Rogue Fitness AB-2

Rogue Fitness AB-2

The Rogue Fitness AB-2 is a highly adjustable flat/incline bench with quality specs including a telescoping spine and over 50 adjustment options.

Read more below.

Features & Highlights

• Telescoping Design – The Rogue AB-2 uses a telescoping design on the back and the seat. This adjustment style isn’t as quick as a ladder style, but it’s very secure and some prefer the aesthetics. The bench ships assembled.
• # of Adjustments – The bench offers 9 back adjustments and 6 seat adjustments, making it one of the most adjustable on the market. The back pad ranges from 0 degrees to 78 degrees (0, 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78) and the seat from -15 degrees to 45 degrees (-15, 0, 10, 20, 30, 40). The downside to the AB-2 is that you don’t get an 85 or 90 degree position, which some people like for shoulder presses, etc…
• Pad/Seat Gap – The AB-2 includes a fairly sizeable gap between the seat and the back. The angled taper makes it look smaller than it is, but from top-to-top, you’re looking at around 6″. This could pose issues for people looking to flat bench on the AB-2 depending on the lifter’s measurables. It may be best to have a dedicated flat bench companion – something like the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 or the REP FB-5000.
• Leg Attachment – If you want to convert this bench to an FID bench (flat/incline/decline) you will need to use a leg attachment to perform decline movements. That piece is sold by Rogue separately here (retro kit). This is mainly if you own the AB-2 already. It would be more cost-efficient to buy the Rogue AB-3 if you want full FID functionality out of the box. Otherwise, the AB-2 is a solid flat/incline bench.
• Weight Limit – Rogue doesn’t state a weight rating for the AB-2, but most benches in this class rate at 1,000lbs+, and I have no doubt this bench couldn’t handle that. The bench weighs around 94 lbs. 
• Not IPF Height – This bench sits 18″ off the floor when in the flat position, which means it’s not consistent with IPF specs (17.7″ max). This isn’t all that uncommon for an adjustable bench, but it’s something to consider if you’re training with specificity in mind. This may be another reason to also have a dedicated IPF-height flat bench on hand in addition to the AB-2.
• Includes Wheels & Handle – Like most adjustable benches, this bench does include a handle and wheels. This makes it much easier to move around the gym.
• Front Foot – The front foot on this bench is slightly wider than some that use a single post. While it’s still not very wide, it may interfere with foot placement in certain positions.
• Grippy Vinyl – This bench offers a textured vinyl that helps prevent slipping while benching. Rogue has some of the best bench vinyl in my experience. 
• No Standard Upright Storage – The Rogue AB-2 doesn’t have a standalone feature to stand it vertically for storage. That said, you can still prop it against a wall or rest it on the end of the pad – just know you may need to place something behind the wheels to prevent rolling and you may cause pad issues if you leave it resting on the end.
• Made in America – This bench is made in the USA.

What They’re Saying at Roguefitness.com

The Rogue Fitness AB-2 receives very good feedback from users. With an average rating of 5/5, here are some of the things people have said at roguefitness.com:

Positive

• “I bought this bench a month ago. I have used it multiple times and I was impressed. It is solid and better than lots of Benches I used in gyms before.”
• “The lower back shouldn’t be touching the bench during proper bench pressing so I see no issue/problem with the gap. My size (180cm / 71″) even allows me to flat bench on just the top part. Really worth mentioning is the sticky pad – the shoulders aren’t going anywhere! If used too many benches with slippery pads. The AB-2 is the most expensive part in my home gym, but definitely worth it’s price!”
• “This thing is an absolute tank. Can’t even believe how beefy it is. Pretty sure it could withstand a tornado sending it 5 counties over. Incredibly impressed so far, thanks for making such an awesome product.”
  
• “My other bench is like a toy compared to this. It is heavy and ultra robust. This is the ONE bench one needs for years of training.”
• “Very solid and well made. Will last a lifetime. Pleased with purchase and quality.“
• “Perfect upgrade. Stable and strong bench. Recommended for any home or commercial gym”

Critical

• “None Noted”

Garage Gym Lab Review

Garage Gym Lab has not yet reviewed this bench.

Other Options

The below benches were picked as alternatives to the Rogue Fitness AB-2.