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The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is the best flat weight bench that Rogue Fitness sells, but not the one we most recommend. We believe this bench is incredibly sturdy, overbuilt, and strong, however, we do believe there are better value options available. We do recommend the Monster Utility Bench 2.0, but only to those with deep pockets and a desire for things that are Made in the USA and top of the line.

4.50
Rogue's Best Flat Bench
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

Manufactured in Columbus, Ohio, using 3x3” 11-gauge steel, the newly redesigned Rogue Monster Utility Bench combines the stability of an extra wide 26.5” rear base with a new single-column front foot, giving athletes more room for setting their feet during a bench press. Each unit ships disassembled from our warehouse to reduce shipping costs, and comes with all necessary hardware for a quick set-up, as well as rubber feet to protect your flooring.Version 2.0 also rolls out new improvements in portability and storage, as a set of rear wheels and a built-in handle in the front foot enable athletes to quickly and easily pick up the bench and roll it in/out of a rack or out of the way entirely. When not in use, the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 can also now be stored upright for better space efficiency, with a UHMW cap at the end of the bench spine ensuring no damage to the bench pad—no matter which type of pad you’re using.As with the original model, gym owners can customize the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 during the ordering process by selecting a preferred bench height (Standard vs. Shorty) and style of bench pad (Standard vs. Competition Fat Pad™ vs. Thompson Fat Pad™). The Shorty Bench option allows athletes to use a Fat Pad™ while still keeping the unit at a more traditional flat bench height.With its 3x3” 11-gauge steel frame, 47.375" x 26.25" footprint, and 3/16” laser-cut Rogue-branded gussets, the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is unmatched for dependable stability. A set of rubber feet further assist in both preventing movement and protecting your floor, and the unit is finished in a quality Texture Black powdercoat. Rather than having the wide horizontal steel tube base on both ends of the bench, Version 2.0 introduces a new standalone, column-style front foot that gives up nothing in stability while offering more ample room for athletes to set their feet during a bench press. Includes a bolt-on rubber foot to match those of the wide rear base. Customers can use the dropdown menu to choose between a standard height Monster Utility Bench (17.5” with a standard pad / 19.75” with a Fat Pad) or our “Shorty” model (15.25” with standard pad / 17.5” with Fat Pad). Further customization is possible by selecting your preferred style of bench pad: Standard ( 47"L x 12"W x 2.5" Thick // 11 LBS) Competition Fat Pad (50"L x 12.5"W x 4.5" Thick // 24.5 LBS) Thompson Fat Pad (50"L x 14.5"W x 4.5" Thick // 30 LBS) Version 2.0 of the Monster Utility Bench now includes a set of wheels in the rear base and a handle incorporated into the new front foot. This enables athletes to quickly and easily pick up the bench from the front and roll it wheelbarrow-style into or out of a rack, or out of the way entirely. Near where the user’s head goes, we've added a UHMW cap to the end of the bench spine. This allows the Monster Utility Bench to be stored upright with no risk of damaging the pad. This new model is strategically designed so that no matter which pad the user selects at checkout, the UHMW cap will always extend just slightly beyond the pad to make safe contact with the floor when being stored vertically.Additional Specifications:Made in Columbus, OH, USA 3x3” 11 gauge steel Foot Print 47.375" x 26.25" Weight (w/ standard pad): 68 LBS NEW Single Column Front Foot NEW Front Handle and Rear Wheels for portability NEW UHMW Cap for safe upright storage 3/16" Gussets feature laser-cut Rogue "R" logo Rubber feet for added stability Available in Standard or Shorty height Choice of Standard, Comp Fat Pad, or Thompson Fat Pad Finish: Texture Black Powder Coat Ships Disassembled, Includes all hardware for assembly

Rogue went back to the drawing board when creating the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0. The original Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is a good bench, but it is absolutely overbuilt, and not in a good way. It didn’t have wheels or a handle, it had two MONSTER (makes sense why they named it as such) feet and was just grossly oversized. In addition, if you put the best selling bench top of all time, the Rogue Thompson Fat Pad on top, it became way too tall for most people. With this latest update, the new Monster Utility Bench is much sleeker, easy to maneuver, has two options for height and is truly a great bench. The problem is, there are many other great benches at much lower price points like the REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench that make it difficult for us to recommend it to most people.

