Very fair and balanced review, Tim. Thank you for this in depth look at BoS’ Hero bench. Now you have me thinking about adding a flat bench back to my gym.
I’ve eyed this bench a few times over the past couple years. Seems like a massive and overbuilt piece which tends to be my favorite. The front post is a bit wide, but at lease it’s more stable
It's a tank! I'm gonna write Kaevon and suggest they make an accessory that replaces the front feet with a single foot. Right now, it's wide because they are making a bunch of accessories (roller, leg curl, etc) that bolt on to that front foot. I'll never use that stuff and If I could get a single front foot (it bolts on at the foot itself) and a new handle built into that (this handle is really bad), it would be the ideal flat bench for me.
I have the Rep FB5000, too. It's great for benching, but I don't like its instability on the single-post end and when it stands on end. I have two benches, and one of them usually serves as a seat while the other is being used. I wish that it were more stable, as I have nearly fallen multiple times. I understand that some people want a single post so that their feet are unhindered during bench press, but I am a big guy and heavy bencher (400+), and I have never had a problem with the feet of the bench getting in my way, so the stability of the Hero bench really appeals to me. I would choose it over the FB5000 now. But, it is not worth changing as the FB5000 is still really good.
Thanks for posting this, it seems like I didn't get across how the FB isn't stable. It's that single post end that gets wobbly. It's rock solid while benching. Just not for some other stuff. I haven't had an issue with the wider feet yet, but I really don't pull my feet in tight on db bench pressing. Barbell I do, so once my rack finally gets here, we'll see if it's an issue.
Struggling with the decison for a new bench. I am torn between the blackwing and the Ironmaster. I want the leg attachment option as i have little room left in the gym. I want the incline situp option for sure plus incline/decline.... decisions decisions
Love Bells of Steel - great prices for great quality. I find people often over value a few small touches with the premium brands where the functionality and quality are about the same but the price is higher. Bell is in a great spot where they give quality and value
For sure! The other thing I realized is that sure there are some scratches out of the box, but as I look at the stuff I've owned even for just a little while, it's beat to snot from use. I'll take the lower price over a pristine finish that's just gonna get beat up anyway.
Man! I wish I saw this review last year! I was torn between the Rep FB-5000 and The Hero bench. My wife ended up getting me the Rep bench for Christmas and I'm still left with the 'what ifs' with the Hero bench. I use it for heavy dumbbell work and I'm not a fan of the wobble. I feel that I'm committed to the Rep bench because it was a gift and I'm not ready to trade up to the Hero bench just yet. Maybe I'll hold out until there's a version 2? I look forward to future videos on this bench. Cheers!
The Rep is still a great bench. The issue I have with it for dumbbell pressing is the setup when I sit at the foot of the bench and lean over to pick the db off the ground. That's one of the times I notice the wobble the most. Once I'm set up, it's really solid.
@GymCrafter Oh! It truly is solid once you're in your set! It's the setup that makes me uneasy. I'm 300+ pounds with 140lbs in each hand. Sometimes I just don't feel as grounded as I should be when I lay back. Once I'm down, I'm glued in! Dumbbell rows however.... Well, I have to do those on my Blackwing.
For years we’ve been complaining about BOS and their instructions. If they could just get this fixed they would have so many fewer complaints about their products
Yeah, I remember the older FB 5000 had a single post but the footplate was wider so it had a little bit more stability but I don’t think it was a rubber foot so it slid on the front so rep changed that a lot of people complained about that also it’s similar to The bells of steel competition bench. It has a single post in the front, but the foot plate is like more of an oval shape so it has a little bit more stability than the actual post and it’s only about a quarter of an inch or eighth of an inch off. The ground was very low profile
If that front foot was just a bit wider, like the foot on the AB-5200, it would be just fine. Also, if all I did was barbell bench press with it, it would be fine too. But flat bench is a utility tool and I use it for a ton of stuff and that front instability just isn't cutting it anymore.
