Cluster Sets vs Straight Sets for Hypertrophy

[SafeLiftAdvisor]

Cluster sets involve taking short 10-20 second rests between reps within a set. This allows for higher mechanical tension because you can use a heavier load than you normally would for the total rep count. For example, doing a 4x(2+2+2) with 85% of your max instead of a straight set of 6 with 75%. While straight sets are the bread and butter, clusters can break through plateaus. Anyone else using these for their main lifts?

[manish]

I love clusters for overhead press. It is a lift that stalls easily, and the extra rest lets me get more quality volume in.

[VolkovStrength]

I find them a bit too taxing on the brain. I prefer just doing more sets of straight reps. Keep it simple.

[Anonymous]

How do you track these in a logbook? Does it count as one big set?

[AndeanLifter]

Yeah, usually just note the cluster structure. It is one set with intra-set rest.