Written by Steve Theunissen | ISSA: CPT & Fitness Nutrition
Fact checked by Tyler DiGiovanni BSBM
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The lat pulldown is the most popular upper back exercise performed in gyms all over the world. If you've got a high pulley machine in your home gym, you're also able to benefit from this effective lat developer. The lat pulldown, though, will only be as effective as the bar that connects your lats to the machine.
As an at-home personal trainer, I've used, purchased, and recommended lat bars for more than 20 years. In this article, I'll reveal the six best lat pulldown attachments to use with your lat pulldown machine. I'll also provide you with a complete lat pulldown bar buyer's guide and answer common lat pulldown bar FAQs.
6 Best Lat Pulldown Bars
- Overall Best: Titan Fitness 48" Stainless Steel Pulldown Bar
- Runner-Up: Bells of Steel Revolving Lat Bar
- Multi-Grip Bar - Body Solid Pro-Grip Multi-Grip Bar
- Neutral Grip Bar - Titan Fitness Multi-Grip Lat Pull-Down Attachment
- Straight Bar - American Barbell Revolving Straight Bar
- Aluminum Bar - American Barbell Aluminum Lat Pulldown Bar
SFS Pick
Titan Fitness
SFS Runner-Up
Bells of Steel
SFS Multi-Grip Pick
Body Solid
1. Overall Best Lat Pulldown Bar - Titan Fitness 48" Stainless Steel Pulldown Bar
With a length of 48 inches and solid steel construction, the Titan Fitness 48" Stainless Steel Pulldown Bar stands out in terms of both functionality and durability, propelling it to the top of our list.
The extra length allows you to use a variety of grips, from extra wide to extremely close. The bar diameter is 1.1", making it comfortably suitable for the majority of users.
This Titan bar has angled ends so that you can grab the bar with an ergonomically enhanced grip. It's also got full knurling along its entire length. That means that your grip will be firm and slip-free, regardless of the hand width you choose. This bar comes with its own carabiner, which is not the case with most lat pulldown bars.
Pros
- Stainless steel
- 48-inch length
- Fully knurled
- It comes with a carabiner
Cons
- It does not have rubber grips
Take your workout to the next level with the Stainless Steel Lat Bar. This high-quality bar is 48-inch wide and is fully knurled giving you the best grip...
2. Runner-Up Best Lat Pulldown Bar - Bells of Steel Revolving Lat Bar
Bells of Steel may not be on your radar as a leading home gym equipment provider, but they've knocked it out of the ballpark when it comes to a revolving lat bar. I first encountered this bar when one of my training clients ordered one for his multi-gym.
Thanks to the rotating centerpiece, we immediately noticed how much smoother each rep felt. The other standout feature is the generous use of rubber grips to enhance your grasp on the bar and prevent sweat slippage. These grips were especially handy when using the bar for low pulley rows, allowing for a very secure overhand grip.
Safety rubber stops on the angled ends of this bar extend its length to 48 inches. The stops ensure that your hands won't slip off the bar when you're doing extra wide-grip lat pulldowns. The bar weighs just 11 lbs and has a diameter of just under an inch. It comes with a 12-month warranty and is priced competitively.
Pros
- Rotating center for smoother movement
- Generous use of rubber gripping
- Safety rubber stops
Cons
- No knurling, which some may prefer to rubber grips
Bolster your back muscles with pulldowns & rows by using the Revolving Lat Bar with Safety Ends. The Bells of Steel Revolving Lat Bar can help take...
3. Best Multi-Grip Lat Pulldown Bar - Body Solid Pro-Grip Multi-Grip Bar
The Body Solid Pro-Grip Multi-Grip Bar is a 38-inch bar with angled ends and a neutral grip. These enhanced ergonomic features allow for better latissimus dorsi activation when performing lat pulldowns and rowing exercises.
While there's no knurling on this bar, it features inner rubber grips that ensure a secure hold when doing close-grip pulldowns. Extra rubber grips are placed on the main neutral grip handles.
This is a solid lat bar attachment that features a revolving center swivel to optimize bar movement. It is made from heavy-duty solid steel, so you won't have to worry about it corroding or rusting over time. It's finished in chrome for a stylish, gleaming finish. The weight of the bar is 13 lbs.
Pros
- Angled ends
- Chrome finish
- Heavy-duty steel construction
Cons
- Some reviewers note that the chrome plating starts to flake off after some time
Scientifically angled to allow a deeper stretch for better lat development. Smooth, fluid center swivel keeps your form on track. Extra set of knurl-textured...
4. Best Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown Bar - Titan Fitness Multi-Grip Lat Pull-Down Attachment
A neutral grip on the standard lat pulldown bar has been shown to better engage both the lats and the biceps. The Titan Fitness Multi-Grip Lat Pull-Down Attachment comes out on top here due to its multi-functionality.
