Bars or dumbells

[Nonerz]

I don't have shoulder pain, but I think benching PL style is definietly easier on them (using a bar or DB's).

 

[Fyre]

I have shoulder problems as well and I much prefer dumbbells over barbell.

 

[Latamier]

love dumbells. get more of a stretch and more of a pump. plus you end up working each side of your chest individually and use more stabilizer muscles. love them for incline definitely.

Very good point on the increased stretch and also bringing more stabilizer muscles into play. I feel as though I blasted right through my plateau on strength when I made the transition to dumbells from the bar.

 

[PolishHammer1977]

Barbells for me.

 

[JOKER47]

I had switched to DB's because of shoulder pain until I learned to bench PL style. (It also suits my goals better.)

The switch to PL style benching and consistant rotator cuff work has kept me completely pain free for the last several months now, and my bench press has steadily risen.

.02,
Joker

 

[Lord_Suston]

Db for myself are a no no unless it is military press. On incline they just seem to always hurt my shoulders and on flat bench I never get really comfortable....

 

[solidj55]

I used to be a bar man only, powerlifting style bench and closegrip inclines were my main exercises. I had a back injury several months back while squatting and once back in the gym decided I didnt want to powerlift any more, I just wanted to lift for the sheer enjoyment of lifting. When I made the change I switched my routine to using only dumbells on pressing movements and I am glad I did. I wouldnt trade dumbells for anything now, deeper stretch, more natural range of motion, squeeze at the top, recruits stabilizers that normally wouldnt get hit, what more can you ask for???

 

[young guns]

dbell for shoulder presses and flat presses
barbell for incline

i had shoulder problems with flat barbell, so i started doin incline instead and things have gone real well with that