Adarq.org

I do not think that the height of a standard deadlift has anything special to it. But it has a larger ROM compared to the RDL and involves a mechanically harder position at the bottom. One might argue that deadlifts from a deficit are even better because they involve an even greater ROM. The optimal degree of the deficit for building lower back strength would be determined by individual anthropometry. The bar would be placed at the height that puts the hips on shoulder level, so that the back becomes horizontal to the ground. The lift would then start, from a dead stop, at the mechanically hardest position and would have the largest useful ROM, having the back angle go all the way from parallel to the ground to completely upright. For many people a standard height deadlift is actually not that far from that model and using bars with a diameter available everywhere is certainly convenient. But I am not saying that one arbitrarily determined diameter is optimal for everyones training. I just think that for lower back strength specifically a strong argument can be made in favor of the deadlift over the RDL. Whether the latter is superior in regards to athletic events less depending on a strong back I cannot comment on.