Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 Review
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The Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench has since been dethroned as the best weight bench out there, but that doesn't mean it still isn't among the best benches for a home gym.
In true form, Rogue maintained a simple yet sleek design that is equal parts stable and durable, both key factors in a quality bench.
This review of the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 will cover how secure the bench feels, how the vinyl padding feels when you're using the bench, and why many more factors go into this being a great bench for home gym owners.
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench provides the stability needed, durability required, and comfort that a great flat weight bench should give a home gym owner.
Why trust my review? Simple, this is what I love to do! I only provide you with the products I would personally recommend through my reviews, round-ups, and best-of lists.
Not all products are going to make the cut, but extensively testing out the equipment so you can be sure it's up to task is my pride and joy!
Brief Look At The Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
You always hear about power racks or barbells as the most important parts of a gym, but how's a lifter supposed to get any bench press down without a solid bench? Not to mention wanting to take a seat between sets for a rest!
Whether it's for chest day or not, a good weight bench is a must-have for any gym to feel truly complete. Although, I certainly wouldn't want to miss out on International Chest Day (it's Monday, in case you're wondering).
The Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench doesn't pull any punches when it comes to it's construction and design. It's sturdy, stable, well-built (Made in USA) and does the job. Like I said, plenty of great benches how come out since, but it's still a homerun choice.
What I Loved:
- Different pad attachments available
- One-piece construction feels durable and stable
- Minimal assembly needed
- Rogue lifetime warranty
What I Didn't Love:
- No way to adjust the feet, downside of a single-piece welded frame
- More expensive than some flat benches
- Expect an updated model from Rogue
Is The Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 Worth It?
Rogue provides a lifetime warranty, as it does for many of its products, and the construction makes this a highly durable bench, so the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 can handle just about anything.
I'd recommend this weight bench for anyone looking to incorporate more dumbbell exercises into their routine (ex. dumbbell rows), bench press, and plenty more.
Even though I think it's one of the best flat benches available, it's since been usurped by cheaper, and newer weight benches.
Regardless, the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 still deserves a spot in any home gym or commercial gym, and here are some things to consider:
RELATED: Titan Fitness Flat Bench Review
Good For
- Anyone that wants trustworthy stability
- People who want a simple weight bench
- Anyone that needs a bench that will last a long time
Not Good For
- Anyone with a home gym floor that is unlevel
- Competitive powerlifters (not IPF standard), shorter lifters
- People looking to save space, the bench does not fold up/stand upright
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 - Specifications
Footprint | 47” L x 14” W x 18” H |
Bench Weight | 40 Lbs. |
Weight Capacity | 1000 Lbs. |
Construction | 2×3″ 11-gauge steel |
Pad width | 12” |
Pad thickness | 2-1/4″ |
Made in USA | Yes |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Using The Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
Rogue is always known for producing some of the best home gym equipment, including squat racks and barbells. The Flat Utility 2.0 Bench meets the standard set by Rogue.
As you can see, the 2.0 indicates that this isn't Rogue's first attempt at a utility flat bench. They've improved stability with rubber feet, and comfort with improved padding, over the first iteration, and the design choice of the angled profile on the legs is also an added improvement over the original.
Angled legs and rubber feet aren't the only way they helped improve this benches stability. The single piece construction is likely the redesign aspect that helps the balance the most.
Generally, a single-piece steel frame for a bench makes it much more durable, but it's not as stable on uneven floors. Due to the construction quality, the frame can withstand years, likely a lifetime, of use even if you're benching 300lbs+ and beyond.
Rogue's first Flat Utility Bench had a butt joint base connection that passed through the frame. Obviously, compared to the welded single-steel frame, this is much stronger.
Vinyl Padding
A denser pad is a welcome addition to the 2.0 version of this bench. It's thick and textured foam that won't have you sinking in during lifts or sticking to the bench.
A good vinyl covering on the foam is crucial for a bench to feel comfortable when using a weight bench. The Rogue Utility Bench 2.0's vinyl covering doesn't feel slick so you're not going anywhere, whether it's benching or propping a knee up for dumbbell rows.