Should have looked at the Griffin Competition bench. I just got one coming from a super super cheap bench and holy cow it is nice. Watching this review I feel it's better than both of these you had.
I wish I could try all of them! Right now, I have to buy almost everything with my own money. While Bells sent me this bench, I had to pay full price for the reverse hyper and cable tower I just got from them. Once the channel gets bigger, I'll have access to more things that companies send. That griffin looks nice for sure!
Everyone seems to love bells but I'm not often looking for less than the best option. Is there anything you think bells makes that is just the best bang for your buck or superior quality?
Nope. At this point, they are a value-based company. If you are willing to spend more money, there are better versions out there of everything they make. That doesn't make their stuff bad in any way, but they aren't trying to be a premium company.
Thanks! I actually prefer dumbbell pressing on the narrower pad because I'm trying for maximum depth and stretch and the narrower pad helps with that. For heavy barbell work, I like the wide pad.
My FB 5000 does have a little rocking to it when stored vertically but when it's flat it doesn't have any wobble. It's solid as a rock. Any chance you just need to readjust the the assembly and try to level it out?
so it depends on where you are sitting. I use my flat bench as a utility bench too. If all I did was bench press, it's not an issue. but if you sit on the edge of the pad directly over the single foot, it easily wobbles. Especially if you lean down to the side one side at a time to pick up a heavy dumbbell. I also use mine as a plyo box, and if you try to stand on top of the bench on the single post side, you'll see what I'm talking about very fast. It's not that it's not level, it's that that front post is just a bit too narrow to support weight at the outside of the pad just above it.
Why no company can or want to make the Best bench? I know It could cost more, but many people still want the Best possible. No bench must be unstable, regardless if it's a trípode bench. Justo make the base wider!! Also, all the benchs must be 17" high or 17.5 not 18". The steel gauge must be 11 nor 12 or 14. I don't understand how many websites who Review equipment Say the FB5000 said it's the Best bench.
I think the problem is best bench for what? The FB 5000 is the best bench for people that want a competition level bench at 17" high and they only use it for barbell bench pressing. I use mine for a lot more than that, which makes other benches a better suit for me.
I have a no brand bench, Made in the 80's. 2x2 7 gauge steel. You can bench press, dumbell row, pullover, hip thrust, step UPS, box squats. Of course It not have wheels, as in those year It was not a necesito.
I too have this BoS bench and I actually think your review was incredbly SPOT ON. Ive had the HERO bench for about 1.5 years and its constantly used. The padding has remained THICK and strong like concrete; almost TOO stiff. LOL. But for me, the 2 big issues are ones you highlighted: 1) the wheels on this function POORLY. Your analysis on when the wheels engage was SPOT ON. They engage way too late and actually, moving the HERO bench is NOT a joy. Just being honest. Second, that handle is awful; its useless. When I move the bench, I dont even use the handle because the tight "fit" of the handle on the bench leaves you no room for your wrist to safely operate. Now, after 1.5 years, do I recommend it? Welllll, the price point is high and I just wish BoS would do the "little things" to make their equipment enter the A league. For example, why design the HERO bench with 4 feet? Cmon. At this price point, I am sure there are so many other heavy benches that are offered at lower costs. (AND yes, I am actually a home gym owner who has many BoS items). Thanks again for your channel!
Thanks for posting this! It's always good to know I'm not being too picky and others are seeing the same thing as I am. I wrote Kaevon and asked if they would make a new foot for the front of the bench. Just the width of the front post and then also with a lower handle on it. To me, that would make this bench pretty much perfect for everything I need it for!
