eliminate shoulders?

[P-funk]

Because your shoulder is being adducted and moving through horizontal flexion (relying on the anterior delt) at the same time. Your pecs and your shoudlers are working synergistically to move the weight as well as your triceps to extend the elbow.

 

[Pepper]

I do decline dumbells with no spotter. It gets interesting with heavier DBs but it can be done. Really the only problem is getting "into" the declining bench and getting your legs in the proper place while holding the weights.

I use one of those aerobics steps to help me.

The rest is not too bad, the weights are close to the floor when you are done, so dropping them is no big deal.

 

[JerseyDevil]

Originally posted by Mudge
Where you touch down on the chest on a decline also allows for shorter travel, which is also part of bench technique and even genetics.

I think this is the main reason one can use more weight on the decline, you don't bring the bar down as far.

I never use less than 3 plates on the decline

 

[Mudge]

Thats what I meant by genetics, luck of the draw in pushing distance I'd agree that is probably a good part of the reason, wether 50% or who knows.