The Powertec Workbench F.I.D. Utility Bench - The Most Adjustable and Versatile Bench.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ย. 2023
- It’s been nearly three years since my original Powertec Workbench F.I.D. Utility Bench Review. With my newest Levergym and return of the Powertec Workbench attachments, I have been using the F.I.D. Bench a lot. In fact, I have gained a new appreciation for all the versatility the bench offers. In this video, I take an updated and closer look at the most adjustable and versatile bench on the market.
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Your channel really makes me appreciate the versatility of Powertec equipment. They definitely seem to fly under the radar compared to newer, flashier companies.
Thank you and I agree.
Captain Powertec with another banger! I recently sold my Powertec from my childhood, and it was bittersweet. Great piece of equipment. Awesome breakdown, man!
lol! I’ll own that nickname. Appreciate that, BGB! Good to hear it lasted you a long time.
Great job demonstrating the versatility of this bench. I was always intrigued by the preacher curl attachment but never pulled the trigger. Great video dude!
Thank you, Carter! I’m constantly going back and forth between which attachment is my favorite and the preacher curl moves into the number 1 spot pretty often.
Your videos will not automatically appear under my subscriptions. I have no idea why, but I miss (too) often your videos. That said, it was your previous video about this bench that made me purchase it (I also have another fantastic bench from bodycraft). Of course also the attachments except the leg press (I prefer a separate machine with a 45 degree angle) And I agree with absolutely everything you say. I am still grateful that you drew my attention to this bench. It's a no brainer!! Great informative video again Hacky. Thanks!
Greatly appreciated, LW! Thank you so much and I’m really glad to hear you’re happy with the Powertec FID.
My buddy had one of these and man, it is so valuable!
Very good to hear, LGG!
I have the bench and the leg extension coming. It’s good to see I made the right decision.
Based on this, the preacher curl will be next. Will try to remember to use your link when I do.
Good to hear and I really appreciate that.
Wow I’ve never seen a leg press attachment on a bench like that. Really cool.
It’s certainly unique but can’t hold a candle to Powertec’s stand-alone leg machines.
Another great review. Thanks.
Thanks so much!
If I go home gym only, I'd for sure get a power rack for squats, but is cool you don't have one. Many people, for their training, mobility, goals, injury history, etc, don't really need to invest the space and cash. Not that I don't love a good power rack, but there's a bit of a power rack fetish happening on TH-cam. Shows integrity to not have one just for the channel. Another great vid!
Thank you, Brian. With space being at a premium and with how cautious I am with my lower back, I just couldn’t dedicate the space to one. 20 years ago, it was a different story. Appreciate you!
Great review. I still have my original Powertec bench with the clear plastic wrap around the headrest. Still going strong - although I currently only use it for overhead dumbell press having moved to bodyweight exercises for everything else (pullups, pushups, dips and ring rows).
It’s awesome to hear products they made more than 15 years ago are still going strong!
Great work HGHR!
Thank you!
I love these Powertec FID Benches... I have two.
Very good to hear.
Great video
I removed the handles off the bench and preacher , allows greater versatility
Thank you! Great to hear!
Great review. I definitely do prefer the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro but ended up selling it as I don't need 2 benches. The Ironmaster couldn't go back far enough in the Levergym to feel comfortable for Incline Presses.
Thanks so much! Over a year ago, I compared the two and there are features I like on each. I do prefer the Ironmaster for dumbbell work, but not more than I prefer my old red bench.
Thanks for sharing that information about the SBP and the Levergym. I tested the Powertec FID in the IM 2000 and it works, but I never tested the SBP with the Levergym.
Nice review. I like the dip attachment as it works well and seems to be easier on my shoulders than regular dips. I find the pec dec awkwardly bulky to move around. It provides a nice squeeze but not much resistance during the first half. I'll have to try out your hack. I actually briefly reconfigured the pec dec and put it at the top of my Iron Master bench to do lateral flies. It worked OK but too bulky to attach and reattach for someone who is lazy like myself.
Thank you! By reconfiguring the arms, I find the fly easier to store and move. Also, it provides a more consistent resistance profile, but not too much at the beginning where I find the shoulder most vulnerable. If you give it a try, please let me know how it works.
Agreed on the dip attachment. So much easier on the joints than body weight dips.
