tldr; The REP Fitness AB-4100 is highly regarded as a solid, premium-feeling, and space-saving adjustable bench, offering excellent value.
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Best praise vs top criticism for REP Fitness AB-4100
“REP AB-4100 After lots of reviews I went with the AB-4100 because it seemed to be the cheapest option that was premium feeling, solid, not crazy heavy, stands up out of the way, and maybe most importantly it was available in a Stormtrooper black/white color combo (I really never planned to run with this as much as I did, everything just fell into place that way). This thing is SOLID. With how frequently I move my bench around I can't imagine wanting anything heavier than this, it's already super planted. Stands up on its own (doesn't need to lean against a wall) in a very small footprint if space is tight. Doesn't rock side to side like the Flybird did and the one-hand ladder adjustments are a bit easier than the pop-pin adjustments I was used to. I was worried the handle would be too narrow to dig my toes into for sit-ups but it's wide enough (and heavy enough with no added weights unlike the Flybird) that I can still use the bench for assistance. Flybird I bought this when I was first setting up my home gym (ordered April 3rd 2023, today is January 18th 2024). Not being sure how long I'd stick with it or what to look for in a bench this was a very cheap frequently recommended option so I went with it. For context I'm 155lbs and more of an out of shape cyclist than a lifter. In less than a year the back now slopes just over an inch from the hip to shoulder area, this seems to mainly be from the pop-pin hole in the flat position flaring out from stress. I was fine with it being a permanent decline bench in the flat position but then last week I sat on the side of it and it just snapped. I guess the playwood or whatever is inside had dried out and flexed enough that it couldn't take it anymore? Also while it's nice this bench folds in half for storage it doesn't stand on its own while folded, you have to lean it against something. A week ago I'd have said this bench is a decent starter bench for the price but doesn't wear well but after the seat broke I'd have a hard time recommending it at all. TLDR: Flybird lasted less than a year. I didn't want to spend much starting out but you get what you pay for. I can't overstate how much better and more solid the REP AB-4100 feels. Ultimately it would have been cheaper to buy something nicer the first time.”
“I'd apply this to any purchase really, but if it has features you want and will use, buy. Do not go with the watered down version. You'll be kicking yourself wondering "what if" or might even end up upgrading down the line anyway. It sounds like you've already dropped a pretty penny with your setup, so you know that in the grad scheme of things for our home gym, $200 is a drop in the bucket. You will not miss that money. I have the AB-4100, but if the BlackWing or updated 5200 v2 were available at the time, I would have gotten one of those. For me, the downsides are the squishiness of the pad (fixed) and the hinge bolt in the pad gap sits to high up. I've bruised my tailbone on it before while sitting back dumbbells for bench press. Yes, it does move around *more easily* but definitely still not easy. These things have wheels, so they are quite easy to move around in a straight line, but rotating or going up/down a platform - times where you'd normally just pick up the whole bench - is the annoying part since you can't pick up ladder style benches.”
123 Reddit opinions analyzed • Last updated 2/24/2026