When I first started ordering equipment for our facility back in 2020, I thought I knew what I was doing. I didn't.
One of my first major purchases was a Cybex Incline Chest Press. The spec sheet looked fine. The price was competitive. I placed the order. It arrived. And then I discovered I had no idea what the actual starting weight was without the weight plates loaded. That simple oversight caused a 45-minute delay during setup and a lot of annoyed trainers.
So let's fix that for you. Here are the questions I wish I'd asked—and the answers I had to learn the hard way.
What is the starting weight on the Cybex Incline Chest Press?
This was my first mistake. I assumed the starting weight was listed somewhere obvious. It wasn't.
The Cybex Incline Chest Press (model 16321) has a starting resistance of 5 lbs (2.3 kg) per side—so 10 lbs total—before you add any plates. That’s the minimum weight you're moving when the weight stack is at its lightest setting.
Wait, why does that matter? Because if you're programming for beginners or rehab clients, that 10 lbs baseline can be a barrier. I didn't consider this. I assumed the bottom setting was essentially zero resistance. Nope. Period.
For reference, I learned this during a call with Cybex's support team after the unit was already bolted down. Not ideal, but workable.
Source: Cybex product manual for model 16321 via cybexintl.com (confirmed August 2024).
How much weight can the Cybex Incline Chest Press hold?
The weight horns on the standard plate-loaded model accommodate up to 6 weight plates per side. With standard 2.5 lb plates, you're looking at maxing out around 310 lbs total added weight (including the 10 lb starting resistance).
I'm not a powerlifter, so this was never an issue for me. But I've seen a few facility managers ask about this when planning for college athletes or advanced lifters. If you're in that boat, you might want the selectorized version instead.
“I wish I had tracked this spec more carefully from the start. Instead, I had to buy additional plate sets—$320 I could have spent elsewhere.”
— Me, three years ago.
Is the Cybex Incline Chest Press better than a barbell bench press?
Here's the thing: they're different tools. Not better or worse.
The Cybex uses a converging arc motion, which means the handles come together as you press. This is more natural for the shoulders and reduces stress on the rotator cuff. For a general population gym where form and safety matter, I'd argue it's a better choice for most people.
But if you're training for raw strength or powerlifting, nothing replaces the barbell. The barbell bench press engages more stabilizers and allows for heavier loads. I've made both available in our facility.
Personally, I prefer the Cybex for upper chest development. The incline angle (30 degrees) and converging handles target the upper pec fibers more directly than a flat barbell. In my opinion, it's worth the premium.
Real talk: I once ordered 5 units of a cheaper brand's incline press to save on budget. The difference in feel and durability was immediate. Within 6 months, two had issues with the pivot bearings. We replaced them with Cybex. Lesson learned: never make a purchasing decision based on spec sheet alone.
What about the Cybex 625T Treadmill? Does it pair well with the chest press?
If you're outfitting a strength and cardio zone, the Cybex 625T Treadmill is a solid companion piece.
Key specs I learned (after the fact):
- Motor: 3.0 HP continuous duty DC motor. Not the most powerful, but plenty for commercial light-to-medium use.
- Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph.
- Incline: 0% - 15%, in 0.5% increments.
- Tread belt: 22" x 60" (standard commercial size).
I had to learn the hard way that the 625T's starting speed is 0.5 mph, not 1.0 mph like some competitors. That 0.5 mph makes a difference for warm-up and senior clients. Simple.
One tip: The 625T doesn't ship with a heart rate chest strap. That's an add-on. I assumed it was included. $60 extra after the fact. Annoying.
Source: Cybex 625T product page on cybexintl.com (accessed November 2024). Pricing was accurate as of Q4 2024.
Can you use dumbbells with the Cybex Incline Chest Press?
I get this question a lot. The short answer: yes, but not directly. The Cybex is designed for plate-loaded resistance, not dumbbells. But you can design a complementary routine.
For example, after a set on the Cybex, a dumbbell bench press with 30-50% of your one-rep max works well for hypertrophy. The Cybex gives you the controlled arc; dumbbells give you the fiber activation. They work well together.
A programming tip from a trainer friend: Use the Cybex for the first 3 sets (heavier, controlled), then follow with dumbbell flys or incline dumbbell press for volume. That covers both strength and endurance.
If you want ab workouts with dumbbells, the same approach applies. Dumbbell side bends, Russian twists, or weighted crunches. But don't try to combine them with the chest press. Different movements, different goals.
Between you and me, I made this mistake in early 2022. I asked a member to hold dumbbells while pressing on the Cybex. Not my brightest moment. The trainer corrected me immediately. Embarrassing, but educational.
Is the Cybex Incline Chest Press worth it for a home gym?
This one's tricky. The Cybex is commercial-grade. That means it's built to last 10+ years with daily use. But it's also heavy (around 350 lbs) and requires about 6' x 4' of floor space, plus clearance for the weight arms.
For a serious home gym where you're training 4+ times a week, yes. It's worth the investment. I've installed several in private gyms, and the owners rave about the build quality.
For a casual user with limited space, a compact home gym or a cheaper plate-loaded press might be more practical. The Cybex is overbuilt for once-a-week training.
Worst case? I once ordered a used Cybex for a client's personal gym. The shipping was $240, and the delivery crew needed a liftgate. We didn't plan for that. Total cost went from $2,100 to $2,340 in a blink. I should have asked upfront.
So: if you go for it, budget for shipping and installation.
Final thoughts (or the most important question no one asks)
If I could go back and ask my past self one question, it would be: "Do you know the total cost of ownership for each piece of equipment?"
Not just the price tag. The shipping. The maintenance schedule. The warranty period. The cost of replacement parts. The time it takes to assemble.
I've learned to ask "what's NOT included" before I ask "what's the price." The vendor who lists all fees upfront—even if the total looks higher—usually costs less in the end.
So that's my real advice: before you buy that Cybex Incline Chest Press, know the starting weight, the space requirements, the shipping costs, and the max load. And for goodness' sake, don't assume anything is included.
I've made those mistakes so you don't have to.
— A guy who learned the hard way so you don't have to.