I've got the original like you had (with the plastic sleeve). Still going strong more than 20 years later! FID, option for attachments and a tripod design, with flat foot plate for stability, which doesn't get in the way during bench press. Ahead of it's time compared to the modern benches which seem to have just rediscovered this feature. Would prefer a straight side for some movements, marked angles, and the gap is quite large, but otherwise no complaints.
Really good to hear! 20 years is a strong endorsement. I miss that old grey bench and wish I still had it. Agreed about the back pad; for pressing exercises, I prefer a traditional back pad, but for leg extensions I appreciate the wide back pad.
it's solid, reliable equipment, I own two of them, I removed the bar under the seat that serves as a handle because I kept bumping into it
Great to hear! If it wasn’t for the leg extension, I would probably remove the handles too.
Have you ever used the last pulldown low row attachment? Looking at maybe getting but curious as to how it performs. Thanks for all your content brother✌️
Thanks so much. I have not. The couple people I’ve talked to who have it, say it’s very smooth and a great addition to the Workbench. The only downside would be connecting and disconnecting, but the clothespin trick will make it much easier.
Awesome versatility and perfect presentation by you. Is the strength curve significantly better with attached handles on the Pec Fly?
Greatly appreciated. I think it improves the strength curve and I have a new-found appreciation for the attachment.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thank you! Smart way to modificate that and shifting away from peak contraction. Great.
@@Torben118 thank you!
Awesome video. I would like to ask you something, I recently bought a belt squat, similar to the Rogue Rhino, and the belt that it comes with is rather unconfortable, I get the tiger stripes all over my hips etc, do you recommend the Rogue Multibelt? I've heard that is rather confortable. Thanks alot!
Thank you. I always found the Rogue Multi Belt comfortable, but I’ve heard quite a few people say they like the Henny Belt Squat Belt better. Truthfully, they felt about the same to me with the Rogue being easier to connect to and the Henny having more settings.
Your thoughts on getting the multipress and adding the lat pull attachment when possible vs saving for the lever gym? I enjoy your videos.
Thank you! The Levergym is going to be more versatile and user friendly (no need to connect and disconnect the pulldown).
I do like the Multipress better for a couple of the pressing settings (flat in particular).
I have an older video called, “The Powertec Levergym, The One Piece of Equipment I Would Have If I Could Only Have One,” that video may be helpful.
Thanks for the reply. I thought that might be the case. I just wanted to be sure. Keep up the great work.
@@tomstevensiii1681 thanks so much!
Maybe use mini bands on that preacher or leg curl to make constant tension?
In some of my older videos, I showed how to attach bands to the Leg Ext, Dip, Fly, but not the preacher…I’ve never tried to add bands to that.
I know you dont but maybe a career change is in order? I think you'd make a good Powertec salesman..You have always enjoyed their products. Good video with lots of explanations and demos..Thanks!
Greatly appreciated, BBD! Maybe one day!
Will the powertec accesories fit in other benches, is the tubing used exactly 2" by 2"? Thanks Stephen.
If I remember correctly, it’s 1.75” x 1.75”
I don’t recommend using the attachments on any other bench.
Hello, your channel is a goldmine! I was looking at the powertec multisystem. However after trying it in a store, i felt the pull station was weird a bit. The other stations were perfect. Too bad cause I wanted the multisystem, maybe it’s a matter of getting used to it… What is your opinion on getting the levergym + the standalone lever squat machine? Price and space is not an issue. Thanks!
Thanks so much! The pulldown station is exactly what has kept me from getting the Multisystem.
I prefer the Sled and Leg Press over the Lever Squat simply because I can’t load my spine heavy any longer.
I think the Multipress is better for a couple pressing exercises, but the Levergym is far more versatile.
The Levergym can be used for squats and squatting with wedges makes it a solid exercise. I have a video called, Ranking My 19 Powertec Products, which may be helpful and a bunch of Levergym content. I also have an old review for the Lever Squat.
I will make sure to check your other vids. I think I’m in in for a hell of a ride. I too have to watch for my back at 40. I was under the impression that a pandulum squat was less hard on the back but I guess not. Will have to check your vid on the sled vs leg press.
@@job5908 appreciate it! A pendulum squat is very lower back friendly, but the Lever Squat isn’t quite a pendulum squat. The Leg Press vs Sled video is one of my older videos, but the info is still solid; I have a new review for the new Compact Leg Sled.
