Apex Adjustable Bench Review: Better Than the Competition?
There are a lot of really good adjustable benches around the $500 price point.
But after getting hands-on with the Apex Fitness Apex Bench, there is one thing that immediately separates it from almost everything else I've tested:
The upgradeability is kind of insane.
The bench itself is comfortable, extremely stable, highly adjustable, and honestly one of the best-looking benches I've had in my gym.
But the real selling point is the ecosystem Apex is building around it.
You can start with what is already a very good adjustable bench and gradually add attachments for Nordic curls, seal rows, dips, pull-ups, belt squats, leg extensions, leg curls, lat pulldowns, landmine movements and more.
This is important, though.
This is a first-impressions review of the Apex Bench itself, not my final review of the entire Apex attachment ecosystem. I have all of the attachments, but I haven't spent enough time with every one of them yet to give you a fair long-term verdict.
I'd rather actually use them than tell you something is great because I tried it twice.
So for now, let's focus on the foundation of the system: the Apex Bench.
And so far, I'm very impressed.
[[NOTE:This is my first-impressions review of the Apex Bench. I have the complete attachment ecosystem and will be testing those pieces separately before giving them a full verdict.]]
[[BTN:Check the Apex Bench & Attachments →|https://www.apexfitness.com/liftlab]]
Quick Verdict: Is the Apex Bench Worth It?
If you're looking for the cheapest adjustable bench possible so you can do some flat and incline pressing, I probably wouldn't buy the Apex.
There are much cheaper benches that will handle those basics just fine.
Where the Apex starts making sense is for someone who wants to buy a premium adjustable bench once, keep it for years and gradually build more functionality around it.
The build quality is excellent.
It's rock solid.
You get more adjustment positions than almost anyone actually needs.
The pad is comfortable and extremely grippy.
It stores upright.
And then you have the attachment ecosystem.
That's what changes the conversation.
You're not just buying an adjustable bench. You're buying into a platform that can potentially replace several additional pieces of equipment as your gym grows.
[[VERDICT:A|One of the most upgradeable benches I've tested|The Apex is already an excellent adjustable bench on its own, but the attachment ecosystem is what really separates it. If you want a premium bench you can build around for years, this is one of the most interesting options available.]]
[[RATING:Build Quality=10;Stability=10;Adjustability=9.5;Pad & Comfort=9;Mobility=9;Versatility=10;Value=9]]
Apex Bench Specs
[[SPECS:Price at Time of Review=$499 standard / $599 stainless;Steel=11-gauge;Bench Weight=Approx. 105 lb;Back Pad Positions=17;Back Pad Range=-10° to 85°;Seat Positions=10;Seat Range=-20° to 30°;Pad Gap=Approx. 1 inch;Upright Storage=Yes;Attachment Ports=Multiple]]
Apex Bench Pros and Cons
[[PROS:Excellent build quality;Extremely stable under load;11-gauge steel construction;17 back pad positions;10 seat positions;Built-in -10° decline;Very grippy comfortable pad;Easy-to-clean upholstery;Easy to move for its weight;Vertical storage;Huge attachment ecosystem;Can be upgraded gradually over time]]
[[CONS:Expensive compared with a basic adjustable bench;So many adjustments can make settings harder to remember;Seat adjustment numbers can be difficult to see;Approx. 1-inch pad gap;Most ecosystem features require additional purchases]]
Build Quality Is Excellent
Calling a weight bench beautiful sounds a little ridiculous.
But this thing is beautiful.
Apex put a surprising amount of attention into details that other companies would have been perfectly happy to skip.
The frame uses 11-gauge steel throughout, and I went with the stainless steel version.
You get knurling all over this thing.
The handle is knurled.
The adjustment handle is knurled.
The pop-pin knobs are knurled.
You have laser-etched adjustment numbers, Apex logo cutouts throughout the frame, a branded footplate and even metal covers around the rear wheels instead of exposed plastic.
Depending on the color configuration you choose, Apex even matches some of the numbering accents to the bench.
Do any of these things make the bench perform better?
Not necessarily.
But if I'm spending this much money on a piece of equipment that's going to sit in the middle of my gym for years, I appreciate when it actually looks and feels premium.
