Side by Side Comparison of: Best Choice Products vs Stamina

This item is a terrific value. It's light yet sturdy. It easily handles a 200 pound man. I especially like the fact that you can also lay on it sideways to work the side abs (e.g., external oblique, internal oblique, & transverse abdominis). I'm 6'0" and 200lbs, and it fits me perfectly. While lightweight, it's more than sturdy enough for me.

This is great! Just what I wanted!

I love using hypextension chair. The only draw back is the adjustment isn't quick release it is screw in. Im short and my husband is tall. But I love the price and it is something minimal to deal with .

It works, but if you're tall and heavy like me, be sure to secure the lower part of the device to the floor. Preferably with steel bolts or a very heavy object. The device will tend to bend/tilt otherwise.If you are petite, you will not have such a problem.

I love this Roman Chair. I'm 6' and I have no problems with it. I wish it was it was a few inches taller off the ground but I still clear the ground when I adjust the handlebars

I use it at least 5 nights a week so it is very useful and helpful for my lower back. It is easy to use, thanks to the physical therapist who explained to me everything I needed to know to make the best use of it.

I'm 5'9" not slim build male. We have this on carpet in our room so it doesn't seem to wobble. It does require assembly, and is pretty solid if you put it together correctly (advise to get a ratchet wrench and a crescent wrench for a speedier assembly). Use it mainly for sit ups and hyperextensions right now. Doing sit ups your head definitely hands off the bench, but I'd imagine most benches are like this. I like that it can be folded, but it isn't enough where I can slip it under our bed (we have a low bed though), but I can put it next to my desk and it isn't obtrusive.

Super easy to assemble, easy to use and change positions. Have used it multiple times, as has my husband and have had no complaints so far. I've seen many comments about the L clips being unsafe because they could slide out during exercise, but they need to be able to come in and out for adjustments, and so far I have not noticed them budge one bit during mine or my husband's more vigorous workouts. we've only had it for a week but we like it a lot so far.

This bench is great for home use. It is exactly what I needed. Sturdy, affective, affordable and space saving. My teenager put this together. It was not difficult, but took some time. Just hand tighten everything and then tighten everything, thoroughly, once it is together.I wanted something to build my core strength. (Sides, back, abs, as apposed to just my abs which is what my previous ab "machine" does.) This machine feels stable and I really like it. I have not used a lot of fitness equipment so I have little to compare it to, just my impressions. There were some things that were awkward, until I got used to it.1-When I lean back for a crunch my head (and upper back/neck) has no support, and that was weird at first, but made me use my muscles more.2-The whole figuring out the side crunches.There are extremely basic diagrams, in the pamphlet, for exercises. The video on the advertisement shows side crunches and there was no instruction (in the pamphlet) of how to place legs when doing those, or even a mention of being able to do those with this machine. I had to try several positions to get it right. For side crunches, I put my inside leg on the front foot holder (as I was sideways) and the outside leg on the back one. I also put a folded towel on the padded part so my hip did not get bruised. Once I figured out what worked for me I was pleased with my results. It took a few sets before I got it sorted out.In the end I decided these things, considering the compact size and other factors, were pluses and not design flaws. I would suggest this item to a friend and I am completely glad I purchased it.

So far everything seems to be going great. I wouldn't suggest this for anyone shorter than 5 ft. My daughter (10 yrs. old) is 4'6 and is too short to use it. I'm 5'1 and I have the the thigh pads on the lowest setting and if it could go a little lower I would be even happier. When I use the ab bench with the decline it's a bit of a struggle to hook my feet under the foam cushion but I manage to make it work. It's also quite sturdy under my weight. As far as assembly goes I take more than average to put it together since I counted out all the parts first and lined it up in numerical order, which made it very easy to assemble since some parts were already put together. I would suggest using a socket wrench also but if you don't have one the tools that came with it, it does just fine.

I prefer not buying a piece of equipment that only does one or two things. This is a very good addition to a home gym. You have a lot of exercise uses in a small easy to store size with this bench. The bench is a little short for me (6'3" 290lbs); another 10-14 inches on the bench would give it 6 out of 5 stars. The bench works pretty well for its size for the wife (4'11") and kid (5'9"). There is a weight limit of 250lbs for this bench; which, I did not see or notice until I was putting it together when reading the instructions. So far, it has handled my size and weight without any issues. We do the sit-ups, crunches, hyper extensions, side hyper extensions, triceps bench dips, concentrated curls, dumbbell step ups, dumbbell pullovers, split squat with dumbbells, dumbbell decline press, and decline/regular dumbbell flyes. We don't have any problems with the amount of padding for the bench and knee/ankle pads. It's a keeper.

