Customer Reviews

Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable weight-lifting Bench

5 star:		(28)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I agree that this bench is versatile, especially given all the possible attachments. However, it does have some design flaws or at least shortcomings in my opinion.

First... the legs are not wide enough to give the bench stability when used with attachments such as for the dip and chin. It is serviceable for other exercises, but if it was only an inch or two wider on each side it would be much better.

Second... With this bench you need to change attachments frequently. Unfortunately, the bolt and pin assembly that is used to make these changes is plastic on the part that you apply leverage to. While I don't know of one breaking, it certainly looks like this would be a probably outcome over time. You must also insert the pin and screw it tight with the plastic part referenced above to fully engage the attachments into the frame. We could put spaceships on the moon, but we can't come up with something better here? How much could this improvement cost?

Third... if you are using this unit in a confined area, you will need to move it around in order to switch from flat or incline to decline. This requires removing the seat, adding the situp attachment and reversing your direction. If your set up is close to a wall... you will also have to move the bench.

This is speculation on my part, but if you buy the dumbbell spotting system, it appears that the bench gets more stable from the cross bracing. If you buy the chin up and dip attachments first, you will almost certainly NEED to incur an extra $200+ expense. Who knows if this is intentional, but as another reviewer points out, you don't find some things out until you start using the bench.

On the upside, there are many angle settings, seat positions, etc. The bench also is well padded and looks durable. As other reviewers point out, assembly is easy and this unit has a small footprint. It's rated for heavy weight, but interestingly the seat doesn't lock, it just slips in and as I mentioned above, I don't think the base is wide enough. For weights up to 200-300 lbs. I don't see a major problem, but I would want a spotter if I were handling anything heavier because of the possibility of tipping. (I don't handle weights that heavy, but I'm sure some of you might.)

At the price point, this is a good buy. However, be prepared to spend more money if you want to take advantage of all the features. As one reviewer mentioned, you can't even do decline anything without buying another attachment. I felt this was somewhat misleading given the description of the bench as it was written when I purchased mine.

I suspect this would be GREAT with all the attachments. I'm already heavily committed, but in the end the total cost will be quite high. I think the manufacturer should at least through in the situp attachment that is REQUIRED for decline exercises given that it is advertised as a decline bench. It's a good bench, just be aware of what you are getting and what you are NOT!

Well after an awful experience with the Bowflex adjustable dumbells (I returned them) I decided to order the Ironmaster Superbench and adjustable dumbells and all I can say is "Wow, what a difference!"

First of all I ordered the SuperBench with the following attachments:
Chin Up Bar
Crunch/Decline
Bar Dip/Leg Raises
Preacher Curl Pad

And the Quick-Lock dumbells 75lb with storage rack

Everything arrived around 4 days after ordering and everything was very well packaged. Set-up took me around 3 hours but putting everything together was pretty simple.

The Super Bench is solid. Amazing quality. The way it swivels is genius. All the attachments are made from solid metal and feel real sturdy.

A few nitpicks:

First, I wish that you could insert the attachments from either side of the bench. I work out in front of a mirror and when I add an attachment that means I have to pick up the bench and turn it so I face the mirror.

Second, all the attachments do take up some space when not in use. I know that the do sell a rack to store your attachments so maybe I'll get that at a later date.

In conclusion, the Ironmaster products and service is like a breath of fresh air after dealing with Bowflex.

I purchased 3 benches over the course of a few months, returned 2 of them and am very happy with my final purchase. I'm reviewing all 3 of the benches because it was an educational experience and I hope other people don't have to make the same mistakes I did.

As background, I have a small apartment in NYC and wanted a bench to use with dumbbells because I was quitting my gym membership. I wasn't trying to get a full workout machine because while that might be optimal, I don't have enough space for something like that. So the goal was a sturdy, as-small-as-possible bench that would lie flat, but also do incline, decline, and 90 degrees.