Personally, this might be my favorite-looking bench I've owned.
Stability Is Basically a Non-Issue
More importantly, it's built like a tank.
I've done heavy presses, rows and movements using attachments like the Striker Pad, and this thing does not want to move.
There's no noticeable shaking.
There's no rattling.
There's no feeling like the bench is shifting underneath you once you start loading it.
It weighs around 105 pounds, which certainly helps, but I've used other heavy benches that still didn't feel this planted.
If I were grading just the build quality and stability of the Apex Bench, this is an A+.
[[TRAINER:I use my benches for both my own training and with personal training clients throughout the day. Stability matters even more to me because the same bench has to work for different body sizes, strength levels and exercises without constantly needing to be babied.]]
Surprisingly Easy to Move for a 105-Pound Bench
The interesting part is that it doesn't really feel like a 105-pound bench when you need to move it.
My GET RX'd FIDAB-2 is another heavy-duty bench that I've spent a lot of time using, and that bench feels considerably more front-heavy when I pick it up.
The Apex feels better balanced.
Drop it into the flat position, grab the knurled handle with one hand and it rolls easily on the rear wheels.
[[LINK:Read my GET RX'd FIDAB-2 review →|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/FIDAB-2]]
That's a pretty important detail in a home gym.
A 100-plus-pound bench that feels like you need to deadlift it every time you want it out of the way gets annoying quickly.
This one doesn't.
17 Back Pad Positions Is Kind of Ridiculous
Yes.
Seventeen.
The Apex gives you 17 different back pad positions, with adjustments at roughly five-degree increments.
Do you need that many?
Probably not.
If anything, it creates a new problem because now you have to remember whether you liked your incline press at 25, 30 or 35 degrees.
But I'll still take too much adjustability over too little.
The ladder system is also easy to use.
Raising the back pad is basically hands-free. Lift it and let it fall into whichever slot you want.
Lowering it requires using the adjustment handle, and getting it all the way back into the flat position takes slightly more attention.
It's not difficult. There's just a lot going on back there.
The Built-In Decline Is a Nice Addition
One feature I really like is that the back pad goes down to a slight -10-degree decline.
That means you don't necessarily need another attachment just to get a little decline angle.
That's something I notice because of my experience with the GET RX'd FIDAB-2.
With that bench, I generally need to use the leg roller and change the bench setup when I want to create my decline position.
The Apex gives you a small negative angle right out of the gate.
It's a simple feature, but I like having it.
You Also Get 10 Seat Positions
Apparently 17 back positions weren't enough.
The seat gives you another 10 adjustments ranging from around 30 degrees down to -20 degrees.
Instead of a ladder, the seat uses a pop pin.
My main complaint here is actually caused by having so much adjustability.
Sometimes it's difficult to immediately know where level is.
The adjustment number can also be a little difficult to see while you're moving the seat.
I've occasionally found myself holding the pop pin out and moving the seat around until I find the position I'm looking for.
That's not a major problem.
But if Apex asked me what I'd change, making those positions easier to identify would be on the list.
Why Does My Apex Bench Have a Split Seat?
If you've seen my bench in the video or on Instagram, you may notice mine has a split seat.
That isnot the standard Apex seat.
I have the Nord Max attachment.
That setup replaces the standard seat with two pads that can separate, allowing you to use the bench for Nordic hamstring curls.
It's another example of how deep Apex is going with this ecosystem.
The bench you buy normally comes with a standard one-piece seat.
What About the Apex Bench Pad Gap?
There's about a one-inch gap between the seat and back pad when the bench is flat.
I know there are home gym owners who are borderline emotionally invested in bench pad gaps.
I'm not one of them.
The back pad is long enough that I can put my entire body on it without the gap interfering with anything.
Even if I slide pretty far down the bench, I still have plenty of pad behind my head and shoulders.
So for the way I train, it just doesn't matter very much.
If you're someone who absolutely needs a true zero-gap bench, then yes, there are other benches that handle this better.
The Freak Athlete ABX is one of them.
But I used my REP AB-3000 2.0 for years with an even larger pad gap, including every day with personal training clients, and it never meaningfully affected how I used the bench.