- For Hyper: It does what is claims, and allows plenty of downward (forward) extension. It is sturdy enough for me (5' 10" /220 lbs). Yes the pads could be spaced farther apart to account for my male parts but it doesn't prevent you from using it. For xtra padding, I usually fold up a towel and place it over the pads and this works fine.- For Abs: It does what is claims and back board is large enough for someone up to 6'0".- For Quality: Good for ~ $200, all the parts were present in the box. Only improvement I might make myself is to add some lock washers at some of the connections but none of the nuts/bolts have come undone after 3 weeks of use. Storage is easy, I just fold it up (takes only a minute) and stand it against the wall in a corner. I would recommend this product.

not that sturdy but gets the job done.

Great product. I needed to add a bit more padding. Easy to assemble. Received in a timely manner, excellent condition. Thank you

Great product

Strong, easy to put together but im not a bit person and its rather wobbly

It is simple and it works. My back is getting better already. It is what I expected and is easy to move around.

This chair works very good for a very competitive price.Could us more comfortable pads, but will work as is. Recommend as a economical device that serves its purpose.

The stamina pro does it's job, I get a great ab workout and lower back workout as well. It was not difficult to put together the instructions were clear and straight forward. The preacher curl work's nicely as well. If your like me and prefer to workout at home this is a great little addition to any home gym.However it is a pain to fold and put away, basically more work than it's worth IMO, and the pin's are in, but I can see how other reviewers feel that a cotter pin would be safer; this is a easy fix. However I do not feel like a customer should have to invest time in money in a product at this price range...or any price range at that matter. Not the most informed review but it's my 2 cents take it for what it's worth, and I don't get anything discounted or free like most of us I work hard and pay for what I have. Good day!

Bench is relatively solid for the cheap price point. I'm 6 foot and 200 lb and it holds me well. Adjustment is a little difficult, but holds my weight fine. My main complaint is that the pins don't have a cotter pin or some sort of cap to lock the pin from sliding out. It's fine as long as you remember to check the pins each time you use it. Overall, I'd buy it again as I only use it for ab exercises and it gets the job done.

I received the package in the time frame it was promised- which was very promptly.The package was sturdy. Not too heavy but heavy enough to know this was a good quality item.Directions were easy to read. It took me 40 mins to assemble - by myself. The time also included a good 10-15 mins on tightening the bolts. I recommend using two socket wrenches. I am 5'3" and 100 lbs.The reason I give it 4 stars is because- there are four screw holes on the underside of the bench- that are mensch to go into these rails. Only 3 of the four fit. The fourth hole (on under side of bench) was out of alignment. This makes the bench somewhat shaky. I might contact the seller and ask for exchange on bench (part only - so I don't have to take entire bench apart).Be aware that the bolts, washers and etc are oiled - and can leave a brownish reddish residue. Was a non issue for me.I like that you can move around the two cushion pieces that go along ur calves. Makes it easy to adjust- as I use to 1) lay on the bench with my legs under them for crunches (and the bench can be adjusted to incline downward for more resistance), 2) stand forward for back hyper and 3) stand sideways for oblique workouts.It was very important for me to find a hyper bench that had a standing for your feet- bc I was looking for one that I could do oblique workout on. As one reviewer mentioned- it's possible - but takes some getting used to.I did my obliques on there- but felt that if I was any taller- I wouldn't feel comfortable doing so- as it still felt awkward for my size- but I do feel in my case it's just soenthing I need to get used to.When I laid back to do crunches- my head touched within a couple inches of the end of the bench. So if you're much taller than I- you may plan on having your head exceeding the end of the benchOverall- I feel like it's a great bench- especially for the price. It's really versatile, easy to adjust- works great for someone my size- and - I'll update you - if I decide to contact seller regarding switching out the bench.