Tim, going from REP FB 5000 in clear coat to any BOS bench is downgrading. Nothing against BOS but they are not the same quality of REP. I have a clear coat FB 5000 and it is not wobbly at all, didnt you say that is what you hate about it, wobbly when flat and standing. Tim, come on, you must've got a Lemon then cause none of the others are wobbly when flat. Got mine for $305 to my door, so cheaper than the Hero bench. I'm not getting this video. I do see what you're doing and that's fine but you cant tell people the Hero is better than the REP FB 5000, especially in clear coat
Sooooo. I never, in any section of this video, said the BOS bench was better than the Rep. I even called out specifically that the Rep fit and finish is better. What I said was that the Bells bench is more stable. And it is. By a lot. I do not have a defective FB5000. I just use it for more than bench pressing. Under a barbell, it's rock solid. Jumping up on to it on the side with the single post, it's not. Any weight placed unevenly at the end of the bench with the single post will cause it wobble. Try doing a step up onto the end corner of the bench where the single post is. The bench will tip. If that post was just a few inches wider, it wouldn't be an issue (It should be the same width as the AB-5200). Since I use my flat bench as a plyo box, platform for hip thrusts, etc, I need it to be extra stable at both ends, not just one. Trust me, it might just kill me to get rid of something in clear coat! I looooove that color. But I've almost fallen jumping on and off of the FB5000 multiple times and I just can't worry about that. I may not end up with the Bells, we'll see once I can do some barbell benching on it. But I'm pretty sure the Rep is gonna get sold.🙁
@@GymCrafter Fair enough, never thought of using my benches in those ways and I know you tell the truth so I believe you when used in that context. Threw me for a loop hearing you wanting a BOS bench over the REP FB 5000. My apologizes if I offended, that was not my intent, just comes across that way sometimes when I text.
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Really appreciate the in depth review! the feedback is greatly welcomed and we will send this to our team!
Tell them to make an accessory that replaces the wide front foot with a narrow one! Just over the width of the post it attaches to would be perfect.
Very fair and balanced review, Tim. Thank you for this in depth look at BoS’ Hero bench. Now you have me thinking about adding a flat bench back to my gym.
thanks! It's one of my favorite utility items. I don't use my plyo boxes hardly at all, just the flat bench.
i love my hero bench, my pad has no bulge. i really like i can use it for nordic curls no problem with stability or width. have a great day
Thanks for posting this. I'm sure my pad is a one off situation.
I’ve eyed this bench a few times over the past couple years. Seems like a massive and overbuilt piece which tends to be my favorite. The front post is a bit wide, but at lease it’s more stable
It's a tank! I'm gonna write Kaevon and suggest they make an accessory that replaces the front feet with a single foot. Right now, it's wide because they are making a bunch of accessories (roller, leg curl, etc) that bolt on to that front foot. I'll never use that stuff and If I could get a single front foot (it bolts on at the foot itself) and a new handle built into that (this handle is really bad), it would be the ideal flat bench for me.
I have the Rep FB5000, too. It's great for benching, but I don't like its instability on the single-post end and when it stands on end. I have two benches, and one of them usually serves as a seat while the other is being used. I wish that it were more stable, as I have nearly fallen multiple times. I understand that some people want a single post so that their feet are unhindered during bench press, but I am a big guy and heavy bencher (400+), and I have never had a problem with the feet of the bench getting in my way, so the stability of the Hero bench really appeals to me. I would choose it over the FB5000 now. But, it is not worth changing as the FB5000 is still really good.
Thanks for posting this, it seems like I didn't get across how the FB isn't stable. It's that single post end that gets wobbly. It's rock solid while benching. Just not for some other stuff. I haven't had an issue with the wider feet yet, but I really don't pull my feet in tight on db bench pressing. Barbell I do, so once my rack finally gets here, we'll see if it's an issue.
Struggling with the decison for a new bench. I am torn between the blackwing and the Ironmaster. I want the leg attachment option as i have little room left in the gym. I want the incline situp option for sure plus incline/decline.... decisions decisions
Hard to go wrong either way between those two!
Love Bells of Steel - great prices for great quality. I find people often over value a few small touches with the premium brands where the functionality and quality are about the same but the price is higher. Bell is in a great spot where they give quality and value
For sure! The other thing I realized is that sure there are some scratches out of the box, but as I look at the stuff I've owned even for just a little while, it's beat to snot from use. I'll take the lower price over a pristine finish that's just gonna get beat up anyway.
