Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Review
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When searching for the perfect flat bench for your home gym, you certainly have plenty of options, but one you should consider is a competition flat bench.
You don't need to be competing in IPF (International Powerlifting Federation) events to get use out of a competition-style bench and the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 proves that.
Rogue built the Monster Utility Bench with home-gym lifters and competition lifters alike in mind, so don't be fooled by the comp title.
But why choose the Rogue Monster Utility Bench over any of the dozens of comp flat benches out there? Well there's a lot of good reasons.
Primarily, Rogue isn't known for skimping out on quality, and when you buy a flat bench, you want to be sure this thing is:
- Stable
- Durable
- Comfortable
There's more to a good flat weight bench, but those are likely the 3 biggest in my opinion.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
One of the sturdiest built competition flat benches, the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is an excellent addition to your home gym - but quality isn't cheap.
Brief Look at the Rogue Monster Utility bench 2.0
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is as the name suggests, a monster of a bench and a utility bench.
Not like a utility belt, this thing doesn't include a Batman-like grapple hook, but maybe Rogue will include one for the 3.0.
No one can question Rogue's commitment to making high-quality home gym equipment. This is partially due to the fact that they manufacture their equipment in the US at their Columbus, Ohio factory.
Staying on top of the best home gym equipment hill is tough, but not when you can produce a single-post steel frame that is competition requirement height.
What I Liked
- High-quality steel frame
- Single-post makes it comfortable for bench press
- Competition standard height
- Made in US
What i Didn't Like
- More expensive than other competition flat benches
- Heavier than most benches
Is the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Worth It?
Is it worth it to have a sturdy and durable bench to perform bench press, dumbbell exercises, and a place to rest during your workouts?
Sarcasm aside, the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is worth it if this is the kind of bench you're looking for. You can always look for a cheaper, regular flat bench that performs admirably.
The Rogue Utility Flat Bench 2.0 or even the Titan Flat Bench are both prime examples of bang for your buck, but a competition bench like the Monster Bench is valuable all the same, even with a higher price tag.
Reasons for that include the jump in price is justified by the fact that it is better built, the 3x3" 11-gauge steel frame is tough.
Likewise, if you're planning on joining competitions or lifting meets, the 17.5" meets the IPF-requirement for bench height so it'll feel familiar when you lift at home compared to lifting during a meet.
Good For
- Competition lifters
- No or little budget worries
- People that need a durable weight bench
- Anyone that needs a storable bench
Not Good For
- People on a budget
- Anyone that has an uneven home gym floor
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 - Specifications
Footprint | 47.3" L x 26.25" W x 17.5" H |
Bench Weight | 68 Lbs. |
Weight Capacity | 1000+ Lbs. |
Construction | 3×3″ 11-gauge steel |
Pad width | 12” |
Pad thickness | 2.5" |
Made in USA | Yes |
Warranty | Lifetime |
Using The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
Using the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is comparable to other competition flat benches. It shares plenty of similar dimensions and features, which is a good thing.
The 17.5" is IPF-approved height for a flat bench so it has enough distance from the ground, but isn't too tall. I'm about 5'10, so I don't have the longest legs, and even I feel comfortable planting my feet on the ground when bench pressing.
It measures 47" long and 26" at its widest (flat-foot end). The Monster Utility Bench isn't tiny, but it isn't overly bulky so it's a good size for most home gyms.
Something I didn't like about the bench is that it's 68lbs, which is quite heavy for a flat bench. I know the REP FB-5000 is about 62lbs, but even that's hefty for some home gym owners.
On the flip side, the single-post design at the head of the bench is perfect for bench pressing. It allows you to adjust your foot placement easily to find the perfect position.
A normal flat bench with flat-foot posts on both end can be cumbersome to get the right footing.
This does sacrifice a bit of stability if you have an uneven floor in your home gym, but 9 times out of 10, it's a non-issue given how stable the bench is overall.
Construction & Durability
Frame
As stated, the frame is 3x3" 11-gauge steel, which is the same build as their Monster series power racks, and many other pieces of equipment they make, but mostly their squat racks.
It's incredibly durable and strong, and looking at the quality of the bench, I'm not surprised in the slightest because it's Rogue.
It will require some assembly as it comes with plenty of nuts, bolts, washers, etc. but you don't need to be too handy to put it together.
