benching more narrow

[wbsgn12]

Rip,

What's your take on moving in the bench press grip to about 1/2-1 inch off the smooth (i.e. just barely) and onto the knurling? I currently go about a full thumb length, was wondering what your take would be on going even more narrow. I know a lot of people consider my proposed length a "close grip bench" but I feel that it might actually be the most functional ultimately. I know John Welbourn at CF football reocmmends that length, so that's sort of my inspiration in asking the question-but wanted your take first?

[Mark Rippetoe]

Why?

[wbsgn12]

might be more functional from the standpoint of an athlete for sports
more triceps mass (bigger arms, I'll come clean)
(maybe/hopefully) more long term strength?

But the biggest reason I thought it might be the best decision is because I would be using the same grip that I use for my overhead press. I overhead press 155x5, but can only bench 230x5. My overhead press grip is probably a half inch off the smooth. I figured by adopting the same "1 knuckle length off the smooth" grip I might actually bench more in the long run.

Just wanted to get your take on such a narrow grip.

[Mark Rippetoe]

My analysis is in BBT3. Have you read it? Do you disagree with it?

[wbsgn12]

have not read it, only have #2 I believe, where it says 22-28 inches, somewhere in that range should work for everyone.

[Domjo54]

You think you'll get stronger in the long run by doing something that you recognize is weaker (and less efficient)?

Sounds like you use a pretty narrow grip to begin with, anyway.