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There are many amazing companies that manufacture gym equipment, but time and time again, we find ourselves impressed by the quality delivered by REP Fitness. Whether you’re looking for a squat rack, barbell, functional trainer, weight bench, or nearly anything else you can think of, REP has you covered.
We’ve tested and used many of REP’s adjustable benches over the years, and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on the latest model—the Nighthawk bench. Although it’s new, it’s still more affordable than some of the other benches offered by REP, so we decided to try it for ourselves.
In this REP Nighthawk Bench review, I’ll share everything you need to know about the latest adjustable bench to hit the market.
Tested by a Fitness Equipment Expert
The Garage Gym Reviews testers are fitness equipment experts who have tried and examined countless pieces of fitness equipment over the years. For this review, our tester was Cooper “Coop” Mitchell, GGR’s founder and a man who’s tested more weight benches than anyone else on the team.
Coop used this bench for a variety of workouts, carefully testing every feature. After his testing, he was able to calculate a final product score using our equipment testing methodology. This allows us to quantify our findings and provide digestible scores in some of the most important product categories, including:
- Durability and construction
- Footprint and portability
- Ergonomics
- Adjustability
REP Nighthawk Bench
Product Highlights
Seven back pad positions
Durable and compact
Six colors to choose from
Works with other REP products
CleanGrip vinyl padding
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seven back pad positions
- Durable and compact
- Six colors to choose from
- Works with other REP products
Cons
- Height is slightly less than IPF standards
- Back pad gap is noticeable
Bottom Line
The REP Nighthawk is a durable and versatile adjustable bench. It has seven back positions, a compact design, and a 700-pound weight capacity.
A Quick Look at the REP Nighthawk Bench
The Nighthawk is REP’s newest adjustable bench and falls right in the middle of the brand’s price range. The company offers a variety of adjustable benches at varying price points, like the more expensive REP Blackwing bench and the affordable AB-3100. While they share similar features, the differences are evident when examining aspects such as weight capacity, adjustability, and decline capabilities.
At the time of writing—shortly after the Nighthawk’s release—it costs $449.99, meaning it’s more expensive than the AB-4100 but more affordable than the AB-5200 2.0.
Available in six colors, the Nighthawk features a closed-ladder adjustment system, seven back positions, four seat positions, vertical storage capabilities, a durable 700-pound weight capacity, and compatibility with soon-to-be-released bench attachments.
The bench can lock into the Ares 2.0 functional trainer, and REP will be releasing a leg extension and leg curl attachment that can be installed on the Nighthawk, offering even more versatility for home gym owners.
Before You Buy
- The Nighthawk has seven back positions and four seat positions but no decline settings.
- The bench height is 16.7”, which is slightly lower than the IPF standard of 16.9” for competition benches—a small but noteworthy difference.
- The Nighthawk is designed to work with other REP products like the Ares 2.0 and bench attachments that are scheduled for future release.
REP Nighthawk Bench Video Review
Is the REP Nighthawk Bench Worth It?
If you’re a home gym owner looking for a new adjustable bench, we know there are plenty of options on the market. Even if you’re only considering REP benches, there are currently six adjustable benches to choose from, which means picking the right one can be a little difficult.
Here’s who we think is the best fit for the REP Nighthawk bench:
Great for:
- Home gym owners
- Anyone who owns other REP products like the Ares 2.0
- People who primarily do incline bench pressing
Not recommended for:
- Advanced lifters or IPF powerlifters
- People who primarily do flat-bench pressing and don’t want the bench pad gap
- Anyone shopping on a tight budget
REP Nighthawk Bench Specs
| Price | $449 |
| Weight | 88 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 700 lbs |
| Back pad angles | Seven positions (0 to 85 degrees) |
| Seat pad angles | Four positions (-15 to 20 degrees) |
| Dimensions | 51” L x 25.9” W x 16.7” H |
| Back pad dimensions | 36” L x 11.8” W |
| Seat pad dimensions | 13” L x 11.8” W |
| Frame material | 7- & 14-gauge steel |
| Pad material | Molded polyurethane pad wrapped in CleanGrip vinyl |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame), 30 days (upholstery) |
Experience Using the REP Nighthawk Bench
For this review, Cooper “Coop” Mitchell tried every feature of this bench. He used it for a variety of workouts, and since we have an Ares 2.0 cable attachment in our testing facilities, he was even able to test the Nighthawk’s ability to securely attach to the popular functional trainer.
