Standard height for a competition bench?

[Rob Thomas]

I'm about to start ordering equipment soon for a home gym and was wondering whether there's a standard height for benches used in powerlifting contests.

Most of the benches I see advertised on the various web sites appear to be higher than the one I used in the WSA comp a couple of weeks back and if I'm going to get the right technique then I'd prefer to "learn it" on a bench of the correct height.

I'm thinking about getting this bench but it looks a little high:
http://gymratz.co.uk/weight-training-gym-equipment/item116.htm

To go with either this power rack (without the lat attachments):
http://gymratz.co.uk/weight-training-gym-equipment/item104.htm

or this one:
http://www.powerhouse-fitness.co.uk/store/product_details.asp?sku=PTP-PRBLACKWH&dept_id=%209&department=%209&source=Kelk oo

Any comments or alternatives would be welcomed....

[Justin Hurley]

I have that body solid bench and the rack form gymratz. I have the plate loading pulley instead of the stack though. I like that power rack cos you can put dip bars in the supports.

The bench is a good height, probably a little higher and a lot harder sponge on top in comparison to the bench at the WSA. I found it easier at the WSA cos I was used to my bench. At WSA my traps sunk into the sponge which helped with my arch, plus it was a little lower which helped my leg drive.

[Rob Thomas]

Yeah, that's what I was thinking - if it's lower then it will help with the leg drive but as you said, if you get used to that one then you may find it easier in the comp!

Looks like I'm going to get it then.

When you added the plate loaded lat attachment to your rack, does it get in the way when squatting or do you now have to put the pegs on the uprights in the front of the rack?

Also, I've bought a new phone and lost your number mate, send me a text so that I can get it again.

[Justin Hurley]

The lat attachment doesn't get in the way. I also bought an extra set of pins so I can use both sides of the rack. They have to face inwards because they only have holes drillled on the inside.
You might find spotting someone benching a little bit of a squeze with any of the lat attachments. This is also a good reason to get the extra pins, so you can use the rack in reverse.
I also got some square guttering and cut it into 10-12" lengths, I then cut down the one side so that I could wrap around the rack, you can then throw the bar at the rack without ripping it to bits with the knurling of the bar.

I'll take pics if I haven't explained properly.

[Rob Thomas]

I can see what you mean, good idea!