Linodi Weight Bench Review: Full FID bench under $100

It’s good to see the Linodi Weight Bench has been upgraded. The stabilizing feet are much wider, and we have the added bonus of adjustable levellers built into the rear feet.

Adjustable levellers are a really handy feature, as you can adjust them to keep the bench level on uneven surfaces. This is a good start for the Linodi Upgraded Bench. The most important thing you need from any weight bench is stability when you’re lifting.

No one wants a wobbly bench. They’re off-putting, dangerous, and will negatively affect your form.

So the upgraded version is solid,  thumbs up to Linodi, stability has always been an issue with low cost benches many are plagued with stability issues, thankfully you wont have to worry about this with the upgraded bench, its a sturdy little dumbbell bench.

For a low cost dumbbeell bench, the Linodi Bench has a lot going for it.

I’ve been reviewing weight benches for over a decade, and it’s rare to find a well made, sturdy, and versatile weight bench in the under $100 price bracket, but so far I’m liking this bench from these guys. So much so, I want to take a much closer look at it.

So in today’s review, we’ll take a close look at everything this impressive folding bench from Linodi has to offer and any drawbacks, also I’ll compare it to another fav of mine in this price bracket, the Fitgoods Weight Bench, as it will be interesting to see how these two match up.

First, a quick look at the Linodi Weight Bench product specs!

Why Do We Like The Linodi Weight Bench?

I’ve already mentioned the upgraded version of this bench is much more stable than the previous version, which is great. The wide stabilizing feet and the adjustable levellers really help, but there’s something else that’s impressed me: the padding on the seat and the backpad.

The padding is much more important than people think, as the thickness and type of foam used can affect stability during pressing.

What you want to look for is high-density foam padding. This is the gold standard for weight benches. It’s not too hard to be off putting or too soft to cause stability problems, it’s just right. And thankfully Linodi has used this stuff with their upgraded bench, which is impressive considering this bench costs well under $100.

The thickness of the foam padding is around 2″ on this bench, which is industry standard and what I’d expect to find on a well-designed bench.

Ladder Adjustment System For The Backpad

Another feature I was really happy to see Linodi include was the ladder-adjustment system for the backpad. The reason I prefer the ladder adjustment system to the pull-pin type is that it’s much faster to adjust, and there’s no messing around with annoying pins.

Also, the ladder adjustment system is safer than pull-pin systems, especially on low-cost benches. I’ve known pins to snap under heavy weight loads on budget benches, which is definitely something you don’t want.

Pull pin type systems are ok on commercial benches where the quality of materials is higher, but for the low cost benches, it’s best to try and avoid.

The ladder system is faster, safer and more sturdy, so my advice to you is always look for ladder adjustment systems when going low cost.

7 Positions

The backpad has 7 positions, which include an 80-degree angle for seated shoulder presses. I was glad to see the 80 degrees for seated shoulder press, so many benches get this wrong and offer the full 90 degrees instead.

I find 80 degrees or 85 degrees is much better for seated shoulder press, as it allows you to arch your back slightly, which provides a more stable foundation. At 90 degrees, you almost feel like you’re falling forward, so a thumbs-up from me to Linodi again for including the 80 degrees.

There are 6 other positions for the backpad that also include a couple of decline angles, great for adding some mass to your lower pecs with decline pressing.

7 is more than enough potions for a weight bench backpad, anything more is overkill and doesn’t really get used.

Click here to check price of the Linodi Weight Bench on Amazon

18″ in Flat

The height of this bench when the backpad is in its flat position is 18″ from the floor to the top of the pad. Which is impressive, not many low-cost benches ever get this height correct.

The reason this measurement is important is that if it’s too high, you won’t be able to place your feet flat on the floor when bench pressing/dumbbell pressing in a flat position.

And if you can’t get your feet flat on the floor when pressing, it’s going to affect your form and your power, so it’s important.

The height of a professional commercial flat bench, like the ones you’ll find in your local gym, is usually around 17.8″. The Linodi bench height is 18″, which is pretty good for a budget bench.

Many of the budget benches I review (under $100 have heights of 22″), which is way too high and certainly affects your foot placement, negatively.

4 Way Adjustable Seat

Always great to see an adjustable seat featured on a low-cost bench like the Linodi. An adjustable seat is essential if you want to develop your upper pecs through incline pressing.

The reason an adjustable seat is so important is that it prevents your butt from sliding down the seat when you’re on an incline.

It provides you with a stable base to press from. Without a stable base to press from, you’re gonna lose your form and not be able to press heavy, thus slowing your progress.

Even beginners will benefit from an adjustable seat, as it’s always best to maintain correct form from the start.

