The 7 Best Flat Weight Benches For Top Workouts

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Weight benches come in a variety of shapes, different angle options, and with different attachments. In the end, many people just need a good flat weight bench.

While these are a lot more straightforward there are still some important differences between brands. Right below you can find our top picks for the best flat weight benches.

Best flat weight benches top picks

  1. Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
  2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6996 Flat Bench
  3. REP FITNESS FB-3000 Flat Bench
  4. Marcy SB-315 Flat Weight Bench
  5. Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench
  6. Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench
  7. Steelbody Flat Workout Bench

Keep in mind that is not possible to create one perfect ranking for everyone. Sometimes picks lower on the list can be better for your personal training capacities, budget, training goals, personal situation, and preferences.

For example, the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 is a great weight bench but just a bit pricier. If you are on a budget and you don’t lift as heavy, you could consider the Marcy SB-315 Flat Weight Bench instead.

How we selected our top picks

Our fitness experts spent a lot of time looking at and comparing all the different important factors of flat weight benches. Some of the things that were taken into consideration when making our selection include:

  • Material, weight capacity, stability, pad thickness, height, pad width, etc.
  • User reviews
  • Anecdotal reviews from fitness experts
  • Price
  • Brand trustability

If a pick seems interesting click it to see the online prices.

7 Best flat weight benches reviewed in depth

The overview of the top picks can help you make a quick decision. You can also look at each of the best flat weight benches reviewed more in depth to confirm you are making the right decision.

When it comes to reviewing flat benches the focus is more on the details like height, width, and pad thickness compared to something like the best multi-purpose weight benches where all of the different features play a big role.

1. Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0

Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
Product image from Rogue Fitness

Our top pick for the best flat weight benches is the Rogue Utility Bench 2.0. This model does basically everything right, even for the more experienced lifters.

The main downside is that it is priced just a bit above average. For a good flat weight bench this extra investment should not matter too much, especially for the quality you get with this model from Rogue.

However, if you are on a tight budget, are not that tall, and don’t lift that heavy, there are other options that may be more suited for you.

A relatively unique feature of the Rogue Utility Bench 2.0 is the no assembly required. This flat weight bench comes ready to use which can help you save some valuable time.

Pros

  • “No limitations” weight capacity
  • Relatively long back pad at 47″ (119 cm)
  • No assembly required
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews
  • A lot of happy customers

Cons

  • Just a bit pricier than most of the other flat weight benches

When it comes to dimensions, the length of 47″ (119 cm) is above-average. Even taller lifters should be able to fit on this flat weight bench.

The pad width and pad thickness are about average at 12″ (30.5 cm) width and 2.25″ (5.7 cm) thick. For these features personal preference plays a big role. Even so, if you are not sure what you want, the average can be a good starting point.

In terms of height, the Rogue Utility Bench 2.0 is definitely on the tall side. At 18″ (45.72 cm) this option is even slightly higher than the max height of 45 cm (17.72″) in the technical rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation.

For most people, small differences like this will not be that important but certain individuals do want to keep this in mind.

Lastly, Rogue Utility Bench 2.0 is about average when it comes to total weight at 40 pounds (18.1 kg). This makes it relatively easy to move and in combination with all of the other great features, one of the best flat weight benches.

2. Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6996 Flat Bench

The first option from Rogue did go above and beyond but this next flat weight bench from Sunny Health & Fitness is a good example that a good weight bench does not need to cost a lot.

With a weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg) most people will find this flat weight bench more than sturdy enough. Additionally, customers mention that there are also no stability problems.

The main thing to keep in mind is that certain tall individuals may find the back pad length of 43″ (109.22 cm) just a bit too short to do bench press comfortably.

That being said, as the positive ratio of customer reviews indicates, the benefits of the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-BH6996 Flat Bench outweigh the small downsides for most people.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg)
  • Has transport wheels
  • Has a built-in section to store dumbbells
  • Budget-friendly
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews

Cons

  • Padding of 3″ (7.62) may be a bit too thick for some people
  • The “dumbbell” rack is not actually that useful
  • The back pad length of 43″ (109.22 cm) may be too short for tall individuals

A nice addition to this flat weight bench is the built-in transport wheels. If you use your workout room for other purposes anything that makes the storing process easier can be a big help.

