The loop strap is just so functional it's hard to bash these, especially for people starting out that may not know what they like or need yet. Thing is, I can't use them without thinking about how much I can't stand those kind of straps. 😂

Disclaimer: I try to consider price point and build intent maybe a little more than others when I leave a review. This does what it's supposed to at an affordable price compared to competitors. Fit at the rack is fine. Overall adjustability is fine. The fit of the arm inside the mounting bracket leaves a lot to be desired, but I believe that is intentional so the pins are easier to seat. There's probably 3/8" gap if you count both sides. Once weight is on it, it's solid. Pad and vinyl are good. If you prefer perfect fit, this probably isn't it, but for others that can be remedied as seen in the pic.

I have no issues with these. They have held up far better than the crap4all brands, which will scratch first use.

My only knock is the thickness. Which will never matter for me in terms of # of plates on a bar for bench, but has mattered in # of plates on some plate loaded machines. They're near indestructible during normal use. They clean up fairly well. Sausage finger gap approved.

This swiss bar is a good value when it's on sale. It's bulky with the long sleeves though. I would use it more if I had a tall rack and could store it up and out of the way. That's more a limitation of my setup than a knock on the product though.

This is still my recommendation for best entry level bench 4 years later. There are many versions of this bench, but REP vinyl and customer service put this over the top. I tore the ladder sound dampeners up using it. REP is the type of company who stocks that part, and sent it to me for free under warranty. The build quality is great. The powder coat is thick. The padding and vinyl is the best in the business...certainly at that price point. It's a tad heavy for some, and there's badge on the vinyl seam that rusts some. Neither has been an issue for me though.

Don't. Weight is weight, but these tear up sleeves.

I have the early version as well. It's fine for what I use it for, at the used price I paid for it. They should have went with a full or close to full length pad. The vinyl is the saving grace that elevates the early version above budget options.