The Linodi weight bench has 4 seat positions, more than enough for incline pressing.

2 Second Folding System

The Linodi Bench is a folding dumbbell bench, which is handy for those of you tight on space. And the folding feature is really easy to use, one of the fastest I’ve come across. It takes a couple of seconds to fold this thing and store it against a wall.

All you need to do is remove a pin and fold, it’s that simple. And there’s a built-in  carry handle to make it easy to move.

Can the Lindoi Weight Bench Handle its 660lb Weight Capacity?

While a lot of the budget benches love to boast unrealistic super high weight capacities, Linodi hasn’t gone crazy with theirs. 660lb is almost realistic for a well made dumbbell bench.

However, this is a very light weight bench weighing just 17lb, it’s not a heavy-duty bench, far from it. It’s designed for light-to-medium dumbbell workouts.

It doesn’t have the heavy-duty welds or steel gauge to handle very heavy loads daily, so while 660lb isn’t too far off what I’d expect a bench like this to handle. It’s still slightly unrealistic that a 17lb lightweight low-cost bench could handle 660lb weight on a daily basis.

A more realistic max weight capacity would be 450 – 500lb for a well-made light bench.

Alternative

Fitgoods Weight Bench

The first thing that struck me about the Fitgoods Bench was the price, it’s priced at around $60. This thing is cheap, yes, it’s a lightweight dumbbell bench, so I didn’t expect a high price tag, but for $60, this bench really does offer a lot for your money.

Firstly, it’s a good-looking bench, it’s going to suit most people’s home gyms. Also, you have another excellent folding system with the Fitgoods Bench. Just like the Linodi bench, it’s fast to adjust, taking only a few seconds. So another great choice for anyone who is tight on space.

But the standout feature for me of the Fitgoods bench is the ladder adjustment system for the backpad, always something I like to see, fast to adjust, sturdy, and safe.

Also, just like the Linodi Bench, the Fitgoods bench boasts that all-important adjustable seat, which is going to give you support when incline pressing, again, excellent to see this feature on a $60 bench.

And the padding impressed me too, it’s 2″ thick, which is what we want, and it’s not too soft or too hard, it’s just right, the same stuff used on the Linodi bench.

The Fitgoods bench is another lightweight bench; there isn’t much weight there, which, sadly, is the same with all the benches in this price bracket. But just like Linodi, Fitgoods has thought about the design of their bench and used wide stabilizing feet front and rear, which keep this bench sturdy.

And Fitgoods has included the adjustable feet levellers to help keep the bench stable on uneven floors. It may be a lightweight dumbbell bench, but its design makes it feel as sturdy as benches costing twice as much.

Fitgoods has done really well here with their low-cost bench, just like the Linodi Bench, the Fitgoods Bench stands out from the rest. For around $60, this bench is a steal.

To Sum Up

The Linodi Weight Bench is impressive for the price. I couldn’t find any deal breakers with this dumbbell bench.

The build quality impressed me, so too did everything this bench had to offer. I think what you’re going to like most about this bench is its sturdy design and its versatility, boasting all the backpad positions you need and the adjustable seat.

The folding system is great too, it’s fast, you can fold the Linodi Bench in a couple of seconds, which is really handy, and the bench is delivered to you assembled, so no annoying assembly, just one nut to tighten and attach the foam foot holders, it takes a minute.

The Linodi Weight Bench is certainly a bench that is not going to disappoint, it’s right up there with the top 2 or 3 benches under $100.

If you own some dumbbells and you want to take your training to the next level, the Linodi weight bench would be an excellent choice.

Linodi Weight Bench FAQs

Is it Worth Getting an Adjustable Bench?

Yes! An adjustable bench is a game-changer for your workouts. It will allow you to perform different exercises, from incline presses to seated shoulder presses. You’ll be able to develop all areas of your pectorals with an adjustable weight bench, something you can’t do with a flat bench. Still, you need to make sure you choose an adjustable bench that also includes an adjustable seat, especially if you plan on lifting heavy weights, as an adjustable seat will provide you with extra support when incline bench pressing.

Do Linodi Make Good Weight Benches?

Linodi hasn’t been around too long, so it’s difficult to say. Their upgraded weight bench is an excellent choice for beginners and intermediates; it’s one of the best out there for under $100, but this is all I’ve seen from guys. They don’t seem to make any other gym equipment or benches.

Is The Linodi Weight Bench Foldable?

Yes, it is, the Linodi bench folds to less than half its original footprint, making it an excellent choice for people who live in apartments or anyone who is tight on space. To fold the Linodi weight bench, simply remove a pin and fold it, which takes a couple of seconds. There’s also a handy built-in carry handle to help you move it.