Additionally, this model from Sunny Health & Fitness has a small “dumbbell rack” built in. That being said, customers mention that this “rack” is not that useful for many types of dumbbells.

On top of that, the weight bench would become a lot harder to move with dumbbells on this rack.

The last thing to note is that this option has the thickest padding at 3″ (7.62) out of all the flat weight benches in this article. Due to personal preference you could find this just a bit too thick.

3. REP FITNESS FB-3000 Flat Bench

When it comes to high-quality flat weight benches the FB-3000 model from REP FITNESS is definitely one of the best options out there.

Compared to the Rogue model there is just a tiny bit of inconvenience involved in assembling the REP FITNESS Flat Weight Bench and re-tightening the screws after heavy use.

That being said, if you don’t mind this too much this FB-3000 model can be a bit more budget-friendly than the Rogue bench.

The 10-year warranty on the frame and 30-day warranty on the pad implies that the people at REP FITNESS stand behind the quality of their product. In combination with the great features and the high number of happy customers, this model is one of the best flat weight benches.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 1000 pounds (453 kg)
  • Relatively long back pad at 47.25″ (120 cm)
  • A lot of happy customers
  • 10-year warranty on the frame, 30-day warranty on the pad

Cons

  • A few individuals mention they had to tighten the screws after a period of usage

Similar to the Rogue model, the back pad length of 47.25″ (120 cm) should be enough, even for the taller lifters. This option from REP FITNESS is also another model with a height of 18″ (45.72 cm).

This is slightly higher than the max height of 45 cm (17.72″) in the technical rules book of the International Powerlifting Federation but for most people this should be fine.

The width of the back pad is 11.75″ (29.85 cm). This is just a tiny bit under the more common 12″ but should again be good for most people.

Lastly, a back pad thickness of 2.5″ (6.35 cm) is a bit above average. Some people will like this about the REP FITNESS FB-3000 Flat Bench. Others may prefer thinner models.

4. Marcy SB-315 Flat Weight Bench

The Marcy SB-315 Flat Weight Bench is a model that focuses on keeping the price budget-friendly and weight easy to move. This does come with some limitations.

First of all, the length of the back pad is on the shorter side at 41″ (104 cm). Taller individuals may find this too small to do exercises like the bench press comfortable.

Next, the weight limit of this option is a good amount lower than most of the other flat weight benches at 600 pounds (272 kg).

That being said, if your height and lifting capabilities are within this range, the Marcy SB-315 can be a budget-friendly model.

The high number of happy customers and 2-year warranty imply this can still be a good weight bench for the right people.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 600 pounds (272 kg)
  • Light weight of 20 pounds (9.07 kg) makes it easy to move
  • Budget-friendly
  • A lot of happy customers
  • 2-year warranty

Cons

  • Relatively short back pad at 41″ (104 cm)
  • Weight capacity may be too low for experienced lifters

When it comes to the width of the back pad, the Marcy SB-315 Flat Weight Bench is average at 12″ (30.48 cm).

Next, the pad thickness (2″ = 5.08 cm) and height (17″ = 43.18 cm) are also what you expect from most flat weight benches.

The total weight of the Marcy SB-315 is 20 pounds (9.07 kg). This reflects the lower weight capacity but does make the bench easier to move around once you are done with your workout.

5. Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench

Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench
Product image from Rogue Fitness

The first thing that stands out in the Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench is that you can fold this option. In combination (or without) the included steel wall-mounted bench hanger this flat weight bench is easy to store and move.

One thing to keep in mind is that this model is also a bit heavier at 48 pounds (21.8 kg) than most models. The foldability makes moving the bench easier but at the same time, this weight is above-average.

Something else to note is the price of the Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench. This is definitely one of the pricier options when it comes to the best flat weight benches.

