Irwin Fitness Bench AB 1.0 Review! Better than Rogue and Rep Fitness?

[@BasementBrandon]

Garth does great work

[@MacStrengthCo]

yes he does. Thanks B

[@gurfdog]

Their stuff is incredible!!! Best made equipment I’ve seen. It’s built like a tank. Takes a while to get but well worth the wait.

[@Scottsdale_GarageGym]

Shipping alone was more than my Griffin FID. That’s a killer for me. Love that you support Canadian made equipment. Great review and great looking bench.

[@MacStrengthCo]

Yes it's not the budget option no doubt there. I started with a REP FID 3000 bench which is very similar to your bench. cheers!

[@phillipkleam4664]

Had been searching for a new bench and rack to upgrade myths amazon rack and bench I purchased three years ago when I started lifting. Both rogue and rep benches had something I didn’t like about them and I was prepared to just suck it up but then I found this review and it has everything I want. Placed my order for a fully kitted out custom P 690 series rack and bench from Irwin last week. Even snagged some roller j cups since shipping is flat rate. I’m so excited I almost can’t take it.

[@MacStrengthCo]

You won't be disappointed! Congrats on the order. Tell Garth I sent ya..

[@russellwong3658]

I just rewatched this video. Thank you again. I'll be reaching out to irwin fitness to order this bench. I purchased their roller j cups after watching your review. They were really pleasant to work with. And I also like support small businesses doing great work. Thanks again for all your videos. You've helped me in my home gym journey. Appreciate you !!!!

[@MacStrengthCo]

one of my biggest regrets is not investing into better equipment like Irwin's stuff from the beginning. As you know the handmade stuff lasts a lifetime. Keep me posted on it! cheers:)

[@russellwong3658]

Will do brother. I agree. I would have bought my rack with them. I'm ordering the bench. Spotter arms and the sandwich j cups as well. Is there a promo code I can use to have some kick back go to back to you and your channel. Regardless I'm going to let him know how helpful your channel was in my decision to be purchasing from irwin fitness. I was going to purchase the manta ray. But your review was so informative it changed my mind. Thank you again for all you do. Love your content. Love your gym as well.

[@meatfreemarialee]

Coool hello fellow Vancouverite! Just discovered your channel, opening a gym later this year and your videos are THE most helpful 👌🏼

[@MacStrengthCo]

glad I could help!

[@ISWIMWITHFISH]

I can’t tell you how happy I am to see this video!!! Finally!!!! Edit: also didn’t know you were a fellow Canuck! Love from AB brotha!

[@MacStrengthCo]

Surrey born and raised. Big fan of Irwin! Got family in Calgary and Edmonton. In fact I’ll be in Cowtown next month. Cheers💪🏼

[@anthmazz89]

Great review! Garth sent me photos of mine earlier this week. I’m more excited for it to arrive along with my rack after this video. I went with matte clear for the bench with matte black front and rear arm adjusters. Kept the same colour combo on the rack as well. Thanks for your content, really appreciate your work.

[@MacStrengthCo]

Your set up is going to look awesome. Appreciate your support!

[@russellwong3658]

Thank you for a great review. I'm still undecided between this and the rogue manta ray bench.

[@MacStrengthCo]

Manta is a decline bench which is the main reason to get it.

[@trevorbiro1708]

Hell Ya !! Nice Review... My Irwin Fitness Bench and Rack bring a smile to my face every time I set foot in the gym!!!

[@MacStrengthCo]

It's more than a bench when you know the owner who built it for you. Your long term review of the Irwin bench is a testament to the quality. cheers bud!

[@mikeworkman1759]

Great review! If I didn't just buy my rogue adjustable 3.0 last year this would be on my list for sure!

[@MacStrengthCo]

Thanks Mike. Ya so many great benches out there right now. hard to choose one.

[@josegamboa994]

This bench is sweet, dang, and I just got my AB3000 2.0 REP bench. Big difference in price, but it looks worth every cent.

[@MacStrengthCo]

So many great benches to choose from now. Not a bad thing really! cheers

[@marvinisrael1671]

After seeing your review, I was so struck with the aesthetics of this bench to say nothing of the excellence of its construction that I just ordered the same color and fitments as yours. I'm 85 and I alternate working out at home via Facetime with a friend using resistance tubes, weighted pushups, dumbbells, and a pullup bar with helper resistance bands with workouts at the local Y. This bench will be used only for seated Arnold presses, bent over single arm rows, and hip thrusts with a resistance band. I live in South Central PA.

[@MacStrengthCo]

it's a fantastic bench. little pricey but hand made so I dig that. Have fun and thanks for the comment!

[@sunnibird]

I'm definitely going to buy some stuff from them in the future. I'd never heard of them until now.

[@liftsalty]

Goat bench! Love my Irwin AB!

[@MacStrengthCo]

I had a hard time finding a good title for it. lol

[@simsjw]

Finally jammer arms that are not worthless. Never understood wby pecflys are not common w/these

[@zaineridling]

I cannot disagree with anything you said. This is sensational!

