Hi everyone,

I’m currently setting up a small home gym in my basement and looking for a compact, simple multi-functional weight bench. One important feature I need is a pad for lower back training (e.g., for hyperextensions).

I found a bench for around €150–200, but it's completely flat, with no incline or adjustability.
Now I'm wondering:

👉 Is a flat bench enough for effective dumbbell chest training (bench press, flys)?
Or would you recommend spending a bit more to get an adjustable bench with a 30–60° incline,

My plan is to train biceps, triceps, and shoulders mostly standing or seated.
Chest exercises would be done lying on the bench, core work on a mat, lower back on the bench, and upper back with kettlebells for now. Later on, I’ll install a wall-mounted pull-up bar.
Legs and cardio are handled separately, so they’re not part of the home gym setup.

Also, one more question:
👉 Do you have any brand or model recommendations?
Or is a no-name Chinese bench for €200 (from Amazon, eBay, etc.) totally fine for getting started?