It may not look like a conventional lat pulldown bar, but it sure does the business. You get four different neutral grip locations, from super close to target the biceps to out wide to hit the outer lats.
The Titan Multi-Grip Attachment is slightly angled downward to allow for more natural group positioning when you grab it out wide. The distance between each handle is 4.75", providing enough room for people with large hands to grab it without banging their knuckles.
The extra material needed for the separate neutral hand placements makes this bar substantially heavier than most bars. With a weight of 23 lbs, it is more than double the weight of many of the other bars on this list. Overall this is the best premium lat pulldown bar that offers a comfortable neutral grip.
Pros
- Neutral grips
- Four different grips options
- Generous distance between hand grips
Cons
- Heavy
The Multi-Grip Attachment will expand your Lat Tower workout with four neutral handle placement options in one excellent add-on unit. This unique attachment features 30mm grips spaced at...
5. Best Straight Lat Pulldown Bar - American Barbell Revolving Straight Bar
The American Barbell Revolving Straight Bar is a short straight bar with rubber end caps. It also features a revolving center for more natural movement. The length of the bar is 17.17 inches, and it has a one-inch diameter. That makes it ideal for people with small to average-sized hands who want to work their biceps and inner lats. This bar also works well for triceps pushdowns and cable curls.
If you've got large hands, you might find the diameter and width a bit restricting. The bar is knurled through the gripping area for enhanced gripping comfort and features a robust swivel mechanism.
It is constructed from heavy-duty solid steel to last many years. It's also chrome-finished for enhanced visual appearance and durability.
Pros
- Rubber end caps
- Knurling
- Chrome finished
Cons
- It does not allow for wide grip pulldowns
This revolving solid straight bar is constructed from hardened steel and finished in chrome. This is a commercial quality cable pulley attachment that is designed for serious training...
6. Best Aluminum Lat Pulldown Bar - American Barbell Aluminum Lat Pulldown Bar
American Barbell has established a reputation as a market leader in the home fitness market, and the American Barbell Aluminum Lat Pulldown Bar lives up to that reputation. This bar has been around for 20 years.
Thanks to its lightweight, comfort, and durability, it's stood the test of time. According to American Barbell, they have never had a replacement request in all of that time!
The secret to the strength of this aluminum bar is its urethane coating. It also features composite bushings at the swivel points. This bar is ideal for weight stack pulley machines due to its lightweight.
Heavier bars may have a tendency to drop when you take down the pin, potentially striking the user on the head! This bar is 48" long and features angled ends with rubber grips and stoppers.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Urethane coating for extra strength
- Composite bushings at all swivel points
Cons
- It does not have any knurling
These lightweight High Strength Aluminum Attachments were developed in 2003 and are 66% lighter than steel attachments but have a higher tensile strength. They incorporate...
What is a Lat Pulldown bar?
A lat pulldown bar is a bar that is designed to be used with a lat pulldown cable machine. It attaches to the machine's cable by way of a carabiner clip. Lat pulldown bars vary in terms of their length, shape, and grip pattern.
Types of Lat Pulldown Bars:
Deciding which type of lat pulldown bar to buy for your machine can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of what you'll encounter and why you should use each type:
1. Curved
The curved lat pulldown bar with a wide grip is the most commonly used bar on the lat pulldown machine. It features a straight bar that is typically around 36 inches, with angled ends that allow you to grip the bar at an angle (typically 45 degrees). The gripping areas are knurled to enhance your grip and prevent sweat slippage. Some curved lat pulldown bars have rubber sleeves over the various gripping areas.
2. Straight Bar
A straight bar does not have angled ends, so it is entirely straight. It can measure between 10 and 32 inches in length. It may have knurling in the various handgrip positions.
3. V-Bar
The V-bar is a short handle with grips extending from a central point, resembling a "V" or a triangle. The palms can face each other or slightly turn inward in a neutral or semi-neutral grip position. The V-bar evenly distributes the weight between the two hands, relieving pressure on the wrists and forearms.
This may be helpful for people with wrist or grip difficulties. The neutral or semi-neutral grip position that the v-bar permits may more efficiently target the latissimus dorsi's middle and lower fibers and the rhomboids and lower trapezius muscles.
4. Neutral Grip Bar
A neutral grip lat pulldown bar has parallel handles that allow for a neutral grasp posture where your palms face each other. The bar may be straight or have angled ends.
The neutral grip bar palm position can reduce strain and stress on the shoulders and wrists. People with shoulder or wrist problems frequently find this grip variation to be more comfortable. The biceps muscles are also more actively engaged when using the neutral grip compared to other grip styles.