[@MacStrengthCo]

Thanks Marquis! Appreciate it

[@pob1845]

Been waiting since Christmas for this review and it was totally worth it! But I pulled trigger a few days after you announced that you were getting it...I had some faith in you. I agree with everything you said, absolutely on point. Even at 120 pounds, the bench is easily moved...my 5'1'' might disagree aince she needed to help me carry it downstairs. Was in contact with IFS and they told me the head sleeve would be around 110 CAD. Also they told me that were working on a bench that could be shipped disassembled, that would bring the cost down but on the other I like the fact they assembled it making that everything was tighted up and not overly. This thing doesnt move at all once you're on it and take all the available option, worths every dollars. I really like the new intro on the video and the end song. Now, I would like the see how you are using the different angles. Thanks ! **so what was the noise finally 😂?

[@MacStrengthCo]

right on!! what color did you get? I found it really easy to move compared to the heavier REP bench. The back wheels are really nice.

[@burtbakerack1110]

I’m in Canada and I’ve got one of these. Great bench.

[@MacStrengthCo]

What part? If I was still up north I would probably have an empty wallet and a gym full of Irwin!!

[@seancreighton4393]

I didn't realize you were from Vancouver. That's awesome same here! If only I could afford getting stuff from Irwin haha.

[@MacStrengthCo]

I think it took me 2 yrs to finally get one in the gym. Not cheap thats for sure but I've started to round that corner I guess. ha ha.. cheers bud.

[@impaledface7694]

What a work of art.

[@MacStrengthCo]

absolutely!

[@bradfordburton5058]

Not sure sure what "Head pad not yet listed" means? Great review....this color combo is my dream bench!

[@MacStrengthCo]

The irwin logo head pad is not listed on the website yet. Should be soon however.

[@dirtdog5045]

Completely agree by far the best-looking bench on the market. Great review

[@MacStrengthCo]

Thanks. Someone about the extra hardware and design just does it for me. cheers bud

[@josephmhines]

Great review as always!!! What is the bench color (looks like gun metal) at the 12:54 point in the video?

[@MacStrengthCo]

He calls that "matte clear coat" It's pretty bad ass. super industrial looking

[@josephmhines]

@@MacStrengthCo yeah I spoke with Garth about doing a clear grind, but understandably he said it would take too much time....but I do really like that clear coat look!!! Thanks for the fast response Ryland!

[@michaelmoniz8419]

Thanks for the review. Quick question, how's the density of the Irwin bench padding compared to others? I prefer bench padding to be stiffer with less give. Any recommendations? Thanks.

[@MacStrengthCo]

it's stiff. I have no scientific measurement but slightly firmer than the REP benches. I've used all the benches from Rogue and Rep and find them very similar and firm. The cheap amazon/titan brand benches feel softer but this is all bro science! cheers :)

[@jimbin-yp8kw]

@@MacStrengthCo Do you think this bench is better than the mantaray or rep blackwing?

[@snakebyte7271]

Nice bench thanks for sharing.

[@MacStrengthCo]

you bet!

[@TheCarterHomeGym]

Looks like a tank! Very nice 👌

[@MacStrengthCo]

Thanks. Yes it’s really bad ass.

[@markhalstead2386]

I find pallet delivered items to be in better condition than large heavy box deliveries. Less handling since it is a pallet mover doing the work. The Rep Fitness Black Wing does not have that rear post.

[@MacStrengthCo]

I think your right about the pallet.. Thanks for the feedback Mark. Appreciate your support bud. cheers

[@pedalandypedal]

Would love to support one of the smaller brands but damn, $450 in shipping to Texas.

[@MacStrengthCo]

the shipping is brutal I know.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

I wonder how this goes head to head with the Rep black wing which has the updated grip vinyl for their rep benches.

[@MacStrengthCo]

I'll have both in the gym by the end of summer to find out.

[@MetalsForBrunch]

​@@MacStrengthCoHey any update which one you prefer? do you like the Irwin bench more than the rep blacking?

[@raps7027]

It's a great bench, however I already own the Rep Fitness AB 5200 and the AB 3000 FID. However, the one piece of equipment I regret buying from Garth is the Monolift, It took 3 months to get them custom made and Powder Coated , and they were very expensive. (But worth the $) But man each Monolift weighs over 35 pounds and I can not lift each individual one by myself and place it on my Power Rack without difficulty. Don't get me wrong they are a beast and they are awesome and indestructible (well Manufactured) like all Irwin Fitness Equipment. But I should of read the fine print before ordering I did not realize that they were that hefty and weighed so much and awkward to lift. I have only used them once or twice as they are just not practical for my home gym set up, possibly for a Power Rack where you do not move them around and they stay on permanently? If I could do it again I would purchase the Mutant Metal Monolifts as they are light and easy to put on and take off, according to the people who own them.. (To be completely honest I do not think I really need a pair of Monolifts as I don't bench press heavy anymore.) I do have a pair of Irwin Fitness Roller J-cups and I like them very much, I own several J-cups including Ghost roller J-cups and Oak Club Alpha -S Jcups, however I use my Irwin Fitness roller J-cups the most. Garth also custom made me some fantastic Squat handles which I really enjoy, not really for squats but for balance and stretch work. Sorry man I got off topic, but great review on the bench , I just get excited when it comes to Irwin Fitness equipment? Maybe it's the Canadian in me living in the USA and I like supporting smaller companies where you actually get to speak with the owner of the company when you have any questions regarding the equipment you are interested in purchasing. Now, If I did not have a One car Garage Gym and a Garage like yours which is probably bigger than my house? Then hell yea I would probably buy another bench like the one you reviewed. You can never own to many benches right? LOL. Take care buddy.