Just get a hoist v4 multimachine . U would love the pec fly. And the leg extension and leg curl and latpulldown
I appreciate the recommendation and it looks like a really good machine, but I’m very happy with what I have for considerably less money.
Can finally watch this video after 5 days lol…went on a cruise where to upgrade the internet to streaming compatible was like 500 bucks so NOPE 😂
Appreciate you coming back to watch the video. I hope the cruise went well. I’ve been on one 7 day cruise: lifted everyday (a very nice gym) and ate about 7 times a day. I think I gained 15 pounds 🤓
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews hahaha Iost 3 lbs cuz I didn’t have my creatine (water weight) and walked 20k steps daily plus snorkeling, caving, hiking and going to the gym on board 😂…also ate mostly salad and the lean meats on board cut out most carbs except some rice …a lot of fruits n coffee too
@@aynrandfan7454 wow! It sounds like you had an awesome cruise. My wife and I also went snorkeling, kayaking, and hiked up a dormant volcano (one of the hardest and most dangerous hikes I’ve ever done).
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews ya it was just rly humid in the Caribbean and Miami now lol …rly only thing that was shocking was the sheer amount of pizza and fried stuff ppl would put on their plates rather than veggies 😳🤔
@@aynrandfan7454 I went in December and the weather was really nice…we spent Xmas and the New Year on the cruise…pretty cool. While I ate a lot, I did my best to make decent food choices for almost every meal.
Can you add a link for the stickers you use from Amazon for marking the selection holes?
They are linked in my Amazon Affiliate Store which can be found in my “About” section on TH-cam.
How did you set up the cable and daisy chains for the leg extension? And why didn’t you like it?
There are a few ways to do it. I just used my gym pin d handle and connected the daisy chains to that and the roller pad post. Without the d handle, the daisy chains rubbed the bench frame too much. It’s okay, it just didn’t feel exponentially better than simply plate loading it.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews Thanks for the reply! Did you do anything special to secure the daisy chains to the leg pad post? Also I realize you didn’t use a cable stack here, but have you considered trying that?
@@user-py2ix8qm2h I just loop the daisy chain around the post. The daisy chains’ length is adjusted with carabiners into the D Handle.
Are you talking about the cable stack on my functional trainer? If so, it falls into the same category for me: set up time isn’t worth just plate loading the attachment.
That red bench looks like it could be a pro maxima brand it looks similar to the one we have at my schools gym
They’ve been in business for over 50 years so that is a possibility. Thank you.
I have the Olympic version of this bench, which is more stable. Because it's heavier overall, there's no wobble even with any heavy leg extensions.
I’ve never used the stand-alone Olympic Bench. Thanks for sharing your experience with the bench.
I'm in the UK and finding this bench is like finding my six pack after Christmas. Can anyone suggest an alternative bench that works the same( with the slide back portion) ? Thanks in advance
I don’t know if there is another sliding bench. Powertec has a European division, but I’m not sure if that helps you in the UK.
I'm considering their Olympic bench for the bench, to use as a squat rack, and for the leg ex/c and dip attachments. Then if I ever go home gym only, I'd add the Levergym (and have 2 benches to use their attachments) and a rack (probably Rep).
I’ve never used it, but one of my best friends has it and he really likes it. Sounds like a good plan!
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews I try to be strategic in buying for now, and the future possibility of home gym only. I have some things now, if not mostly going to a gym, I wouldn't have bought. One example is the Duonamic Eleviaa for chins. Great product but if had a rack, I wouldn't have gotten it...but still cool for travel.
@@briand5047 I haven’t heard of that piece. Like you, I’m going to be much more strategic when making purchases in the future. I’m tired of selling equipment.
Looks like you tried a lot of different machines out over the years
What's your thoughts on GMWD
Better than Titan
My guess is it’s about the same build quality as Titan but I have not used any of their equipment. I think the company has reached out to me to review some of their equipment, but I haven’t gotten back with them yet.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews
I understand you just seem to do some honest reviews on here
I hear by others on here it's gym quality
But you never know if they are being paid
Or just saying it cause they got it free
@@swanzilla1982 I appreciate that. Here’s what I can tell you: if it was something I really wanted in my home gym, I would have replied to their emails or bought one of their products on my own.
