Flat bench or adjustable?

Eric B. Willis · 11-16-2005, 02:46 PM

I just ordered some Vulcan Racks and need a bench. Is a plain flat bench the way to go, or is an adjustable better?

Regards,
Eric Willis

Roger Smith · 11-16-2005, 03:05 PM

Tough call. Adjustable is nice for inclines, but will never be as solid as a flat bench....

Lincoln Brigham · 11-16-2005, 03:12 PM

Need a bench? Don't you mean want a bench? The only thing I've used a bench for in the last 4 years was to sit on between sets. Other than bench press, which does not make my shoulders happy, I can't think of much that a bench would be useful for in Crossfit. Bench press just doesn't come up that often, except when "Linda" comes up.

If I was going to get a bench, I'd go for a flat bench as they are simpler, cheaper, and probably last longer. The way I figure it, anytime you think about using an incline bench you should instead start thinking about doing the exercise standing on your feet.

Jeff Griffin · 11-16-2005, 08:49 PM

Eric,
Would you mind giving me some dimensions off the Vulcan Racks when you get them. I'm going to build a set and was wondering what Size and thickness steel they used on em.
Thanks
Jeff

Brian Hand · 11-17-2005, 12:47 PM

I'd definitely get a flat bench and use a block under one end if you need an angle. Even the expensive commercial grade adjustable benches shake and wobble.

Beth Moscov · 11-17-2005, 06:07 PM

Mine has an angle and I have yet to use it since dropping the body building stuff. In fact, I rarely use the bench at all. Though I use the ones at CrossFit Santa Cruz to stand on so I can reach the pullup bars.

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11-16-2005, 02:46 PM	#1
Eric B. Willis Member Profile: Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rolling Hills Estates CA Posts: 21	I just ordered some Vulcan Racks and need a bench. Is a plain flat bench the way to go, or is an adjustable better? Regards, Eric Willis

11-16-2005, 03:05 PM	#2
Roger Smith Member Profile: Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary AB Posts: 392	Tough call. Adjustable is nice for inclines, but will never be as solid as a flat bench....

11-16-2005, 03:12 PM	#3
Lincoln Brigham Member Profile: Join Date: May 2003 Location: Kirkland WA Posts: 3,987	Need a bench? Don't you mean want a bench? The only thing I've used a bench for in the last 4 years was to sit on between sets. Other than bench press, which does not make my shoulders happy, I can't think of much that a bench would be useful for in Crossfit. Bench press just doesn't come up that often, except when "Linda" comes up. If I was going to get a bench, I'd go for a flat bench as they are simpler, cheaper, and probably last longer. The way I figure it, anytime you think about using an incline bench you should instead start thinking about doing the exercise standing on your feet.

11-16-2005, 08:49 PM	#4
Jeff Griffin Member Profile: Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bellingham Wa. Posts: 29	Eric, Would you mind giving me some dimensions off the Vulcan Racks when you get them. I'm going to build a set and was wondering what Size and thickness steel they used on em. Thanks Jeff

11-17-2005, 12:47 PM	#5
Brian Hand Departed Profile: Join Date: Jan 1970 Posts: 633	I'd definitely get a flat bench and use a block under one end if you need an angle. Even the expensive commercial grade adjustable benches shake and wobble.

11-17-2005, 06:07 PM	#6
Beth Moscov Member Profile: Join Date: May 2007 Location: Boulder Creek CA Posts: 1,269	Mine has an angle and I have yet to use it since dropping the body building stuff. In fact, I rarely use the bench at all. Though I use the ones at CrossFit Santa Cruz to stand on so I can reach the pullup bars.