Odyssey Bench Mat V2 Review

The Odyssey Bench Mat V2 is our pick for lifters whose upper back slides on slick gym benches and disrupts their pressing setup. It is designed for flat barbell bench, incline dumbbell press, and flat dumbbell press; use code WWIL at checkout through our Odyssey Products promo code page.

Why we recommend it

It solves a specific, familiar problem: losing your upper-back position because the bench pad is slick. The brand’s setup is simple: lay the mat across the bench pad, set your shoulders, and press from the same base. That gives lifters a repeatable contact surface instead of rebuilding their setup with a towel or bands before every session.

One mat is intended for several pressing styles. Odyssey lists flat barbell bench, incline dumbbell press, and flat dumbbell press as use cases. That makes it a more useful accessory for someone who moves between benches or alternates between barbell and dumbbell work than a one-lift grip aid.

The design stays focused. The mat adds a dedicated grip layer without changing the bench or requiring a new piece of gym equipment. Its Advanced Grip Polymer surface is the main draw; the rest of the experience is straightforward placement and pressing.

What buyers love

The consistent theme in the verified buyer reviews on Odyssey’s product page is grip and feeling more planted. Owners describe less slipping, a stickier contact surface, and a more secure setup on commercial gym benches. That matches the job the mat is built to do: help keep your upper back from shifting while you press.

Simple workarounds such as resistance bands or a non-slip liner can be enough for occasional movement. Odyssey offers a dedicated surface for lifters who want a repeatable setup, though it cannot stabilize a moving bench or repair worn padding.

Who it’s for (and who should skip it)

The Odyssey Bench Mat makes the most sense for:

• Lifters whose shirt or upper back moves on smooth commercial-gym benches
• People who train at different gyms and want a familiar contact surface
• Pressers who use both flat and incline benches, or switch between barbells and dumbbells
• Anyone who is tired of adjusting towels or bands to stay planted

Skip it if your bench already gives you a stable setup. If the bench frame moves or the pad is damaged, fix or replace that equipment instead of adding a grip layer. The mat is for contact and traction; it does not change the bench’s support or your lifting technique.

How it compares

A towel or band can be a sensible low-cost fix if it solves the slipping. A simple non-slip mat is another category alternative. Odyssey’s advantage is that it is made specifically for pressing setup and is intended to move between benches; you are buying a dedicated surface rather than adapting something from home.

If the problem is the bench itself, choose a more suitable bench instead. Our FED Fitness WB5 adjustable bench review looks at a bench purchase, while the FED Fitness home-gym equipment comparison covers the larger equipment decision.

How to get the best price

Shop through the Odyssey Products store, choose the Bench Mat V2, and enter WWIL at checkout. The offer box above shows the current saving and lets you copy the code. The current listing also describes the included liquid chalk as the first shipment in a monthly subscription, so check those terms and the final cart total before ordering. Full offer details are on our Odyssey Products promo code page.

Our verdict

We recommend the Odyssey Bench Mat V2 when slick benches repeatedly break your pressing setup. Buyer feedback centers on the grip and more planted feel the product is designed to provide, and it covers several common pressing styles. If your bench is already secure, skip the extra accessory; if slipping is a regular annoyance, use the code above and give this purpose-built mat a look.