Have you ever used the Technogym Vertical Traction?
Oh yeah. One of my favorite back machines when training in a commercial gym. I used the front handles for a neutral grip.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews nice. I'm planning to get one soon. Just trying to figure out how to get it into the house. A two hour drive just to pick it up. Looks good, but I don't have access to one to try before making the trip
@@fatboitino2 for whatever reason, the other grip hurt my shoulders. It’s a pretty big and heavy machine, good luck.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews ☹️ thanks. I'll need it
HEY it can be use for ghd or sam romonian cheer variation ?
Not really. However, in Levergym Hacks Part 5, I show how the roller pads on the Levergym and the FID Bench can be used for Nordic Curls.
Do you know what the various angles are for inclines on the bench? Having trouble finding the exact numbers on their site/online aside from that it is -15 to 85 degrees and that the bench has 7 incline positions
I’m pretty sure I mention it in my Multipress review bc it’s the same bench.
I know for certain I list the bench’s settings in one of my older videos where I compare the Powertec FID to the Ironmaster Super Bench Pro.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews appreciate the quick reply, by any could you point me to the video? I watched two or three more of your videos that I thought you might talk about the angles but you didn’t mention the angles on them
@@leonpowetheshow the video is called, The Powertec FID Bench Vs The Ironmaster Super Bench Pro. I’m pretty sure it’s towards the beginning of the video where I mention all the angles…if I remembered them off the top of my head, I’d list them here for you.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews that was the video i was looking for! -15, 0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 55, 60, 70… much appreciated!!
I do miss a preacher curl pad
It’s like bringing the commercial gym to the home gym.
powertec multi-system 5 accessory and shoulder press
I believe Power Racks are overrated too but they are good for safety. The best thing about them other than safety is being able to do pin presses when trying to increase one's max.
Louie and Westside has a lot of exercises to do using the pins that he swore by to increase one's max on the big 3 lifts. Somebody like me or you though dont really need the pins because we don't squat or deadlift and dont compete in powerlifting.
Almost every influencer says the first thing a home gym needs is a Power Rack,
I disagree
If you were starting a home gym tmrw and had nothing what would be your list of items to purchase 1st,
2nd, 3rd, and so on down to 7 or 8?
I'm curious to see your thoughts on this
20 years ago, I would have said a Power Rack. Now, I’ve just found what works best for me and my number one is going to be the Levergym due to its versatility.
2) a belt squat 3) a functional trainer 4) a leg press
5) leg ext / leg curl 6) back ext
Those 6 can cover just about any and everything a commercial gym offers.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews
Yeah, I knew you were gonna say the Levergym 1st, because it really is 1st but I have never had one so
since I've never had a Levergym, I say get a functional trainer 1st.
A functional trainer I would say is the most important piece of my gym, the way I train, I use it every single day.
People dont realize how you can work every muscle with a functional trainer and not just isolation movements but compound movements too.
Hook the cables together and use a long bar and I can do lat pulldowns, bench, rows, etc.
You know Man, you have it listed high
I say 1. FT
2. Dumbbells
3. Bench
4. Weight Plates
5. Bars
6 Then a Rack if you want one.
A person, especially a young person could save and save to buy a Power Rack then they can finally afford it.
They buy it and it sits there until they can save up enough to buy something else. That's crazy to me. People who say a power rack is first is only saying that because they know they can afford a lot more equipment too.
The regular teenager who is just starting has to go one piece at time. It might take that kid 2 years or longer before they can even do 1 rep if they get PR first.
Take Care
@@bobbyhunt3009 I left out dumbbells. The only area where I find a functional trainer lacks is legs, but like you, for upper body, it gets used almost every day.
Would I be able to get full range of motion with the leg press attachment if I’m 5’1?
I am sorry, I can’t be certain. There are 3 settings on the attachment and I think I have seen some athletes Powertec features on their page who are around your height use it.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews thanks! I’m debating between this and the leg sled. But I’m always worried I won’t reach a full range of motion on the leg sled :(
@@val1000 I would definitely pick the sled over the attachment. I have a new review for the new sled. Like the attachment, I can’t guarantee the Sled would fit you, but there are more settings on the Sled and a greater likelihood it would fit you.
