This site may contain links to affiliate websites, and we receive an affiliate commission for any purchases made by you on the affiliate website using such links. Read Our Disclosures
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is a heavy-duty flat bench that packs some serious muscle. Rogue Fitness fans will be happy to know that the updated 2.0 version makes this model far more portable. While still keeping the original model’s six celebrated customizable features.
If you’re new to the Rogue Fitness brand, know this. The brand had a grass-roots beginning in Ohio. Started in 2006 in Bill Henniger’s garage, the brand has a famous “Made in the USA” attitude, with a keep-it-local style of doing business.
A solid design and great customization options mean the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 has a lot to offer. It’s why we’ve put this in our top 10 best weight benches.
We’ll take a look at this product, specs and features in more detail below.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 design features
Before deciding on the weight bench that’s best for you, you’ll want to take a look at the design features. We weigh up the Monster Utility Bench 2.0 design features here.
Frame
Stability and strength are two winning qualities showcased by this bench. The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 uses a 3×3” 11-gauge steel frame and weighs in at a total of 68 lbs (with standard padding). The rear extends to over 26” wide.
The model includes 3/16” laser-cut gussets Another great attribute that contributes to the product’s stability.
The Monster bench is finished with an MG Black powder coat and features Black Zinc hardware. These finishes give it a razor-sharp, cutting-edge appearance that you can’t help but respect.
Feet
The latest version comes with a newly-added single-column front foot.
Moving away from the original Monster Utility Bench feet design was a masterstroke for Rogue. The original model featured two spread-out feet, which didn’t cater for firm footing. Now, with the single column, lifters have more space to set their feet while doing a bench press.
The product’s rubber feet are a nice touch. Your home gym floor is saved from getting scratched or damaged. And, the feet also prevent movement, adding to the bench’s stability.
Space & footprint
The Rogue Monster Bench is a great space-saver. This model includes rear wheels and a convenient front handle, making it easy to move around and pack away.
The UHMW Cap provides for safe upright storage, further optimizing space. The Cap also protects the bench pad from any damage.
In terms of footprint, you’re looking at 47.375” x 26.25”.
Costs & setup
If you’re looking for a good quality flat weight bench, prices usually range between $150 and $300. The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 leans towards the higher end of this range.
If you opt for some of the custom configurations, this can take you over the $300 mark. This may seem pretty pricey but keep this in mind…
If you settle for a cheaper weight bench, you might end up compromising on weight capacity. The higher-end models give you a better chance of improving your bench press load.
Despite the above, Rogue Fitness does manage to keep a lean shipping price. Models are shipped dissembled from their warehouse to reduce costs. Assembly is easy so don’t stress about getting frustrated – it’s a quick setup.
Weight capacity
The Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is up there with the heavyweights in the weight capacity category. The 1000 lb weight capacity is incredibly high for a home gym bench, putting it in the same league as the Ironmaster Super Bench.
This allows you to increase your bench press load without putting unnecessary strain on the equipment or yourself.
Custom configurations
The bench offers six custom configurations, catering for any specific needs you may have.
Shorty & standard bench heights
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 gives you two height options, meaning you can configure according to your preferred bench height.
The Shorty Monster bench variation is 15.25” high and the standard option comes in at 17.5” in height.
Standard Pad, Thompson Fat Pad, & Competition Fat Pad
You can also choose between a standard bench pad, Thompson Fat Pad, or Competition Fat Pad.
The Shorty bench allows you to use a Fat Pad to keep a more conventional bench height (17.5”). The standard option goes up to 19.75” with the Fat Pad.
MG Black or stainless steel handle
In terms of appearance, you can get the standard MG black front handle, fitting with the equipment’s black color scheme. Or, go flashier with a knurled stainless steel handle (short or standard-length).
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 – features summary
- 3×3” 11-gauge steel frame
- 68 lbs weight
- 375” x 26.25” footprint
- Front handle and rear wheels
- UHMW Cap on bench spine
- Single-column front foot
- Rubber feet
- 2 height options (standard vs shorty)
- Choice of standard, Comp Fat Pad, or Thompson Fat Pad
- 3 handle options: MG black & short/standard-length stainless steel
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 exercise options
With the 1000 lb weight capacity, you’re not limited to low-weight or bodyweight exercises.
