I suppose once you start moving serious weight on the bench, you need a good pad. With the lame weight I move these days, I don't have such a need! LOL
Looks nice! Let us see a pic once it's installed. BTW, you've got a sweetheart to buy you such a Father's Day gift.
My wife bought me a wine storage cabinet that holds the wine at the proper temperatures.... except I really don't drink wine, she does. LOL