5. Single-Handed Attachment
A single-handed lat pulldown attachment is a d-handle that is attached to the pulley cable. It typically has a knurled handle to allow for s secure, non-slip grip. This attachment allows you to work on each side of the lats independently.
It allows a freer range of motion as you are not locked into a straight bar's movement pattern. This allows you to move more fully through the complete range of motion of the latissimus dorsi muscle.
6. Rope Attachment
A rope attachment consists of a thick rope that is attached to the pulldown bar and is often made of nylon.
The rope attachment usually contains grips or loops on both ends so you can grab it firmly. The handles may be textured or have rubberized grips for a comfy and safe grip. You normally hold the handles or loops of a rope attachment with an overhand grip, palms facing each other when performing lat pulldowns.
The rope grip requires more forearm and grip strength compared to other attachments. As a result, the flexors and extensors of the forearm may receive more stimulation. You may find that you cannot use as much weight when using a rope handle on the lat pulldown machine.
What to look for when buying a lat pulldown bar:
Here are half a dozen considerations to keep top of mind when shopping for your next lat pulldown bar:
1. Material
Lat pulldown bars may be constructed from steel, chrome-plated steel, or aluminum. Steel provides outstanding strength and stability, being the most popular and long-lasting material. Steel that has been chrome-plated gives an additional layer of defense against corrosion and rust. Aluminum bars are lighter but not as durable.
The grip material of lat pull down bars enhances the grip and prevents sweat slippage. Common materials include knurled grip texture, rubber, and foam. A smooth and cushioned grip made of rubber and foam eases hand strain and enhances comfort.
A grip surface with a knurled texture has a pattern of ridges or grooves that provides a more stable grasp, especially when your hands are sweaty. Choose a grip material that matches your preferences and offers the grip and comfort you require.
Some lat pulldown bars may include additional metal or plastic-reinforced hooks or attachment points. These attachment points can connect ropes, handles, or straps to accessories. Make sure that these attachment points are strong enough to retain accessories securely without bending or breaking.
Verify the lat pulldown bar attachment weight capacity or load rating. Ensure the lat pulldown bar weight you choose can support the weight you intend to utilize during your workouts to avoid any potential safety concerns or equipment damage.
2. Type
The type of lat pulldown bar attachment you choose is a crucial factor to consider and can significantly impact your comfort, grip, and the range of workouts you can complete. The straight bar is the most basic and widely utilized type of lat pulldown bar. It has a straight shape and maintains the same diameter all the way down its length.
In contrast to straight bars, which have a fixed grip, v-shaped lat bars offer a neutral grip that may be easier on the wrists and involve different muscle groups. They work incredibly well to target the lower and middle back fibers. A rope attachment allows a wider range of motion, more intensely works the forearm and lat muscles together, and offers varied grips to target various parts of the back and arms.
Also known as a parallel grip bar or hammer grip bar, a neutral grip bar has parallel handles. With the palms facing each other in this grip, the wrists and shoulders may not feel as strained. People with wrist or shoulder problems can benefit from neutral grip bars because they promote balanced muscle recruitment.
3. Grip Width
For the standard lat pulldown exercise, a wide grip is preferred, with your slightly further than shoulder-width apart. This grip is best to stimulate the outer portion of the latissimus dorsi muscle. If you buy a wide grip bar, you can adopt a closer grip to better target the inner back muscles and the biceps.
If you already have shoulder problems, a wider grip might call for more shoulder mobility and flexibility, which could increase the risk of discomfort or strain. On the other hand, people with restricted shoulder movement or who want to reduce tension on their shoulders may find a narrower grip more comfortable.
4. Comfortability
Comfort is a vital lat pulldown bar buying consideration because it can significantly impact your grip stability, safety, and ability to complete exercises effectively. Look for bars with ergonomic grips that have enough padding or textured surfaces. The grips should strike a balance between comfort and durability by being neither too soft nor too firm.
The irregular pattern on the surface of the bar that improves grip and prevents slipping is known as knurling. Take a look at the degree and layout of the knurling on the lat pulldown bar. A smoother or more moderate knurling design may be more comfortable for some people, while others may prefer a more aggressive pattern for a firm grip.
The lat pulldown bar's general ergonomics can influence comfort and functionality. Look for a bar that has been carefully constructed with ergonomics in mind, with a suitable width that accommodates your shoulder width and range of motion. During the exercise, the bar should permit a comfortable hand position and natural wrist alignment. Ergonomic factors can improve comfort, lessen joint stress, and promote good form.
Take into account the lat pulldown bar's weight and diameter. An overly thick or heavy bar may cause discomfort or impair grip strength. The bar's diameter ought to enable a firm grip without putting any undue strain on your hands or wrists.
