Best Flat Bench You Can Buy

Griffin Bench: bit.ly/2SrwVlU
Rep Bench: bit.ly/2R3aDXp
In today's video we take a look at the new leader for budget flat benches. However, unlike most budget pieces where you're sacrificing quality for lower cost, the Griffin Competition Flat Bench is super high quality. Let's take a closer look!
Rep FB5000 Review: • Best Bench for the Mon...
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[@MatthewBuntyn]

Going from soft to firm becomes more difficult as you get older

[@BasementBrandon]

hey now!

[@brandonstout9402]

“Likes 35lbs Plates” that’s the attention to detail that brings the people back every video. Love the content!

[@BasementBrandon]

:)

[@nickviviano4486]

Awesome review, B! Been looking for a budget bench... Great timing!

[@BasementBrandon]

This is def one to consider!

[@bcarpiothetek]

Thanks so much for this review. Was using some garbage adjustable bench from a sporting good store and it slid all over my platform plus I didn't like the gap in the adjustable bench when I was doing flat bench press so I picked up the Griffin Bench and it's PERFECT!! Thanks for the review!!

[@BasementBrandon]

That's awesome, glad to hear you like it.

[@SurfTomas]

Great review as always 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

I appreciate that

[@TonyFontanesi]

Shout out for the excellent macro photography 👍

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Tony, should have pixel peeped before filming. Pads all feel the same but the REP seems to be slightly different whereas Griffin and Get RXD are identical.

[@CoopMauKona]

Boom I need this bench. Thanks Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Sure thing!

[@sandblaster2006]

Thanks B! I have been looking for a cheap quality bench.

[@BasementBrandon]

This one is def worth looking at!

[@angelalicea4726]

Great review! Will be nice to see the review on the GRIFFIN ADJUSTABLE FID BENCH

[@BasementBrandon]

It's up!

[@80yr.oldpowerlifter]

You made me buy the REP bench after I watched your review. 😀 I use it almost every day. I put my feet up to setup for the bench press. The edge of the bench has no wear marks. The cover is very rugged. The padding has stayed firm. Thanks Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

That's awesome, both are fantastic, this one just ends up being $20 cheaper now!

[@darrellwring9612]

Nice work B!👍🏾🏋🏾‍♂️💪🏾🤑📸🎥

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks Darrell

[@jaredsaltz895]

I’ve got the Griffin GR3 rack and love it.

[@BasementBrandon]

Awesome, that also reminds me of the REP PR5000

[@siegetank316]

Just found out they are local! Just placed the order. Thanks for the review.

[@BasementBrandon]

Hope you like!

[@higherlifts420]

Love my Griffin benches! And their flat bench pad is actually 4" unlike rep who lies to customers with their 3.75" pad

[@BasementBrandon]

Ah never noticed that!

[@dejavu3655]

The REP bench is actually advertised as 3 inches. The fat pad is 4. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter as long as it’s within regulation. A thicker pad may also compress more so do your homework and buy whatever works for you.

[@BrownBarbellClub]

It looks pretty solid! You are correct that these are identical. I think bells of steel has similar design for their fat pad! For me as well, the main differentiating point will be price + shipping. Also, I used to think I am the only one who like to train on stiff pad and like bit softer on competition. Hey Now :-) *likes 35 lbs plates*

[@BasementBrandon]

Hit all the points on that comment!

[@BrownBarbellClub]

@@BasementBrandon yes sir!

[@NoFate247]

Just came by for that stay big tag line. Great breakdown!!!!

[@BasementBrandon]

Save nothing for the swim back.

[@NoFate247]

@@BasementBrandon Great Movie

[@atp_powerlifting560]

Great video 🙏

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks my dude

[@johnzadkovich2990]

Good review. For those of us in the U.K. - with limited access to some quality US kit - this bench is comparable to the Mirafit M3 powerlifting bench which retails for £180.

[@BasementBrandon]

Appreciate the info!

[@jamestonbellajo]

Hey Brandon. Another great review. Love it when you review things/brands that don’t get as much exposure. Strongly considering this now because I’m about 30 minutes away from Griffin. I like how you compared the firmness of the pads. I saw this bench a while ago and wasn’t sure if the quality would be at the same level compared to REP, but sounds like it is. How’s the firmness compared to the REP FB5000? And if you’ve tried the Rogue competition/Thompson fat pads, how does this Griffin pad compare to those?

