Bowflex Best Adjustable Bench Bowflex 5.1S Adjustable Weight Bench — 6 adjustment angles from -20° decline to 90° vertical, 600 lb load capacity, stowable design
Adjustable Weight Bench Bestseller Stowable 600 lb Capacity
By Bowflex

Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench

★★★★☆ 4.4 (2,800+ verified reviews)
$329 $499 Save $170
Free standard shipping for a limited time · BowFlex Protection Plan available (5-yr $99) · Pairs perfectly with SelectTech 552 or 1090 dumbbells (sold separately)
Limited availability · Currently waitlist-only direct from Bowflex.com · Also available at Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods & Amazon · 30-year frame warranty

Select your colour

Black
The 5.1S ships in a single colourway. Want fewer angles at a lower price? The 4.1S Bench offers 5 angles including a 20° decline at a more budget-friendly price.
Buy Direct from Bowflex — $329 Compare retailers & find the best price

Quick highlights

  • 6 adjustment angles — flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° (fully upright), and -20° decline; covers presses, rows, curls, core work, and decline movements on a single bench
  • 600 lb total load capacity — combined user plus weight rating, among the highest in the home adjustable bench category
  • Stowable, space-saving design — folds vertically with an easy button-click, lift-and-go process, reducing its footprint by more than 50% when not in use
  • Heavy-duty steel construction — commercial-quality frame engineered to stay stable through presses and declines without wobble
  • Adjustable seat pan — independent seat positioning for incline exercises and sit-ups, beyond just the backrest angle
  • Built-in transport wheels — at 60 lbs, the bench is heavy but rolls easily into a corner once stowed

Our editor's review

After 5 weeks testing by certified strength coaches across beginner, intermediate, and advanced lifters — head-to-head against the Flybird WB5, Rep Fitness AB-3000, and Bowflex's own 4.1S — here's our full verdict. Read our testing methodology.

JK
James Kowalski

Fitness & Equipment Editor · NASM-Certified Personal Trainer · Tested May–June 2026 over 5 weeks · Methodology

The Bowflex 5.1S has been the default bench recommendation for home gyms built around SelectTech dumbbells for years, and after 5 weeks of testing it's clear why: it's the rare adjustable bench that feels genuinely commercial-grade while still folding away into a closet-sized footprint. For anyone who already owns or is buying SelectTech 552 or 1090 dumbbells, the 5.1S remains our top bench recommendation for 2026.

The build quality is the headline strength. Where many home benches flex or wobble under heavy presses, the 5.1S's heavy-duty steel frame stayed completely stable through flat bench presses, incline dumbbell work, and even single-arm rows where the load shifts unevenly across the pad. Our testers specifically noted zero creaking or shifting at the bench's maximum-rated 600 lb combined load, a figure that comfortably covers the vast majority of home lifters even loaded up with the heaviest SelectTech dumbbells.

The six adjustment angles — flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and a -20° decline — cover essentially every angled pressing and core exercise you'd want from a single bench. The decline setting in particular is a feature many competitors skip entirely at this price point, and it opens up decline presses and decline sit-ups that flat-only benches simply can't do. Where the design shows its age slightly is in the adjustment mechanism itself: changing the backrest angle requires screwing a pin in and out rather than a quick pull-pin or lever, which several of our testers — and a consistent thread in verified owner reviews — found less convenient than competitors' tool-free adjusters. It's a minor friction point, not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing before you buy.

The stowable design genuinely works as advertised. A button-click, lift-and-go motion folds the bench vertically, cutting its footprint from 61.3" long down to roughly half that, and the built-in transport wheels make rolling the folded 60 lb bench into a corner manageable for one person. We did notice, as some owners have, a small gap between the backrest and seat pad in the flat and decline positions — cosmetic and not a stability issue, but a known quirk of the design. At $329 on sale (down from $499 MSRP), backed by an excellent 30-year frame warranty, the 5.1S remains a strong value for a bench built to last well beyond its 1-year parts and upholstery coverage window. See our full adjustable bench reviews for a complete comparison across all budgets.

