Bells Of Steel Buzz-Saw Heavy-Duty Adjustable Bench Review
When shopping for equipment for your home gym, several things need to be at the top of the list. First, free weights (the integral element for bodybuilding), and second, a well-made bench. In my latest review, I will check out the Buzz-Saw Heavy Duty Bench from Bells of Steel, which certainly looks the part on paper. Let’s find out more!
Check Out The Bells Of Steel Buzz-Saw Adjustable Bench Here
This is the second time I have featured a product from Bells of Steel (click here for the review of their outstanding Adjustable Kettlebell). They have an army of gym essentials available, and I was instantly drawn to their range of heavy-duty benches (particularly the Buzz-Saw model).
My fitness journey has definitely been a roller-coaster. At different times in my life, I have moved from dedicated workout sessions to letting it slip (although I am definitely back and fully focused!). I purchased a classic YORK bench back in the day, which was suitable for my workout regimen at the time. However, to change the angle of the bench, you had to unscrew the bolts each time – a painstakingly slow process. The bolts would often get stuck, caught or not fit through the holes correctly. All of this eats up your free time.
It was time for a change, and I needed to upgrade to a time-saving alternative – which could very well be the Bells of Steel Buzz-Saw Bench. Let’s find out in the following review!
Style & Design – The Bench
The Buzz-Bench undoubtedly looks the part – tough, sturdy and hard-wearing (exactly what you want from an exercise bench). The entire body is bathed in solid black, providing a dark and moody aesthetic (while also not overly distracting). It is also typically minimalistic; the only branding is with an attachable plate stating the ‘Bells of Steel’ name (although you need to remove this if you plan on attaching any of the extras) and on the adjustable metal frame.
The pad is sleek, not too hard nor too soft (ideal for keeping your back secure during presses). On the underside, the individual notches to adjust the bench are highly visible (cut out from the metal) and also visually pleasing to the eye.
Bench Attachments
This style of bench is unique in that you can buy bolt-on attachments for different exercises listed here –
- Leg extension / Leg curl
- Leg roller
- Preacher curl
I actually invested in the leg-roller attachment so that I can take advantage of targeted ab exercises (such as decline sit-ups). This extra section slides into the adaptor and locks in place with a metal pin (released by pressing the button). The process takes mere seconds, so you do not have to slow down your workout.
I am considering adding the leg extension and preacher curl attachment at a later date to upgrade my bench to the maximum.
Assembly – The Bench
The buzz-saw bench is undoubtedly a substantially sized bench, so it was expected that some assembly would be required. It arrived in multiple boxes to keep everything protected during shipping.
I actually looked at a couple of reviews beforehand and was slightly concerned because they reported it was somewhat difficult to put together! Fortunately, my fears were unfounded, and following the included instructions, it was a relatively simple affair and the construction was completed within the hour by myself (if you had help, it would be quicker, as it would be easier to slide the bolts through the holes while holding the individual heavy panels and parts).
However, it must be noted that you need access to your own tools (none are included) – you require a set of spanners in sizes 17 and 19 (or an adjustable wrench).
Assembly – The Attachments
In order to link the different attachments available, you need to buy the adaptor as a starting point. To connect it to the main body of the bench, you need to remove the ‘Bells of Steel’ logo plate and replace it with the adaptor (using the provided heavy-duty bolts). Once it is locked in place, you can slide in one of the many attachments.
I currently only have the leg curl attachment, but it is easily pieced together. It locked together firmly using an Allen Key – once constructed, you are ready to rock and roll and hit those abs hard!
Usability
Once you have built your brand-new buzz-saw bench, the next step is to test it out for your new workout. The bench is suitable for a wide range of exercises, from bench press to skull-crushers. When you sit down on the pad, you will instantly feel at home (and safe that it won’t topple over, no matter what weight you lift – as long as it’s not over the recommended 1000lb limit!).
When changing the angle of the bench, all it takes is to lift the seat and slide it into the required notch (ranging from 30 degrees to 90 degrees; the latter is ideal for seated shoulder press). You can even adjust the angle of the smaller seated section to suit a variety of alternative exercises.
Contents / Specification
Specifications for product Buzz-Saw Heavy-Duty Adjustable Bench
General
- Length – 55.5″ / 1,410mm
- Width – 26.25″ / 667mm
- Height – 18.1″ / 459mm
- Pad width – 11.8″ / 300mm
- Pad thickness – 2.4″ / 60mm
Construction
- Steel thickness – 11 Gauge / 3.0mm
- Coating – Powder coat
- Weight capacity – 1000lb / 453kg
- Warranty – 180 Day (wheels & upholstery) / Limited lifetime (frame)
Quality
The bench’s top-tier craftsmanship is not even in question – extremely solid, can withstand intense workouts (even up to 453KG) and will easily endure knocks and bangs during sessions. Even when lifting the pad to different positions using the notches, you can feel the overall sturdiness on display.
The additional extras also don’t let the side down – the adaptor & leg extension attachment are well-made and tough, locking firmly into place with no evidence of unwanted movement or slipping during your reps.
Value For Money
The price of home gym equipment has certainly been on the rise in recent years (especially free weights and, to a lesser extent, benches), and the buzz-saw model sits firmly in the higher-end bracket. It is something serious fitness lovers will consider (rather than casual players). However, it is a fantastic bit of kit, and worth every penny! You will enjoy many, many years of usage (and it will withstand the subsequent wear and tear) from this kit, allowing you to smash your workouts all day long!
Overall
If you are in the market for a well-made bodybuilding workout bench, then you need to seriously consider the Bells Of Steel Buzz-Saw Adjustable Bench for your fitness journey. Quality kit that will hold up even through the most hardcore sessions.
Will you be investing in this workbench? If so, I would love to hear your thoughts – feel free to share them in the comments area.
Click Here For The Complete Bells Of Steel Collection
*Partnership with Bells Of Steel / Opinions are my own.
