Quote Originally Posted by JimmySidewalk View Post
Actually gripping the bar very thight will only ensure the exhauster of your forearm. But, maybe its a mindset for you.
Each with his own.
I think ou might need some grip work mate. The idea behind thumb in grip is so you can recruit more muscle fibers, squeezing the bar is a technique used by powerlifters.

"In benching much of the tendon strength has to do with having strong forearms and very powerful fingers. In benching the harder you squeeze the bar then the more lockout power you will have."

http://www.criticalbench.com/grip-strength.htm