Man! I wish I saw this review last year! I was torn between the Rep FB-5000 and The Hero bench. My wife ended up getting me the Rep bench for Christmas and I'm still left with the 'what ifs' with the Hero bench. I use it for heavy dumbbell work and I'm not a fan of the wobble. I feel that I'm committed to the Rep bench because it was a gift and I'm not ready to trade up to the Hero bench just yet. Maybe I'll hold out until there's a version 2? I look forward to future videos on this bench. Cheers!
The Rep is still a great bench. The issue I have with it for dumbbell pressing is the setup when I sit at the foot of the bench and lean over to pick the db off the ground. That's one of the times I notice the wobble the most. Once I'm set up, it's really solid.
@GymCrafter Oh! It truly is solid once you're in your set! It's the setup that makes me uneasy. I'm 300+ pounds with 140lbs in each hand. Sometimes I just don't feel as grounded as I should be when I lay back. Once I'm down, I'm glued in! Dumbbell rows however.... Well, I have to do those on my Blackwing.
@@jasondobson7719 totally agree!!! that Blackwing isn't going anywhere!
For years we’ve been complaining about BOS and their instructions. If they could just get this fixed they would have so many fewer complaints about their products
OMG, they're terrible! Wait until you see my review of their cable tower, the instructions are crazy bad!
we hear ya 😭
@ Lets see some action then!
Yeah, I remember the older FB 5000 had a single post but the footplate was wider so it had a little bit more stability but I don’t think it was a rubber foot so it slid on the front so rep changed that a lot of people complained about that also it’s similar to The bells of steel competition bench. It has a single post in the front, but the foot plate is like more of an oval shape so it has a little bit more stability than the actual post and it’s only about a quarter of an inch or eighth of an inch off. The ground was very low profile
If that front foot was just a bit wider, like the foot on the AB-5200, it would be just fine. Also, if all I did was barbell bench press with it, it would be fine too. But flat bench is a utility tool and I use it for a ton of stuff and that front instability just isn't cutting it anymore.
I thought the bench looked small then I remembered you’re a giant 😂
😂
Should have looked at the Griffin Competition bench. I just got one coming from a super super cheap bench and holy cow it is nice. Watching this review I feel it's better than both of these you had.
I wish I could try all of them! Right now, I have to buy almost everything with my own money. While Bells sent me this bench, I had to pay full price for the reverse hyper and cable tower I just got from them. Once the channel gets bigger, I'll have access to more things that companies send. That griffin looks nice for sure!
@@GymCrafter Given the option for it for free, I would also take that bench for sure.
Everyone seems to love bells but I'm not often looking for less than the best option. Is there anything you think bells makes that is just the best bang for your buck or superior quality?
Nope. At this point, they are a value-based company. If you are willing to spend more money, there are better versions out there of everything they make. That doesn't make their stuff bad in any way, but they aren't trying to be a premium company.
Does it feel pretty different pressing on a 14" pad vs. 12"?
Very thorough review, sir!
Thanks! I actually prefer dumbbell pressing on the narrower pad because I'm trying for maximum depth and stretch and the narrower pad helps with that. For heavy barbell work, I like the wide pad.
My FB 5000 does have a little rocking to it when stored vertically but when it's flat it doesn't have any wobble. It's solid as a rock. Any chance you just need to readjust the the assembly and try to level it out?
so it depends on where you are sitting. I use my flat bench as a utility bench too. If all I did was bench press, it's not an issue. but if you sit on the edge of the pad directly over the single foot, it easily wobbles. Especially if you lean down to the side one side at a time to pick up a heavy dumbbell. I also use mine as a plyo box, and if you try to stand on top of the bench on the single post side, you'll see what I'm talking about very fast. It's not that it's not level, it's that that front post is just a bit too narrow to support weight at the outside of the pad just above it.
Why no company can or want to make the Best bench? I know It could cost more, but many people still want the Best possible.
