just hit 330 x 9 on chest press but my last real bench was 225 (and that was before cutting). So what’s the real gap here? Is it mostly stability? Or are machines just inflating numbers?

Machines always inflate numbers compared to free weights

Stability is a huge factor barbell bench demands way more control

Chest press machines remove the need for stabilizer muscles

Don’t compare machine weight directly to barbell weight

Your pressing strength is there but transfer isn’t 1:1

You’re stronger than 225 now just not necessarily in barbell form

Best comparison is progress within the same movement not across tools

Smith machine sits somewhere in between both worlds

It’s not fake strength it’s just specific strength

Machines reduce injury risk so people push harder

Grip wrist and shoulder stability all matter on bench

You’d probably hit more than 225 now with a few sessions back