This bench is great for exercises that use traditional or adjustable dumbbells. But, you can also combine this bench with an Olympic bar and power cage for more intense workouts. If you want to stick with Rogue equipment, check out their Monster Racks.
Below, we have a small selection of the exercises you can do with the Rogue Monster Utility Bench. This is not a complete list – just some suggestions to get you started.
- Bench press
- Concentration curls
- Reverse dumbbell fly
- Dumbbell shoulder press
- Dumbbell row
- Skull crushers
- Triceps dip
- Bench hops
- Step-ups & elevated lunges
- Decline pushups
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 customer reviews
You can read all the online reviews in the world, but this doesn’t beat first-hand experience.
It’s important to check out real customer reviews from people who have tried and tested the product. People who aren’t afraid to give unbiased perspectives and insights.
We scoured the web for the most frequently mentioned pros and cons of the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0. This is what we found.
Rogue Monster Bench pros
Here are two agreed-upon positives of the Rogue Monster Bench 2.0.
Dependable stability
There’s a consensus that this bench is built like a “brick sh*t house”. In other words, it’s stable and beefy – just what you need out of a flat bench.
Improved leg design
Users raved about the newly-updated front post design. Powerlifters are thrilled that they can get their legs up and under the bench, and intensify their lower back arch for an explosive bench press.
Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 cons
Let’s take a look at two of the cons cited by buyers.
Textured powder coat
The Rogue Monster Bench 2.0’s textured powder coat went against the grain compared to the rest of the Monster series range.
From an aesthetic point of view, this means the bench doesn’t match the typical glossy coat favored by Rogue. A bit of a downer for lifters who prefer a uniform home gym setup.
Unfortunately, the powder coat means it can show chalk and scuff marks, especially if you don’t wipe down your equipment regularly.
Edge wobbles
A few buyers felt the Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 is prone to a wobble if you sit on the single post side and use heavy dumbbells. Something to watch out for if dumbbell exercises are your go-to.
Pros & cons summary
Pros:
- Rubber feet for additional security
- Heavy duty
- Made in the USA
- Customisable heights
- Thompson Fat Pad, Competition Fat Pad, and standard pad
- Tough steel frame
- Easy upright storage
- Wheelbarrow style
Cons:
- Pricey
- Textured powder coat
- When standing upright, or using one of the fat pads, the pad end doesn’t reach the ground – can be a bit wobbly as a result
Complementary equipment
For many, a weight bench is a good start. But, if you’re looking to deck out your home gym for the best workouts, you’ll want to add the following cornerstone equipment.
Review Overview
Overall Rating
4/5
The Rogue Monster Utility Bench 2.0 compares well to other weight benches in its price bracket.
Its strength mainly comes from its 1000 lbs load capacity as well as its confirmed stability and “beefy” features.
The Monster Utility Bench 2.0 looks good and feels good for many, thanks to its cool design and custom configurations.
When you combine this with the high weight capacity for a bench at this price point and the large number of highly rated customer reviews, what you have is a bench that would make an excellent addition to almost any home gym.
The traditional flat bench height and Shorty bench option mean you can choose a height that works for you. Even better, you can deck it out with various bench pad options: Thompson Fat Pad, Competition Fat Pad, or the traditional padding.
The main drawback of this product is its price. But, considering many of us like equipping our gyms with high-quality, top-of-the-range equipment like leg press machines, it’s not a huge con in our books. Especially if you’ve dropped over $1000 for home gym equipment in the past.
Product dimensions: 47" (L) x 26.25" (W). Height varies.
Weight capacity: 1000 lbs
Nadia is a USA-HomeGym.com Senior Editor with 15 years+ experience in the health, supplement and nutrition niches. Nadia became a health & fitness evangelist after rebuilding her gut health in 2008 using the Weston A. Price method. She developed a Facebook group that grew to more than 15,000 members sharing information on diet for allergy reduction, eczema & psoriasis cessation. Since 2011, Nadia has been an avid stair climber, achieving race times in the top 5% of her age group and maintaining average times of 3’40 – 3’55 minutes per 12 floors.