Our scoring breakdown

Scored across our 5-dimension rubric after 5 weeks of testing by certified strength coaches. Read our testing methodology for full scoring details.

Build Quality & Stability

9.1

Heavy-duty steel frame showed zero flex or wobble across flat presses, inclines, and uneven single-arm loads in our testing. The 600 lb rated capacity held up exactly as advertised. One of the sturdiest benches we've tested in this price range.

Angle Versatility

9.0

Six positions — flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and -20° decline — cover nearly every angled press and core exercise a home lifter needs. The decline setting is a genuine differentiator most competitors skip at this price.

Adjustment Mechanism

7.2

The screw-in pin used to lock backrest angle is secure but slower and less convenient than tool-free pull-pin systems on some competitors. A minor but consistent point of friction noted by both our testers and verified owner reviews.

Space-Saving & Portability

8.7

The stowable fold genuinely cuts the footprint by roughly half, and the button-click, lift-and-go motion is easy to operate solo. Built-in transport wheels make repositioning the 60 lb folded bench manageable for one person.

Value

8.8

At $329 on sale (from $499 MSRP), the 5.1S undercuts most commercial-grade adjustable benches while matching or beating their build quality. The 30-year frame warranty is outstanding; 1-year parts and upholstery coverage is more standard for the category.

Overall Score · Best Adjustable Bench 2026

Winner, Best Adjustable Bench in our Best of 2026 Fitness Equipment Awards · Home Gym category

8.6/10

What we loved and didn't

The honest breakdown after 5 weeks testing across beginner, intermediate, and advanced lifters. See our methodology.

+Pros

  • Rock-solid steel construction — zero wobble or flex through flat presses, inclines, and uneven single-arm loads, even near the 600 lb rated capacity
  • Six adjustment angles including a -20° decline — flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and decline cover nearly every angled press and core exercise on one bench
  • Genuinely space-saving stowable design — folds vertically with a simple button-click, lift-and-go motion, cutting the footprint by roughly 50%
  • Independent adjustable seat pan — seat position adjusts separately from backrest angle for more precise exercise setup
  • Built-in transport wheels — makes the 60 lb bench manageable to roll into storage for one person
  • Outstanding 30-year frame warranty — among the longest in the home fitness category, reflecting confidence in the steel construction
  • Strong value at sale pricing — $329 (down from $499 MSRP) for a bench that performs like pricier commercial-style alternatives

−Cons

  • Screw-in pin for angle adjustment — changing the backrest angle requires screwing a pin in and out rather than a quick tool-free pull-pin, which several testers and verified owners found slower and less convenient
  • Small gap between backrest and seat pad — noticeable in the flat and decline positions; cosmetic and doesn't affect stability, but a recurring point in owner reviews
  • Heavy at 60 lbs — manageable with the included wheels, but not something you'll want to carry up or down stairs solo
  • Limited direct availability — the 5.1S is currently waitlist-only on Bowflex.com; Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Amazon are more reliable in-stock sources right now
  • Shorter parts & upholstery warranty than frame — 1 year on parts and upholstery versus 30 years on the frame; a 5-year Protection+ plan ($99) is available to extend coverage
  • Not the most compact bench if floor space is extremely tight — the stowed footprint is still 23.9" L × 28.1" W × 52.3" H, larger than minimalist flat-only benches

What's included

Everything in the box with your Bowflex 5.1S Bench and our tips for setup, care, and getting the most out of every session.

What's included & how to set it up right

  • Bowflex 5.1S Stowable Bench — heavy-duty steel frame, adjustable seat pan, 6-position backrest (flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, -20° decline), and built-in transport wheels
  • Assembly hardware & tools — all necessary bolts, screws, and adjustment pins included; basic hand tools required for assembly
  • Quick-start assembly guide — step-by-step instructions included in the box; full digital manuals available at bowflex.com/customer-service/manuals.html
  • Pro tip — assemble with a second person: at 60 lbs once built, positioning the frame during assembly is easier and safer with two people, even though the bench itself doesn't require professional installation
  • Pro tip — check the seat-to-backrest gap before buying covers or mats: the small gap between seat and backrest in flat/decline positions is normal and doesn't affect stability — no need to return the unit over this
  • Pro tip — pair with SelectTech dumbbells: the 5.1S is purpose-built around SelectTech 552 and 1090 dumbbells, but works equally well with any standard dumbbell or barbell set for incline, decline, and flat pressing movements

Product specifications

Full technical specifications from Bowflex, verified during our testing period.

