Incline DB press vs bench press

[Xathr]

I am working on my upper chest and I'm really loving incline DB press, but I can't seem to figure out the difference between it and incline bench press. They appear to be very similar, but there is a slight difference in the amount of weight I can lift. Is there any advantage doing one or the other?

[im2manly]

I feel, in general, that barbell exercises are better at adding on more mass than dumbbell ones. While Dumbbells may be more effective at hit the targeted area.

[Tomohawk92]

I feel, in general, that barbell exercises are better at adding on more mass than dumbbell ones. While Dumbbells may be more effective at hit the targeted area.

i feel the same but i dont like how much front delts are used in incline BB, rather use inc DB, decline pushups for upper chest
may just be my hatred toward front delts cause my medial delts suck compared to them.. so i try not to make them bigger

[VoxExMachina]

Go with the one that works for you. Personally, I do them both but if I could only do one I'd go with DB's.

The advantage of BB work is that you can usually move more weight than with DB's.

The advantage of DB work is that it tends to be a bit easier on the shoulders (RC), and you can make adjustments to your form to hit the muscle the way you want to.

[Xathr]

But if DBs are better at targeting a specific area wouldn't that make them more efficient?

[im2manly]

But if DBs are better at targeting a specific area wouldn't that make them more efficient?

generally with barbells you move more weight = more mass. On the other hand d.b.s are more efficient at hitting the chest, than a barbell which may include other parts of your body (i.e. more shoulders, lats, tris, etc.). If i was just working on hitting chest and indifferent as to mass, i'd stick w/ incline db's.

[chazzy1864]

That is individual.


Some are better with DB, some with BB.

Some feel the unilateral work of DB is better for bodybuilding purposes. Others don't see it that way.

[darrenash]

Some people feel that the extra weight, usually allowed, by BB means a better exercise. Others feel DB is better since you get more freedom in how deep you can go and direction you can push them.

For me DB is better, since I can have a slight twist in my wrists, as opposed to the straight wrist position of BB. I'd say don't assume extra weight is always better. There are more factors at work. Find out which is best for you.

[Bishop610]

If you don't have a spotter, you can push a lot harder with dumbells without running the risk of getting pinned to the bench.

[Tyciol]

DB presses are also done on benches usually...

It's a stability issue...

*thinks we should just call it barplate pressing since there's not any bells involved.

[italianplaya30]

I am working on my upper chest and I'm really loving incline DB press, but I can't seem to figure out the difference between it and incline bench press. They appear to be very similar, but there is a slight difference in the amount of weight I can lift. Is there any advantage doing one or the other?

I can use more weight on barbell obviously, so i would think that would stimulate more growth in your chest...but ideally you need both to develop a great chest...if ur feeling good on incline...stick with that until you stall then switch to barbell

[TR0LLF4CE]

DBs offer greater ROM over BBs for bench presses, which can be especially useful to bigger lifters. But safety is the principle reason I now use DBs exclusively.

[powercage]

I am working on my upper chest and I'm really loving incline DB press, but I can't seem to figure out the difference between it and incline bench press. They appear to be very similar, but there is a slight difference in the amount of weight I can lift. Is there any advantage doing one or the other?

They are similar. I prefer DB simply for better natural path of the exercise, as well as I feel it takes some stress off my joints and is better at preventing pec tears