[@BasementBrandon]

TBH until I looked at the marco shots of the pads I thought they were the exact same bench with just a logo swap. Super similar! I find the thompson isn't super firm and lets you sink in a little, which a lot of bigger guys like.

[@SLouiss]

The tripod foot is nice. The pad also looks good.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not bad for $200!

[@BusinessAndFitness]

“You’re lucky I like Brandon’s voice or I’d ask what the f*** are we listening to” -cameraman

[@BasementBrandon]

Just talking about a 4" thick stiffy!

[@daujin_mk7]

Man I just got my REP 5050 because of your review. Now I'll wait to pick up a barbell and rack haha

[@BasementBrandon]

Can't go wrong with either, that's a great bench.

[@GorillaStrengthEquipment]

Nice looking bench!!

[@BasementBrandon]

I'm sure you could build something better :)

[@kyndred-ry5mm]

Great review ,just sub

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks for the sub!

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

Thanks Brandon, I recently did a review on the Bells of Steel version and paid 185 for mine with no tax and free shipping. I do like that this pad appears firmer than the BOS one and the metal endcaps are a nice extra. I was curious about how it looked under the pad and how it attaches to the frame, probably the same as other benches but its something I like checking off on my inspections. Anyway thanks for showing this brand, google sucks at finding these companies and by you showing it gives me another one to look at.

[@BasementBrandon]

Curious about the Bells bench. Site says it's about 12lbs lighter, but I don't imagine how.

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

@@BasementBrandon The Griffin appears to have a more dense pad. Also those metal foot end caps might add a few ounces lol . BOS is 12 gauge steel for whatever that's worth

[@rootstriker1618]

@@ShawntreezyBreezy well there u go 11 vs 12 gauge is ur weight differenfe

[@skyekingdom0]

wasn't expecting Brandon hunched over on his knees.. over a bench but here we are

[@BasementBrandon]

hope ur ready

[@mariusjohansen702]

Looks like a real solid bench.

[@BasementBrandon]

Def a good value!

[@scooobyj8714]

I got the REP AB5000 because of your video. Now you are changing your mind? Your killing me BB.

[@scottcrocco5907]

The REP AB-5000 is an adjustable bench, whereas Brandon is claiming the bench in this video to be his favorite flat bench.

[@scooobyj8714]

@@scottcrocco5907 you are right. I meant FB5000 not AB. Good catch.

[@BasementBrandon]

The FB5000 is just as good (especially if you already have it). This one is just about $20 cheaper. I try not to recommend things unless I've used or own them, so that's why the REP has been my standard go to.

[@sandtiger]

Brandon, I bought this bench after your analysis and I really love it. Am pretty much caught up with equipment now but will check with you if I need anymore.

[@BasementBrandon]

Glad to hear it worked out well!

[@stephennolan219]

REP's got that wide pad option, which if ya wanna go that route, is probably a lot cheaper overall than sourcing one for the Griffin.

[@BasementBrandon]

Griffins should be out shortly.

[@robertcpark]

The solid, welded handle on the Rep FB-5000 is perfect for feeding a battle rope through and anchoring it there. Can’t do that with what looks like a cheaper, bolt-on handle on the Griffin.

[@BasementBrandon]

I found the bench as too light and moved when using a rope.

[@robpark183]

@@BasementBrandon You're much stronger that I am! Actually, I put a 45# bumper or two on top and that locks it down. That curved handle works well with the rope.

[@DanesinTexas]

Looks solid. Need something like this....if I had room for more than one bench 😩 one day 🤞

[@BasementBrandon]

Right now I have 4 with a 5th on the way... lol

[@DanesinTexas]

@@BasementBrandon Basement 1 - Garage 0

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

Nice home gym Brandon.

[@BasementBrandon]

Thanks man!

[@johnnygunzfilmbuff7821]

@@BasementBrandon yw

[@LegendaryBrandon1]

Brandon checking in

[@BasementBrandon]

My dude

[@brianembry6589]

I love my Vulcan Strength Prime Flat Bench. Only $229 and free shipping. Great quality bench.

[@BasementBrandon]

Have one on the way.

