Written by Tyler DiGiovanni | BSBM
Fact checked by Kirsten Yovino, CPT Brookbush Institute
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The latissimus dorsi muscle, or "lat", is one of the most commonly associated muscles with building a powerful "V"- taper physique. A quintessential piece of equipment that can help you attain that iconic look is the lat pulldown machine.
As a fitness enthusiast that's competed in amateur bodybuilding competitions, I've used dozens of these machines throughout my training. Using my in-depth experience I've put together of the 10 best lat pulldown machines that will help you grow your "wings" and achieve the back you have been striving for!
The 10 BEST LAT PULLDOWN MACHINES
- Overall Pick: Titan Plate Loaded Lat Tower V2
- Budget Pick: GDLF Lat Pulldown
- Most Premium Machine: Nautilus Instinct
- Top Choice On Amazon: XMark Lat Pulldown
- Best Weight Stack: Titan Lat Tower
- Strength Training Pick: Pro Clubline Lat Pulldown
- Power Rack With Pulldown: Fitness Reality Power Cage with Lat Pulldown
- Best Leverage Lat Pulldown Machine: Pro Clubline Leverage Lat Pulldown
- Most Compact Machine: ARCHON Wall Mounted Cable Station
- Versatile Pick: Force USA G3
SFS Pick
Titan
SFS Budget Pick
GDLF
SFS Premium Pick
Nautilus Instinct
How I picked the best lat pulldown machine models for home gyms
I've done the heavy lifting for you meticulously testing and evaluating them to the max. I'm talking about scrutinizing details like build quality, price and versatility so you don't end up with a machine that doesn't just collect dust. Besides looking at the specs of the various machines, I've leaned on my personal experience using some of these machines combined with real customer feedback to ensure you get a complete look at each of them regarding the highlights and potential pitfalls.
1. Overall Best Lat Pulldown Machine: Titan Plate Loaded Lat Tower V2
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Weight ratio: 1:1
- Type: Plate Loaded
- Warranty: 1 year
The Titan Fitness Lat Tower V2 is a space efficient lat machine designed to focus on building your back and shoulder strength. This first-rate Lat Tower combines high and low pulleys, ideal for high pulley lat work as well as a low row, making it a great addition to any home gym.
With two, 13-inch loadable sleeves for weight plates, you can build your upper body strength with a weight capacity of up to 400-pounds making it comparable to other lat pulldown machines you would find in a local gym. The tower comes equipped with a lat pulldown bar, low row bar, and thigh pads with four adjustable positions to make room for athletes of all sizes.
I've used this machine at a friend's home gym and I was pleasantly surprised by the build quality and the smoothness of the motion the cable system provided. My thoughts on using this machine don't differ from real customer reviews that can be found on Amazon or Titan's website.
Stack on the weight plates and use lat pulldowns to efficiently build your upper body and back muscles by performing multiple lat pulldown exercises, bent-over rows, seated rows, and more. We feel this is the best lat pulldown low row machine on the market all things considered.
Pros
- Space efficient design
- High weight capacity on par with a commercial gym
- Dual pulley system for a higher versatility of exercises
- Strong steel construction
- Angled weight posts to keep weight plates from sliding off during exercises
Cons
- Can only be used with weight plates
- Extra work of bolting the machine to the floor to safely perform upright cable rows
The Plated-Loaded Lat Tower is a space-saving strength trainer designed to build your back and shoulder strength. This high-quality Lat Tower combines lat pull down and a low row position...
2. Best Budget Lat Pulldown Machine: GDLF Lat Pulldown
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 500lb
- Weight ratio: 1:1
- Type: Plate Loaded
- Warranty: 30 days (can add 2 year extended warranty for ~$22)
The GDLF lat pulldown machine is a great addition to anyone's garage gym for strength training exercises that are designed to develop the lats.
The 4-position thigh pad foam rollers adjust to fit a variety of leg sizes, and the 4-position adjustable seat pad ensures that you can find the correct settings to keep locked in during your high pulley set.
This lat machine comes equipped with both high and low pulley stations which results in more exercises being able to be performed, such as bicep curls, forearm strengthening, as well as low rows. This machine will put you in the right direction to build your biceps, lats, forearms, and rear deltoids.
I haven't personally used this machine but just by looking at the specs relative to the price and user reviews on Amazon; this is a no-brainer if you're looking for a cheap lat pulldown machine. It's rare to see a piece of gym equipment at this price point that has 4.5 stars with over 1300 reviews.
This is the best cheap lat pulldown machine as it's made from heavy duty steel and and has a sturdy non-slip base. Olympic weight plates as well as standard weight plates will fit on this machine, with a maximum weight recommendation of 350lb.
