The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Competitor Weight Bench

When building a home gym, few pieces of equipment offer more versatility and foundational value than a quality weight bench. One brand that’s been a staple in garages, basements, and spare rooms across America is Competitor by Impex. Known for affordability and functionality, Competitor benches and home gyms provide a wide entry point into strength training. But with so many models—like the Competitor Olympic Weight Bench, Competitor Pro, and WM-1505 Home Gym—which one is right for you?

Why the Competitor Weight Bench Line Remains Popular

Competitor benches cover a wide range of training needs, from beginner-level setups to more advanced weightlifting. Whether you're looking at the Competitor 600, the Pro Weight Bench, or the Impex Competitor Home Gym, most of their products aim to combine multi-functionality with compact design.

Their benches typically offer:

• Adjustable incline/decline settings for versatile pressing angles

• Leg developer attachments for quad and hamstring training

• Lat tower or preacher curl stations in more advanced models

• Compact footprints that fit in limited spaces

• Budget-friendly pricing, often under $400

For those getting started or training casually, this kind of setup covers major muscle groups without the need for multiple machines.

Comparing the Most Common Models

Let’s break down some of the more talked-about models:

Competitor 600 Weight Bench

A straightforward setup for flat and incline pressing. It's compact and ideal for users who prefer dumbbell workouts or have limited space.

Competitor Pro and Pro Weight Bench

The Pro versions generally offer added stability and slightly more durable upholstery. They often include attachments for leg curls and extensions.

Impex Competitor WM-1505

This is a full-fledged Competitor Home Gym system. It features a selectorized weight stack, butterfly arms, a lat pulldown, and a leg developer—offering a total-body workout in one station. It’s great for users who want a guided resistance system without needing free weights.

Competitor Olympic Weight Bench

Designed to accommodate Olympic-sized bars and plates, this bench is more suitable for intermediate lifters. It typically includes safety catch bars and a leg station, making it a solid choice for barbell training at home.

Competitor Weight Bench with 80lb Set

This is often sold as a complete starter package. It’s convenient for absolute beginners who want to avoid buying plates separately. While the 80 lbs won't challenge experienced lifters, it’s a great starting point.

Personal Take: When I Bought My First Bench

Years ago, when I was training clients out of a small garage gym, the first bench I bought was a Competitor weight bench. It was the 390 series, lightweight and easy to assemble. It wasn’t flashy, but it handled daily workouts—from flat presses to seated shoulder routines—without issue. For many of my newer clients, it struck the right balance between affordability and function. Over time, we added a WM-1505 Home Gym to help older clients train with cables safely. That machine lasted years and required minimal maintenance.

The takeaway? These products aren’t made for elite powerlifting, but they excel for general strength training, especially in tight spaces.

Pros & Cons of the Competitor Series

Pros:

• Affordable entry into home training

• Good range of attachments

• Easy to assemble and maintain

• Fits into small spaces

Cons:

• Not designed for heavy lifters

• Limited customization

• Some models lack long-term durability under intense use

Final Thoughts

If you're starting a home gym or looking for a basic weight bench for regular workouts, the Competitor line from Impex offers plenty of functional value. Models like the Impex Competitor WM-1505, the Competitor 1600, and even the Comp 600 cover major movements without breaking the bank. While they might not suit elite lifters or advanced bodybuilding, they provide more than enough for full-body workouts, especially when paired with dumbbells or an Olympic barbell set.

Whether you're a beginner or just training for general health, a Competitor workout bench or home gym is a reliable and budget-conscious place to start.