[BendtheBar]

Originally Posted by tank

i may have asked this before, or even just read it somewhere, but i can't seem to find it:

which stance is more advantageous for a lifter with a big back?

Back is more involved with conventional pulling, lower and upper. So if you have a strong back conventional might be better. There are other factors though.

this is why i ask. i've got somewhat short legs but i have a large back and feel that if i pulled sumo i wouldn't be taking advantage of my back strength.

I would look at arm and torso length, and not just legs. Here is the chart:

* Short Arms and Short Torso – Either Conventional or Sumo
* Short Arms and Average Torso – Sumo Deadlift
* Short Arms and Long Torso – Sumo Deadlift

* Average Arms and Short Torso – Conventional Deadlift
* Average Arms and Average Torso – Either Conventional or Sumo
* Average Arms and Long Torso – Sumo Deadlift

* Long Arms and Short Torso – Conventional Deadlift
* Long Arms and Average Torso – Conventional Deadlift
* Long Arms and Long Torso – Either Conventional or Sumo

* Step 1 – Measure the length of your torso starting at the greater trochanter to the top of your head. The greater trochanter is the bony protrusion at the top of your thigh. This measurement should be taken vertically, and not at an angle.
* Step 2 – Measure your arm length starting at the bony part located at the top of the shoulder, to the end of the tip of your middle finger. Make sure your arm is straight when taking this measurement.
* Step 3 – Measure your height. (Don’t guess)

Torso length. Divide your torso length (in inches) by your height in inches.

* Short torso – If this calculated ratio is less than 47%, you have a short torso.
* Long torso – If this calculated ratio is greater than 47%, you have a long torso.

Arm length. Divide your arm length (in inches) by your height in inches.

* Short arms – If this calculated ratio is less than 38%, you have short arms.
* Long arms – If this calculated ratio is greater than 38%, you have long arms.