That said, regular flat benches are nice because they're nearly fully ready to go right out of the box - but it is what it is!
The bench itself feels very secure because of the weight it has. It can hold 1000lbs+ so you're not going to be tipping this thing over.
Even with the single-post frame, it's very stable during lifts. I never once felt movement during bench presses or dips.
Bench Pad & Vinyl
At 2.5", the bench pad is plenty thick enough to allow you to feel comfortably secure without sinking in too much or feeling too stiff on your back.
I'm not suprised by the quality of the vinyl pad cover either. It has a slight texture to it that gives ample grip for even further stability during lifts.
If you don't like the standard 2.5" pad, you have other options:
Wheels & Handle
Not every bench comes with wheels and a handle, sometimes they don't need them.
A 20lb flat bench is pretty easy to pickup on your own, but since this is almost 70lbs, they're much appreciated.
It makes it easier to move the bench around your home gym and the bench has upright storage which is very handy.
You can choose between the standard handle or a stainless steel handle with knurling. It's an extra $40 though which I don't think is necessary as the standard handle was perfectly fine.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench vs. REP FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench
The biggest competitor to the Rogue Monster Utility bench is the REP Fitness FB-5000 Competition Flat Bench.
They both offer very similar specifications, but they do differ in some key areas.
REP FB-5000 Comp Flat Bench
A top-tier competition flat bench, the REP FB-5000 Bench is one of, if not the, best flat benches that money can buy today.
Same 17" height, same 3x3" 11-gauge steel, same weight capacity, and a similar design. So how does the REP FB-5000 Competition Bench edge out the Monster Utility 2.0 Bench?
The price.
The FB-5000 bench is only $240 and offers similar performance, which is why it's the best weight bench on a budget, and a generally great weight bench.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 vs. Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Bench
Another great alternative to the Rogue Monster Utility Bench is the Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Bench.
At $249, it's slightly cheaper, but it has some unique differences which make it a solid option.
Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Bench
A desirable price and excellent specs make the Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Bench a solid alternative to the Rogue Monster Bench.
Bells of Steel Powerlifting Flat Bench uses 12-gauge steel, not 11, so it's just as sturdy. Similarly, they use a black-powder coating to keep the frame oxidation-resistant.
It has a 4" thick pad which is excellent value at its retail price, and it features a 1000lb weight capacity at only 42lbs bench weight. Overall, can't go wrong here with this flat bench.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 vs. Titan Single Post Competition Flat Bench
Maybe not as well-crafted as some contemporaries, the Titan Single Post Competition Flat Bench excels in other areas.
Primarily the fact that this is the best budget competition flat bench around.
Titan Single Post Competition Flat Bench
At a ridiculously low cost of $179 (on sale for $169), you aren't going to beat this price.
It also features the tri-post design, includes a handle and wheels, a 2.36" pad thickness, 1000lb weight capacity, and powder-coating to make it an excellent value pick.
Customer Experience & Reviews
Rogue Fitness is consistently one of the best rated fitness equipment brands just as much for their customer service and support as they are for their equipment.
Easy to contact, always eager to help, and providing the necessary information on their site where you can easily contact them via phone or email make them a pleasure to order from.
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 currently has a 4.8 (out of 5) average rating and the customers seem to love it. DrewT says, "Awesome bench. Will have until I die."
I've also done a write-up for anyone looking to find ways on how to save money on Rogue Fitness to build a home gym for cheap.
Final Verdict - Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Review
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 isn't on the cheaper end of competition flat benches, but you pay for quality and the build construction, durability, and stability of this bench more than justify it.
If you need a tough bench to handle all your home gym lifting needs, the Monster Utility 2.0 Bench is a safe bet.
Brand: Rogue Fitness
Currency: $USD
Price: $295
Product In-Stock: In-StockRogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Rating
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Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 FAQs
What is the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0?
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is a competition weight bench. It maintains the high standard, Made in US quality assurance that Rogue promises.
Is the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 Worth It?
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is not the cheapest option, but for the level of quality, it provides unmatched durability.
Where Can I Buy the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0?
You can find the Monster Utility 2.0 Bench at the official Rogue Fitness website.
What Height is the Monster Utility Bench?
The dimensions for the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 measure - 47" L x 17" H x 12" W which means it meets IPF standards requirements for competition use.
