Last Updated, May 2017
CAP Barbell is an American weight manufacturing company based in Texas. The company has been in operations for more than 25 years and initially focused on manufacturing and distributing free weights. The company’s free weights gained popularity and led to the introduction of the CAP weight benches, which are now its flagship products.
Below is a review of the entry-level CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench.
CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench
The CAP Barbell bench also has posts for attaching resistance bands and a fully adjustable seat. The bench’s footprint makes it a perfect addition to any squat rack and cages.
In this review, I will highlight some important comparisons of the CAP Barbell with similar benches. I will also look at the exercise options and design features of the bench to help you decide whether it’s right for you. Let’s dive right into the CAP Barbell weight bench review.
Features of the CAP Barbell Weight Bench
1. Bench Angles
The CAP bench offers 7 different backrest positions and 3 seat-cushion positions. This means you can easily complete various core, upper and lower body exercises with appropriate back support.The bench has no decline position. However, you won’t need to use the decline position unless you are a serious bodybuilder.
2. Anchor Posts
The bench comes with two anchor posts at the base of the frame that you can use to attach resistance bands to add variety to your workout. The anchor posts makes the bench great for those who want a gentle toning option, seniors or people undergoing physical rehab.
The bench also allows you to use accessories dumbbells and bands at the anchor posts. However, these accessories have to be bought separately from the bench.
3. Materials
The main frame of the bench is durable (made from 12 and 14-gauge steel). The steel is powder-coated and hence won’t be affected by oxidation or rust for many years. The bench also comes with oversize grip pop pins you can use to adjust or alter the bench as you need.
The seat and back cushions of the bench are covered with leather and stitched for extra support. The cushions are made from firm foam that ensures your body is comfortable as you are engaged in workouts.
The backrest padding of the CAP strength bench tapers in the top half. For most people, this design is just fine. However, you may find it a little bit annoying if you have a broad chest and shoulders.
Finally, the workout bench has transport wheels which make it easy to move around.
4. Dimensions
The bench is lightweight, weighing on 420lbs. However, it can support 500lbs in flat position and 400lbs in incline positions.The bench measures 53”x27”x45” when in upright position. The size of the bench makes it quite an ideal space saver if you have a small room for working out.
5. Seat and Back Support Positions
If you want to target majority of your body muscles f
rom various angles during your workout, you need a weight bench with some incline settings.
Moreover, the bench should offer support when you are doing exercises at an incline. Ideally, the bench’s frame profile should be low enough to keep your feet on the ground.
The CAP Barbell FM-CB804DX offers great seat and back support positions. The weight bench has 7 different back support positions and 3 different seat positions.
In most cases, you will only need to move the seat and back support out of their flat positions when you want to perform incline exercises, for example incline presses and dumbbell flys.
However, the incline setting is not the only thing you should consider in a weight bench. Another thing you should check is the system used to secure and adjust the bench and seat. The system is important as it can determine the lifespan of the bench. The system used on the CAP Barbell weight bench is similar to the one used on the Ironmaster Super Bench, which holds an impressive weigh limit of 1000lbs.
While the weight limit rating for the CAP weight bench is not high (400lbs in incline and 500lbs in flag position), it is still nearly that of a commercial bench. The weight capacity is adequate for most bodybuilders.
The CAP Barbell weight bench is strong and yet has a simple design. The bench does not have a sliding carriage or hidden locking mechanism that can make it get stuck. You can pull out the pin that locks the back or seat support in place and release it at the setting you want.
The adjustable workout bench has a built-in handle that will fulfill most of your needs. Moreover, the bench can be easily moved from place to place thanks to its discreet wheels.
6. Comfort and Stability
While having a frame that can support up to 500lbs is important, if you won’t be comfortable when pressing weight, your workouts will feel like a punishment. To ensure your comfort, the CAP strength bench has increased padding on the seat cushions and back support. The padding on the section in contact with the back has extra width to accommodate the pressure that the weights will be exerting.
Like is the case with most weight benches, a small gap is left between the seat and back support. This gap allows for the seat and back support to come together or separate depending on how you adjust their angles. However, the gap does not create any major issue when the bench is in its flat position.
The base stabilizers of the CAP Barbell adjustable weight bench are close to the ground and wide. This makes the bench more stable as well as prevents any unwanted movements.
At the front, the weight bench has a coated handle and at the back, there are transport wheels. With the wheels, you can easily roll the bench between a set of squat stands or into a cage.