[@cameronbatko]

Do I need a comp flat bench to go along with my rogue flat utility bench. Probably not but damn these reviews and that price point make it hard to say no

[@BasementBrandon]

Lol I have too many benches right now, need to get rid of some.

[@eddiezuniga5382]

Have you done a review of Griffin’s FID bench?

[@BasementBrandon]

I think so. FID-AB bench, but can't remember if its theirs or Get RX'd lol.

[@leedurbin1130]

I would say a small difference is the ability to get the wide pad on the FB-5000. I don't believe griffin has that option. I bought the REP bench with wide pad for an extra 20 bucks I think and it's pretty scwheet so far

[@BasementBrandon]

They told me they are releasing it soon!

[@amyl363]

Griffin Fitness is a new name to me. I noticed that their black bumper plates are claimed to be within 1% of stated weight. (But currently they are sold out of black plates heavier than 25 lbs.)

[@BasementBrandon]

oh nice, didn't notice!

[@amyl363]

@@BasementBrandon My new Griffin 25-lb bumpers arrived today. They put the pair in one box, so of course it arrived very beat up since it was "heavy" for UPS. But they used enough good tape to protect the plates. They are outgassing a bit, so are living on the breezeway for a while. I was impressed by the 1% weight tolerance, and now I have realized I don't know whether my scale is even precise enough to test whether they meet the standard, lol. Happy to be getting started on my home gym, though.

[@deadapostle]

I love these videos, but you're going to have to pry my Vulcan 3x3 Prime Flat Competition Bench from my cold, dead hands. It's basically the same bench and it costs $229 now. Pretty sure the best flat bench is the one you've got (provided that it's made of 3x3 11 gauge steel or better, has a thick pad, wheels, tripod style, and a handle). Mine's the heaviest of the three, though.

[@BasementBrandon]

Have one on the way!

[@masterkilla77]

@@BasementBrandon did it show up yet!?

[@BasementBrandon]

@@masterkilla77 Yes, just haven't gotten to it yet.

[@HauptmannGallenstein]

I thought this week video was about the Cable Tower 😢

[@BasementBrandon]

lol not yet!

[@stefanomagaddino6868]

Great bench BB. But doesn't this necessitate buying a second bench, you know, for incline work ? What are you feeling on adjustable benches.

[@BasementBrandon]

I think if you compete in powerlifting it makes sense to have a real flat bench (if you have the room). For most a good adjustable is prob better, but most aren't great as a flat bench due to gaps in the pad.

[@jcoleman924]

I'll still stand forever by the Rogue Utility Bench. Can't go wrong with these benches, but man that Rogue one is awesome. I put it through hell and it lasts.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on!

[@emmanuelcastro5677]

Have you review the rogue fat pad bench 2.0?

[@BasementBrandon]

I have not!

[@rootstriker1618]

The stiching on the rep looks so much cleaner and the steel and design under the bench is better on the rep, even the nuts an bolts are better on the rep

[@BasementBrandon]

You think?

[@dejavu3655]

They do charge tax depending on the state you live. REP comes in red and I can get replacement pads.

[@BasementBrandon]

Right on

[@SimonLi]

The prime fitness pull down/row no longer give me ocd. Can’t wait to see how you manage to change the ugly green 👀😂

[@BasementBrandon]

Haha soon, waiting on another piece or two.

[@sratanjee]

Debating rogue utilit 2.0 shortie with Thompson pad, Rep wide, Griffin wide. Which would you recommend? I read the vulcan loosens and gets soft and the Rep has more instability

[@BasementBrandon]

If you want best build quality, go rogue. If you want a simlarish experience and save $100, go REP.

[@docyak]

Can you do a review on the Iron Master super bench pro?

[@BasementBrandon]

If I ever get one!

[@jamestonbellajo]

I have the Super Bench Proand I just picked up this Griffin bench, so let me know if you have any questions.

[@ironrenegade7835]

Hey Brandon does this fit in your rogue bench prop mount in your rack?

[@BasementBrandon]

It does but I have to flip the orientation of the mount itself (hangs down for my adjustable)

[@I3arbarian]

Too bad this was sold out during their 4th of July sale. I did manage to get their rack with extension, stainless steel power bar, and adjustable bench though with 15% off.

[@BasementBrandon]

Nice!!

