CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench Review

If you’re looking to buy your first bench, the CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench is a great place to start. It’s also a very reasonably priced bench, with a ton of great features making it ideal for those of you on a tight budget.

Angles and Positions

The CAP Barbell Deluxe Utility Bench offers a variety of positions — in fact there are seven different backrest positions and three seat-cushion positions, allowing you to complete a number of upper, lower body and core exercises with appropriate back support. There’s no decline position on it — that won’t be a problem for most people, but for me personally it is, because I do decline bench work and like to do ab work. Pick what’s best for your own workout routine.

Anchor Posts for Resistance Bands

In addition to using barbells and dumbbells with this bench, a unique feature is that it has anchor posts at the base of the frame, which allows you to attach resistance bands to add variety in your workout. This is a great feature for those who want a slightly more gentle, toning option, for people undergoing rehabilitation or the more senior users. You take the resistance bands and hook them under the bench hooks on the back leg, then take the handles on each side and do bicep curls or bench presses using the bands instead. The bands themselves don’t come with the bench and have to be purchased separately.

Build Quality

The main frame is made of 12 and 14 gauge steel, so it’s stable and durable, and it’s powder coated to protect against rust and oxidation for years to come. The back and seat cushions are covered in leatherette with box stitching for extra support and comfort. However, the padding on the backrest tapers in toward the top, so if you’ve got a broad chest and shoulders, you might find that a bit annoying.

By comparison to some other benches, this one has a long, stable base that’s flat on the back and the front, with a nice wide stance. The angle adjustments are precise as you pull out the knob to adjust the pin into each of the angles. The frame itself is really thick and sturdy.

Installation, Assembly, and Warranty

It comes with clear instructions, so you shouldn’t run into difficulty — it may take around 30 minutes to put together, so give yourself a bit of time. Unfortunately, it only comes with a 30-day warranty, which is much shorter than some other benches on the market.

Bottom line: it’s a great space saver and lightweight, but still has a high weight capacity, and if you treat it kindly, it’s bound to look after you for years to come.

Alternatively, I wrote a complete guide on the best Adjustable Weight Bench you can purchase for your home gym that compares various models. Lastly, if you are a serious athlete or simply want the best money can buy then don’t waste time and look at the Rogue Adjustable Bench.