Cap Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench Review
Cap Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench Review
A well-made barbell bench can make all the difference in keeping chest workouts safe and effective. A good, sturdy design will give you the platform get through your chest and upper back routines comfortably. Our Cap barbell deluxe utility bench review will help you decide if this is the right bench for you.
Benches like this are primarily used for chest workouts and upper back routines. The shape allows us to extend the elbows further back than the shoulders for more complete extension of the pectorals. The bench can also be incorporated into triceps and abdominal routines.
The price is roughly midrange for this kind of equipment. There are some more expensive benches with additional features, such as leg locks or the ability to decline. For what this bench does, the price is reasonable.
Features
The Cap Workout Bench can be adjusted to several angles to work different portions of the chest and back. Stretch bands may be attached but are not included. It is also compatible with a barbell rack for heavy presses.
Pros and Cons
The Cap strength weight bench is rated for five hundred pounds, a little over two hundred and twenty-five kilograms, so even a big guy like me (250 pounds) can work with a considerable amount of weight without any worry. So we have some clear benefits:
Pros
- The bench is adjustable for a full chest and upper back workout.
- Stretch bands can be attached for a more varied workout.
- A barbell rack is available for bench presses.
- The design is relatively standard for this type of equipment so assembly will not be an issue.
Solidity seems to have been considered over comfort. The padding in the bench is thin and not of a terribly high quality. The spacing of the seat and back make incline positions difficult for some. The shoulder rest is rather narrow, which can make some exercises uncomfortable. Of course, some of that will be dependent on the user’s body type. Someone with a relatively narrow build will not be bothered by the narrow shoulder rest.
The bench is compatible with a barbell rack or stretch bands, but neither of those things comes included. All around, it is a very bare bones design for what it is. Of course the dumbbell set one would use does not come included, so there will be additional equipment needed regardless. So that all leaves us with the following cons:
Cons
- The bench is just generally not all that comfortable.
- While it does have some versatility, it also has limits.
- Additional equipment will be required
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Alternatives
Some would prefer a straight bench that does not adjust. Those are easier to assemble and have no moving parts to wear out, and they are fine for simple exercises. Something like the Marcy Utility Flat Bench is available for significantly less, but does not have anything like the same versatility. Specifically, any kind of incline exercises for the upper pecks, rows, or reverse flies would not be possible with that design.
Those willing to spend more money may prefer something with a decline. That does offer a somewhat more complete chest workout and is also useful for abdominal work. It is possible to do sit ups on the Cap, but there is no particular benefit to using the bench for this purpose. If you need a piece of equipment that covers a range of ab workouts then this might not be for you. The Bowflex SelectTech 3.1 Adjustable Bench offers this feature as well as leg locks for added stability, so it is really a question of what you would like to spend and what you need the bench to do.
Of course with these kinds of benches one can keep adding features until there is virtually an entire home gym attached to one machine, if one wants to spend the money for that. So we cannot judge an affordably priced bench too harshly for not having every feature a user might think of. Similarly, thicker, cushier padding is most certainly available on other models for those willing to pay for them.
Overall, this is a bench that does what it sets out to do and does it for a reasonable price. With all of that in mind, this is a good buy for the home fitness enthusiast on a budget.
The video linked below is a list of great value workout benches and it leads in with the Cap. Check also our review of TOP 10 best workout benches!
SummaryReviewer Paul SheldonReview Date 2017-02-13Reviewed Item Cap Barbell Deluxe Utility BenchAuthor Rating 4
About the AuthorDumbbellsgeek
Hey! My name is Paul Sheldon. I live in Nashville, TN and I love all things related to sports. Naturally I love workking out and I do it every day. If you want to talk feel freee to hit me a message or if you happen to be in Nashville we can get a coffee, I know a great place. Peace!
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