Opinions on a York bench please

OFDM

I know that the lifting equipment in Argos is generally considered to be muck (the standard bar set and the 10kg weights being the exception), but I was wondering if the usual suspects could give their opinion on this bench I'm thinking of buying:


York 540 Bench


It's €220 and I have an upper limit on my budget of €250. I have a standard bar (with 90kg of weights) already, so I need a standard (non-Olympic) width bench.

Would this bench be a good purchase given my budget, or there any other suggestions for an alternative?

Magneto

Looking at that bench - if thats the exact one - I'd be concerned with the balance more than anything. The footprint is fairly small -so maybe if you put a bar on that it might be inclined to wobble a bit - not good news if ur under same!!

Try VJ leisure - I dont have a web link - but if you check the Buy and Sell there's one there. I'm guessing you might get something better for the same dosh - Argos are convenient - but they're dear (in general).

Again - unless you v particular about the bench you'd probably pick one up second hand - B&S again - (cripes I sound like an ad) . Countless people start with weights and throw it after a short while- especially after Xmas!!

Go for structure and footprint over pretty any day when your dealing with weight - safety big-time.

BrianD3

If that bench is part of the Argos "Extra" range then it is probably quite good. it looks pretty solid and a step above the usual cheap Argos benches. BTW there is no need to go for a narrow bench just because you have standard weights as you can get 7 foot standard bars pretty cheap. Get one of these and you'll be able to use it with any bench.

OFDM

BrianD3 wrote:

If that bench is part of the Argos "Extra" range then it is probably quite good.

It's actually not part of the extra range, but it is delivery only.

Magneto wrote:

The footprint is fairly small -so maybe if you put a bar on that it might be inclined to wobble a bit - not good news if ur under same!!

^
Now that I think about it, seeing as there is no horizontal bar connecting the rear supports, it does look like it could be a bit wobbly (lat pulldown and preacher station in the image above are "optional extras sold seperately").


Looking at VJ Fitness the alternatives appear to be:


^
Powertec WB-355 - €200
This looks similar to the york bench, but includes lat pulldown, preacher curl and butterfly attachements. It's also €20 cheaper and the rear supports are one piece, but the option to do squats is gone.



^
Powertec Olympic Narrow Bench - €300
This looks a lot more solid than the previous two and doesn't have any fancy pants attachments. It can be adjusted to take either narrow bars or 7ft olympic bars. But it stretches my budget by €50 and doesn't incorporate a squat stand.


+ +
^
Powertec Flat Bench (€170) + York Press Squat Stands (€220 - Argos Extra) + 7ft Standard bar - €390+
This would require a bit of saving as it's at least €140 over my budget but it would allow me to both bench and squat. It would be possible for me to buy the Press/Squats Stands with a 7ft bar first and then fashion a tempory bench in the mean-time.

Further opinions are appreciated.

OFDM

Do VJ Fitness sell any squat stands like this (I don't see any on their website)?: