Slingshot for bench press

[warreng]

Has anyone used one of these? I usually train pecs with dumbbells, with just a few sets with three plates on the flat bench at the end of my workout. I usually get maybe five reps, as my muscles are fatigued by then. Today however this guy I chat with at the gym had a slingshot, and I started working up to heavy weight first thing. Lo and behold, I ended up pressing 425 like it was nothing. I could have done more weight, easily. It also felt better as I have a weird left shoulder these days.

I'm relatively weak on the bench, for my weight, due to long arms and other genetic factors.

I read that the triceps have to do less work with the slingshot - which is not what you want if you're using the bench, in part, to beef up your tri's. But does this mean that my *pecs* were getting the full experience of pushing 425? I felt like my pecs were pumped, and working hard.

What are the benefits and disadvantages of the slingshot? I'm primarily interested in whether the increased poundages can increase the size of the pecs, but I'd also like to know if it can enhance your raw bench (by strengthening the pecs, getting your motor neurons or whatever used to handling heavy weights, etc.)?

Obviously, you can't stop benching raw. But what is a good way to incorporate the slingshot for building size?

[liftsiron]

I ssen it in vids, it looked interesting.

[78Steeler]

My gym has them. The powerlifters use them for overload training. Depending on which “level slingshot” is being used a 100 pound gain on a max bench is not out of the question.

[warreng]

My gym has them. The powerlifters use them for overload training. Depending on which “level slingshot” is being used a 100 pound gain on a max bench is not out of the question.

What do you mean by "overload" in this context?

In truth, it worked my ego as much as my pecs, just swaggering on in there and hoisting 425 like it was a bag of feathers. It also was easy on my so-so left delt.

So, the higher-level slingshots put more pounds on your bench? I was using the most basic one. I'm just wondering whether there is any benefit in terms of size or strength from the added weight, or does the "assistance" kind of cancel that out?

[JDUB]

My gym has them. The powerlifters use them for overload training. Depending on which “level slingshot” is being used a 100 pound gain on a max bench is not out of the question.

Damn really?

[Tat2dluvchylde]

I saw this the other day. I’m gonna get it as my left shoulder is a bit fucked.

[78Steeler]

What do you mean by "overload" in this context?

In truth, it worked my ego as much as my pecs, just swaggering on in there and hoisting 425 like it was a bag of feathers. It also was easy on my so-so left delt.

So, the higher-level slingshots put more pounds on your bench? I was using the most basic one. I'm just wondering whether there is any benefit in terms of size or strength from the added weight, or does the "assistance" kind of cancel that out?

I have never used one, but like I said above the powerlifters will load up ridiculous weights and do some singles with a slingshot… also could be because of shoulder problems? I would check out Mark Bell’s website… he’s the creator and can definitely give more insight than I can.

[78Steeler]

I saw this the other day. I’m gonna get it as my left shoulder is a bit fucked.

I have a friend who uses one because of a bad shoulder.

[Tat2dluvchylde]

I have a friend who uses one because of a bad shoulder.

Thanks man

[Deacon]

i have used one for years now - where it really helps is if you train to shirt bench but dont want to hassle with the shirt it kind of bridges the gap - but it is also good for overloading in your bench - it generally adds 60 or so pounds to your bench from what i have seen

[warreng]

i have used one for years now - where it really helps is if you train to shirt bench but dont want to hassle with the shirt it kind of bridges the gap - but it is also good for overloading in your bench - it generally adds 60 or so pounds to your bench from what i have seen

Do you think it's possible to get size gains from the overload, or does the assistance cancel it out?

[ozzy69]

I have the red one

It’s helps with form and a little assistance in weight

The others really do help get the weight up

[Deacon]

Do you think it's possible to get size gains from the overload, or does the assistance cancel it out?

i believe you can yes it is a great training aid