opinion on db vs barbell for incline bench and overhead press

[sledd]

i've been thinking about switching my barbelll overhead press and barbell incline bench to dumbells for three reasons:
1. i dont have a workout partner and it's a bitch to find spotters (those are the only 2 exercises in my workout i really need a spot for)
2. on my overhead press i notice my front delt getting really big but my side and rear may be lacking. so i think pressing with a db straight over the head may work all better than barbell to the front
3. im not as concerned w/ strength as building size so i've heard db's stimulate more muscle growth

any opinions? before someone asks, i do an abbreviated full body routine twice a week (that's why i dont have more exercises i need spots on)

[Sychokid]

Dumbells are good as well as barbells. You should be fine with the dumbells. I use dumbells for incline bench press as well. Dumbells are good to switch things up with also. In fact, most of my presses (for chest) are done with dumbells as opposed to barbell because I workout at home. I found just as good results with the dumbell instead of the barbell maybe even better.

[Mark21087]

Definately dumbells.

[BRIT_BEEF]

I use dumbells on both exercises you mentioned and have found them very beneficial. Seated dumbell press will work the side head possibly a bit more, but won't really touch the rear head. Throw in some rear laterals.
If you want to use the barbell do military presses, no spot required, they were a staple in my routine for a long while.

[sledd]

thanks for the replies. i think starting tomorrow i will make the switch. what weights do you think would be good to start out w/? currently i've been doing incline with 180 x 7 and seated overhead with 135 x 9

[Mark21087]

Originally posted by sledd
thanks for the replies. i think starting tomorrow i will make the switch. what weights do you think would be good to start out w/? currently i've been doing incline with 180 x 7 and seated overhead with 135 x 9

Go as heavy as you can while still maintaing good form and you set number of reps.