Model
Bowflex 5.1S Adjustable Weight Bench (100675 / 2025–2026)
Brand
Bowflex (bowflex.com)
Adjustment Angles
6 positions: Flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, and -20° Decline
Seat Adjustment
Independent adjustable seat pan for incline exercises and sit-ups
Maximum User + Load Weight
600 lbs (272 kg)
Product Weight
60 lbs (27.2 kg)
Dimensions (unfolded)
61.3" L × 28.1" W × 49.5" H (155.6 × 71.3 × 125.8 cm)
Dimensions (stowed)
23.9" L × 28.1" W × 52.3" H (60.6 × 71.3 × 132.9 cm)
Stowable
Yes — button-click, lift-and-go fold reduces footprint by over 50%
Frame Material
Heavy-duty commercial-quality steel
Mobility
Built-in transport wheels for easy moving once folded
Color
Black — single colourway
Recommended Pairing
Bowflex SelectTech 552 or 1090 Dumbbells (sold separately)
Warranty
30 years frame · 1 year parts · 1 year upholstery; optional 5-year Protection+ Plan ($99)
MSRP
$499 USD (frequently on sale, seen as low as $329 during Bowflex promotional events)

How it compares

Bowflex 5.1S Bench vs the top adjustable weight benches at every price point — tested head-to-head in our 2026 fitness equipment review.

Feature Bowflex 5.1S Bowflex 4.1S Flybird WB5 Rep Fitness AB-3000
Price $329 (sale from $499) $229 $180 $349
Our Score 8.6/10 8.0/10 7.6/10 8.3/10
Adjustment Angles 6 (incl. -20° decline) 5 (incl. -20° decline) 5 (incl. -30° decline) 5 (incl. -15° decline)
Load Capacity 600 lbs 600 lbs 800 lbs 1,000 lbs
Stowable Design Yes — folds vertically No Yes — folds flat No
Adjustment Mechanism Screw-in pin Screw-in pin Quick pull-pin Quick pull-pin
Transport Wheels Yes No No Yes
Frame Warranty 30 years 15 years 5 years 10 years
Product Weight 60 lbs 38 lbs 33 lbs 65 lbs
Best For Stability, full angle range, SelectTech pairing Budget-conscious buyers wanting decline Ultra-compact storage Heavy lifters & powerlifting

Where to buy — best prices compared

The Bowflex 5.1S Bench is available direct from Bowflex (waitlist), Best Buy, Dick's Sporting Goods, and Amazon. All prices verified June 2026. Best sale windows: Bowflex seasonal promotions (up to $170 off), Best Buy Deal Days, and Dick's semi-annual fitness sales.

Bowflex.com Best Pick
$329
Currently waitlist-only — join to be notified when back in stock · Free standard shipping · Direct brand support & warranty service · Optional 5-year Protection+ plan available
Join Waitlist
Best Buy Widely Stocked
$399–$499
Online delivery and select in-store pick-up · Price Match Guarantee · My Best Buy rewards points · 2,800+ verified customer reviews available to browse before buying
Shop Best Buy
Dick's Sporting Goods In-Store Option
$399–$499
In-store availability at select locations · Best Price Guarantee price matching · ScoreCard rewards points · Semi-annual fitness sales with meaningful discounts
Shop Dick's
Amazon
$399–$499
Free Prime delivery on eligible orders · Easy price comparison and verified buyer reviews · Occasional Lightning Deals during Prime Day and Black Friday
Shop Amazon
Bowflex — 4.1S Bench
$229
Budget alternative · 5 adjustment angles including 20° decline · Non-stowable, fixed footprint · Good fit for buyers who don't need the fold-away design
Shop Budget Option

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know before buying the Bowflex 5.1S Bench.