If you want even more padding, then the Rogue Thompson Fat Pad is always available for you. at 4.5" thick and 48" in length, it's heavy duty. It also has a grippy vinyl covering and it attaches to the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 with ease.
Footprint
At 48" long, 14" wide, and 18" in height, it's not going to take up tons of room, but the one issue I have is that it doesn't fold up.
It can be stored upright, but it clearly wasn't designed to be, so it's a bit awkward and possibly unsecure so be warned when you store this in a corner of your home gym.
The pad is 12" wide and 2.25" thick and like I said, it's better than options from most of the competition.
RELATED: REP FB-3000 Flat Bench Review
The Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 - Ordering And Assembling
Ordering from Rogue is always a breeze when you use the official Rogue website. The Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 retails for $210.
When your Rogue Utility Bench arrives, you'll notice that it requires nearly no assembly, unlike competitors like the Titan Flat Weight Bench. All you'll be expected to assemble for the Utility Bench 2.0 is screwing the flat pad onto the bench frame - that's it!
Makes it nice and simple to get you working out pronto.
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 vs. REP FB-5000 Flat Bench
Similar to the Rogue Utility Bench 2.0 is the REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench from REP Fitness.
REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
Heavy-workload capable, durable, a steel T-frame design to keep your legs from hitting its legs - the REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench is a monster.
Unlike the 2.0, the REP FB-5000 Bench meets IPF standards (due to 17-inch height). It also features great padding, a generous 1000lb weight capacity, and a single-post build design that is common for comp benches. Serious about competition lifting? This is the bench for you.
As good as this bench is, and as much as I love REP, Rogue is still the king of home gym benches. It came down to the padding, and Rogue's takes the cake, plus the REP FB-5000 is slightly more expensive ($230). The vinyl on the REP FB-5000 Bench isn't as tight on the bench and doesn't feel as thick either.
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 vs. Titan Flat Weight Bench
The Titan Flat Weight Bench is very close to the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0. Titan's Flat Weight Bench measures 52" in length, 17" in height, and has a base width of 17".
Titan isn't made in the USA, rather China, which isn't a problem but buying US made is always a good feeling.
Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench
With wheels and a handle to transport, the Titan Fitness Flat Weight Bench is a great budget flat bench that is IPF-standard height (17") and can handle up to 1000lbs.
The Titan Flat Weight Bench has the added advantage of wheels and a handle for simple transporting. The Rogue Utility Bench weighs 40lbs, so even without a handle or wheels, it's not hard to move either. You can also get a bench hanger from Rogue for additional storage.
Undoubtedly, the Titan Flat Weight Bench is an awesome flat bench given the $150 price tag, but the Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 and its single-piece frame construction are tough to top.
Customer Experience
Rogue Fitness again knocks it out of the park when it comes to customer experience. I've rarely had problems, but when I need to reach their customer support by email or phone, they're always excellent to me.
Rogue can be a bit more pricey than other brands, due to quality and Made in USA manufacturing, but I did a write-up on how to save money on Rogue equipment to help you get some savings.
Final Verdict - Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 Review
My final verdict of the Rogue Utility 2.0 Bench is that it's extremely durable, so it's made to last no matter what you throw at it. Including the stability, foam padding/vinyl covering, and the price, it's hard not to love it.
I still think you can find better benches out there, but that doesn't take away from the fact that Rogue has made a very reliable flat bench that should fine a permanent spot in anyone's home gym, whether it's for CrossFit or powerlifting.
Full Rating
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0
The Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench is one of, if not the best flat bench available on the market. Rogue has kept the design simple, but yet effective in durability and stability. With its lifetime warranty and structure that can handle just about anything you throw at it, the Rogue Flat Utility 2.0 Bench will be a great addition to any home or commercial gym.
Brand: Rogue Fitness
Currency: $USD
Price: $210
In-Stock: In-Stock
Rogue Flat Utility Bench 2.0 Rating
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