One of the first things Coop noticed was the compact size of this adjustable weight bench, which he says is similar to the lower-end REP benches. However, he pointed out that it has many of the features and conveniences of the brand’s higher-end options, making the Nighthawk a great mid-range choice that’s compact but well-constructed.
The bench is also designed to integrate with other products in the REP ecosystem. For those who own an Ares 2.0, for example, the Nighthawk can be securely attached to the footpad, and the bench features a dedicated area for future bench attachments from REP.
Overall, Coop was very impressed with the features of this bench, especially the price point, and said it’s his favorite adjustable bench from REP.
Footprint and Portability
The Nighthawk earns 5 out of 5 stars for footprint and portability thanks to its smaller size, vertical storage, and built-in wheels.
Similar to other REP adjustable benches, the Nighthawk features a stability bar that’s specifically designed to allow you to stand the bench upright when not in use. If you’re a home gym owner looking to save space, this can be a valuable feature.
It’s also slightly smaller than some of the more expensive REP benches, and at only 88 pounds, it’s very easy to move around when needed.
Durability and Construction
There’s not a lot to say when using an adjustable bench. Assuming it’s stable, padded, and safe, it’ll get the job done. As such, the Nighthawk earns a 4.5 out of 5 for ergonomics.
However, where the Nighthawk really shines is the minute details. There’s knurling found on most of the handles, and large aluminum knobs sit underneath the backrest, replacing the cheaper plastic knobs found on older models. Coop also loved the sleek, matte black finish that covers the bottom of the bench pad, as many other benches don’t pay as much attention to the bottom.
RELATED: Best Home Gym Equipment
The bench also uses CleanGrip vinyl surrounding polyurethane foam, resulting in a grippy, stable, and very comfortable bench.
However, we docked half a point due to the 1.36” gap between the back pad and seat when the bench is fully flat. If you’re using this to do a flat bench press, you may feel the gap depending on how your body positioning.
Coop said, “I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker by any means, but there are a lot of benches out there that don’t have any bench gap (or a small one at that). I wish they would have made that gap smaller.”
REP Nighthawk Bench vs REP AB-5200 2.0
REP AB-5200 2.0 Adjustable Weight Bench
Product Highlights
- Adjustable weight bench with an optional adjustable post that makes it a full FID bench
- 6 different color options for both frame and rails
- Standard or wide pad options
- Closed ladder adjustment system for back pad and seat pad
- 57.6” L x 25.8” W x 17.5” H
- Weight capacity of 1,000 lbs
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Option to convert to FID bench
- Vertically stores
- 6 color options for both frame and rails
- Heavy-duty construction
- Knurled stainless steel handle on ladder system
- Free shipping
Cons
- Pricier for a weight bench
- Wide pad option is not made for IPF standards
Bottom Line
The REP Fitness AB-5200 2.0 takes one of their more popular benches and upgrades its customization. The most obvious new feature is the option to upgrade the bench with an adjustable post, allowing the weight bench to be a full flat-incline-decline bench with three decline angles. Additionally the AB-5200 has color options for the bench frame, as well as accent colors for the adjustment rails, creating a heavy-duty bench with a lot of unique customizations.
With so many REP benches to choose from, many of which look very similar at first glance, it can be difficult to choose the right one. To help you out, I’ve compared the Nighthawk to the AB-5200 2.0, a more premium bench from REP, with some small upgrades.
The primary difference you’ll notice is the size. Both benches are portable and shouldn’t take up too much space in your home or garage gym. However, the Nighthawk is both smaller and lighter, coming in at only 88 lbs, while the AB-5200 2.0 weighs 115 lbs.
While the Nighthawk may be the more maneuverable option of the two, that lighter weight does compromise its durability. This bench has a lower weight capacity of 700 pounds, which can be more than enough for most users, but it’s still worth pointing out as the AB-5200 2.0 has a 1,000-pound weight capacity. The AB-5200 2.0 also has optional decline settings, a feature missing from the Nighthawk.
Overall, we think the Nighthawk is best for most home gym users, especially if you don’t need decline features or a 1,000-pound weight capacity. And if you do, the AB-5200 2.0 is still an amazing bench, but you’ll pay $100-$150 more, depending on the specs.
