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Taskmaster (Moderator)
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I agree with the use of dumbbells and various flys to get a pump. The main function of the pectoralis is abduction and internal rotation. Any movement that lets you get more abduction/internal rotation is going to light those muscles on fire.Flat barbell bench isn't the best chest building exercise for a lot of guys even when done 'correctly'. Genetics and just the way your chest is structured and shaped naturally come in to play. Factor in that it often becomes a 'contest' that focuses on how much weight you can lift and it often becomes a waste of time. The first year or so of lifting it can be a great overall upper body strength and gain exercise but for many guys, after that there are better chest 'builders'. If we're talking pure strength then that's a different story.
I have read opinions based on studies that benching with a slight incline (30 degree or so) )can actually activate more chest muscle fibers than flat. Also, the use of dumbbells vs bar can bring the chest more into play. I've recently ceased barbell bench pressing for good. It was really hard to do because, like most guys, I really got off on the 'how much can I lift' game.
Personally, and as was mentioned, I think working up to heavy dumbbell flys can be one of the most beneficial chest builders, shapers and pumpers you can do. At 180 lbs I've worked up to the 50 lb'ers on my last set for 10-12 reps in good form. Try doing 3 working sets of 12-20 reps to almost failure and see if you don't get a pump going.
Also as mentioned, and if you really want a pump, finish your chest workout with cable flys. I do them standing or kneeling and you can do them with the same arc or path you'd do dumbbell flys or you can start at say waist high and bring the handles up towards the neck or start high and bring them down towards the waist.
Dumbbells, cables, and machines are going to give superior abduction compared to what barbell movements allow.