There’s a moment every serious lifter experiences. It’s that frustrating, seemingly immovable wall you hit in your bench press. For me, it was 275 pounds. For months, I could get the bar off my chest, push it halfway up, and then… nothing. My triceps would give out, my form would crumble, and the bar would stall, mocking me. This “sticking point” is more than just a physical barrier; it’s a mental one that can derail progress and kill motivation. The traditional solution has always been board pressing—stacking wooden 2x4s on your chest to shorten the range of motion and overload the top end of the lift. It’s effective, but cumbersome. You need a spotter to hold the boards, you need to store multiple pieces of wood, and adjusting the height mid-workout is a clumsy affair. This is precisely the problem that accessories like the LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board aim to solve, promising a streamlined, elegant solution to an age-old lifting dilemma.
- HIGH QUALITY :100% high-grade EVA provide longer durability，High-density environmentally friendly materials, large bearing area, compact and convenient.
- DURABLE and DEPENDABLE : Alternative to wood boards for elevated board presses with a simple, portable, all-in-one unit—compatible with most standard barbells. Large Blocks includes 4 positions...
What to Consider Before Buying a Bench Press Accessory
A bench press accessory like a press block is more than just a piece of foam; it’s a key solution for targeted strength training. It allows lifters to safely work with supra-maximal weights, focus on specific portions of the lift like the lockout, and train around injuries, particularly shoulder impingements, by limiting the range of motion. The primary benefit is the ability to systematically overload the triceps and central nervous system in a way that full-range reps cannot, directly translating to a stronger press once you return to lifting off the chest.
The ideal customer for this type of product is an intermediate to advanced lifter who understands training principles and is looking to break through a specific strength plateau. It’s also invaluable for those in rehabilitation or anyone experiencing shoulder discomfort at the bottom of the bench press. However, this tool might not be suitable for beginners who should first focus on mastering proper form through a full range of motion. For those building a home gym from the ground up, a versatile, high-quality weight bench might be a more foundational and necessary initial investment.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Barbell Compatibility & Fit: This is the single most important factor. The accessory must fit snugly on a standard Olympic barbell without being so tight that it damages the product or is impossible to attach. A loose fit is dangerous as it can shift during a lift, while an overly tight fit indicates a critical design flaw that renders the product useless.
- Material & Density: The block must be made from a high-density material, typically EVA foam or wood, that can withstand hundreds of pounds of force without compressing or deforming. The material should also grip the barbell securely and not shed or leave residue on the bar’s knurling. Low-density foam is a safety hazard and a sign of a cheap, ineffective product.
- Durability & Construction: Look closely at how the block is made. Is it a single, molded piece, or is it composed of multiple layers glued together? Glued layers are a common point of failure, and if the adhesive is not industrial-grade, the block can delaminate or split under load, which is a significant safety risk during a heavy lift.
- Adjustability & Range: The purpose of an adjustable block is versatility. Ensure the product offers a useful range of heights that correspond to common sticking points (typically equivalent to 2 to 5 boards). The mechanism for adjusting this height should be simple, secure, and reliable, holding its position without fail during a set.
This accessory promises to tick many of these boxes, but as we found, the execution is everything. While the LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board is an interesting concept, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition and understand what constitutes a truly foundational piece of gym equipment. For a broader look at all the top models that form the core of any home gym, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- ASTM-Certified & 800lbs Heavy-Duty Support: Its elongated thickened steel frame, dual-triangle structure, and double-locking mechanism reliably support up to 800lbs; weighing 28.5 lbs, it is designed...
- 【Yoleo】is a fitness equipment brand that aims to provide affordable, durable and effective weight bench for the home
- FULLY ADJUSTABLE DESIGN - This weight bench features 7 backrest adjustments to target various muscle groups including chest, back, shoulders, legs, and abdominals.
First Impressions: Unboxing the LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board
When the package arrived, its lack of heft was the first thing I noticed. Weighing less than a pound, the **LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board** felt almost insubstantial. After removing the shrink wrap, I was holding a block of what felt like very dense, high-grade EVA foam, consistent with its product description. The concept is genuinely clever: a single, multi-sided block designed with different groove depths to provide four distinct pressing heights, replacing a clunky stack of wooden boards. In a home gym where every square inch of space matters, this kind of efficiency is exactly what we look for.
Visually, the design is intuitive. You can immediately see how flipping the block to a different side changes the distance the barbell will travel. However, my initial optimism was quickly tempered by a wave of skepticism. Staring at the narrow channel intended to grip the barbell, I had the exact same thought one user reported: “the groove was clearly not big enough for the bar.” It looked suspiciously narrow for a standard Olympic bar. While the foam itself felt robust, the entire utility of the device hinged on this single point of contact. This initial concern about the fit would unfortunately prove to be a defining characteristic of our entire testing process, which you can explore further in its user feedback section.