For more, be sure to check out our full REP AB-5200 2.0 Adjustable Bench Review.
| REP Nighthawk | REP AB-5200 2.0 | |
| Price | $449 | $549 to $599 |
| Weight | 88 lbs | 115 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 700 lbs | 1,000 lbs |
| Back pad angles | Seven positions (0 to 85 degrees) | 10 positions (0 to 85 degrees), with optional decline angles at -8, -6, and -4 degrees |
| Seat pad angles | Four positions (-15 to 20 degrees) | 4 positions (0 to 30 degrees) |
| Dimensions | 51” L x 25.9” W x 16.7” H | 57.6” L x 25.8” W x 17.5” H |
| Back pad dimensions | 36” L x 11.8” W | 41.7” L x 12” or 14” W |
| Seat pad dimensions | 13” L x 11.8” W | 11.4” L x 12” tapering to 8.9” or 14” tapering to 11” W |
| Frame material | 7- & 14-gauge steel | 11-gauge steel |
| Pad material | Molded polyurethane pad wrapped in CleanGrip vinyl | CleanGrip |
| Warranty | 10 years (frame), 30 days (upholstery) | 10 years (frame), 30 days (upholstery) |
Customer Experience
We give the REP customer experience a 4 out of 5. The return policy is good but not great. We love the 10-year warranty on the bench, but that only covers the frame. The upholstery, which is often the first component to suffer from wear and tear, is only covered for 30 days.
REP Fitness also offers 30-day returns on all equipment, although there can be a 15% restocking fee. Any shipping or restocking fees will be deducted from your refund.
Ordering and Assembling the REP Nighthawk Bench
Ordering from REP is smooth and easy, and all orders placed on repfitness.com receive free shipping. Orders can also be financed through Affirm, but only if the total exceeds $650. If you want to finance your order, you’ll need to add a few more items to your cart, such as a barbell or adjustable dumbbells.
Customer Reviews
This Nighthawk bench is still relatively new at the time of writing, and there are only 12 customer reviews on the REP website so far. That said, all are 5-star reviews. Customers seem to love both the durability of the Nighthawk adjustable bench along with the compact, portable size.
Final Verdict of Our REP Nighthawk Bench Review
If you’re looking for an adjustable bench that’s built to last, we feel the REP Nighthawk is one of the best adjustable benches on the market, especially if you love the REP ecosystem. It’s compact and portable yet still extremely durable and should last for years.
There are similar benches from other manufacturers that cost less, but if you’re part of the REP ecosystem (or plan to be), the Nighthawk can be an obvious choice given its compatibility with other REP products, including upcoming releases that aren’t yet available for sale.
Coop said, “In my opinion, this is the best adjustable bench that REP makes,” and given the features delivered at this price point, I agree.
- The REP Nighthawk bench costs $449.99 at the time of writing; however, this price is subject to change.
- The Nighthawk is available in six color options and features seven back positions but does not offer decline settings.
- Even though it’s more compact than other benches, it’s very durable, comfortable to use, and should work well for most users.
Full Rating
REP Nighthawk Bench
The REP Nighthawk is a durable and versatile adjustable bench. It has seven back positions, a compact design, and a 700-pound weight capacity.
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 449.99
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.5
REP Nighthawk Bench: FAQs
Is an adjustable bench worth it?
For most people, an adjustable bench can be a great choice, especially home gym owners who may not have access to incline benches. An adjustable bench allows users to train exercises like the bench press at a variety of angles, which has been shown to result in better muscle activation1 than only using a flat bench.
What is the best value adjustable bench?
Adjustable bench presses come in a wide range of prices. While some benches are very affordable, the quality isn’t always the best, so we recommend choosing an affordable option from a brand that’s still known for quality, like REP Fitness, Titan, Ironmaster, or Rogue, among others.
For more, you can check out our complete guide to the best weight benches for a variety of goals.
What are leg rollers for on a bench?
Leg roller attachments are typically found on decline benches. They allow you to securely lock your legs in place for safety, preventing you from sliding down the bench while performing any exercises that uses the decline features.
References
- 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
Further reading
There are many amazing companies that manufacture gym equipment, but time and time again, we find ourselves impressed by the quality delivered by REP Fitness. Whether you’re looking for a squat rack, barbell, functional trainer, weight bench, or nearly anything else you can think of, REP has you covered. We’ve tested and used many of REP’s adjustable benches over the years, and we couldn’t wait to get our hands on the latest model—the Nighthawk bench. » Read more about: REP Nighthawk Bench Review (2025): The New King of REP Benches? » Read more
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