BlackWing closes the pad gap and includes decline. AB-5200 offers a long back pad in a lighter, still substantial frame.
I’d choose AB-5200 2.0 for mainly flat and incline work if its long back pad fits me. BlackWing would be my pick if closing the pad gap mattered to my flat press or I used decline regularly. With the same published capacity, I’d decide on fit, adjustment and how often I needed to move the bench.
BlackWing earns its place through the sliding seat, built-in decline and broader seat adjustment.
Photo: © REP.
AB-5200 gives flat and incline lifters a 105.9 cm back pad while removing about seven kilograms from the bench they move.
Photo: © REP.
BlackWing’s sliding seat closes the join between the pads. That is valuable when the gap interrupts your preferred flat position. AB-5200 leaves a stated 3.6 cm gap, but its long back pad is a persuasive reason to choose it if head support at an incline is the main issue. Neither feature can tell you which pad will fit your body better.
| Everyday difference | BlackWing | AB-5200 2.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Back adjustment | 12 positions, −8° to 85° | 10 positions, 0° to 85° |
| Seat adjustment | Six positions | Four positions |
| Decline purchase | Backrest decline included; leg roller optional | Adjustable rear post required |
| Bench mass | About 59.4 kg | 52.16 kg |
| Published capacity | 1,000 lb | 1,000 lb |
Both benches have wheels and upright storage. AB-5200 is lighter, although its 65.5 cm maximum width is effectively the same as BlackWing’s. If the bench moves out of a rack after every session, favour the adjustments you will use over the longest feature list. If it stays in a dedicated lifting position, BlackWing’s extra mass has less effect on the daily setup.
Gym and Fitness lists both benches. For BlackWing, identify the pad width and whether you want the optional leg roller. For AB-5200, state whether the adjustable rear post is included. These are the options that make a delivered quote useful; a photograph of a fully equipped bench cannot settle them.
For mainly flat pressing, keep a bench that already provides the support and load rating your training requires. The reason to replace it is an improvement you will use: fit, incline work, decline work or the pad join. Extra adjustment by itself is a weak reason to spend.
Specifications are for the packages described in the linked profiles. How I compare equipment.
Ares upgrades a compatible REP rack. FM-6 Twin is a complete rack purchase. That distinction can decide the whole budget.
See the differences
The Ironmaster pair starts at roughly 34 kg per hand. This PowerBlock package stops at 18.1 kg until you add stages.
See the differences
VOLTRA fills a gap in an existing gym. Gym Monster 3 supplies the two-cable station and screen together.
See the differences
