Is it possible for 5'8'' lifter be competitive in 165 category (esp. deadlift)

[ShutUpAndSquat]

I'm about 5'4 170 and can pull 455, is pulling 495 pretty decent for an average lifter? I'm by no means a pler, just something I like to do.

its aight

[samsuperjew]

if its a pr for you, then its awesome


my dl day yesterdays sucked nuts, i'm taking this week off then redoing it

[lifterg]

My personal opinion, you are all free to ( and probably will) disagree, but...

I am not a fan of the blanket recommendation for people th keep going up weight classes. It works for A LOT of people, but it doesn't work for everyone. Gaining weight should be standard procedure for pretty much all teens.

Yes you will be stronger 20# heavier. Could be the era I started lifting in, but for me lifting is more about titles and records in a major fed, than totals. Especially with jacked gear and rule enforcement variation, the only way to really compare lifts is to step on the platform, head to head.

Gaining weight will make you stronger, but it does not always make you more competitive in your weight class.

Also, I have a freaking tiny bone structure. Wrist circumference is under 6.5". At 5'6" and 165, for me to be competitive at the same level at 198 I would have needed to squat about 850# and dead abut 800#. I have serious doubts that my bone structure could have handled that type of weight.

To the OP, at 5'6 I am typcally the tallest competitor in my class. At local meets you may not be the tallest, at bigger meets, yo will feel like a pro basketball player.

[Nikonguy]

The number one raw deadlifter at 165 in the US is Eric Talmant. He pulled 630 and is 5' 8". The deadlift isnt exactly like the other lifts when adding weight. Adding too much weight can hinder your deadlift. Not saying you shouldnt get bigger but finding the right weight class should be everyone's goal. However, it is possible to be a good deadlifter at 5' 8" and 165.

I wached Eric Talmant make that pull last Saturday, here are his numbers for the meet.

165 35-39 Eric Talmant (Raw) 490 280 630 1400

Eric is an amazing lifter and a true advocate for powerlifting. I believe he has competed at 181 so if he is competing at 165 it must be the best class for him.

[jpitbullv]

My personal opinion, you are all free to ( and probably will) disagree, but...

I am not a fan of the blanket recommendation for people th keep going up weight classes. It works for A LOT of people, but it doesn't work for everyone. Gaining weight should be standard procedure for pretty much all teens.

Yes you will be stronger 20# heavier. Could be the era I started lifting in, but for me lifting is more about titles and records in a major fed, than totals. Especially with jacked gear and rule enforcement variation, the only way to really compare lifts is to step on the platform, head to head.

Gaining weight will make you stronger, but it does not always make you more competitive in your weight class.

Also, I have a freaking tiny bone structure. Wrist circumference is under 6.5". At 5'6" and 165, for me to be competitive at the same level at 198 I would have needed to squat about 850# and dead abut 800#. I have serious doubts that my bone structure could have handled that type of weight.

To the OP, at 5'6 I am typcally the tallest competitor in my class. At local meets you may not be the tallest, at bigger meets, yo will feel like a pro basketball player.

I do see your point. At his age and height no reason to be 165 though. However I did see where you pointed teens do need to grow.
As for me, you and I are both in the 165 class but we are dramatically different. My wrist is about 7.75" around at the boney area and if I dont watch my self in the offseason I balloon up to 185-190 fast. So you are absolutely right about bone structure playing a role in what class is optimal.

[skinnycalves]

I am a good deal taller than you and you have atleast an inch on me in wrist circumference. Im a skinny mofo