5. Price
Establish your budget before purchasing a lat pulldown bar. The price of a lat pulldown bar is frequently correlated with the strength and durability of the materials used in its manufacture. The materials used to make more expensive bars are typically more robust and offer superior durability and resistance to wear and tear. Examples of these materials include high-quality steel or steel that has been chrome-plated. They will most likely survive longer and offer a greater long-term return on investment.
The price range for lat pulldown bars is frequently greater for well-known, reputable brands in the fitness business. Research the value that various brands offer at various price points and read customer reviews.
The price of a lat pulldown bar generally ranges between $50 and $150.
6. Reviews
Reviews can offer valuable information about a lat pulldown bar's overall quality and performance. Customers often share their experiences regarding the bar's construction, durability, and functionality. Pay attention to reviews that discuss the sturdiness of the materials and the overall satisfaction with the product.
Reviews may shed light on the customer service and warranty provided by the manufacturer. Positive reviews regarding prompt customer support, hassle-free returns, or reliable warranty coverage indicate a company's commitment to customer satisfaction. On the other hand, negative reviews highlighting poor customer service or issues with warranty claims can be red flags to take into account.
Lat Pulldown Bar FAQs
What bar is best for lat pulldowns?
Based on my experience as a personal trainer, I have concluded that the best lat pulldown bar for the traditional lat pulldown exercise is the wide-grip pulldown bar. That's because this bar provides the versatility to use a range of hand widths and a pronated or reverse grip. When it comes to most effectively working the lats, the best option is the single-handed attachment. This allows you to perform the lat pull-in, which more effectively works the lats through their full range of motion.
What do the different lat pulldown bars do?
The various lat pulldown bars available allow you to make use of different grip and hand positions when doing the exercise. For example, a wide grip lat pulldown bar has angled ends. and a wider-than-shoulder-width grip. This allows you to work better the outer lats as well as emphasize the teres major and posterior delts. In contrast, the close grip lat pulldown bar forces you to adopt a shoulder-width or closer grip. This shifts the emphasis to the middle and inner lats and the middle trapezius and rhomboids.
A single-handle attachment allows you to work each side of the lats independently. It also allows for a free range of motion, so you can better follow the muscle fiber direction and natural movement pattern of the latissimus dorsi muscle.
What is the best width for a lat pulldown bar?
The best width for a lat pulldown bar depends on what area of the upper back you want to target. You should use a wider-than-shoulder-width grip to work the lats for width. A grip that is at shoulder width or closer with also engage the trapezius, which is a kite-shaped muscle that lies between your scapulae, along with the teres major and posterior deltoids.
What is the difference between a lat pulldown and a straight bar pulldown?
The difference between the lat pulldown and straight bar pulldown comes down to hand positioning. Your hands are placed further apart on the lat pulldown bar, typically being wider than shoulder width. With the straight bar pulldown, your hands are closer together, being around shoulder width. This different hand placement places a slightly different emphasis on your upper back muscle. The wider grip on the lat pulldown bar better targets the outer lats, while the closer straight bar grip places more emphasis on the middle trapezius.
What type of lat pulldown is most effective?
The most effective type of lat pulldown is the one-arm lat pull-in. This exercise uses a single-handle attachment and is done one side at a time. It allows you to better follow the natural functional movement of the lats, which is to draw the elbow down and toward the hip. Here's how to perform a one-arm lat pull-in:
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Place a bench in front of a high cable pulley machine and attach a single handle to the pulley.
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Sit on the bench and grab the handle with your right hand. Your arm should be extended at a 30-degree angle in this start position.
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Pull down and in to bring your elbow to your hip. Fully contract the lats in the bottom position.
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Return to the start position and repeat.
Summary
To achieve the wide, v-taper back that is universally recognized as the ideal upper body shape, you've got to be doing some version of the lat pulldown. To do that, you need a quality lat pulldown bar. After all, it's the bar that connects your latissimus dorsi muscles to the resistance.
In this best lat pull-down attachment review, we've identified the Titan Fitness 48" stainless steel pulldown bar as our number one lat bar. This bar combines all the features you need in a quality bar, including strength, durability, comfort, and functionality. The best lat pulldown attachment with multi-grip options is the Pro-Grip Multi-Grip Bar, with features a revolving center swivel, angled ends, and solid steel construction. Finally, the most comfortable lat pulldown bar is the Fringe Sport Lat Pulldown Bar, featuring ergonomic angling, rubber grips, and a chrome finish.
Take your workout to the next level with the Stainless Steel Lat Bar. This high-quality bar is 48-inch wide and is fully knurled giving you the best grip...
Interested in more gym equipment ideas? Check out our articles on the Best Cable Machines and Best Lat Pulldown Machines.
Steve Theunissen
Author