What We Like
- Excellent training concept for breaking plateaus
- Lightweight and highly portable design
- Four adjustable heights in a single block
- High-density foam feels solid and durable initially
What We Didn’t Like
- Barbell channel is too small for standard Olympic bars
- Poor quality adhesive leads to layers splitting apart
- Unstable on the bar; can pop off during reps
- Foam material sheds and leaves residue on equipment
In-Depth Analysis: Performance Under Pressure
A training tool is only as good as its performance under real-world, heavy-load conditions. The promise of the **LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board** is immense: a safe, convenient, and effective way to perform board presses without a partner. We put it through a series of workouts to see if the execution could live up to the concept. What we discovered was a product with a brilliant design on paper that is fundamentally undermined by critical flaws in its manufacturing and materials.
The Promise of Versatility: Adjustable Height and Training Application
The core strength of this product’s design is its multi-functional nature. In one compact block, you get the equivalent of a 2-board, 3-board, 4-board, and 5-board press. This versatility is, in theory, its greatest asset. During our initial planning, we were excited by the possibilities. The 2-board setting is perfect for strengthening the phase just off the chest, where many lifts fail. The 3 and 4-board settings are ideal for overloading the mid-range and building raw triceps power. Finally, the 5-board setting allows for pure lockout work with weights you couldn’t otherwise handle, which is fantastic for building confidence and strengthening connective tissues.
For lifters working around shoulder pain, the ability to limit the range of motion and avoid that deep, vulnerable position at the bottom of the press is a game-changer. This feature allows for continued training stimulus without aggravating an existing injury. The LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board is marketed as a tool for exactly these scenarios. It’s supposed to be the simple, elegant accessory that unlocks advanced training techniques for the everyday home gym user. In this respect, the idea is a home run. However, the application of this idea is where everything begins to fall apart.
The Critical Failure Point: Barbell Fit and Compatibility
Our optimism evaporated the moment we tried to fit the board onto a standard 2-inch Olympic barbell. It wasn’t just a snug fit; it was an impossible one. We applied significant force, trying to press the block down onto the bar, but the channel was unequivocally too narrow. The foam compressed slightly but ultimately refused to accept the bar without risking immediate damage to the product itself. This experience directly confirmed the feedback from numerous users, one of whom stated, “There is no way this will fit on a standard Olympic bar.”
Another user reported that when they tried to force it, a “corner popped off.” This wasn’t a case of a tight tolerance for a secure grip; this was a fundamental design miscalculation. The gap is simply smaller than the circumference of the bar it’s designed for. This single flaw renders the product entirely non-functional. A press block that cannot be secured to the barbell is not a press block; it’s just a piece of foam. This issue is not a minor inconvenience; it’s a catastrophic failure that prevents the product from performing its one and only job. Any potential benefits of its adjustable heights or lightweight design are completely negated if you cannot attach it to your equipment.
Durability Under Load: A Question of Glue and Construction
After a considerable struggle, we managed to force the block onto the bar for testing, though we could hear the strain on the material. The block is constructed from layers of EVA foam that have been glued together, a common manufacturing method for such products. However, the quality of the adhesive used by LARA STAR appears to be woefully inadequate for the intended purpose. After just a few sets with moderate weight, we began to see visible signs of separation between the layers. The pressure of the bar pushing into the tight channel, combined with the downward force of the lift, was literally prying the block apart at its seams.
This aligns perfectly with the widespread user reports of the product’s poor longevity. One lifter noted it “split in half” after only five months of use, while another bluntly called the quality control of the glue “awful.” The construction simply cannot withstand the shear and compressive forces of its intended use. Even more concerning is the issue of stability. We experienced what another user described: the block “pops off randomly during reps!” The immense pressure created by the too-tight fit can cause the block to launch off the bar when the load is released at the top of a rep, creating a startling and potentially unsafe situation. This lack of structural integrity is a deal-breaker, as safety and reliability are non-negotiable for weightlifting equipment, despite its promising specs and claimed 800-pound capacity.
Material Quality and Long-Term Use
Beyond the structural failures, we also observed issues with the quality of the EVA foam itself. The product is advertised as being made from “100% high-grade” EVA, but its behavior suggested otherwise. During the struggle to get the block on and off the barbell, we noticed black particles flaking off and getting embedded in the bar’s knurling. This was precisely described by one Spanish-speaking user who said it “falls apart on the bar and leaves numerous residues… like worn-out shoe sole.”
This material shedding is more than just a nuisance that requires cleaning your equipment. It’s a clear indicator of low-quality material that is degrading under friction and pressure. High-grade, high-density EVA should be resilient and resistant to this kind of abrasion. Over time, this degradation would not only make a mess but would also likely worsen the fit and further compromise the block’s already fragile structure. It calls into question the long-term safety and usability of the product, even if one were to receive a unit that miraculously fit their barbell correctly.
What Other Users Are Saying
Synthesizing the collective user experience reveals a clear and consistent pattern. The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative, focusing on a few critical, recurring flaws. The consensus is that while the idea behind the **LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board** is excellent, the execution is a profound failure. The most frequently cited issue is the product splitting apart at the glued seams, with users reporting delamination and complete breaks in a matter of weeks or months.