No bench must be unstable, regardless if it's a trípode bench. Justo make the base wider!! Also, all the benchs must be 17" high or 17.5 not 18".
The steel gauge must be 11 nor 12 or 14.
I don't understand how many websites who Review equipment Say the FB5000 said it's the Best bench.
I think the problem is best bench for what? The FB 5000 is the best bench for people that want a competition level bench at 17" high and they only use it for barbell bench pressing. I use mine for a lot more than that, which makes other benches a better suit for me.
I have a no brand bench, Made in the 80's. 2x2 7 gauge steel. You can bench press, dumbell row, pullover, hip thrust, step UPS, box squats. Of course It not have wheels, as in those year It was not a necesito.
@@mauriciomendoza496 I love some of that old stuff! Built like a tank and will last forever!
I too have this BoS bench and I actually think your review was incredbly SPOT ON. Ive had the HERO bench for about 1.5 years and its constantly used. The padding has remained THICK and strong like concrete; almost TOO stiff. LOL. But for me, the 2 big issues are ones you highlighted: 1) the wheels on this function POORLY. Your analysis on when the wheels engage was SPOT ON. They engage way too late and actually, moving the HERO bench is NOT a joy. Just being honest. Second, that handle is awful; its useless. When I move the bench, I dont even use the handle because the tight "fit" of the handle on the bench leaves you no room for your wrist to safely operate. Now, after 1.5 years, do I recommend it? Welllll, the price point is high and I just wish BoS would do the "little things" to make their equipment enter the A league. For example, why design the HERO bench with 4 feet? Cmon. At this price point, I am sure there are so many other heavy benches that are offered at lower costs. (AND yes, I am actually a home gym owner who has many BoS items). Thanks again for your channel!
Thanks for posting this! It's always good to know I'm not being too picky and others are seeing the same thing as I am. I wrote Kaevon and asked if they would make a new foot for the front of the bench. Just the width of the front post and then also with a lower handle on it. To me, that would make this bench pretty much perfect for everything I need it for!
Tim, going from REP FB 5000 in clear coat to any BOS bench is downgrading. Nothing against BOS but they are not the same quality of REP. I have a clear coat FB 5000 and it is not wobbly at all, didnt you say that is what you hate about it, wobbly when flat and standing.
Tim, come on, you must've got a Lemon then cause none of the others are wobbly when flat. Got mine for $305 to my door, so cheaper than the Hero bench.
I'm not getting this video. I do see what you're doing and that's fine but you cant tell people the Hero is better than the REP FB 5000, especially in clear coat
My Rep AB4100 is solid as well. Black Friday sale plus p/u discount at a Rep warehouse.
Sooooo. I never, in any section of this video, said the BOS bench was better than the Rep. I even called out specifically that the Rep fit and finish is better. What I said was that the Bells bench is more stable. And it is. By a lot. I do not have a defective FB5000. I just use it for more than bench pressing. Under a barbell, it's rock solid. Jumping up on to it on the side with the single post, it's not. Any weight placed unevenly at the end of the bench with the single post will cause it wobble. Try doing a step up onto the end corner of the bench where the single post is. The bench will tip. If that post was just a few inches wider, it wouldn't be an issue (It should be the same width as the AB-5200). Since I use my flat bench as a plyo box, platform for hip thrusts, etc, I need it to be extra stable at both ends, not just one. Trust me, it might just kill me to get rid of something in clear coat! I looooove that color. But I've almost fallen jumping on and off of the FB5000 multiple times and I just can't worry about that. I may not end up with the Bells, we'll see once I can do some barbell benching on it. But I'm pretty sure the Rep is gonna get sold.🙁
@@GymCrafter
Fair enough, never thought of using my benches in those ways and I know you tell the truth so I believe you when used in that context. Threw me for a loop hearing you wanting a BOS bench over the REP FB 5000.
My apologizes if I offended, that was not my intent, just comes across that way sometimes when I text.
@@bobbyhunt3009 Never offended, always like your imput.