Bench press - where should the bar touch? [REPS]

[LukeMcD]

Where should the bar touch on the bench press? I've heard mixed opinions - some saying closer to the neck, on the line of the nipple or below the chest.

If someone could mspaint a red line across this image to show where the bar should touch at the bottom of the rep it would be much appreciated:

[FueledByYelyah]

An inch from the chest, or the chest itself is what I usually do

[skinsfan15]

Draw a imaginary line from nipple to nipple. That's where the bar should come down.

[unity]

I've heard mixed opinions - some saying closer to the neck

just wondering... who says this?

[LulzYeah]

Does it matter much on where does the bar touches? Does it affect the whole chest growth or does it work other parts of chest more?

[alexbowley247]

Bottom of sternum for me, less shoulder grief and I can actually touch my chest, just remember to bring your shoulders back and pinch them together

For building a chest though, providing your shoulders aren't jewed, then nipple line. I feel it engages my chest more, but not worth the shoulder pain.

[Ironlife]

Bringing the bar lower to the nipples brings in the powerful lower pec muscles and involves a heap of anterior delt, this is a good way to go.

[StupidK4]

I prefer right under the nips with a wide base and slightly arched back.

[JrFive]

I think it more so depends what area of the chest you want to be targeting more. If Incline Have it right at the top of your chest. Decline under your chest and flat would be right in the center to target both muscles.

Also I don't mean to derail this thread but What about the arm/hand position.
Just to clarify. The wider the grip the more chest/Shoulders correct? and the closer the grip
the more tricep and chest? Also the positon of the arm I always though it should almost aligned with the shoulder

[Labello]

depends what your goal is ...maximum contraction (for chest) or maximum weight.

[LulzYeah]

Does it matter much on where does the bar touches? Does it affect the whole chest growth or does it work other parts of chest more?

Bump on that question.

[UltimateAeroSSC]

Draw a imaginary line from nipple to nipple. That's where the bar should come down.

This exactly. Don't be bringing it down to your neck or anything. That could be one hell of an injury/death.

[BenW22]

Tuck elbows, bring bar to nipples or just below, touch chest.