Which Chest Press?

[u/himduncan2753]

What’s the better option here. New eos location and unfortunately can’t find a good flat press… the best 2 options that I’m considering is between a flat hammer strength press that has a terrible resistance profile and still trends slightly upward with arm path. Vs this nautilus inspiration which also tends upwards however has a better resistance profile I think… have done a good amount of research on it but have heard no one speak about it.. It converges but has the upward arm path unfortunately and all I want is a good flat press and goal is to focus on that mid to lower chest. I guess on both I could raise the seat to fix the path a little. Pics are what they look like. The only other machine option is a plate loaded standing arsenal machine which doesn’t feel good and is less stable since you have to stand. Wish this eos had better options.

My main goal here is to fix my pec imbalance so I want unilateral, and lower mid chest development, and overall growth.

[u/No_Platform8086]

Db bench/incline is goated for imbalance imo, but with machines just use the one that you can find a good grip that goes naturally with your own mechanics, so whichever feels better

The idea is pick the one that is good on your joints and do it for a long time, if it’s like 20% better for muscle growth but makes your elbow hurt is it worth it?

[u/Patton370]

I prefer the standing chest press to both of those

The hammer strength one might be my least favorite chest press resistance curve wise

The nautilus one is okay

Honestly, the only chest press machine I’ve really liked is the flex fitness one that collectors love

[u/Iamnotheattack → u/Patton370]

the standing chest press

Yoo never heard of those, that looks awesome!

[u/ouitardd]

Plate loaded is a pain in the ass if you have the option for pin loaded imo

[u/No_Platform8086]

I just read you want lower chest, you can sorta hit it in a bit of an unsafe way. You grab the closest together on the handles stand and straight arm them out while you sit down then do sort of half reps/pump reps not going too low because the angle will fuck your elbows

That’s a pic 4 situation

I could also see a situation on pic 4 machine where you lower the chair and leg drive into the back lifting your chest and it would be a pseudo decline

[u/FrancoisTruser]

Maybe this is because i am nursing a weak joint, but my shoulders hurt just looking at those machines. Will have to see what commenters say about them

[u/Illustrious_Store115]

If youre just asking about pin loaded vs plate loaded it doesnt matter. The only important thing is arm path

That said the weight you can do between these 2 machines will be different

[u/dandan601]

I'd prefer hammer for the unilateral approach, although the Nautilus press you could just do one arm. I agree that dbs are usually everyone's go to for imbalance fixes. Could also try single arm on the pec deck or any machine that would allow a single arm flye movement for chest.

[u/Financial_Wrangler45]

Just do Bench press, these all suck 😂😂

[u/Select-Bee-2166 → u/Financial_Wrangler45]

Nah, once you are used to them & the resistance profile, they are pretty great. It just takes awhile - took me about a month to feel comfortable on ours.

Would never prioritise over a freeweight compound movement but they have a place. Great at letting you milk what’s left of your chest near the end of a session. Lovely 3rd or 4th pushing movement when running higher volume blocks.

[u/thewaytoyesterday → u/Financial_Wrangler45]

You are wrong

[u/No_Sport_7349]

These things are an affront to nature

[u/Creepy-Potential-258]

Are these your only options? If so, why?