Bench Press - Barbell to Dumbbell Ratio?

smu2 · 14-Jun-04, 06:47 PM

Hey guys,

Is there a dumbbell to barbell ratio for bench? I know that you can bench more with a barbell than you can with dumbbells. So, for example, if I am 6 repping 70's with dumbbells, what do you think I could 6 rep for barbell?

I could check, but I dont usually have a partner when I lift, and I don't want to deter from my current lifting routine right now.

Thanks,

~Smu2

**Todd** · 14-Jun-04, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smu2

Hey guys,

Is there a dumbbell to barbell ratio for bench? I know that you can bench more with a barbell than you can with dumbbells. So, for example, if I am 6 repping 70's with dumbbells, what do you think I could 6 rep for barbell?

I could check, but I dont usually have a partner when I lift, and I don't want to deter from my current lifting routine right now.

Thanks,

~Smu2

perhaps 165-200..somewhere in that area?? Hard to say, as there are many other factors that come into play.

Karl · 14-Jun-04, 08:19 PM

I have heard that its usually from 30 to 50 lbs more than the total of the dumbells

Lil'Lifter · 14-Jun-04, 09:51 PM

It really depends shoulder and tricep strenght are big factors here not just chest strenght. The only way to know for sure is to go and barbell bench.

Tuna Fish · 15-Jun-04, 09:35 AM

There's no proven scientific correlation, such as a percentage which could be easily interpreted.

Just do both and find out for yourself.

Tuna

jukka · 15-Jun-04, 10:25 AM

I'd say you can do 200 for 6 easily.
A couple of weeks ago, I did 7 reps with 30 kg DBs (66 pounders),
and on the next chest workout I barbell benched 12 reps with 80 kgs (176 pounds).

But yeah, it is a bit of an odd question, tell me how much you think I can lift...

Like asking, I am 6 foot 2 and can curl 60 pounds for 6 reps, how big is my arm?

jimmyv · 15-Jun-04, 11:01 AM

smu2: Just a minor cautionary note -- you'll definitely be able to lift a lot more with the barbell, but perhaps not right away. I'd did a six-week dumbbell cycle a couple of months back, and while my dumbbell weights improved pretty rapidly and dramatically, my barbell lifting was a little lower than it was before I made the switch. Within two workouts, I was exceeding what I'd done before, but it did take my body a couple of weeks to adjust to the heavier load.

ajarvis · 15-Jun-04, 12:25 PM

I know for me the difference is about 30lbs. But I don't bench that much

Klinger · 17-Jun-04, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajarvis

I know for me the difference is about 30lbs. But I don't bench that much

I don't left heavy on the BB either, but my range is pretty wide. It's closer to 60 pounds.

**MAURER** · 17-Jun-04, 08:20 PM

it wouldn't be a difference in weight, it would be a percentage difference. neither 60 or 30 is accurate really. lok at it this way. if a guy benches 360 lbs total on db's, hes going to bb bench more than 390, by far. but if a guy does 60 lbs total for db bench, i he gonna bench 120? i doubt it.

smu2 · 18-Jun-04, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MAURER

it wouldn't be a difference in weight, it would be a percentage difference. neither 60 or 30 is accurate really. lok at it this way. if a guy benches 360 lbs total on db's, hes going to bb bench more than 390, by far. but if a guy does 60 lbs total for db bench, i he gonna bench 120? i doubt it.

of course, thats why I was looking for a ratio. I believe one exists!

Ill end up just testing it for myself. Right now its strange because in my mind the last BB bench I did was at 130 and I struggled, but I think I should be able to put up 180 - 200 for 6 reps now ez :P I hope I am not disappointed.

~Smu2

Cort · 18-Jun-04, 02:41 PM

Is no set ratio, its going to be different for everyone. Once you get into certain weight levels though you'll probably need someone to help you get into position, at least I do if I have 2 100 lb dumbbells on my chest. My working weight with dumbbells and barbell is pretty even though, maybe different by 10 lbs.

ewker · 20-Jun-04, 10:47 AM

someone once told me you should be able to bench 3 times the amount of one dumbbell (or 1.5x the total). it seems fairly accurate for myself. i usually do 75's with db's and can do it 8-10 times, and i can get 225 on bench like 4-5 times. that ratio seems close enough for me, but it could vary for other people.