Video Review

Written Review

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

One of the most popular benches of all time and one of the ones that we recommend the most is the Rep Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench which is an amazing bench for the money. I think Rogue saw the popularity of that bench and decided, hey, we need to upgrade our Monster Utility bench and create the Monster Utility 2.0. It’s got a Thompson Fat Pad and is one of the beefiest benches I’ve ever used. However, is it one of the best benches I’ve ever used? Let’s find out.

Rogue has a Monster Utility Bench 1.0, I’ve used it quite a bit, but I don’t love it. One reason I don’t love it, is because it’s got these crazy big feet that are on the bottom here. The 1.0 has them on the top too. So, it’s just overbuilt and in all honesty, quite cumbersome. It just gets in the way and nobody really needs a flat bench for pressing that big.

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

So what Rogue did was they went back to the drawing board. They looked at what was popular, they looked at what people were commenting and leaving reviews on, and they redesigned it. And the way they redesigned it is one, they made this option that stands up. Now, one thing I want to point out on the standup option, it’s not that secure. I’ve got a Rogue Thompson Fat Pad on mine and let’s say you’re walking in the gym and you just go by it, it teeters and totters making you worried it’s going to fall over. It’s just not that secure. I don’t know if it’s because it’s so big or what, but the stopper is supposed to be the thing that’s on the ground and it is on the ground. But because the pad is so thick and there’s not enough weight, it’s just kind of wobbles.

Just wanted to make that clear from the beginning, that said this is the most stable or one of the most stable flat benches I’ve ever used. And it should be because it’s absolutely overbuilt and quite pricey, like many things Rogue makes. It uses 3″x3″ steel all throughout the bench, including the frame and the cross member and the legs. That’s 11 gauge steel which is the same steel as what’s on a Rogue Monster Rack. What this translates to is being able to put as much weight on it as you’d like. No matter if you’re benching or doing some other sort of strength training, the bench won’t budge.

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 standing

The most significant feature of the bench, and one that copies the FB-5000 as well as many benches before it is they too away the front feet and made it a single post. The reason behind the post is so you can get your legs up and under the bench. This is really designed for powerlifting, so if you’re a powerlifter and you like to arch in the bench and stick your feet under so you can press up, um, that’s what this is designed for. I prefer the post design andI think it’s the right design.

When we initially posted this on Instagram, a lot of people said, Oh, Rogue is just copying Rep. Well, I hate to break it to you, but at the end of the day it’s just a flat bench. There’s only so much you can do with it. And, that’s really about the only way I can think of improving it. There are some details I could see that would be improved, but functionally every bench that’s going to come out is going to have something like this three-post design because it’s a great idea. It’s what is used on combo benches as well as many other types.

bottom of Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

The great benefit is that a three-post bench can be just as secure and stable as a four-post, but less cumbersome. So I really liked the design. Another update from Rogue is that they made a Shorty Version designed for a Thompson Fat Pad or their Competition Fat Pad. This allows the bench to sit 17 inches from the floor to the top of the Thompson Fat Pad. They have another tall version that 17 inches with a thin pad, but because I like my pads fat and I like Donnie Thompson, kind of, I wanted 17 inches to the top, so I purchased a short frame.

The reason a Fat Pad is nice is that it allows your scapula to move and feel sunk into the bench; it’s very comfortable. It does feel weird when you first use it, especially if you’re not huge, but you eventually get used to it.

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

Now, this is the Monster bench, which means it’s Rogue top the line, creme de LA creme best bench, best offering they have, however they’re using the same textured powder coat they use on the infinity line. I don’t get why you would use texture powder coat on this when you could use gloss black or other colors. Now when we posted that on Instagram, the owner of Rogue, Bill Henniger said in the comment section that this is just the initial version (and he was right, because they sent us an updated version, however, it hasn’t been released yet.)

Now would I recommend the Rogue Monster Bench 2.0? Definitely, I’d still recommend it. It’s a great bench. But, would I recommend it over the Rep FB-5000 for most people? Definitely not. The Rep is just such a good value. However, if you want made in the USA with some really cool details like the new barbell handle, then you should pick this one up. Just expect to drop some serious change.

