Prime markets the Shorty Adjustable Bench as an adjustable bench with decline capability and lists back pad adjustability from 0 to 85 degrees. What they do not clearly disclose on the product page or the decline attachment page is that safe decline use is limited to 30 degrees.
That is not a minor detail. This is an adjustable bench, and how far it safely adjusts is core functionality. It determines what exercises can and cannot be done on the bench and directly affects the product’s value compared with other decline benches on the market.
Only after I paid for and received the bench did I find a physical warning decal stating not to use it past 30 degrees of decline.
Prime has stated to me that they do not intend to clearly list this limitation on the product page for either the bench or the decline attachment. That is the real issue I have with doing business with them. Listing 0-to-85-degree adjustability while advertising decline functionality, but not clearly stating the 30-degree safe decline limit, creates a misleading impression about what the bench can actually be used for as well as what benches to compare to it to as benches that decline further (more than double) sell at a higher price point.
I contacted Prime because I purchased the bench, decline attachment, and wall mounts as one decline-capable setup. I asked them to either take back all purchases related to the bench at their expense, or provide a $200 partial refund. Prime’s final offer was about $68, or to take back and pay for shipping of only the decline attachment.
That does not resolve the issue. I would not have purchased this bench setup had the 30-degree safe decline limit been clearly disclosed on the product page before purchase. I am currently looking at buying a replacement bench because of this issue.
I strongly recommend buyers avoid this bench unless Prime clearly lists the actual safe decline limitation upfront. The distance an adjustable bench safely adjusts is not just a safety note — it is a core product feature.
Fantastic design, I love it.
Small but mighty
I think I got confused, because I thought most of the attachments comes with the bench. It was listed on the manual but does not say not included. I guess I was just disappointed that now I have to buy this attachment and spend more than a 1500 bucks to get all of the other attachments which to be honest is too steep of a price. 700 dollars for just the bench (kinda having buyers remorse). Well it’s my fault for not understanding what was included and what was not.
IMO the shorty bench is the best home gym bench currently available on the market due to its versatility. It’s a full incline/decline adjustable bench that can ALSO be transformed into a utility bench AND a preacher curl.
Another huge benefit is that it can be used with the new smart arm attachment so you can do leg curls/extensions off of your rack as well, eliminating the need for any stand alone machines.
I could not find a better home gym eco system out there as Prime has found a niche to really bringing high end commercial gym equipment to home gym users who want the absolute best options available.
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