Powerline 125X Bench
The Powerline 125X Weight Bench by Body-Solid is a stable, dependable FID bench with a no-frills design and a can-do attitude that harks back to a simpler time at the gym. Easily adjustable, easy to breakdown, easy to store and easy on the wallet the Powerline is for people who want to lift weights and get in shape. No complicated assembly or head-scratching setup required. Just pull it from the closet and get to work. It’s that simple with the Powerline Adjustable Folding Weight Bench.
Has great padding which is comfortable and firm, not too soft or hard
It has incline, flat, and decline positions with seven different adjustments
It is quick and easy to adjust with the ladder-style adjustment
It has a narrow width, 8.25 inches, at the top of the back rest
Features
This is a compact, comfortable bench that is perfect for an athlete with limited space who is still dedicated to getting in that daily workout so you can reach your fitness goals. It is great for dumbbell exercises or any other lifts.
Adjustability
There are five different incline positions at approximately 15 and 30, 45 and 60, and 85 degrees. The maximum incline position is not quite vertical. This seems to be a little more comfortable but some people may not like it. The angles are a suitable range for most athletes.
Not having an adjustable seat could be an issue for some people while doing incline exercises. When you do heavy lifts on the incline, sometimes you could slide down the seat with the weight pushing down on you. You can keep the seat flat and use your feet for stability.
The nice thing about the flat position on this bench is that it is actually flat, to the point that you could check it with a level. There is not a whole lot you say about a flat position other than to let you know the gap between the seat and the backrest shows up the most when the seat is in this position. It is about two inches wide. It may bother some people who have been known to stuff rolled up t-shirts or something in the gap.
The decline position of the 125X is at -17 degrees. That is the only decline position. It may be a little shallow but it is pretty good for doing your ab work. It is good to have a decline but it is a little less than comfortable with no back of the knee support. The seat is not adjustable and the pegs are unpadded, situated close to the floor. Going into the decline on the bench may feel a little awkward.
Build Quality
This bench has a nice, slim profile with a nice geometry to it. It is a versatile bench that is easy to operate and has an attractive, sleek design. The colors are low key black padding with a silver frame which is brushed metal. The wide stance has the legs in a T shape. The pad tapers down and it adjusts with the ladder design on the back. It has plastic wheels built into the rear leg which lets you roll the bench using the metal overhang extension on the seat to hold on to.
Appearance
Performance
Portability and Set Up
If you do not have a lot of space in your home gym, this bench should definitely get your attention. It folds up and is easy to transport. It is hard to find one which folds up like this and is also adjustable. It is easy to stow away. Just put the bench in a full decline position. Lock the backrest to the frame. Then pull the lock pin on the seat to fold the front legs under. It only takes a few seconds. To move it, you can just lift it up by the seat and then roll it on the wheels which are attached to the leg portion. It will fit under a bed, in a closet or leaned up against a wall if you do not have a lot of room to work with.
Stability
The construction on this bench is very heavy-duty. It does not bend or give in any way while you are using it. It is made with 2-inch x 2 inches 12 gauge steel. The bench is sturdy and does not wobble. The front legs point in a forward position from the bench seat to give you a wider stance and good stability. The weight capacity is 500 pounds.
Comfort
The bench legs extend quite a bit forward. It makes the bench nice and stable but they may be in the way a little, especially if you are on the shorter side. If you pick your dumbbells up from the floor, you will have to lean pretty far forward.
The padding on this bench is perfect. It is not too hard or too soft. It is 2 inches thick and is firm when you sit on it. The pads are made from a stain-resistant vinyl cover which covers a polyurethane foam pad and a plywood backing. The stitching is also sturdy and is black to match the material. The workmanship is quality and extremely durable.
The Final Word
This bench is like a great pair of athletic shoes that open the door to a higher level of personal performance without ever calling attention to themselves. On top of all that you don’t need a degree in engineering and several hours to put the bench together. You can start enjoying the benefits of it right off the bat.
If you’re on a budget and have been shopping around for a great value option in portable weight benches your search is probably at an end with the Powerline 125X weight bench. The relatively lightweight of the bench also means that shipping won’t cost you an arm and a leg either and the 10-year structural warranty is nice to have, even though there’s very little chance you’ll ever have to invoke it.