I initially went with the Cory Everson FID Weight Bench. I purchased this bench because it can fold up, lean against a wall and save space. Its main selling point to me was that it seemed similar to the Danskin Space Saver Bench that I had purchased a few years ago (and later sold on Craigslist when I joined a gym). I loved the Danskin bench because even though it's seemingly made for women, it was sturdy enough for my 170 pounds and 5'9" frame but folded up neatly. It was also just $119. I would have gladly purchased another one except it was no longer available. I'm not sure why Danskin no longer makes this great bench, but oh well. Anyway, the problem with the Cory Everson is that it is NOT sturdy. It was wobbly and felt like it might break at any moment. Therefore, I returned it to Amazon. I wouldn't recommend this bench to anyone, any gender, no matter how much you weigh.

Next, I went with the Bowflex SelectTech Adjustable Bench Series 3.1. While it seems like this bench would be able to fold up and lean against a wall, I was surprised that it was so BIG. It was very sturdy, but it just wasn't small enough to lean up against a wall and keep a low profile. The seat is also too wide and it makes doing a simple bench press awkward. I should have known that it was going to be big because the dimensions are clearly specified, but I didn't "internalize" the dimensions until I saw the bench fully assembled. Anyway, I also returned this bench. I wouldn't recommend unless you don't care about the wide seat and you have sufficient space.

The last bench that I bought was the Ironmaster Super Bench Adjustable weight-lifting Bench. It still doesn't beat the Danskin in terms of space-saving abilities, but it's solidly built (extremely so), smaller than the Bowflex (smaller footprint), and comes with a number of attachments to do dips, pull/chin-ups, sit-ups, etc. It's relatively expensive with the attachments that I added, but I couldn't ask for much more. My only complaint is that the height of the bench is higher than benches I've used at various gyms and so my feet don't reach the floor when doing bench press. Also, the seat is awkward when doing incline because it's square, it doesn't remain parallel to the floor (it's always at a 90 degree angle to the bench) and you can't straddle it as easily as other bench seats. But that being said, if you're looking for a dumbbell bench that's relatively small but sturdy, this is the bench for you. I'm very happy with this purchase.

Incidentally, I also purchased the Ironmaster 75 lb Quick Lock Adjustable Dumbbell System and it's the best dumbbell system out there. It's way better than the Bowflex and PowerBlock dumbbell systems. Without going to a store and putting all 3 dumbbells in your hand, you might not be convinced, but I called up Ironmaster and found a local store in my area and took a look in person. The main thing is that the Ironmaster do NOT rattle around at all (like the Bowflex) and the Ironmaster do not constrain the movement of your hand (like the PowerBlock) because they're essentially a "regular" dumbbell except that you can change the weight plates.

If you have further questions, leave me a comment and I'll get back to you.

This bench is very solidly assembled and should last me for years. An incredible bargain. It comes fully assembled except for the feet. I received the item within 24 hours of placing my order. However, the bench does not decline despite what the add says. You have to purchase the crunch attachment so that you can use the bench as a slant board. This is very irritating as the decline was one of the motivating factors for my deciding to purchase this particular bench. I was going to buy the attachment anyway, but now I have no choice.

Length:: 3:35 Mins

This a review of ONLY the bench; not the multiple attachments that can be purchased. See my profile for reviews of many of these items .

Overall, this is a good bench, not a 5 star bench. I am curious to hear from taller people regarding the practicality of it in the upright position. It's heavy, but sturdy. It won't tip, the seat won't come out, and it's comfortable.

Shipping: Ships from Ironmaster direct and I received unit in four business days.
Set-up: Set-up is simple with just the installation of four bolts at the support legs. A 3/8" drive racket with a 17 mm socket and wrench will make this task a snap. Also, the unit is packed using heavy nylon zip ties (cable ties) so a pair of sharp scissors or utility knife will help. You will spend more time unpacking and discarding the cardboard than actually putting the unit together.
Quality: I wanted a bench that was near gym quality, durability, with more functionality. So before this purchase I examined the adjustable benches at the gym for sturdiness and metal gauge thickness. I found that the Ironmaster bench met these requirements at least on paper, so I purchased the bench and I am not disappointed. The ab attachment provides the additionally functionality that I was looking for. What I like about the bench is the multiple adjustments that the bench provides with an easy to use spring loaded lever. The adjustable seat works well for me as I have a 6 foot 3 inch frame, even though my knees are a bit high. This is okay though as raised knees provides support to the weak inguinal area in men.
This is a near commercial quality bench at a reasonable price and I would purchase again.

