I noticed in my NLP that the first rep in a heavy set of deadlifts, or a heavy single, was much more difficult than the subsequent reps. For example, if my working set was 300 pounds, the 5th rep of 300 was easier than the single warmup rep of 285 pounds. I guess maybe this is either a mental confidence thing or a motor unit recruitment thing. Does anyone else notice this as well? If so, it seems that it makes judging RPE very difficult based on reps in reserve.
I find deads the hardest to judge RPE on anyway. I’d imagine we’ll all just get better at it. My grip makes it hard to judge for sure.
This can be a set-up issue. If you starting position for your first rep is not ideal but the weight pulls you in the right position during the eccentric portion of the first rep, the next will feel lighter.
I would look for you shoulders if they are too far in front of the bar before lift-off.
Could also be too far behind the bar but that is much less common en you would have noticed the bar scraping your chins like crazy.