Are dips better than decline press?

Dips are generally considered better than decline press for a few reasons:

1. Greater Range of Motion: Dips allow for a more significant range of motion when compared to the decline bench press, which enhances muscle engagement and development.

2. Functional Strength: The nature of dips, being a bodyweight exercise, helps in building functional strength that is more applicable to everyday activities and other physical tasks.

3. Safety and Ease of Execution: Dips, especially when done correctly, tend to be safer as there's less risk compared to the potentially dangerous scenario of failing a lift on the decline press where the bar can roll towards the neck.

4. Versatility: Dips can be easily modified (like adding weight for increased resistance) to increase their intensity and effectiveness over time without requiring extensive equipment.

5. Muscle Activation: Both exercises target the lower chest, but dips are often seen as providing better overall chest activation and development.

The Mind Pump team often prefers the use of dips over the decline bench press, indicating that dips not only provide a better range of motion but are also a more versatile and functionally beneficial exercise. They view the decline press as having limited uses and potentially being an "easier" option that might not yield the best muscle development results 1 2.