What is the difference between a 200 pound free weight bench press and a 200 pound bench press on a weight machine. I know the free weight press is considered heavier, but by how much?

What is the difference between a 200 pound free weight bench press and a 200 pound bench press on a weight machine. I know the free weight press is considered heavier, but by how much?

Not sure on the exact weight diff. I notice that stabilizing the free weights can be a workout in and of itself. Machines almost always do the stabilizing work for you. Freeweights make you use muscles (secondary) outside of the anticipated workout.

When I bench press to work my chest with freeweights I also feel my shoulders and triceps alot. But on the machines I really only feel it in my chest.

IMO the stabilizing factor brings more muscles into play with free weights. So I tend to stay there since I want the most bang from my workout.

I was at the gym once and this guy and I got to talking and he wanted to know my routine for my chest day. When I got to "declines" he asked which machine I used. I laughed and told him to grab some dumb bells and meet me at the bench.

Free weights are harder.. because of the stablizing issue.. I can do more weight on the machines then I can with free weights

I know the free weight press is considered heavier, but by how much?

this would differ from person to person. I've read that a person on free weights can use weights generally 10% higher on a machine. Is this true? I don't know since I train from home and I'm using free weights.

At least 10% because of the wobble factor :)
but free weights are the best because you are using muscle you'd use in everyday life..
I try to use both in my workouts .. for the same muscle group..

I would say it varies by person, for me I think it was much more than 10%. When I first started a couple years ago, I could bench 85 w/ free weights and 140 w/ a machine. That's like 60% more weight.

Everyone is so quick to dis machines. Almost all my training is free weights, but there are things were machines are wonderful. They force you to have substanially better form. I think they are a great starting point, and for some exercise, a good thing to continue. For example, I still use the machine where you rotate your torso for my obliques.

this would differ from person to person. I've read that a person on free weights can use weights generally 10% higher on a machine. Is this true? I don't know since I train from home and I'm using free weights.
Well, consider the weights you use with barbell vs. dumbbell exercises. I can curl 75 pounds for 4-6 reps but I can't do even one 35 lb. dumbbell curl.

In terms of how much stabilizer muscles are used:

dumbell exercises > barbell exercises > machines

I think.

Whats funny is that my triceps are sore from the machine ..not the dumbells. I decided to use the overhead ext. machine this week for my triceps.. one armed was able to do 3 x 10 reps @ 60lbs and they sure can feel that workout.. where with the dumbells other things got tired before the triceps were.. So I agree sometimes the machine make alot of sense or mix it up like I do to get the most outta your workout..