Wrapped or Thumbless Grip on Bench Press?

[JDarty6173]

What is everyones take on which grip to use when benching? I know that gripping and "tearing" the bar apart is important for maximal muscle recruitment, so it would seem that a thumbs wrapped grip should be better.. But I feel much more stable using a thumbless or suicide grip, plus I feel like I can put more triceps in the lift and I can keep my elbows tucked better... My next question is what PL federations do not allow the thumbless grip? I just read on the USAPL Forum that the IPF does not allow the "thumbless" grip.. Here is the snippet taken from the rule book <" His hands and fingers must grip the bar positioned in the rack stands with thumbs around grip"> So I was wondering what the rule is for other feds?

 

[MidwestJ]

wrap your thumbs man. Otherwise, you might end up with a load on your chest

 

[spatts]

I won't say it.


...yeah, wrap em.

 

[Hannibal]

I won't say it.

...yeah you wouldn't want that to happen...wrap your thumbs

 

[JDarty6173]

LOL...Well I knew that there are inherent dangers with a thumbless, but I have been using a thumbless grip for the past 6 years of my BB training without even a close call...I only switched to wrapping when I started westside about 2 and a half months ago...I just feel more in control and stronger thumbless...But I suppose that could simply be because that is what I have been accustomed to...Guess it could be like learning to tuck my elbows, just takes time to get used to... But other than the safety factor, which would be considered superior for pressing max weight?

 

[Jagermeister]

in IPA, you can use a thumbless grip and you can even use a reverse grip...I haven't seen anybody use it other than anthony clark, though


Jager

 

[p03t1c]

one is going to emphasize a little more lats and tris.

i go whatever i feel good with at the time. i think my partner goes thumbness most of the time.

 

[solidj55]

Thumbless Grip AKA Suicide Grip

 

[JDarty6173]

lol...just got to avoid the whole suicide part

 

[sean34]

hey do you guys think wrapping the thumb causing more stress on the shoulders?

some reason i have in my mind if i go unwrapper it easier on the shoulders...im trying to relab a lagging shoulder injury so im looking for anything to help the situation

thanks

Sean34