Justin Redman was a former reporter for Select on NBC News.
My Flybird Weight Bench is everything I need for my workouts
This foldable and adjustable weight bench is also a bargain for the utility it provides.
Both Select editor Gideon Grudo and Select editor Morgan Greenwald have different models of benches from Flybird, as well as differing assessments. Grudo says this Flybird adjustable bench fits his needs well — it has a higher weight capacity and thicker foam than mine — as the wider bench works for his wider frame and he’s able to make use of the angle adjustments. He also says that being able to fold it for storage helps keep his workout space tidy.
Greenwald, on the other hand, says her Flybird bench hasn’t held up well when she and her husband lift heavier weights. Specifically, she says her bench slips on her floor and generally doesn’t feel sturdy, describing it as a “lightweight, flimsy bench” that she’s considering replacing. Foldable and adjustable benches are unlikely to have the same durability or weight capacity as their flat counterparts, said Greenwald, an avid lifter.
I personally have yet to experience many issues — sometimes the bench will slightly fold if I sit on one end of the bench — and the utility I get for a low price has definitely been a bargain. Until I’m benching 400 pounds like Greenwald’s husband — whose biceps are as big as her face, she told me — I expect the Flybird bench will be enough.
If you’re looking for a flat bench or a higher end bench, here are some expert-recommended options to consider.
This bench has a frame constructed from steel and uses high-density foam for the padding, the brand says. Abrasion- and stain-resistant Boltaflex upholstery covers the padding — the company also says it has antibacterial properties. The bench weighs 90 pounds and comes with rubber foot pads. Jennings recommended it as a solid flat bench in our guide to weight benches.
Jennings called this “splurge” option “top of the line” and said it’s a great choice for heavy lifters for its durability. You can adjust the bench back to five different angles — 0, 20, 35, 45 and 82 degrees. You can also adjust the seat to five different settings. The bench’s hydraulic piston assist helps with bench adjustments, according to the brand. The handle and wheels should help with moving the 100-pound bench. The welded frame also provides durability, Perform Better says.
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