Marcy Folding Standard Weight Bench

The short version of my review for this bench is that it’s design & construction is very good for younger, lighter weight athletes, and entry level folks who won’t be using heavier weight(s) = 4 STARS. It is not adequate for those like myself, who are near or more than 6 feet tall, and weigh near or more than 200 pounds. A larger, more substantial bench would truly benefit those in these categories = 3 STARS. Now, the long version. My first observation is about the handling of the bench during shipping. On the shipping box, it clearly says, “Important: Do Not Lift From Straps”. The box arrived at the front door with a large gouge torn in the corner, apparently from being lifted or pulled by the strap. Fortunately, the packing materials inside the box protected the upholstery enough that it only caused a crease and not a tear. The rest of the interior packaging protected the various parts very well. ASSEMBLY: While the assembly is based upon diagrams only, it was reasonably easy IF you LOOKED AHEAD in each diagram. I found that I had left out a piece only AFTER having completed the assembly in the first part of the diagram (#5). The second part showed the piece I had not inserted previously, and I had to dis-assemble, and then re-assemble with the piece properly in place (lesson learned). A couple of the mounting ear tabs were also bent, however they were easily bent back straight for assembly using a crescent type wrench. I did find that a socket set and drill made the assembly of the nuts/bolts much quicker, however be sure to set the drill to a lighter torque setting so as to not strip threads or bend metal. It was also easier to tighten all of the nuts/bolts AFTER all had been installed loosely first.From unpacking and organizing, to the final product, it took me just over an hour to complete. It should also be noted that the nuts, bolts, washers, etc. are nicely vacuum packed to and identified on a piece of cardboard, which made them easily identified and retrieved for assembly. Of special note, are the plastic bolt/nut cover pieces which are placed on the bolt ends and nuts following assembly … please don’t expect them to stay in place. After folding, unfolding, and using the bench a time or two, the little cover pieces will be found scattered around on the floor. I have been collecting, and discarding them. After having used the bench for a few weeks, the following was noticed: the bench is just barely adequate for someone of my size, weight, and for the amount of weight used (100 pounds and less). The upholstered seat and back are too small/narrow and don’t fully support my size, and the foam rolls and tubes on the leg developer portion are, in a word, RIDICULOUS. The rolls continuously slide off of the tubes, and the dimensions of the rolls and developer itself are much too small for my leg size. The uprights are too close together, and the taller “tabs” on the top, bar holding portion of the uprights are too tall (undoubtedly due to safety concerns). IF I were to keep the bench, I would cut the tabs down, so that it would be easier to lift the bar from the back of the uprights after loading a bar for free-weight work. And lastly, the upholstery on the arm curl pad should have been wrapped around the edge and fastened to the back, as it is now, the edge can dig into your arms/chest while doing the curls. As for the folding storage = excellent! I am able to store it against a wall in our den area, with not a complaint from anyone! I should end this by saying that I do have a good history with the Marcy brand, as this is the third Marcy bench I have purchased in about 30 years, with Weider being the brand of choice before that. Knowing what I now know, I would NOT have purchased this bench for myself; however I absolutely WOULD purchase it for a smaller, lighter, younger, or entry level athlete.