An Engineer’s Review of the Ritfit Gator (BWB03) Bench.
Hey guys, long time lurker first time poster. I just got a Ritfit Gator bench and actually really like it (especially for its price point). I’ll start by saying I’m an engineer and spent four years working for a very well known fitness equipment manufacturer that is known for having world class quality control. So I do actually know what I’m looking for when being critical of this piece of equipment beyond just cosmetic items. Before purchasing this bench I didn’t see much in terms of online reviews and what I did see was all kind of the same talking points and wasn’t really as in depth as some buyers might like. So, I’ll do my best to be thorough for those who are interested. For reference I am 6’-1” and 187 lbs. I mostly do a lot of barbell and dumbbell/kettlebell work during workouts along with bodyweight stuff.
The good:
• The bench is pretty heavy and very stout, it doesn’t shift or wobble in any position I set it up. It’s not a powerlifting bench but I wouldn’t hesitate to lift fairly heavy on this bench. I will follow up on this if that changes
• the foam in the padding is firm, but not too firm. I like it personally and feel very supported by it
• I like the versatility of the bench being able to be decline, incline, and flat and the articulating head piece opens up a lot of options for the bench to be incorporated into your workouts.
• I wasn’t expecting much from the rollers that are for supporting your arms during isolated curling movements. But I like them a lot and the four options for placement is nice for getting things adjusted to your body size
• the powder coating for me was flawless and I love that all of the nuts are nylock nuts ensuring that things won’t loosen up with use over time.
• I really like the enclosed angle adjustment guide and how the bench top doesn’t swing around when you store the bench
• All of the welds look solid indicating that the steel was prepped correctly and their manufacturing line whether it be humans or robot welders aren’t worthless. Additionally all of the bends in the formed pieces are crisp and smooth
• I’ve seen most if the reviews complain about the knurling on the handles being too shallow. I like it just fine and most of the bench’s weight is on the wheel end so it’s not really like you need barbell level knurling to move the thing around
•People have also noted the 2-inch gap between the butt pad and the back pad. It’s not aesthetically pleasing by any means but the hardware is recessed enough and the pads are firm enough that I haven’t felt it or noticed it at all. Additionally if I’m benching and my head is on the head pad my ass is on the bottom of the back pad. So, no part of me is even touching that gap.
The bad:
• The gap is kind of an eyesore, lol.
• I’m not a fan of the zinc plated parts I have seen that stuff wear off over time and it’s not really my taste aesthetically. But for the price I’m willing to get over it.
• The feet of this bench are just powder coated steel. I would have liked to see rubber pads. However like I said I haven’t had the bench shift at all on my stall mats.
• I don’t like the threaded ends of the bicep roller pads. I would have liked a better mechanism of connection there. Threads come with risk of damage if threaded wrong. I also think the 1/2-13 thread is too fine. I would’ve like to see a more course thread to make it easier to thread the pads into their locations and to have those threads be a bit bulkier and harder to damage. This would have increased the longevity and usability of these accessories greatly
• I would’ve liked a pin with a detent on the end to secure the pin for the head pad better. I doubt it will ever fall out, but this is an economy feature that I think they could have put a premium pin in without affecting the manufacturing costs too much. Again though, it’s acceptable at this price point and if I hate it over time I’ll just get a pin that make me happier.
Over all I’m happy with the purchase and think this is a good option for people looking for good bang for their buck.