 52.5, 60, 67.5, 75, and 85 degrees that are laser-cut in the side of the ladder system. This is a premium feature typically found on more expensive benches. There are also three optional decline back pad angles which include the following: -8, -6, and -4. 

Portability

When it comes to portability this adjustable bench is highly recommended. It has wheels that make it easy to move from one spot to another without having to turn moving the bench into a workout of its own. The wheels not only help you to easily maneuver the bench but the wheel protectors also serve as a stability feature when in the standing position. 

Having to struggle to move a piece of equipment out of the way when transitioning from one exercise to the next can be really irritating mid workout. If you have a small gym space you likely will need to do that and for that reason, we love how portable this adjustable bench is.

Stability

When talking about stability, this piece of equipment has earned a 4.5 out of 5 as far as we are concerned. It  feels heavy duty and Coop doesn’t feel like there are any safety issues to be concerned with, even the  bit of wobble when placed in incline positions isn’t worth fretting over

While he didn’t think that the feeling of the pads was necessarily anything to write home about, he did mention that they are premium with a grippy vinyl top, high-density foam core, and a plywood backing that provides plenty of support when in use. 

Value

The Rep AB-5200 is the best weight bench for most people in our opinion. It’s priced well enough for many to afford. That being said, there are definitely some benches that we think are better, but not by much and definitely not when you factor the value along with the price.

The bench is definitely going to break the bank a bit more than other options on the market but we will say that for what it has to offer, it’s worth it. The price ranges from $499 to $559 depending on whether or not you choose to add features and REP offers free shipping on the product. 

While it is not the fanciest bench out there, as there are additional features that it could have, for what it does offer, we think it is priced well and that people will be pleased with the purchase. REP even offers a 30-day money back guarantee if for some reason you decide you aren’t satisfied with the product.  So as far as value goes, we give this adjustable bench a score of 4.5 out of 5. 

REP AB-5200 vs. Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 

Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0

Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Made in the USA
• 10 back pad adjustments
• 3 seat positions
• Little gap
• Great pad
• 3x3 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.

The REP AB-5200 was Coop’s go-to suggestion for adjustable benches, until Rogue Fitness released the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0. He truly believes it’s the best bench Rogue has released in a while, and it’s very comparable to REP’s in size and functionality (Rogue’s is actually a bit smaller, but not by much). 

Rogue also offers more back pad and seat angles (9 and six, respectively), whereas REP’s has seven back pad angles and three for the seat (both are ladder-style adjustments). 

That said, Rogue’s bench costs considerably more than REP’s. As of this writing, the Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 costs $595 ($695 for the stainless steel version), and the REP AB-5200 costs $499.99. For most home gym owners, the REP AB-5200 is a great choice and to go for that over the more expensive Rogue option (which is still a great bench, and worth it if budget is of no concern to you). 

To read the full review, check out Rogue Adjustable Bench 3.0 review here

Customer Experience 

REP offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you decide that the product isn’t. You must return the product within 30 days of receiving it. In order to do this, you must first contact customer service to get a return shipping label and return authorization document. That being said, any return will be charged a shipping fee which is taken out of your final refund. 

If you decide you need to cancel or edit your order you can send an email to info@repfitness.com immediately with “CANCEL” in the subject line. You can also contact customer service via this email to ask questions about an order or to discuss any shipping issues. 

Ordering and Assembling the AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench 

Like many other companies that sell fitness equipment, REP offers free shipping. They also offer financing through Affirm which allows you to make affordable monthly payments, typically over either 6 or 12 months. However, financing is only available on orders over $650. 

You can also utilize the PayPal pay-in-four financing option where you make bi-weekly payments over 4 months after putting 25% down. 

As far as assembly goes, REP has recently partnered with Kando assembly services so you can schedule assembly for any of REP’s products through their platform if you would like. They will assemble and move products as well as dispose of packaging materials. The price varies. 

If you plan to assemble your bench yourself, you can follow this step-by-step assembly video for guidance:

Customer Reviews

On REP’s website, the AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench has been given a 5 out 5 rating based on 157 reviews as of the time of writing this. Keep in mind, the company does have control over which reviews are displayed so this information may be slightly biased. We weren’t able to locate the product on Amazon to review unbiased reviews. 

Many customers commented on the durability of the bench and mentioned that they really liked the versatility of it as well. 

Final Verdict of Our AB-5200 FI Adjustable Bench Review

If you are on the hunt for an adjustable weight bench that will last for years to come and want something versatile too, we think you will be pleased with this one. It may not be the fanciest or have all the bells and whistles but it absolutely serves its purpose. 

It is also the perfect option for people with limited space, so long as your budget is not quite as limited. Think of it this way, you may actually save yourself money by buying a piece of equipment that has multiple uses and that you may not ever need to replace. 

It is a solid bench and an even more solid purchase if you are us!

Full Rating

REP Fitness AB-5200 Adjustable Bench FAQs

Coop Mitchell

Cooper is a graduate of Missouri State University with a degree in Finance. He found his love for fitness while training for hockey, a sport he played with various teams throughout his career, including Lindenwood University, St. Louis AAA Blues, and the St. Louis Jr. Blues. At IFP, Cooper focuses on the training layout and client experience. In addition to co-owning Intentional Fitness & Performance, Cooper runs the website and associated channels for Garage Gym Reviews. When not eating tacos or staring at a screen, Cooper can be found with his Wife Mollie, son Ezra, and dog ‘famous’ Amos.

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