Negative Pull-ups vs Lat Pulldown

[tqzizvmcecm]

Context: Newer lifter, 160lbs, recently joined the military, cannot do a pull-up, want to fix that.

Since pull-ups mainly engage the lats, can I assume that this is a lat problem? Could there be any other weak links?

Current capabilities:
Biceps (curls): 35lb 5 reps x 3
Triceps (pull-downs): 70lb 7 reps x 3
Lat (pull-downs): 115lb 8 reps x 3

I've tried negatives but after doing several sets, I still do not feel the burn I would with a pec fly or a bicep curl (because it's eccentric?).

My thought is to isolate the lats with Lat Pulldowns until I can do more pull-ups but I've read other threads criticizing this method.

Thoughts?

[air2fakie]

Pull-ups don’t mainly engage the lats, especially the way you and most people do them.

Just get stronger overall under any proper novice program and you’ll soon be able to do pull-ups.

[SuicideGripMe]

So for the marines, you gotta do a pullup. I don't find the pull-down to directly transfer well at all. Realistically, most people just don't know how to do a pull up properly. Youtube proper form. Once you tick that box, slow negatives and static holds are going to be your best friend. At the same time, hit the basic compound movements like squats, deads, presses, and rows to start building strength and muscle like air2fakie said.