[[LINK:Read my REP AB-3000 2.0 review →|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/repab3000fidbench]]
For me, there are about 20 things I'd worry about before I rejected a bench over a one-inch pad gap.
The Pad Is Grippy Without Being Annoying
The padding is one of my favorite parts of the Apex.
It's not super firm.
It's not overly cushioned.
You lie down, start lifting and pretty much forget about it.
That's what I want out of a bench pad.
The vinyl is also very grippy.
I actually tested it by gradually increasing the angle while seeing when an object would start sliding down the pad.
It held through roughly 50 degrees before finally losing grip around 55 degrees.
That's pretty damn grippy.
It's Also Really Easy to Clean
This probably matters more to me than it does to someone training alone in their garage.
I'm a personal trainer.
Clients use this equipment all day.
That means sweat, deodorant, dirt and everything else eventually ends up on the bench.
Some of the aggressive grippy vinyl you see on premium benches has larger pores that collect white deodorant and grime.
Then I'm standing there trying to scrub somebody's deodorant out of a $500 weight bench.
Living the dream.
The Apex material has a much tighter texture.
It still provides a ton of grip, but it's significantly easier for me to spray down and wipe clean.
That's a small feature that has become a pretty big positive in my gym.
[[TRAINER:The Apex pad hits the sweet spot for a training studio. It gives clients enough grip to stay planted during heavy pressing without using an overly porous material that's annoying to clean between sessions.]]
Upright Storage Should Be Standard on Premium Benches
The Apex can be stored vertically.
At this point, I almost think any premium home gym bench that doesn't store upright has already lost points before I use it.
Floor space is too valuable.
The bottom of the Apex has a protective UHMW section that allows you to stand the bench up without damaging the frame or padding.
So when you're finished training, roll it into a corner and stand it upright.
Simple.
But extremely useful.
The Attachment Ecosystem Is the Real Reason to Buy It
Everything I've talked about so far makes the Apex a very good adjustable bench.
But none of that is why I think it's special.
The attachment ecosystem is the reason I'm interested in this bench.
Apex built multiple attachment ports into the frame, and at the time I filmed this review there were already around 10 attachments available or being developed.
Depending on how far you want to take it, the bench can add functionality for:
Nordic hamstring curls
Pull-ups
Dips
Seal rows
Chest-supported rows
Supported shoulder presses
Lat pulldowns
Belt squats
Landmine movements
Leg extensions
Leg curls
Additional footplate exercises
There's even a cable adapter for the leg extension and leg curl attachment so you aren't necessarily limited to plate-loaded resistance.
Apex has also teased additional integrations.
And as someone who already likes doing ridiculous things with cable systems and digital resistance, that's where this starts getting really interesting.
The Attachment Ports Are Built to Stay Tight
The attachments use a pop-pin style system along with additional tightening knobs.
You slide the attachment into the port, let the pop pin lock it into position and then tighten the secondary knob against it.
That removes a lot of the movement you sometimes get from attachments sliding into receiver tubes.
There's a small learning curve.
If you overtighten the pop-pin knob before inserting an attachment, the pin itself can protrude enough to catch the attachment as you slide it in.
So you loosen it slightly, insert the attachment, let it lock and then tighten everything down.
Once you understand how it works, the system does a very good job eliminating slop.
That's important because an ecosystem like this doesn't matter if every attachment feels like it's barely hanging onto the bench.
The Striker Pad Is Already One of the Interesting Attachments
I've already spent some time using the Striker Pad.
It gives you another supported surface that can be used for things like seal rows, chest-supported movements and supported shoulder pressing.
It's also relevant when comparing the Apex with something like the Freak Athlete ABX.
The ABX has a folding back pad built directly into the bench.
That gives your shoulders and arms additional freedom for certain movements without needing another attachment.
The Apex doesn't do that stock.
But the Striker Pad can replicate some of that functionality while also opening up other exercise options.
The tradeoff is obvious.
With the ABX, that feature is integrated.
With the Apex, you're buying another attachment.
The Nord Max Adds Nordic Hamstring Curls
The Nord Max is another attachment I already have.