Overall it works. It feels a bit cheap but it works well enough. And seems sturdy enough.I use it mainly for back raises for which it works quite well. it would would just find for very tall people.It's good for sit ups too.I haven't tried curls yet but it can be used for those as well.It can probably be used as a bench for declined dumb bell presses.Probably for normal dumb bell presses as well but your groin may be a little too close to the upper pads and support especially if you're tall.But it could use a few changes.For men, the pads where you groin rests when doing back raises are just a bit too close together.They need to be adjustable or just further apart.There needs to be an extra pin hole near the main middle hinge so the pin can hold the whole thing closed when it is folded up.

As was said by others, pins have tendency to slide and fall out eventually, unless they're pushed in periodically. Had these pins came with a stopper, that wouldn't be happening. These are M10 (metric, 10mm) pins. You can find good "push button" M10 pins with a stopper, but they are very expensive. Each pin would cost you around $30. If anyone is interested, you can purchase such pins at http://www.fixtureworks.net. You would need MTACH-10-070 (70mm) pins for two front holes. For the hole underneath the bench, you probably want to go with slightly longer pin: MTACH-10-080 (80mm).

The oblique sit-ups offered by this machine were my number 1 favorite work out to do at the gym. When I started dreaming of what to put in my own home gym, I knew this had to be number 1 on the list. Stamina Pro didn't disappoint! I'm 5'4" and am able to use it comfortably. I wish the bench on the other side was about 6 inches longer so I could lay on it for sit ups or chest exercises. Currently when doing chest exercises, I allow the end of the bench to hit my lower back (my rear end hangs off completely), and I engage my abs for a core exercise at the same time as I stabilize myself.

had to re drill holes so the holes would line up properly the equipment is too short and any one taller or heavier will lift the backend up when using

Good value for price paid

Definitely not for a tall or heavy person. Feels a little unstable even for me but I'm making it work. The foot part comes up off the floor and the part you lean and wiggles. Need a sandbag or something to weight the feet part down.

Came when it was due. Im only 5'2"but it works just like the one at the gym. .Easy to put together, but like other review says pads are kinda hard for side crunches..

Lose two unimportant part, and not stable enough.

feels like it will snap along the middle when i use this... Maybe it should have heavier metal or slightly better design.I am only 125lbs, so definitely dont get this if you are bigger...

This is a good bench for the petite body frame. Im 5"2 so it works for me. I dont like how the pins that are used for adjusting slip out while the bench is in use. Very dangerous!!! I took it to a steel place and had them drill holes in the pin and put clamps on them so they lock in place. The other issue is the lack of ease when changing the position of the bench for a different workout. It takes a while because i have to line the holes up just right for the pins to fit in.

This unit is useful but with some improvements it could be so much better. First of all, I'm 5'' 9" and about 160 so not a big guy but the "back board" part of this is about 8-10" too short for many free weight exercises that it could otherwise be used for. The pads on the movable bar are too close together (or just too small/not wide enough) for comfortably using this for arm curls and they really should go lower for doing crunches. I'll also add my caution to others here, with no detent ball on the (non) locking pins they can (and will!) work their way loose which is a safety hazard for sure. So far I've not been able to find adequate replacements but will keep looking. Too bad, with some tweaking this could be a much more versatile and useful piece of equipment, especially for those like me who have a very small area to work out in and have to maximize the utility of whatever equipment occupies that area.

Great idea but too complicated and cumbersome to have to adjust or close the heavy steel. If it was lightweight , it might be easier, but then it may not be able to hold certain body weight. Great idea for someone with large space who does not have to worry about closing or folding shut the exercise equipment.

the bench came on time. but i did noticed the pads looked used and not brand new. It was missing 2 washers. My biggest complaint was that if you have short legs, you will not be able to do the up side down sit up well. My legs did not reach the black foam because the pads were too thick. I had to adjust the pads backwards in order for my legs to fit comfortably. Another complaint was if you took the long metal stick to readjust the bench, it took forever to find the hole and align it so that u can stick the stick back in. I am not sure if i would recommend this product given the problems i encountered.

My son and I put the bench together last night and was very excited.....BUT when we went to place the very last bolt in (Part # 18) we fould that the bolt had not been threaded so we are not able to complete the assembly. I have not yet been able to get in touch with Stamina to ask for a replacement part. We have been very disappointed and are awaiting their return email.