Suggested Improvements

Rogue basically took our list of recommended changes and sent us a bench that has all of those issue fixed.

They made the handle a barbell.

They made it with gloss black powder coat instead of textured powder coat.

They used black zinc hardware.

Overall, I’m satisfied with the changes and don’t have much to add, other than I’d like to see this edition available for sale.

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Vs. REP Fitness FB-5000 Flat Bench

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 isn’t the only 3-post bench for sale. In fact, there’s quite a few now.

The bench that is most in competition with this one from Rogue is the REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench.

4.50
REP Fitness Alternative
REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench

The Rep Fitness Competition Flat Bench is designed to handle the heaviest weights, and has compatibility with the Rep Fitness Wide Pad or the Thompson Fat Pad (with 4-bolt mounting pattern, please check yours) for those seeking an extra-wide pad.A heavy-duty bench for big lifts.Why a 3-Post Flat Bench? Nothing in the way of your feet, at powerlifting competition spec height, and rated to 1,000 lbs at an incredible price.Dims: 17" high (top of pad), 48" long (pad), 12" wide (pad), 62 lbs. 4" thick pad. Designed to meet IPF specs of height, width, and length Heavy-duty 3x3" 11 gauge steel frame with even thicker connecting plates. Durable vinyl upholstery with 4" thick pad with plywood base. Connects with 4 bolts. 2 extra bolt holes on frame for future pad compatibility. 17" height from floor to top of pad. Our bench height allows athletes to use proper positioning of the feet, and arch the back to push up serious weight with proper form. Height stays the same when using the Rep Fitness Wide Pad. If swapping our pad for the Thompson pad (must be 4-bolt mount pattern), total bench height will increase 1/2 inch, and you will need to purchase (4) 3/8"(dia)x1"(length) bolts. 3-foot design for ease of leveling, and to ensure front support does not get in the way of foot positioning. *Please note* Front foot DOES NOT need to be perfectly flat in order to be stable while you're laying down on the bench. Similar to a tripod--lay down and let all 3 points support you, not just the front foot. Welded metal endcaps Handle and wheels for easy transport. Easy assembly, 15 minutes with a wrench.

We’ve done an entire write-up on the best weight bench and although the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 was our upgrade pick, the bench we most recommended is the FB-5000, and this hasn’t changed.

The Monster Utility Bench 2.0 from Rogue, no doubt, has a better fit and finish than REP’s. However, the FB-5000 is much cheaper and feels very similar during use. For most people, function outweighs looks in their home gym, because of that, we still recommend the FB-5000 most of all; it’s simply too good of a value.

Full Rating

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is the best flat weight bench that Rogue Fitness sells, but not the one we most recommend. We believe this bench is incredibly sturdy, overbuilt, and strong, however, we do believe there are better value options available. We do recommend the Monster Utility Bench 2.0, but only to those with deep pockets and a desire for things that are Made in the USA and top of the line.

Product Brand: Rogue Fitness

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 295

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.4

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0

Construction – 4.5
Features – 4.5
Dimensions – 4.75
Value – 3.75
GET Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 ($295)

Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 FAQs

Is Rogue Adjustable bench 2.0 worth it?

One of the greatest adjustable/incline benches on the market is the Rogue Adjustable Bench 2.0. It’s also one of Rogue’s cheapest items (although still very pricey.) The Adjustable Bench 2.0 is exceptionally sturdy during bench press, dumbbell rows, and whatever else you want to do with it, weighing in at 130 lbs.

How much does a rogue bench weigh?

The Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench would be a terrific addition to any home or business gym, thanks to its lifetime guarantee and structure that can withstand just about everything you throw at it. Anyone who requires a heavy-duty, high-quality bench for bench presses, dumbbell rows, or any other workout should consider it.

Is the Rogue flat bench worth it?

~30 pounds

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The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is the best flat weight bench that Rogue Fitness sells, but not the one we most recommend. We believe this bench is incredibly sturdy, overbuilt, and strong, however, we do believe there are better value options available. We do recommend the Monster Utility Bench 2.0, but only to those with deep pockets and a desire for things that are Made in the USA and top of the line.  » Read more about: Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 In-Depth Review  » Read more

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