Even so, if you don’t mind paying a bit more, like the foldability, and like the Rogue Fitness brand, you can definitely consider this model.

Pros

  • Foldable for compact storage and transport
  • Comes with a steel wall-mounted bench hanger
  • Relatively long back pad at 47″ (119 cm)
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews

Cons

  • Pricier than most of the other flat weight benches
  • Specific weight capacity is not mentioned but should be more than enough considering the Rogue brand and the weight of the bench

The length and thickness of the back pad are the same as the previous flat weight bench from Rogue. That means 47″ (119 cm) long and 2.25″ (5.7 cm) thick.

When it is ready to use, the Rogue Fold-Up Utility Bench is 17″ (43.18 cm) high. This is within the guidelines of the International Powerlifting Federation. When folded, this bench is 7.5″ (19.05 cm) high.

The number of customers of this model is not as high as the previous flat weight bench from Rogue but overall, the people that did buy this option were very happy.

6. Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench

This next flat weight bench from Amazon Basics is another option with a budget-friendly cost but some downsides that come with this. The first potential issue is the weight capacity of only 385 pounds (174 kg).

For beginners and possibly some intermediate lifters this could be fine. However, for a heavy lift like the bench press most people will need something a bit sturdier.

Additionally, the Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench is definitely on the shorter side at 41″ (104 cm). Depending on your body measurements this may be another downside.

If these things don’t apply to your situation and you want to get a cheaper flat weight bench, the Amazon Basics model could be for you. This bench still has many happy customers.

Pros

  • Light weight of 24 pounds (10.9 kg) makes it easy to move
  • Budget-friendly
  • A lot of happy customers

Cons

  • Relatively short back pad at 41″ (104 cm)
  • Weight capacity of only 385 pounds (174 kg)
  • Weight capacity may be too low even for intermediate lifters

When it comes to the back pad width, this option is somewhat average at 11″ (27.94 cm) wide.

Similar to some of the other options the Amazon Basics model is slightly “too tall” at 18″ (45.72 cm) for the IPF guidelines but most people won’t mind this.

The pad is thinner than most flat weight benches at 1.8″ (4.57 cm). Some people will find this too uncomfortable but others may like the sturdy feel this offers.

Lastly, the Amazon Basics Flat Weight Bench weighs 24 pounds (10.9 kg) which is relatively light. This makes it easier to move around but is one of the reasons for the low weight capacity.

7. Steelbody Flat Workout Bench

The Steelbody Flat Workout Bench is a bit lower on the list of the best options but it is still a relatively solid pick. Its transport wheels and reasonable price are welcome surprises.

One thing to note is that this weight bench is shaped a bit unusually. On one side the bench is a relatively average 12″ (30.48 cm) wide. After that, it gradually goes into a wider part of 15″ (37.1 cm) wide.

As the many happy customers can testify this does not get in the way of offering good workouts.

Tall individuals do want to keep the somewhat small back pad length of 43″ (109.22 cm) in mind. This could be too small for their needs.

Pros

  • Weight capacity of 800 pounds (362 kg)
  • Has transport wheels
  • Very positive ratio of customer reviews
  • A lot of happy customers

Cons

  • The back pad length of 43″ (109.22 cm) may be too short for tall individuals

The weight capacity of the Steelbody Flat Workout Bench is somewhat below average. 800 pounds (362 kg) should be enough for most people but advanced lifters may need to choose one of the other options.

When it comes to the other details, this model from Steelbody is relatively average. The pad thickness is 2.5″ (6.35 cm) and the height is 17″ (43.18 cm).

This is not the most exceptional weight bench but if you don’t like the other options and/or like the unique shape and/or any price deals of this model, you can consider the SteelBody Flat Workout Bench.

How to choose a flat weight bench

In many ways a flat weight bench is a relatively straightforward piece of equipment. However, there are still differences between models and brands that can be relevant to your situation.

By keeping some of the factors below in mind it can become easier to make a good decision.