How much does the leg press attachment weigh?
@@val1000 70 pounds, which is why the clothespin trick is so invaluable.
To add an affiliate link add it in a comment and pin it to the top. You're welcome
This vs iron master what do you think?
I have an older video called, “The Powertec FID vs The Ironmaster Super Bench Pro.” That video gives a good breakdown of the pros and cons for each bench.
Can you do reverse flies on this?
I haven’t found a way I’m completely happy with using the pec fly attachment, but in Levergym Hacks 5, I show how I use the cable system for a pretty good reverse fly.
Is the 18.5 your own measurement? Because on the site it says 19.5
I have a tape measure on it right now. When in the flat position, it is 18 3/8” I rounded up to 18.5”.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews thank you. Without people like you purchases would be pretty blind these days
@@mikehunt7480 glad to help. There are just so many choices and luckily there are reputable brands pushing out quality products.
Also, I just uploaded a new video you may find helpful.
How is the resistance when working legs?
For leg extensions, I find it effective. There isn’t a tremendous amount of tension at the beginning of the extension, but that is to be expected with this design and can be enhanced with a band. For leg curls, I find it nearly as good as many of the expensive stand-alone commercial-grade leg curl machines.
Can you please recommend a good site for a pack of reliable carabiners?
Most of mine were included with Powertec’s products. I’ve gotten a lot from hardware stores and some from Amazon. If you go to Amazon and pick the size and style you want and pick some with good reviews, you should be good. They’ll be easy to return if you’re not happy with them.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews For some reason YT deleted my original reply, and I have no idea how come. Without typing everything over again, I just wanted to say thank you.
@@SinistarPro_Mike I really appreciate that. Sometimes it’s a word or phrase and it gets flagged.
FID46 Body-Solid good?
I haven’t used it so I can’t be sure, but from looking at the bench and the leg extension attachment, it looks like Powertec’s padding is more robust.
hey can we do a hack to emulate Roman bench on it?
I’ve seen the name Roman Bench used for a couple different pieces. Are you talking about abs or lower back?
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews lower back it is like good morning or rdl but without hammstirng involvement
@operatus695 I’m not sure. It’s not an exercise I’ve tried with the bench. And as I’m sitting here trying to figure out if there is a way, I’m just not thinking there is. That can be done over a Smith Machine bar or barbell in a Power Rack.
👍👍👍👍👍
Thank you!
Everything seems perfect except its too high.. I don’t want to have a separate bench for dumbbell pressing. My feet need to touch the ground
Putting my shoes on the frame / feet of the bench is one way around that. If the bench was lower, leg extensions wouldn’t fit taller users as well and the other attachments wouldn’t be as stable. I really do think the attachments are the bench’s major selling point.
i just bought one. i think my feet will touch the ground. my titan bench is 19 inches. this one is 19.5 so not much of a difference. hope i like it! ordered the leg attachment too@@HomeGymHacksandReviews
I can’t see how it’s 81 inches long. Is it because of the bench?
Yes. Off the top of my head, I believe the Levergym, without the bench attached, is about 4’ x 5’.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews thank you bro your channel is the best you’ve opened my eyes to not just buy rogue
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews No
@@FlannelFetish thanks so much. Not many things are made as well as Rogue, but aside from the Rhino, I’ve never been that big of a fan.
@@HomeGymHacksandReviews powertec had a smaller leverage gym that was more compact I remember it from college my roommate got one for Christmas. Do you know anything about it I know for sure it was powertec
Can not justify spending so much for this bench..my 2015 levergym bench wobbles a lot but ill take my chances😁. Also dont like the foot position.
It’s all about the attachments for me. For example, I haven’t seen a residential-grade leg extension or leg curl attachment that can hang with Powertec’s.
POWERTECS SHOULDER PRESS???????🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔
The shoulder press is a great exercise on the Levergym and Multipress.
I love my PTWBLS, but the bench press is deceptive. 225lbs on the PT is not the same as 225 with free weights. Don’t be fooled!
Very good to hear you’re happy with the Levergym. It’s roughly a 20% reduction in actual weight lifted.
Your reviews rule. I’m hoping on Amazon prime day to get a nice price on a leverage gym. If not they do sell a different brand that is almost identical and sell for about $800 which isn’t awful for my budget.
Greatly appreciated!