Conventional or Sumo? Or both?

[Worf]

Some Pretty good info here especially the torso-arm ratio charts.
I like doing both, conventional is my main. Sumo Ive been using as an accessory, it seems to hurt my knee when I go very heavy. Its a good deal more technique with sumo, and like they say in the video with Ed Coan you can't mis groove a sumo lift and muscle it up like conventional. I personally think its important to train both.

What's everyones favorite?, conventional or sumo? Did you switch? Have you ever tried the other? Are you stronger on one or the other? How wide do you go?

 

[Perrin Aybara]

Sumo is my preferred stance. Did my first couple years conventional and switched. Didn't really learn to take full advantage of sumo until last year. Trained conventional up to a 600lbs max, at that time my sumo PR was about the same. Haven't really trained conventional much since getting my sumo up, so not really sure where the potential is on it currently. Width I guess about like the guy in the pic on the first video. Took mobility work to get that wide effectively.

Sumo is really technical. The way most people do it is just sumo stance with conventional mechanics. Doing it that way there's really no advantage.

 

[Worf]

So I did the calculations in the first clip. Had to watch a few times over to understand their formulas since they go over it pretty fast.
Worf's Measurements
Arm-27" Height-68.5"
Leg-36"
Height-Leg=Torso 68.5-36=32.5
Torso/Height= Torso Ratio 32.5/68.5"=47.4% Average
Arm/Height= Arm Ratio 27"/68.5"=39.4% Long

Looks like Im smack in the middle , with a slight favor towards conventional with 39% arm ratio. Its not a very big favor for the long arms so looks like I can do both.Not sure how well these formulas work. They obviously dont account training experience in one or the other, mobility, muscular strengths and weakness etc.

 

[Perrin Aybara]

I've actually never measured for that and always meant to. I suspect I'm similar because my conventional was always good. Back angle is decent on them.

 

[mp46]

Subbed for this as I was just struggling with proper stance and where my hips needed to be on the start. I’ll need to get some measurements but hopefully it’ll be a better starting point than knowing nothing.

Also grip is shit 225x5 and I’m dead.

 

[Worf]

Choosing Conventional or Sumo Based on Bone Structure

Here's the same formula but a little better lay out

How to Maximize Your Deadlift Grip (Never Fail Again On Grip) | PowerliftingTechnique.com

good info on grip

 

[johntt44]

I have a double jointed thumb and can hook grip 4 fingers over my thumb. I have big hands which helps.I usually use mixed grip though.

 

[mp46]

Found a mark riptoe video on it, seems I’ve been dropping my hips way to far like in a deep squat. His wording of drop your stomach into your lap without dropping the hips really helped out. Tried it out with 225 and certainly felt it working my lower back but it wasn’t painful like before. Skinned up my shins a little so I’d guess I’m keeping the bar close enough, now I know why everyone wears knee high socks.

  https://youtu.be/rwQQZCi6OHA

 

[Worf]

Conventional or Sumo? Or Both?


https://www.elitefts.com/education/elitefts-free-deadlift-manual/