Weight capacity

The first and arguably most important factor when choosing the best flat weight bench for you is the weight capacity. How much this has to be depends on your personal capacities and how much you plan to improve.

Some people weigh 150 pounds and will never bench press more than 200 pounds. In a situation like that, you could consider saving some money by choosing a model with a lower weight capacity.

On the other hand, an advanced lifter who weighs 200 pounds and bench presses 330 pounds likely wants a flat weight bench with a higher capacity and some extra wiggle room to improve.

Additionally, the weight capacity is at least some indicator of how sturdy the flat weight bench is built. By choosing a model with a higher weight limit you may be more at ease.

Pad size

Similar to weight, people vary in the size and shape of their upper body. Additionally, flat weight benches come in different sizes.

The first dimension to check is the length of the weight bench. To do bench presses in a safe and comfortable way you need to be able to fit your entire upper body.

Longer weight benches will generally cost a bit more because they require more material but this is not a feature to be stingy on.

Next, there is the width of the pad. How wide this should be is a combination of your own upper body width and personal preferences.

The IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) specifies a weight bench width bigger than 29 cm and not exceeding 32 cm (11.4″ – 12.6″). Most of the best flat weight benches are in this range or just barely out of it.

If you want to be really precise you could try out different benches to see exactly what pad width suits you best.

Stability

When doing a heavy lift like the bench press or any other weight bench exercise you want your bench to be stable. If your weight bench is not stable this can be inconvenient and worse.

How stable a flat weight bench is depends on the width of the feet and the center of gravity.

Weight bench height

During the bench press and in many other weight bench exercises you also plant your feet on the ground for stability.

By choosing a flat weight bench with the right height you can do your exercises safer and in a more comfortable way.

The IPF specifies a height between 42 cm and 45 cm (16.5″ – 17.7″) from the floor to the top of the padded surface. There are a few benches that go outside of this range but only in small amounts. You may also prefer these other heights.

Lastly, some of the flat weight benches are foldable. This can be useful to store your weight bench in a compact way when you are not using it.

Pad thickness

In our selection of the best flat weight benches the thickness of the different pads varies from 1.8″ to 3″ (4.57 cm to 7.62 cm). How thick the pad should be is mostly a case of personal preference.

Generally, the thinner pads will be just a bit more stable but also less comfortable. The thicker pads will be the opposite of that, slightly less stable but more comfortable.

Price

There are a few pieces of fitness equipment where you generally don’t want to be too strict with your budget because of safety.

A flat weight bench which your whole body rests on while moving very heavy weights up and down above your body is one of these. You generally don’t want to come close to the boundaries of weight capacity and stability.

That being said, sometimes you can get similar or even more benefits for a lower price. Additionally, if you are on a tight budget there may be no other choice than to go for a slightly less expensive (but still quality) weight bench.

Warranty

Flat weight benches are generally not the most expensive piece of fitness equipment but at this price point, a good warranty policy is definitely a nice thing to have.

Additionally, a long warranty implies that the brand stands behind the quality of its product.

Adjustable vs flat weight bench

This article includes the best flat weight benches but you may still be hesitating between an adjustable or flat weight bench.

Regular adjustable weight benches allow you to work your chest at different incline angles. For example to focus more on the upper chest during the bench press exercise.

You can take this one step further with Flat, Incline, Decline (FID) benches. These also allow you to do decline bench presses and a variety of core exercises.

Additionally, you can use many adjustable weight benches to do exercises like the seated shoulder press with back support and decline sit-ups.

Options with more features like weight benches with leg extensions are typically also adjustable.

The main benefits of flat weight benches are that they are generally more budget-friendly, lighter (and thus easier to move), and don’t have the gap at the end where you sit.

FAQ

Is a flat weight bench good?

A flat weight bench can be good to add helpful exercises like the bench press to your workout routine.

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Author:

Matt Claes founded Weight Loss Made Practical to help people get in shape and stay there after losing 37 pounds and learning the best of the best about weight loss, health, and longevity for over 4 years. Over these years he has become an expert in nutrition, exercise, and other physical health aspects.