Pros
- Space efficient design
- High and Low pulley system
- Small footprint for home gyms
- Can take standard and Olympic plates
Cons
- A little bit on the shorter side, so taller people might have an issue with full extension
- Assembly can be on the challenging side
- Can only be used with weight plates
This affordable plate loaded lat pulldown machine has a 4-position adjustable foam rollers to fit your height and lock you in position for high pulley lat work...
3. Best Premium Lat Pulldown Machine: Nautilus Instinct
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 235lb
- Type: Weight stack
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Dual function: Lat pulldowns & rows
This state of the art Nautilus Instinct was designed to give an intense workout while decreasing strain that could lead to injury. Instinct® Strength is all about delivering a quick, efficient, and complete workout experience, whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting out. It offers user-friendly adjustments suitable for all fitness levels, making it perfect for both basic strength training and circuit workouts.
I've used the Nautilus Instinct at my local gym. I found that the movement of the machine and sturdiness was almost perfect. However, I don't think this is the type of lat pulldown machine needed for a home gym setup unless you have the extra cash to spare.
Whether you're working solo or with an instructor, Instinct® Strength lets you conquer a full circuit in just 30 minutes. This line features single and dual function units adaptable to any space, and its innovative Lock N Load® weight selection system sets it apart. With a compact design that maximizes space and seamless integration with cardio equipment, Instinct® Strength ensures a cohesive facility look.
The Nautilus Instinct dual function lat pulldown machine offers multi-position lat pulldown and row grips The steel frame makes this machine's body solid as a rock with stability to match. The sleek look of this piece of fitness equipment is enhanced by the fully shrouded weight stack holding 235lb.
Also included in this versatile lat pulldown machine is a removable wear strap to extend the upholstery life plus rubber feet for floor protection.
Last but not least is the patented Lock N Load weight selection system that makes it a breeze to change up the amount of weight you're moving.
With a Full Commercial Warranty, anyone buying this machine can rest easy, whether it be for a home gym or a commercial gym.
Pros
- Safety of a fully shrouded weight stack
- Smooth lat pulldown movements
- Mid row pulley system for targeting the rhomboids, posterior deltoids, and middle trapezius
- Solid construction
- In-Home Lifetime Warranty
Cons
- On the more expensive side
- Bigger footprint, especially for a home gym
Designed for intense use, the Nautilus Instinct comes with Full Commercial Warranty. Heavy-gauge steel frame construction ensures ...
4. Best Lat Pulldown Machine On Amazon: XMark Lat Pulldown
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Weight ratio: 1:1
- Type: Plate-loaded
- Dual function: Lat pulldown & rows
- Warranty: Lifetime warranty: frame, 1 year: pulleys, cables, & hardware
The XMark lat pulldown machine features both high and low pulley stations making a high variety of exercises besides lat pulldowns possible. Easily perform tricep pushdowns or bicep curls to target the arms, or stick to rows and pulldowns to build a wide, powerful back. This lat pulldown machine has an 11 gauge 2"x3" frame construction and can use both standard and Olympic plates.
With a 400lb maximum load capacity, and nylon-coated cables that have a 2,200lb tensile strength rating, you won't have to worry about if the machine can support you during your most grueling workouts.
Being a bigger guy myself at 6'6" I think the only downfall of this machine when using it was the lack of seat height adjustability. However, I think for most people this machine will provide a great experience in your home gym. Currently, there are over 450 verified reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 4.7 stars!
The XMark lat pulldown machine also boasts a thick 3in sweat and tear resistant Duraguard seat, with 4.33in thigh pads, making sure you can get your workout done in comfort. The flip up footplate guarantees a solid foundation to perform seated rows with the included lat pulldown bar or low row bar.
Pros
- Compact footprint
- Works with standard and Olympic plates
- High weight load capacity
- Moderately priced
Cons
- Plates are not included
- People over 6' might have issues with full extension
With nylon-coated aircraft quality cables that have a 2200 pound tensile strength rating and a 400 pound maximum load capacity, XMark has...
5. Best Lat Pulldown Machine With Weight Stack: Titan Lat Tower
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 300lb
- Weight ratio: 1:1
- Type: Weight stack
- Warranty: 1 year
The Titan Lat Tower is a compact, high poundage, lat pulldown machine designed to build the back you've always wanted. This standalone lat pulldown machine offers a lat pulldown pulley as well as a low row pulley, making it a versatile piece of equipment.
The 300 lb weight stack provides plenty of weight for a grueling session of various grip pulldowns, bent-over rows, seated rows, and whatever other exercises you can come up with.
I have to look to real user reviews on this machine as I haven't tested it. With over 80 verified reviews and a 4.5 star rating the feedback is overwhelmingly positive.
