best workout bench to get? only need max of about 300 lbs

[evident]

started doing free weights at home. purchased bowflex selecttechs last time they were on sale and they are good, but really can't do much besides bicep curls unless we have a bench.

requirements:
need to be able to be collapsable under a bed or something.
handle max of 300 lbs. I'm about 170lbs, each dumbell has a max of 55 lbs. Doesn't need to have decline positions but would be nice. I just want to be able to do some free weight bench presses.

i see so many benches on amazon but many have mixed reviews. I also trust AT much more than random reviews on amazon.

 

[surfsatwerk]

I can't imagine any "collapsible" bench being safe.

 

[ZOOYUKA]

Your max bench is 55lbs and you are worried about a 300lb max?

 

[momeNt]

Your max bench is 55lbs and you are worried about a 300lb max?

The bench doesn't know whether or not the weight is from your body or the bar + weights.

Not sure how much weight is transferred from your feet to the floor when you are engaging the weight and lifting. But figure just using his whole weight as an added safety factor is 170+55 = 225 leaves 75lbs of strength gain before he'll need a sturdier bench. Not really that much room considering he is only starting at 55lbs, and 75lbs to that is only 130lb bench.

 

[Wyndru]

[edit]oops I misread the OP, he just needs a bench to use his dumbells on.

Either way, I have this if anyone is looking for a bench with uprights:
http://www.amazon.com/Best-Fitness-B.../dp/B000XKHHMG

It folds up to save space.

I really like it, I even use the uprights for squatting from the back of the bench. It requires a 6 or 7 foot Olympic bar. I have a 5 foot bar that works on it, but it sits on the collars of the bar so it's a little awkward. I have put 250lbs on it, but it's solid, so I don't think it would have any issues with much higher.

I just noticed, one of the comments on the amazon page said this regarding the weight limit:

the owner's manual does not tell you what the weight capacities of the bench are. This information is not posted on any web sites I visited when shopping for a bench either so I had to contact the manufacturer to get this information. Incidentally, the maximum weight for the uprights is 300 lb. and the maximum weight for the leg developer is 100 lb. I think the weight capacity for the leg developer is a little low but when using the heavier weights one could always do one leg at a time, effectively doubling the weight capacity per leg. I think this is a minor compromise considering the low cost of the bench.

 

[evident]

Your max bench is 55lbs and you are worried about a 300lb max?

each dumbbell has a max of 55 lbs. 170 +110 = 280. which is more than enough for me to get started right now.

 

[OILFIELDTRASH]

Ironmaster Super Bench

Hands down the best piece of equipment you'll ever own. You'll have to buy the sit up/decline attachment separately to do decline and sit ups. I also have the dips attachment.
I can't explain all the crap you can do with this single bench. There's a vid on YouTube where a guy did a review. Build quality is superb.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

Does your budget permit joining a gym?

 

[evident]

Does your budget permit joining a gym?

i belong to an LA fitness that i pay about $15 /mo, but I like the option of working out at home as well when i can't make it. my fiance has a gym at work but she likes to work out with me too and there's no LA fitness around our house. we already have the elliptical and free weights.

 

[NAC]

IMO, if you are using dumbells you want to be careful not to extend your elbows too far behind your body. That can be difficult to do on a bench. You might want something like this:
http://www.newyorkbarbells.com/8611.html
It should also be rock stable, handle any weight you want to put on it, and store easily.

Alternatively, you can save the money and build something like it in an afternoon with a 2*10, some padding, fabric, and nails / staples.

If you stick to a regular height bench - I recommend against getting incline/decline for that price range. My BodySolid "Heavy Duty" incline bench retails for $365, and it shifts a little under weight.