7. Training with Resistance Bands
Like is the case with their bestselling power cages, CAP Barbell usually combines free weights with resistance band training to enable users perform a wider range of exercises. The CAP weight bench follows this design tradition with two well-placed anchor points that are positioned on the inside edge of the rear base stabilizer.
You can use the anchor points if you want to perform chest warm up exercises for free weight presses. The anchors also come in handy when you want to stretch between sets or have particular exercises you want to perform for the upper body.
The way the anchor points have been positioned ensures that resistance is applied in a similar way to cables. The resistance is applied more consistently than dumbbells provide. For instance, when carrying out dumbbell flys and you move the dumbbells directly above your chest at the contraction, you won’t feel any tension on your inner chest.
When using bands on the CAP Barbell adjustable weight bench, the angle of resistance is not straight down but out to the sides. This helps to maintain tension and improve the development of your inner and upper chest.Apart from chest exercises, the anchor points can be used with various resistance band exercises for your shoulders and arms.
8. CAP Strength Bench Exercise Options
One of the features that make the CAP Barbell FM-CB804DX unique is its support for resistance band exercises. Apart from this, the bench allows for a whole range of exercises. With some of the exercises, you will need to own a collection of resistance bands or free weights sets, which are relatively inexpensive to buy.
Below is an overview of some of the exercises you can perform on this workout bench:
Side lateral raises (bands)- Dumbbell kickbacks
- Dumbbell rows
- Seated overhead tricep extensions
- Elevated single leg squats
- Dumbbell pullovers
- Flat dumbbell press
- Standing bicep curl (bands)
- Incline crossover (bands)
- Incline hammer curls
- Seated shoulder press
- Incline dumbbell fly
Features Summary of CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench
- Full size utility bench that is comfortable for both long and short people
- Can be used with cages, tubes and dumbbells. (These accessories are sold separately.)
- Three-step powder coat paint to prevent rust and dirt
- Transport wheels and handle make moving the bench from one place to another easy
- Large grip pop pins for secure adjustments to be able to carry out variations in your workout
- Tube/band anchor posts with safety covers for a variety of incline workout
- The seating areas are box stitched and have perforated accents to keep you comfortable
- 3-position seat pad that can be adjusted for exercises targeting various muscles
- 7-position back pad that can be adjusted for a variety of workouts
- Made of long-lasting steel use for commercial works, and hence will last
- Made specifically for home and garage gyms
The CAP bench has many great reviews on Amazon. However, like is the case with any product, there are also some concerns about the weight bench. I have summarized the advantages and disadvantages of the bench as provided for by most customers on Amazon.
Pros of the CAP Weight Bench
- Its comfortable padding does not compress easily under heavier weights
- Sturdy frame design for a variety of heavy workouts
- Lightweight and mobile
- Fully compatible with CAP full range of power racks
- High weight capacity compared to similar priced benches
- Quick to assemble (takes less than 30 minutes)
- Resistance band option is ideal when more than one person will be using the bench
- A variety of useful setting for the back support and seat
Cons of the CAP Weight Bench
- Does not have decline position. This however is not an issue with most people
- The top tapering could be less for better should support for people with broad shoulders
- The gap between the seatbase and backrest can make lying down uncomfortable if your back is handing down the gap.
Installation and Assembly
The CAP adjustable workout bench comes with clear instructions and you will not have a problem assembling it on your own. Most people take less than 30 minutes to assemble the bench.
Warranty
The CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench comes with a 30 day-warranty. This warranty is quite short compared to most standard weight benches in the market. However, if you are working out every week, you should be able to find out whether the bench is solid for your exercises within the 30 days.
CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Review Summary
If you are working on a budget of around $200, it can be difficult to find a good weight bench for your home gym. When looking at high end benches for home gyms at below $200, the CAP Barbell is without a doubt one of the most competitive.
The adjustable weight bench has a higher weight rating, lighter frame when compared to the Bowflex model and various seat adjustment options. Moreover, the Barbell comes with resistance band support, which is rare for benches in its class.
The CAP Barbell Weight Bench is very comfortable for lifting and easy to assemble. The adjustable workout bench also feels incredibly solid for its actual weight.
Overall, buying the CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench will allow you to be able to perform all types of workouts you would want to do on a bench. The bench has the versatility and stability to support bodyweight exercises to barbells, dumbbells and bands. Moreover, it can support heavier weights than other workout benches available at the price point.
Check the CAP Barbell Weight Bench on Amazon
-
Exercise Options
-
Bench Angles
-
Durability
-
Price
Summary
The CAP Barbell Weight Bench is very comfortable for lifting and easy to assemble. The adjustable workout bench also feels incredibly solid for its actual weight.
POST REPLY