[@freedomfitnessequipment]

Dangit Brandon, now I have to buy YET ANOTHER BENCH. I WAS SATISFIED UNTIL THIS VIDEO!!!! SATISFIED!!!!!! *sigh*

[@BasementBrandon]

I mean I have 4 right now and a 5th on the way. Need to get rid of some lol

[@ericmad1995]

Do you plan to review there barbells?

[@BasementBrandon]

I've heard from a few that their SS power bar is very comparable to the REP as well.

[@richardbrady1849]

Do you have any suggestions for mounting a thompson fat pad on a flat bench? I have a lot of shoulder pain benching and I'd like to have a wider pad than 12"

[@BasementBrandon]

I know you can mount the 4 hole thompson on the rep bench but you have to buy the screws and it also increases the overall height.

[@richardbrady1849]

@@BasementBrandon you're so hot

[@richardbrady1849]

@@BasementBrandon also thanks!

[@steveunholzer2056]

Comparable to Rogue's Monster flat bench?

[@BasementBrandon]

The Rogue is higher quality, but with the fat pad and shipping you're looking at like 2x as much.

[@yetiproductionz]

Any chance of reviewing the Griffin adjustable bench? I'm stuck between ordering the rep flat bench and ab 5200 or going griffin for both flat and adjustable.

[@BasementBrandon]

Maybe. I do have the 5200 and the Get RX'd adjustable

[@yetiproductionz]

@@BasementBrandon thank you! I'm actually ordering a bunch of equipment from Rogue (RM3, plates, etc) and so now I'm wondering if I should just add the Rogue adjustable bench 2.0 to it as well, since it wont cost extra shipping like the other options... so many things and reviews to think through!

[@BasementBrandon]

@@yetiproductionz I think that's exactly what I said in my 2.0 review. I said it's a great bench but only really worth the price if you're buying a bunch of stuff already lol.

[@carloslaboy4279]

Does it fit the Rogue/Brandon bench prop?

[@BasementBrandon]

It will depending on the orientation of the prop!

[@wyllischu2467]

$105 shipping to HI lol. man i think i'm just gonna get a bench from amazon at this point. i found a company that offers bumper plates on oahu also. not as desirable as steel plates but you gotta do what you gotta do.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah you all are gonna get the short end of the stick on most shipping!

[@wyllischu2467]

@@BasementBrandon i really do appreciate their attempt to ship here though. hope some other companies will try too so at least i can see some other options.

[@GymCrafter]

Does this stand up on end for storage?

[@BasementBrandon]

It does not.

[@dustinchestnutt4502]

Is it 12" wide because online they claim 12.5"?

[@BasementBrandon]

Mine measures somewhere in between, But it's hard to measure based off the pad shape.

[@slipperysnake3822]

Not the rogue flat ultility bench 2.0?

[@BasementBrandon]

No, has wide feet in the front, is 18" high, and is about $245.

[@rhoady35]

I feel like REP made the vertical handle to double as an anchor point for a battle rope.

[@BasementBrandon]

That's a fair point, I think in that case they may have repurposed it as unless you weigh the bench down I think it would move way too easily.

[@tonycrispin]

Man that Rep has been out of stock (in red) FOREVER...now I'm thinking this is a better option, and l can pick up locally in SoCal to save even more on shipping. NO BRAINER!

[@BasementBrandon]

It's in stock at the time of this video!

[@thebarbellbackpacker]

Thanks bro! Bench is sold out!

[@BasementBrandon]

Whoops

[@thebarbellbackpacker]

Edit: Restocked and ordered.

[@masterkilla77]

@@thebarbellbackpacker do you love it? Out of stock again

[@thebarbellbackpacker]

@@masterkilla77 I do love it! Much better than the Titan bench that I own also.

[@jacobwilson7030]

Bells of Steel’s flat bench is $199 and free shipping and basically looks the same as these

[@BasementBrandon]

Kind of, the BoS doesn't have rubber feet so will slide around more on wood, they also use thinner materials as evident by the 12lb weight difference. For $10 more, the Griffin is a better buy (even the REP).

[@ShawntreezyBreezy]

I got mine for 185 just a little bit ago then they raised the price to this ;)

[@richt5986]

Best flat bench for the money is the bells of steel comp bench

[@BasementBrandon]

I'd prob say REP FB5000

[@richt5986]

@BasementBrandon those are nice too. I used both. But I bought the bos one. I like the logo on the side.

