Bench Press Racks - 7 best buys (Tested and Reviewed)

When you are looking for the best bench press rack, you have to look at the many different features and make sure that it is the one that meets your needs. 

This article has reviewed the 7 best bench presses racks, giving a break down on their benefits and why they deserve to be on your list when you are in the market for a new piece of equipment.

What are Bench Press Racks?

A  rack is a piece of equipment that you can use to help you lift weights. Racks come in a variety of different shapes and sizes. They can be made from a variety of materials but are usually made from metal. 

Bench press racks are typically used for two purposes: to help you lift weights off the ground and to help you keep your balance while you are lifting weights. They can also be used to increase your strength and powerlifting skills.

Types of Bench Press Racks

Fixed Bench 

There are a variety of different types of racks available on the market today. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

The most common type of bench rack is the flat bench rack. This type of rack is simple to use and can be found in most gyms. It consists of a bench and two vertical bars that support the weight of the bar.

The disadvantage of the flat bench rack is that it doesn't allow for a lot of flexibility when lifting weights. This can make it difficult to perform certain exercises, such as the decline bench press.

The decline bench press is a great exercise for building strength and muscle mass in the lower pecs. It involves lying down on the bench with the weight held above your chest, then lowering it slowly until your chest is touching the bar. 

To perform this exercise properly, you need a decline bench rack that allows for enough space between the bars and your chest.

Another common type of rack is the incline bench rack. This type of rack allows you to lift more weight than you would be able to lift on a flat bench. It also gives you more flexibility when performing certain exercises, such as the shoulder press.

If you want a fixed bench press rack and only have room for one, go for an incline bench. Although the majority of the strain is placed on the mid and upper section of the pecs, the whole chest will be activated. 

Incline benches put less of a strain on the wrists and shoulders making you less susceptible to injury. If you feel like the lower pecs need more activation, add some chest dips to your workout. 

Mixing an incline press with chest dips and some flys is the best way to ensure that you are hitting the pecs from all angles.

Adjustable Rack

If you are limited on space and want an option that allows you to hit the pecs from a variety of angles. Opt for a separate rack with an adjustable bench that can be slid in and out. 

An adjustable bench can be set into a decline, flat or incline position allowing you to target different sections of pectoral muscles. You can also slide it out to use for dumbbell exercises.

Best Design Features to Look For in a Rack

When looking for the best press rack, there are a few key features that you'll want to keep in mind. 

First, you'll want to make sure that the rack is designed well. This means that it has sturdy construction and is easy to move around. It also needs to be aesthetically pleasing so that you're happy with it in your home gym.

Another key feature to consider is the weight capacity. You'll want to make sure that the rack can hold a lot of weight before deciding to buy it. 

Many benches have weight capacities of up to 500 pounds, so you'll be able to use them for years without having to replace them.

Finally, consider the price. Not all racks are created equal, and some may be more expensive than others. 

Ultimately, you'll want to figure out what features are most important to you and which rack will fit those needs best.

7 Best Bench Press Racks

Here are the seven racks that you can buy:

7 - Winnow Folding Bench 

This is a budget option that will suit beginners or those looking to train for mobility rather than strength. 

The adjustable supports allow you to set a suitable height and the bench will incline to a small degree to assist with bench pressing. 

We found this bench fairly basic but solid in comparison to other budget bench press racks. 

6 - Hardcastle Adjustable Bench

As with the Minnow option, this is really a beginner's bench press rack. It is cheaper, sturdier and built to a higher standard than the Minnow bench but is still limited on the maximum load capability. 

This bench is ideal for a beginner's home gym and it has a dip station at the back!

5 - BodyRip Bench

This is a step up from the previous two benches. It offers a few more workout options with the inclusion of the preacher bench and leg extension for accessory movements.

The rack forks are spread further apart allowing for an Olympic bar and there are safety bars underneath.

The construction is not as sturdy as some alternatives as the bench wobbles about a bit when inclined but is okay for intermediate bodybuilders.

4 - XHY Adjustable Bench

The XHY bench is a solid and useful bit of kit. The construction is sturdy, it is heavy and it has many functions. The bench is adjustable and can be wheeled out leaving the rack free for squats and rack pulls. 

This is a great mid-level bench that will not break the bank. We were surprised by the amount of room that it takes up so keep this in mind if you are ordering for a small home gym.

3 - Marcy Eclipse BE5000 Olympic Bench

Marcy is a big name when it comes to fitness equipment and you can see why when you look at the Eclipse BE5000. This is a solid bench capable of handling an Olympic bar and a heavy load. 

The bench feels solid when flat or inclined thanks to the hinge system. This is often a problem with the cheaper options as the seat and backrest can move around.

The preacher attachment is a nice touch but the leg attachment is a bit flimsy and gets in the way a bit. 

   

2 - Adjustable Benches HeavyDuty Bench

If you are an experienced lifter and looking for a solid bench that can handle very heavy loads, the heavy-duty bench from Adjustable Benches is the one for you. Compared to commercial benches, it is relatively cheap, but we can not find any fault with it. 

It is made from strong steel with high-quality welds. The adjustable bench is smooth to incline and sturdy in all positions. 

The bench can be removed allowing for the rack to be used for squats and other exercises. 

1 - FACAZ Commercial Bench

If space and budget are not a problem, take a look at the FACAZ Commercial Bench Press. It is at the top end of benches on the market but the quality is very good. It is capable of handling very large loads and can adapt to suit the lifter. 

This is not the cheapest bench on the market but is the best option for a commercial-style bench for a home gym. 

Conclusion

We've researched and tested many different models to come up with this list, and we are confident that you will find the perfect one for your home gym. Thanks for reading!