best lateral delt exercise: lateral raises or upright rows?

[mighty_wombat]

i think lateral raises (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidLateral/DBLateralRaise.html) are the most popular for working on the side part of your shoulders but for some reason i can only handle 20 to 25 lbs. dumbbells, i have pretty good strength but my arms get a lot of stress from this exercise, I have a wide body but i have small hands and wrists, could this be a problem for this exercise?

i recently tried upright row exercises like this: (http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/DeltoidLateral/DBUprightRow.html)
and i can handle 40 even 45 lbs. dumbbells with ease.

my questions are upright rows just as effective at targeting those lateral delts as lateral raises? why do i struggle with lateral raises? and do any of you guys recommend other exercises for the side shoulders not mentioned here?

-thanks for your time.

 

[PTYP]

Just because you cant do "heavy" weights on a particular excercise doenst necessarily mean you are not working the target muscle group. Do not forego the laterals. If you are struggling with weight due to other muscles (i.e. forearms, wrists) they are certainly not going to get stronger by stopping.

Personally, I do both.

 

[TheRoyalOne]

Myself and a few others here have injured a shoulder with upright BB rows. Personally, I stay away from them now.