Benefits of Slingshot for Bench Press Strength

I have been seeing a lot of people using the Mark Bell Slingshot for their bench press sessions. It looks like it helps you handle more weight than you could normally lift by providing some assistance at the bottom of the movement.

I am wondering if this actually translates to a bigger raw bench or if it just builds ego. Does the extra weight on the bar help with the nervous system or does it just take away from the work your chest has to do? I am interested in using it as an accessory to help overload my triceps and get used to heavier loads.

Have any of you used the Slingshot in your training? What kind of results did you see from it? I am considering getting the original red one but I want to make sure it is a worthwhile investment for my home gym setup.

I've been using the Original (red) one for about a year now. The biggest benefit for me is that it lets me handle supra-maximal weights without my shoulders feeling like they are going to explode. It really helps with that lockout strength.

Spot on @TXguy99. I'm over in the UK and had to pay a bit extra for shipping, but it was worth every quid. It essentially mimics the 'pop' you get from a bench shirt but without all the faff of actually putting one on. Great for volume too.

Does anyone feel like it's 'cheating' though? I'm worried if I use it too much my raw bench will actually stall because the Slingshot does all the work off the chest.

It's only cheating if you claim the numbers are raw, Mike! Think of it as an overload tool. If your raw max is 225 and you do sets of 5 with 245 in the Slingshot, your CNS gets used to that heavier load. Just don't let it replace your raw work entirely.

I use the 'Full Boar' version. As a female lifter with slightly narrower shoulders, I found the original bit too wide, but the Full Boar tucks the elbows perfectly. It's helped my technique as much as my strength.

How often are you guys rotating it in? I've been thinking about doing every second bench session with it, especially during my heavy triples week.

I usually save it for the very end of my session. I'll do my raw working sets first, then throw on the Slingshot for 2-3 'back-off' sets with 10-15% more weight than my raw work. It's a killer pump.

That makes sense. I was worried about the 'off the chest' weakness too, but if you're doing raw work first that should mitigate it, right?

Exactly, @JerseyGymRat. Another thing—it's brilliant if you're nursing a niggle. I had a slight pec strain last month and the Slingshot allowed me to keep benching while it healed because it takes the tension off at the bottom.

Interesting. I've got some nagging shoulder issues from baseball years ago. Might actually pick one up if it helps with the pain.

Just make sure you get the right size. If it's too loose, it does nothing. If it's too tight, you won't be able to touch the bar to your chest without 3 plates on there.

The sizing guide on the site is actually pretty spot on. Measure your biceps while flexed—don't lie to yourself about the size or the kit won't work right! lol

Has anyone tried the 'Reactive' (blue) one? I've heard it's better for higher reps and less about max effort.

The blue one is great for dynamic effort days. It's more flexible, so you can actually do push-ups and dips in it too. I prefer the Red for the big bench though.

I've seen some lads at my gym using it for dips. Looks a bit strange but they swear it saves their elbows.

Dips in a Slingshot? Might have to try that. My apartment is right next to a park with some dip bars, I'll look like a right weirdo bringing the band out there.

Who cares what people think if your triceps are huge, Mike? Honestly, the tricep carryover from Slingshot bench is what surprised me most. My lockout has never been stronger.

Agreed. It forces you to handle the weight at the top where the band isn't helping as much. It's like doing board presses without needing a partner to hold the boards.

That's a great point about the board presses. I train alone in my garage mostly, so that's a huge selling point for me.