Chris Versa grips work well. I'm using Rogue leather lifting straps when I do shrugs and heavy rows. Once in awhile I'll use them on deads when the hands are wrecked but not normally. Honestly if your not competing use what ever feels good or helps guys. I'm just busting balls most of the time.
My dead set up has morphed over time as I have gotten older/stronger.
1. Line up with the bar over my mid foot, just inside of shoulder width. Toes just slightly out.
2. Take a sec. to work on my breathing before I bend over and grab the bar. I start pushing air into my belly and bracing my core.
3. Bend down and grab the bar with my hands straight down from my shoulders but not dragging on my quads to much.
4. Grab the bar with an over under grip, with the bar bell in at base of my fingers and the start of my palms. I grip tightly and lock my index and bird finger over the top of my thumbs.
5. Sit back on the bar and pull my lats and shoulders back as tight as I can. I keep as neutral of a spine as I can, back not rounded or arched, I look at the floor about 6-7 feet in front of me. I maintain the neutral head spine position all the way through the lift. I have had back/neck issues so I'm a bit of stickler on form/technique out of necessity.
6. Initiate the pull with my quads (pull the bar back towards your shins to keep lats tight and keep the arse from just shooting up) Jesse Norris has been working on this with me.
7. Finish the lockout by bringing the hips through at the top and locking the legs at the same time. (sumo pullers should straighten the legs first followed by bring the hips through, 2 part lift)
Anywho I'm not the best puller but I do ok for an old dude
and the above technique has been keeping me healthier and less injured.