It creates the split-seat configuration you see on my bench and allows the pads to separate for Nordic hamstring curls.
I've tested quite a few dedicated Nordic products.
My NordBench Pro, for example, is much more specialized around Nordic curls and back extensions.
[[LINK:Read my NordBench Pro review →|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/nordbenchpro]]
The difference is that Nordic curls are only one tiny part of what the Apex system is trying to accomplish.
That's really the theme here.
You're not necessarily buying this bench because you want one specific exercise.
You're buying the platform and then adding the functions you actually want.
You Don't Need to Buy Every Attachment
This is probably one of the most important things to understand about the Apex.
You don't need to buy the bench and immediately order ten attachments.
In fact, I wouldn't.
Start with the bench.
Then add things when they actually solve a problem in your gym.
Maybe six months from now you want to start training Nordic curls.
Add the Nord Max.
Maybe you don't have room for a dedicated leg extension and leg curl.
Add that attachment.
Maybe you want to belt squat but don't want another gigantic machine eating up your floor.
There's an attachment for that too.
That gradual upgradeability is where the Apex makes a lot of sense.
I usually roll my eyes when companies say one piece of equipment can "replace an entire gym."
Usually that means it technically allows you to do 30 movements, but about 25 of them suck.
From the Apex attachments I've opened and tested so far, this feels different.
The attachments appear to be getting the same level of thought and build quality as the bench itself.
I'm not ready to give all of them a final grade yet.
But the early results are promising.
Apex Bench vs GET RX'd FIDAB-2
The GET RX'd FIDAB-2 is one of the best comparisons I can make because I've spent a lot of time with both benches.
The FIDAB-2 is a really good traditional premium adjustable bench.
It's stable.
It's comfortable.
It's quick to adjust.
It stores upright.
And the front attachment port gives you some extra versatility.
The Apex takes that concept considerably further.
You get a lot more adjustment positions and an entire accessory ecosystem that's being designed specifically around the bench.
If I just wanted a really solid adjustable bench that was simple to use, the GET RX'd still makes a ton of sense.
If I wanted to buy one bench and gradually turn it into a much larger part of my home gym, I'd choose the Apex.
Apex Bench vs REP AB-3000 2.0
The REP AB-3000 2.0 is in a different price class, but I think it's worth mentioning.
I used mine for years.
It's still one of my favorite value adjustable benches.
It's stable, adjusts quickly, handles flat, incline and decline work well and includes a leg roller.
I've even stored mine vertically for years despite that not really being one of REP's major advertised features.
If you're looking at the Apex and thinking:
"I don't care about any of those attachments. I just need a good bench."
Then I don't think you necessarily need to spend Apex money.
The REP makes a lot of sense.
But if the attachment system is one of the main reasons you're shopping for the Apex, these aren't really trying to accomplish the same thing.
Apex Bench vs Freak Athlete ABX
I think the Freak Athlete ABX is probably the closest direct competitor.
The ABX has a couple of legitimate advantages.
First, it has the automatic zero-gap system.
If pad gap keeps you awake at night, point ABX.
It also has the folding back pad that creates more freedom around the shoulders during certain movements.
That's a legitimately cool design.
The Apex answers with what I think is the stronger attachment ecosystem.
You can recreate some of the ABX's split-back functionality with the Apex Striker Pad, but that does require purchasing an additional attachment.
So I wouldn't tell everyone that one bench is automatically better.
It depends on what you value.
If zero-gap and the folding back pad are your priorities, the ABX makes a strong argument.
If you want maximum upgradeability and a bench designed around a growing ecosystem of attachments, the Apex is the one I'd lean toward.
Who Should Buy the Apex Bench?
[[WHO:You want one premium adjustable bench to keep for years;You value attachment compatibility and future upgrades;You have limited gym space and want multiple functions from one footprint;You want excellent build quality and stability;You want lots of incline, flat and decline positions;You like adding equipment gradually instead of buying everything at once;You want upright storage;You take your home gym pretty seriously]]
The more limited your space is, the more interesting the Apex becomes.
Instead of buying a dedicated machine every time you want another exercise, you can potentially add another attachment to something that's already sitting in your gym.