This review is for ppl like me who have no choice but to work out at home because A)You're home watching the kids so it's better than just sitting on your ... B)You either don't want to pay for a gym or don't even want to COMMUTE to a gym given the time committment and lately gas prices. C) You need to get in shape because your kids demand that you carry them on your shoulders etc. I have one who's 50lbs and the other about 25lbs - and they're only getting heavier. I enjoy the father and son bond from carrying my son on my shoulders but when the second gets jealous it becomes difficult to carry 75lbs for more than 1 city block without resting, switching arms etc.

The Bench is very heavy duty compared to my previous bench. Twice the padding at least so it's comfortable. Easy to assemble without instructions. Even though I was skeptical and lowered my expectations I was surprised at how stable the pull up bar attachment was. Of course it is for pull ups but great for stretching. I found it more stable then doing say the situp at a vertical angle. In fact I had trouble getting myself "up there" to get into position for the crunches and I am 6ft. I was more afraid of this tipping over during the mount because of the uneven weight distribution. Once you're on it with both legs secure then there is no stability issue. Also once you're done doing your crunches but before dismounting you will get an inversion table effect in the rest position.

The removable seat should lock into place if you ask me but the likelyhood of you moving your entire body horizontally to slip the seat out by accident is slim and no one would do that on purpose. I think the reasoning was being able to switch the bench positions/angles for other exerices and not make it too time consuming.

Now the cons: the seat is rather high of the floor. If you have young kids like me you need to think about safety - basically I had to move this bench to an area where they have no access as my 2 yr old already tried to go through the half circle. I wish the cross bars on the base were wider so I can be more confident with the crunches and pull ups.

Overall you will be happy with this bench and attachments.

This bench is an absolute dream. As solid as you could possibly want. Every piece is solid and built to take a lifetime of use. Gym quality.

It basically comes assembled. You have to bolt on the feet, but it comes with everything you need. No tools necessary. I had my bench up and running within ten minutes of opening the package.

Easy as can be to adjust the incline. Push a pedal and pull. Adjusts from flat to just about 90 degrees. The seat has multiple positions.

The attachments that can be added are great additions. I have the pullup bar, dip station, and incline sit up attachment.

Some have expressed concerns about the stability of the bench when using the attachments. No need to have any. I am a big guy and felt completely comfortable doing pullups. No tipping and no wobbline at all.

This bench is an outstanding deal. Well worth the money.

I have worked out in more gyms than you can name. I have my own home gym. I have been around and I know great equipment when I see it.

I will be short and sweet.I have had the complete system for about exactly one year(IM 2000,SUPERBENCH,and DUMBELLS,and all ATTACHMENTS).I went to gyms for about 5 years and I know what quality is.The unit is not as good as gym equipment,but it is very good for home(especially for heavy duty weight lifters).I love it!!!! No more going to the gym for me.I get pretty much the same results staying at home.You won't be dissapointed.I was skeptical at first to,but I am glad I bought it,very solid.The Superbench is awesome,well worth the money.The dumbells are great to,very solid.Five stars for everything.

I bought this product to go with the Ironmaster adjustable dumbells (which I am extremely happy with), and although it is a good sturdy bench of good construction there are some serious design flaws - the seat can only go on at a 90 degree angle to the bench which is fine when sitting straight up or declined at a slight angle. But if you rotate it back any further it becomes a real pain in the rear (literally!).

I basically only use it as a flat bench or as a straight up chair. Sometimes I will is use it a few settings above flat with no seat to do some incline bench, but most of the settings in between are useless.

If you really want to do some seated incline, you need a bench that allows the seat to adjust separately from the back.