I troops,
I have to say I simply love the barbell bent over row. I have has a passion for that great movement for over 20 years myself. I started out rowing on top of a bench. Where I would row the bar up to my waist and go heavy.
But, just like evolution my ideas evolved.
I went to having the bar sit on a low squat rack or power rack like Dorian Yates. I then step foward and grab th bar with a palm to the rear thumbless grip. I then step back a pace bend foward a little deeper then Dorain and row the bar so that it hits my weight belt. I always strive for at least 5 plus reps.
ALthough I love to pull heavy. every time I step back and lean down my mind is hell bent on keeping my stance nice and low. Its hard but I know that if I keep low my lats and traps will grow. I call it the grow zone.
Gear - I love wrestling shoes, a thick single prong power lifting belt, neoprene shorts to keep the ole package tight, a good pair of cotton straps, a healthy dash of chalk on the hands and a go getten attitude.
I look at my bent rows just as serious as others do their dead lifts. I always do them first in my back routine.
So, If you love to train old style get in the grow zone.