That can save a lot of floor space over time.
Who Should Skip the Apex Bench?
[[SKIP:You only need a basic flat and incline bench;You're trying to build your gym as cheaply as possible;You don't care about attachments;You absolutely require a zero-gap bench;You prefer a simple bench with very few adjustment choices;You don't want to spend additional money on attachments later]]
This isn't a beginner budget bench.
If you're putting together your first garage gym and just need somewhere to dumbbell bench press, there are much cheaper ways to accomplish that.
You're paying a premium here because of the build quality and the platform Apex has created around it.
If you're never going to use that ecosystem, part of what you're paying for is wasted.
Final Verdict: Is the Apex Fitness Apex Bench Worth It?
My first impression of the Apex Fitness Apex Bench is extremely positive.
The build quality is excellent.
It's incredibly stable.
You have more adjustment positions than you're probably ever going to need.
The padding is comfortable, grippy and easy to clean.
It moves better than you'd expect from a bench this heavy.
It stores upright.
And most importantly, you're buying into an ecosystem that could significantly expand what you're able to do without continuously adding standalone machines to your home gym.
I still have more testing to do.
I have every attachment, and I want enough time with each one to tell you which are worth buying, which aren't and where some of the more interesting exercise possibilities are.
So the full Apex ecosystem verdict is still coming.
But based on the bench itself and the attachments I've tested so far, Apex has built an extremely impressive foundation.
If you're shopping for a premium adjustable bench and upgradeability matters to you, the Apex should absolutely be on your shortlist.
[[BTN:Check Current Apex Bench Pricing →|https://www.apexfitness.com/liftlab]]
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Apex Bench FAQ
How much does the Apex Bench cost?
At the time I filmed this review, the standard Apex Bench was $499. My stainless steel configuration was $599. Pricing and configurations can change, so I recommend checking Apex for the current price.
How many back pad positions does the Apex Bench have?
The Apex Bench has 17 back pad positions, with adjustments at roughly five-degree increments.
Does the Apex Bench decline?
Yes. The back pad includes a built-in -10-degree decline position, so you can get a slight decline without installing an additional attachment.
How many seat positions does the Apex Bench have?
There are 10 seat positions ranging from approximately 30 degrees down to -20 degrees.
Does the Apex Bench have a zero-gap design?
No. There is approximately a one-inch gap between the seat and back pad when flat. It hasn't affected my training because the back pad is long enough for me to position myself completely on it.
Can the Apex Bench be stored upright?
Yes. The bench includes a protective section at the base that allows it to be stored vertically.
How much does the Apex Bench weigh?
The bench weighs approximately 105 pounds. Despite the weight, the balance, front handle and rear wheels make it surprisingly easy to move.
What attachments are available for the Apex Bench?
The Apex ecosystem includes or has included options for Nordic curls, pull-ups, dips, seal rows, supported presses, belt squats, landmine exercises, leg extensions, leg curls, lat pulldowns and other movements.
Is the Apex Bench good for a small home gym?
I think that's actually one of the best use cases.
The bench itself isn't tiny, but upright storage combined with the attachment ecosystem means one footprint can potentially perform jobs that would otherwise require several pieces of equipment.
Is the Apex Bench better than the Freak Athlete ABX?
It depends on what matters to you.
The ABX has advantages like its automatic zero-gap system and folding back pad.
I think the Apex has the stronger overall attachment ecosystem.
If maximum upgradeability is your priority, I'd lean Apex.
More Adjustable Bench Reviews
If you're comparing the Apex with other benches I've actually tested, start with these:
[[ALT:GET RX'd FIDAB-2 Adjustable Bench|A premium traditional adjustable bench that's extremely stable, fast to adjust and gives you some attachment compatibility without going as deep into an ecosystem as the Apex.|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/FIDAB-2]]
[[ALT:REP Fitness AB-3000 2.0|One of my favorite value adjustable benches after years of use with both my own training and personal training clients.|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/repab3000fidbench]]
[[ALT:NordBench Pro|A more specialized compact bench focused primarily on Nordic hamstring curls and back extensions, with several additional exercise options.|https://liftlabreviews.com/post/nordbenchpro]]