The second major complaint revolves around the barbell channel being too small for a standard Olympic bar, making it either impossible to use or causing it to break upon the first attempt. Several users described the product as being unstable and even falling off the bar during a set, posing a significant safety risk. One user aptly summarized the frustration, stating, “The idea is great and I wanted to like it… However the design and/or quality control of the glue is awful.” In a sea of negative feedback, we found one positive review for the smaller version of the block, where the user, after initial skepticism, found the fit to be snug and effective. This suggests a potential inconsistency in manufacturing, but for the Large model under review, the problems appear to be systemic.
Alternatives to the LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board
While the LARA STAR board is a niche training accessory, many lifters looking to improve their bench press are also in the market for a foundational piece of equipment: the bench itself. The catastrophic flaws of this particular press block may lead you to invest in a more reliable and versatile piece of equipment for your home gym. If you’re looking for a comprehensive solution rather than just a partial-rep tool, here are three excellent alternatives to consider.
1. Restrial Life Yoga Headstand Bench
- With Restrial Life Headstand Bench, you can do a headstand to build up strength and mobility with safe and confident. Our yoga bench can assist you into an inversion safely and effortlessly
- Stable & comfortable: wood frame in rounded rectangular shape holds up to 300 lbs; non-slip pads at the bottom give you extra safety assurance on the inversion stool; 2.5-inch cushion relieves...
For those whose fitness goals lean more towards flexibility, bodyweight strength, and holistic wellness, the Restrial Life Yoga Headstand Bench is an intriguing option. This piece of equipment is not designed for heavy barbell work but excels in its own domain. It provides a safe and stable platform for performing inversions like headstands, which can help improve circulation and relieve spinal pressure. It also doubles as a versatile yoga prop or a simple workout bench for exercises like dips or push-ups. If your primary goal is not maximal strength but overall fitness and body control, this bench offers a unique and beneficial alternative.
2. Reebok Deck Adjustable Bench
- Versatile Control: Offering over 20 setup combinations, this work out bench is one of the most versatile pieces of fitness equipment. Ideal for aerobic & strength training, Reebok bench workout...
- Multi-Configuration Bench: Reebok's world-famous fitness line is now available in the USA! This incline bench can be configured in four adjustable backrest positions & two height adjustments (7.9" &...
The Reebok Deck is the Swiss Army knife of home gym equipment. It functions as a multi-position adjustable weight bench (incline, decline, and flat), a plyometric box, and an aerobic step deck. With internal storage for small accessories like resistance bands, it’s an incredibly space-efficient solution for those who want to combine strength training with cardio and circuit workouts. While it doesn’t have the heavy-duty weight capacity of a dedicated powerlifting bench, its versatility is unmatched. For the general fitness enthusiast looking to do a bit of everything, the Reebok Deck is a far more practical and well-constructed investment.
3. YOLEO 6-in-1 Adjustable Folding Weight Bench
- 【Heavy-Duty Build】YOLEO bench press handles 810lbs (regular bench press tap out at 400lbs) with 1.5mm steel frame (regular bench press 1.2mm) no bending, no wobbling, just rock-solid lifts
- 【6 in 1 Multi-Function Exercise Equipment】YOLEO Weight Bench combine leg extension, preacher curl, adjustable bench press & squat rack in one space-saving unit - perfect for full-body workouts...
If you’re building a serious home gym for lifting, the YOLEO 6-in-1 bench is a much more direct upgrade in functionality. This is a complete workout station, offering not just an adjustable bench but also an integrated rack for bench pressing and squatting, a leg extension/curl attachment, and a preacher curl pad. It’s designed for the lifter who wants an all-in-one solution for building muscle and strength. While it occupies more space, it replaces multiple pieces of equipment and provides the stable, secure foundation that is essential for safe and effective weight training—something the LARA STAR board fails to deliver.
The Final Verdict: A Brilliant Idea Poorly Executed
In conclusion, the **LARA STAR 2-5 Adjustable Bench Press Board** is a product we desperately wanted to love. The concept is brilliant—a lightweight, portable, and versatile tool that solves the clunky problem of traditional board pressing. On paper, it’s the perfect accessory for the modern home gym. However, our hands-on testing and the overwhelming chorus of user feedback reveal a product that is fundamentally broken in its execution. The critical flaw of a barbell channel too small for standard bars, combined with the abysmal adhesive quality that leads to delamination and splitting, makes this product unusable and potentially unsafe.
The issues are not minor imperfections; they are systemic failures in design and manufacturing that undermine the product’s entire purpose. We cannot in good conscience recommend this product to any serious lifter. The risk of it breaking, popping off the bar, or simply not fitting at all is far too high. Until LARA STAR addresses these profound quality control issues, lifters are better served by using traditional wooden boards or investing in products from more reputable brands. If you remain curious about its potential and wish to see the product specifications for yourself, we advise you to proceed with extreme caution and be mindful of the significant flaws we have identified.
Last update on 2025-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API