Monolifts for Bench Press

[Badoga]

Hello, I have a set of monolifts that I’ve used for benchpress. I’ve seen videos where people use them to squat, but I have no interest in that. I like the solid j-cups for setting up my squats.

But what are your thoughts on using them for benchpress?

I appreciate value your advice. Thank you!

Ben

[Jason Donaldson]

Hello, I have a set of monolifts that I’ve used for benchpress. I’ve seen videos where people use them to squat, but I have no interest in that. I like the solid j-cups for setting up my squats.

But what are your thoughts on using them for benchpress?

I appreciate value your advice. Thank you!

Ben

I happen to know that Rip, Rusty, and Nick talked about monolift attachments on Starting Strength Radio episode 273, since it was in response to a question from me. If you're a Network member, you can watch it there, otherwise the audio is available via podcast. That question starts at about the 51 minute mark.

On a selfish note, I'm curious what kind you have, Ben. I know that there are third models that are supposedly compatible with Rogue's Monster Lite setups, but I'm looking for people with direct experience with them before I decide on a model, since it 's a non-trivial expenditure.

[Nikola Blagojevic]

I use monolift attachments for all my heavy benching. They are a game changer, especially for 1RM attempts. I can set my grip and keep my shoulders fully retracted. No possibility of hitting the hooks on the way up. I think it's even better than getting a handoff.

[Badoga]

Wow! That SS Radio episode was GREAT! It answered my question exactly, almost like it was made for me. Looks like I’ll keep doing my bench press with my monolift. I was worried that it was cheating my bench press.

I haven’t tried other brands, but I have the Rogue Monolift for my Monster Lite rack. They seem fine, but I don’t have anything to compare to. I haven’t had any complaints with the Rogues. They seem to work great.

Thanks for the great replies!

[Jason Donaldson]

Thanks, Ben, I appreciate your response. I'm still wondering if any of the third-party ones are worth it, since a lot of them are cheaper, and the Rogue ones are $400 + shipping, but it's good to hear that the Rogue ones are indeed good to go. Especially if I'm going to end up waiting longer and going with them... I do an annual, local push-pull meet in late March/early April, which is the one external driver for me for training up my bench heavy, so hopefully I'll be able to squeeze out the budget for the hooks before then.

Then again, both sides of the presidential race are assuring me that they'll fix the economy in a hurry, so maybe I don't need to worry, right?

[Barry Halls]

I just picked up a set of scratch and dent from Titan Fitness for about 200 bucks. It is a simple device and works great for benching by oneself.