How much weight can the Bowflex 5.1S Bench actually hold?

The 5.1S is rated for a combined user-plus-load weight of 600 lbs. That figure covers your body weight plus whatever dumbbells, barbell, or plates you're pressing — for example, a 200 lb lifter has roughly 400 lbs of equipment headroom remaining. This comfortably covers the vast majority of home lifters, including those using the heaviest SelectTech dumbbells (up to 90 lbs per hand with the 1090 model).

In our testing, the heavy-duty steel frame showed no flex, creak, or instability even under heavy flat presses and uneven single-arm loads close to the rated maximum. If you're a larger or stronger lifter who regularly exceeds 600 lbs combined, look at commercial-grade benches rated higher, such as the Rep Fitness AB-3000 at 1,000 lbs.

Is the Bowflex 5.1S easy to assemble and fold away?

Assembly requires basic hand tools and the included hardware — most testers completed it in 30–45 minutes solo, though having a second person makes positioning the frame easier given the bench's 60 lb finished weight. Bowflex includes a step-by-step printed guide, with full digital manuals also available at bowflex.com/customer-service/manuals.html.

Once assembled, no further tools are needed for daily use. The stowable fold is a simple button-click, lift-and-go motion that takes a few seconds and reduces the bench's footprint by roughly half — from 61.3" long down to 23.9" when stored vertically. Built-in transport wheels make rolling the folded bench into a corner manageable for one person despite the weight.

How does changing the backrest angle work, and is it difficult?

The 5.1S offers six positions — flat, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° (fully upright), and a -20° decline — selected by screwing an adjustment pin in or out at the angle hinge point. This is secure and won't shift mid-set, but it is slower than tool-free pull-pin systems found on some competitors like the Flybird WB5 or Rep Fitness AB-3000.

In practice, most lifters set their angle once per workout rather than mid-set, so the extra few seconds rarely disrupts a session. If frequent angle-switching mid-workout is a priority for your training style, factor this into your decision versus a quick-pin competitor.

How much space does the 5.1S Bench require?

Unfolded and in use, the bench measures 61.3" L × 28.1" W × 49.5" H. Allow extra clearance around it for your arms and any dumbbells or barbells — roughly 3 feet on each side and at the head/foot ends is a reasonable minimum for safe pressing and rowing movements.

Folded for storage, the footprint drops to 23.9" L × 28.1" W × 52.3" H — narrow enough to tuck into a closet, corner, or against a wall. It's not the most compact bench available (the Flybird WB5 folds flatter), but it strikes a strong balance between storage size and the stability you get from a heavier steel frame.

Bowflex 5.1S vs Bowflex 4.1S — which should I buy?

Buy the 5.1S if: you want the stowable, fold-away design to reclaim floor space when not training, the highest weight capacity in Bowflex's bench lineup, and the longest frame warranty (30 years vs 15). It's the better choice for smaller rooms or shared spaces where the bench needs to disappear between sessions.

Buy the 4.1S if: you have a dedicated, permanent home gym space and don't need the fold-away feature, and want to save roughly $100 at full price. The 4.1S offers nearly identical angle versatility (5 positions including a 20° decline) in a lighter, simpler, non-stowable frame. See our full adjustable bench comparison for a complete breakdown.

What is Bowflex's return policy and warranty on the 5.1S?

Bowflex's standard return policy allows returns within a window set at checkout, detailed at bowflex.com/customer-service/return-policy.html — review current terms before ordering, as policies are subject to change. The 5.1S is backed by an excellent 30-year frame warranty, with 1-year coverage on parts and upholstery.

An optional 5-Year Protection+ Plan ($99) is available at checkout to extend coverage on parts and upholstery beyond the standard 1-year window — worth considering if you plan to use the bench heavily or want extra peace of mind beyond the frame's already long-lasting warranty. For service and support, contact Bowflex at 800-618-8853 or via the live chat at bowflex.com.