[@johna9168]

Definitely a want, more than a need! but at least i know which one when wifey allows me too hahaha... or when she's not looking at our accounts.

[@BasementBrandon]

yeah this one can be spun like "it was so cheap I had to" just show her a more expensive one first so that when she says no you can show her this one.

[@johna9168]

@@BasementBrandon Brilliant Idea!!!! hahah

[@AApril261992]

Also, thought you were getting rid of your imported stuff?

[@BasementBrandon]

This won't be staying long term. I'm not against imports either, I just mean when I buy things I'm strongly weighing in on where it comes from.

[@anthonyperry2923]

I checked to see if they ship to Canada, and they do. $165 for the bench and $150 for shipping... $315, lol.

[@BasementBrandon]

Bells of Steel has a similar version to this. No first hand experience though.

[@anthonyperry2923]

@@BasementBrandon yes, but like you said in another post, no rubber feet and made with lighter gauge steel, hence the 46 pounds, Hansu Power seems to have a decent bench for Canadians, $280 canadian, about 66 pounds in weight, ipf comp specs, and free shipping

[@KaitlynAxH]

What shoes do you have on here???

[@BasementBrandon]

Notorious Lift Slippers

[@UnknownUser-fg3fs]

Nothing in Canada

[@BasementBrandon]

Bells of Steel has something similar, not sure how it compares as I haven't used it.

[@rdamo2]

Griffin is great and I’m in California! They are great THEY ARE SMALLER THAN REP AND CHARGE LESS SHIPPING REP IS CLOSER TO RHODE ISLAND THAN GRIFFIN IM SORRY BUT I HATE REP FITNESS.

[@BasementBrandon]

lol at the all caps

[@Heleous281]

Want a gym that'll pay itself over 3yr span....but these prices are making that nearly impossible and just makes gym memberships that more enticing 😢

[@BasementBrandon]

Prices have been on the rise quite a bit the last few years, but I can't imagine not training at home now.

[@bamagolds]

Griffin is sold out, REP prices went up since.

[@BasementBrandon]

Yeah prices are up all over!

[@Chrontard]

i tought its gonna be something rogue for at least 1399

[@BasementBrandon]

😝

[@AlexM-vt5pu]

These prices make me sad :(

[@BasementBrandon]

This wasn't too long ago either!

[@JohnSmith-me9po]

0:58 you been doing some more arm work? Looking thick.

[@BasementBrandon]

fake news!

[@rianwhitby3480]

Most people are going to use this bench for barbell bench press, dumbbell work, or other things that they're going to do.

[@BasementBrandon]

True but I think a lot of people also don't want to own multiple benches.

[@rianwhitby3480]

@@BasementBrandon this was a direct quote from you in the video... I was laughing at 'most people are going to use this bench for one thing or another thing, or maybe something else'. Most people will indeed use the bench for one of those 3 categories 😀

[@AApril261992]

Always decent benches on marketplace around here, that's the cheapest and best value you'll get.

[@BasementBrandon]

Not around me!

[@keithhoneycutt2324]

The two goobers that down voted this video probably do kipping pull ups in their moms garage.

[@BasementBrandon]

I prob got them to buy the REP bench the week before when it came in stock.

[@bingjeffrey93]

Yall gonna just ignore the legs being out?

[@BasementBrandon]

?

[@smg267]

The front handle kills me! They should have made it knurled metal or something not as plasticy. Totally detracts from the look and quality of the bench.

[@BasementBrandon]

Prob keeps costs down but I'll pass that on to them.

[@roberthicks767]

Late algorithm

[@BasementBrandon]

late reply

[@redsoxwinagain2007]

I love innovation but is clear once you use China to manufacture anything, you risk being copied and competed against with the full and direct support from these manufacturers. Reps products are even copies. Look at the AB3000 bench and compare to the Valor Fitness DD40. And now, Griffin has a version and even Titan. The trend may be for this plus Chinese companies selling direct to us. Just look at Amazon. Now, 60% of sellers are direct Chinese companies.

[@BasementBrandon]

Agreed. I've seen people take an "original" design there b/c it's cheaper to produce, only to have that product then resold in china to other manufacturers.