Good bulking BF or did I go too far?

[Time_Attack]

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*Never used AAS before, still natural.
Starting learning to lift at age 21

photo on left is age 26
photo on right is age 29 (current)

Obviously I went from a solid diet and solid workout regiment to poor diet and little to no workout regiment.

I know which photo is more aesthetic but which state would you say is better to produce gains. Should my goal be to return to my former BF level or should I start increasing my workouts and try to maintain the higher BF.

Is there any benefits to carrying around a bit extra BF?
Thanks

 

[clman8585]

You look good to start hitting weights and eating clean. I wouldn't necessarily say bulk or cut. Just lift, eat clean, and grow

 

[MBB]

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Is there any benefits to carrying around a bit extra BF?

None whatsoever. In actual fact you'll have better gains at the leaner BF % because your body will be better at nutrient absorption and partitioning.

 

[AGtrain]

I agree, many members have told me that less body fat also helps less aromatization into estrogen too!

Burn the fat my man! iv been doing stair master everyday and that shreds calories like no other!

 

[Pickens12]

From my experiences, you only really want more body fat if trying to bulk. I notice it is easier for me to bulk that way. I was told you can't really rip and grow at the same time. You kind of have to pick one or the other depending on what you want to do. I'm curious to see what anyone else thinks about this stereotype.