[@MacStrengthCo]

Hey great feedback! Where in Canada-> USA are you from? I absolutely trash my Irwin roller j cups with heavy weight and they keep going. I love them. Monos aren’t needed and I got them to review and found them bulky and really only useful for bench even with the Rogue ones. Thanks for the support and let me know what you need reviewed! Cheers bud

[@raps7027]

@@MacStrengthCo My wife is from Victoria, BC and I am originally from Toronto, ON but grew up in Thunder Bay, On. We now live in Seattle, WA (12 years now) and have a 5 yr old (daughter and a 9 yr old son). We just got back from doing a road trip down the Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach, Lincoln City etc), we rented dune buggies in the sand dunes and had a blast, but I remember when you had your "accident" on your Quad as I recall so I was very fearful and took it very easy!!! When I completed my home gym last year I remember you did that review (extensive) on those strip lights for your gym, I had never seen those before and I thought they were so cool, so I bought the same ones as you recommended for my gym and my kids love them when they do dance parties or my daughter practices her ballet etc. They love them when they are synched to the music. So, belated thanks for that recommendation. Next time you talk to Garth say Hi to him from Steve and I promise to get some Instagram pictures of his products when I figure out how to use it? My cousin who is a Police Detective in Thunder Bay is really good friends with Garths best friend who also is a Police Officer in Manitoba. (It just shows you how small the world really is). If you know anyone who wants some brand new Mono lifts let me know? I will ship for free! Just don't tell Garth! LOL

[@MacStrengthCo]

@@raps7027 Hey thanks for the brief history on everything. I've worked all over Vancouver island and know it well and have a bunch of family in Ontario. If your on IG hit me up and say hi there too. cheers!

[@williamdejeffrio9701]

What are the details on that cambered bar at 04:34 ? Who makes it, model # etc. Thanks.

[@TheNtv69]

Do you think this is better then rogue ab 3.0?

[@thebodybeatdownDiTi]

One thing that turns me away from many companies is when they charge extra for different colors.

[@MacStrengthCo]

It's generally cheaper to powder coat black over a custom color. So basically anyone that just wants black get's a discount is the way I look at it.

[@scraps4019]

This is a charge outside the control of IFS since they outsource to a certified professional company to paint their equipment.

[@scraps4019]

I sold my Rogue 2.0 bench to buy Irwin's AB. The Irwin is so far beyond it in every way.

[@MacStrengthCo]

Your not the only one trading in their Rogue benches lately! I just love the look of Irwin's bench design. cheers!

[@hamadi619]

Reps new blackwing smokes this bench plus looks better… just preordered mines.

[@MacStrengthCo]

The bench game is thick right now! Enjoy your blackwing.. keep me posted on it.

[@jimbin-yp8kw]

Why is the rep better than this?

[@minhazulabedin4234]

Hey Mac. I just watched your video and was really informative and well-made. I was wondering if I could help you edit your videos and optimize(promote) them for more views/subscribers. I'll send you a portfolio link if you'd want. Looking forward to hear from you

[@MacStrengthCo]

Thank you. Not at this time but will keep you in consideration.

[@CraigularjJoeWoodworks]

An hour from my house

[@MacStrengthCo]

sand will collect moisture and mold

[@raynorris6497]

$716+$300 shipping for a bench that is bolted together? No!

[@MacStrengthCo]

I can't argue it's expensive. Personally I bought it because of the "bolts" look. That just me however.

[@EJH-jn6mo]

Would like to support small business, however, for that kind of money it needs to offer decline and add on attachment capability.

[@keldsports8337]

She’s a beaut!

[@MacStrengthCo]

I think so too.

[@Blahmanwhysoserious]

My wallet wishes I didnt see this review

[@MacStrengthCo]

ha ha! Home gym... think how much money we saved.

[@thomaslahr9022]

Too bad the shipping costs are a deal killer.

[@MacStrengthCo]

agreed.

[@ArrowRozz]

The price is over a thousand dollars.

[@MacStrengthCo]

its not cheap.

[@babygiantbarbell1014]

Sexy bench!

[@MacStrengthCo]

Hell ya!💪🏼

[@KnightWicked]

Way too expensive at $929

[@MacStrengthCo]

absolutely

[@loveydovey4u]

Can't be hand made!

[@MacStrengthCo]

He doesn't have any automated robotic welders so yes it's made by hand.

[@indianajonze]

made in the usa is the only way to go!!!!* *buT ALso CaNAdA 🤡🤡🤡

[@MacStrengthCo]

Don't forget about that little village called Canada!

[@aldenapoli4526]

Way too expensive!!!