Is a Smith-Machine benchpress inferior to the free weight version and if so, why?

Question

I train at the gym alone at 5am four days a week, usually I'm the only person in the gym.
The weights that I'm lifting lately have been rather heavy as I'm getting stronger, so I think I should start using the smith machine to perform my bench press, or else I'll be risking serious injury if I fail half way through a set.
My friend claims that the smith machine bench press is inferior to the standard bench press for various reasons.
Is he correct?

Answer 1

yes he is...machines only utilize 2 of the 3 planes of motion. this inhibits the muscles from being able to "load share" as they are designed to do and also locks the body into a specific range of movement which uses the same muscles each time. over time with heavy weights this can cause a condition called pattern overload which leads to injury.

Answer 2

I agree safety is important.

1. Why not use dumbbells for benching?

or,

2. Are a power rack and moveable bench are available? If so, set the safety bars to your chest height on the bench and do barbell bench presses there in safety.