Sam’s Review: ATX® FID Weight Bench 520 2.0

Recently the ATX bench range was redesigned and re-released. Naturally we have had many requests to review these upgraded versions. The MBX-520 is probably the least requested for review. Its bigger and more flashier brothers attract most of the attention. However this humble FID weight bench has impressed me the most.

As a man with simple tastes, and a tight ass with money, a great minimalist design really impresses me. Especially in these times were everyone is feeling the pinch with a struggling economy. Don’t get me wrong, the more expensive benches are mind blowing in terms of features and quality. But this little battler can do nearly all the others can do, but at a more affordable price.

In terms of the actual bench pad section, it has nearly the same structure as the MBX-650, 660 & 750 benches. The bench pads are all the same across these models. They pivot with the same mechanism so they share the same narrow bench gap. One day we might even do a Pepsi style challenge to see whether you can tell the difference between the fid weight benches when blindfolded.

The frame is made from 50 x 50 steel tube. It has re-enforcement plates at the pivot point. The front support is made from 60 x 60mm and has a support welded in.

The backrest is adjusted using this 8mm thick plate steel arc. It has the angles etched in to take the guess work out of setting up for each exercise. The pop pin is commercial quality and the same that is used on the more expensive MBX-650.

It is housed in a bracket made from 10mm thick steel.

The seat adjustment system is also the same as you see on the MBX-650. It is laser cut 8mm plate steel.

At the front you have docking section for the attachment. Once again it is the same as what you get on the MBX-650 & 660 including the new ATX adjustment knobs.

Finally it has a handle to compliment the wheels at the rear. So it is dead easy to move around your gym.

But what makes this bench unbeatable value is that you can use all the ATX bench attachments. Even if you cant afford or don’t think you need bench attachments at the moment, the ability to add these later is a massive bonus. So many people end up selling their original benches and upgrading to a bench that accepts attachment.

ATX have really stepped up the quality and design of their bench attachments. They have been improved in many ways, but they are not cheap. The MBX-520 is the most cost effective way of accessing these.

A $665 bench and $440 leg attachment may sound steep. But together you are getting practically a dedicated leg extension leg curl machine. The ATX stand alone machine is $1,400. This bench and attachment combo will give you 80 to 90% of that experience. That is excellent value and the way you should judge this investment.