The overall quality of this bench is very good, but it has one small flaw that could send you to the ER or kill you. The L shape of the frame is held up by a flimsy little metal rod that easily slides out when you move the bench. This thing can pop out in the middle of a workout and send you flying face first into the ground or break your back. It's only a matter of time before someone hurts themselves and sues this company.I'm just going to replace the metal rod with a bolt and nut so this thing doesn't kill me.

made for a really small person. My feet don't fit on it. Seems really flimsy. The pads hurt and feel really cheap. overall not worth the money

The leaves need to be able to be adjusted higher feels very uncomfortable

I have to add extra weights to keep it from falling forward while using it. My son who's in perfect shape nearly flipped forward when the bench raised up while he was using it. Best for a person who weighs about 80 pounds anyone over 100 pounds will definitely have an issue.

This roman chair gets the job done, but when I received this in the mail, it had rust and scratches all over it. There was even a tear in the cheap plastic cushion cover. I could not have been more disappointed. But overall it serves it's purpose and for me, was not worth the headache and cost of sending back for another. I would suggest looking at other options.

not a long enough base-too unstable when using weight-wants to tip head over

I bought this Roman chair because of the price. However I wouldn't recommend it to someone else. It feels very weak and small definitely not for a taller person. As you do the exercise the chair feels as if it's tipping over forward. Also the padding for the hips is very thin and stiff, it digs into your hips while working out.

Solid construction but the vinyl material is cheap. I have used it every other day for about 100 days and holes are appearing.

Good piece of equipment but not sturdy support wise. I had to weigh it down with sand bags to keep it from sliding on the floor. The adjustment pin for the bench part itself is also not easy to move around if you don't line up the metal piece just right you'll be there all day trying to adjust it and getting the pin in. Its a you get what you pay for situation.

Someone else had the same issue I did. One of the pins came loose and sent me smashing to the floor and cutting my knuckles pretty badly and jamming my wrist. Locking pins would be a simple fix to this potentially dangerous equipment. Otherwise its a nice bench. Ill be replacing the pins before I continue to use. It probably deserves more than a 2 rating but someone could easily hurt themselves a lot worse than I did.

The Ab/Hyper shipped us is not exactly the same quality as the one we saw in the gym. Bench is too small for person with average built. The material for the bench is really flimsy and not durable. The other issue is the assembly tool that comes with this product is poorly designed. It's really difficult to fit the tools under the bench to tighten the rods that anchors the bench to the body. One of the tools that comes with this product has a sharp edge and it cut me during assembly. The other safety issue is that the stainless steel anchoring pin was lose during workout. We definitely don't recommend this product.

Product is good... but I am deducting one star for each of the followings:- missing 4 washers- tools supplied for assembly are poor. I would recommend using your own DIY tools- assembling the Ankle Support piece to the frame (particularly with insert washers) is not straight forward. Some turning/twisting + luck is needed!

Definitely designed for a very small person. I am 5'4" 130lbs female/ personal trainer and find this product near dysfunctional for my small frame. Save your money and invest in something higher quality with larger dimensions. The bench does not extend far enough to support my head when doing abdominal work.

Unfortunately, it has to go back. The metal wasn't fabricated properly to fit pieces together. 😿Now even more bummed because I've not received a refund from the seller as of yet.

Junk. Base isn't long enough so it tips forward as you flex at the hip.

Don't buy, This chair is made poorly. I could not put it together because the nuts & bolts do not thread and the holes for a few of the bolts do not even line up.

The back end of the machine lifts off the ground when doing extensions. This makes it feel very unstable and dangerous. It doesn't seem like it will topple over, but it is definitely not comfortable to use. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

I usually like the workout equipment I get from Amazon, but unfortunately I made a poor choice with this roman chair. Its poorly made and wobbles when you lean forward. You need someone to put their foot on the base to keep it from tipping when you lean forward on it.

really really bad for your back. the particular bolts allow for wiggle room with the machine but for me this wrecks my back muscles before coming close to helping my ab.

This bench is so time consuming to install on your own and the supplied "tool" (basically a sheet of metal as a wretch/screw) is useless. Diagram of the instructions is super confusing. If you have a tool set and an extra person to help you out...you'll save a lot of time. However, I don't have that privileged and patience to finish installing this by myself and without my own tools. Basically bad design...I'd avoid at all cost. Garbage...

Garbage!

Returning item bc can't get past second step due to holes not drilled correctly. Should have been suspicious of the multiple retaped box because that is what I did to return it. Unable to thread screws.

It's made for doing situps but the backboard isn't even long enogh to support your head.

A joke. Holes for the screws don't even line up. There's gotta be better quality control

bench is very small, dont recommend