I can only do 5-6 reps before being unable to lift myself - have to finish the set with regular grip. Is this a question of flexibility (or lack of)? Anyone with similar experiences?
Make sure you retract your scapula before you start
This will cause more pain!
your Scapula need to move with the shoulder joint. that's what a pullup works, from shrugged and upward rotated scapula to depressed and downward rotated.