The most recent review is a testament to this machine:
The Titan Fitness Lat Tower comes equipped with a lat bar and band pegs to be able to increase the workload even higher! This machine provides six thigh pad positions and eight footplate positions, making finding your perfect settings easy.
The high build quality also ensures that this will be the only home lat pulldown machine you will have to purchase for a lifetime.
Pros
- Heavy 300 lb weight stack with 10 lb increments
- Six thigh pad and eight footplate positions
- Band pegs for adding additional resistance bands if desired
- Extremely solid construction
Cons
- Only comes with one handle attachment
- High product weight
- Difficult assembly
With a 300-pound single-weight stack, you can efficiently perform various pulldowns, bent-over rows, seated rows, and more. It comes with a Lat bar and band pegs...
6. Best Lat pulldown Machine For Strength Training: Pro Clubline Lat Pulldown
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 310lb
- Type: Weight stack
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Dual function: Lat pulldown & rows
The Pro ClubLine SLM300 machine is a versatile machine that will be sure to become a favorite in your home gym. The direct overhead high pulley is set at the optimal position for back and shoulder isolation. This, paired with the extra long lat pulldown bar makes it easy to use multiple hand grips to hit all angles of your lats.
This is another pulldown machine that I've used in a commercial gym setting. I love using this machine because I can move some serious weight without the feeling of any wobbling or unsturdiness.
The no-cable-change design makes going from an overhead pulldown exercise to a seated row effortless without even having to leave your seat. The Pro ClubLine SLM300 comes with DuraFirm™ upholstery for a tough, tear resistant workout surface with matching hold-down pads to keep you in place during your workout.
High quality oversize nylon bushings paired with nylon-coated, self-lubricating high quality steel cables make sure this machine will work smoothly during your training sessions.
The 2" x 4", 4-side welded, high-tensile strength steel provides a solid base for effective strength training. The 210 lb weight stack is able to be upgraded to a 310 lb weight stack, for those who are looking to take their training to the next level.
Pros
- Lifetime Home Warranty
- Optimal overhead position of the high pulley
- Easy switch from a pulldown to a seated row
- High build quality
Cons
- Seat is on the smaller side for seated rows
- Only comes with one lat pulldown attachment
Get a high pulley directly overhead for optimum back and shoulder isolation. Structurally and biomechanically designed for intensive club use...
7. Best Rack With Lat Pulldown Machine: Fitness Reality Power Cage with Lat Pulldown
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 270lb
- Type: Plate-loaded
- Warranty: 1 year
- Functionality: Full rack makes it possible to complete a wide variety of compound exercises.
The Fitness Reality Power Rack with Lat Pulldown is a great addition to anyone's home gym that is getting serious about their strength training. Included with this monster lat pulldown machine are a 39" lat bar and a 20' low row bar paired with a high and low pulley system.
This plate loaded machine works with both standard and Olympic weight plates ( Olympic adapter sold separately) making an excellent inclusion to a power lifter's garage gym. The extended lower rear cross bar gives ample room for fitting in a bench. The two 6.5" weight posts can hold up to 270lb with the included spring clip collars.
This piece of home gym equipment from Fitness Reality is super popular on Amazon with over 10k reviews at an average of 4.7 stars. I've never used this exact machine but from combing through the thousands of reviews a common thread is that it's super versatile which allows it to be a great start to building your home gym. On the downside some users complained that they found it to be a bit unsteady if it's not bolted to the ground.
The leg hold-down can shift along the power cage's safety bars, allowing you to find your ideal position away from the pulley. Adjusting the height of the leg hold-down is as easy as moving your safety bars up or down the cage as needed.
This cable machine will allow you to more room to do exercises such as a straight arm pulldown, overhead tricep extensions, and bicep curls.
Pros
- Power racks are extremely versatile for all types of exercises
- Ample room to perform a variety of exercises
- Able to add other attachments to cage making it a possibility for a total home gym
Cons
- Weight plates and bench are not included
- Large home gym footprint
- Olympic weight plate adapters not included
Includes high and low row pulley systems. High tensile strength nylon coated cable. Easy glide 2” x 2” chrome guide rail for smooth operation...
8. Best Leverage Lat Pulldown Machine: Pro Clubline Leverage Lat Pulldown
Key Features:
- Weight Capacity: 400lb
- Type: Plate-loaded
- Warranty: Lifetime
The Pro ClubLine Leverage Lat Pulldown machine is a body solid piece of equipment, perfect for your home gym. The durable upholstery and 2" x 3" 11-gauge steel mainframe makes sure you have a steady base for your workout that's made to last.
Here we are with another machine that you may've used in your local franchise gym. I like using this machine because it's super smooth but the downside for me is the fixed movement pattern. I recommend this type of pulldown machine for beginners that need the assistance to keep proper form.
The frame comes equipped with plate holders for storage, keeping your home gym looking clean. The dual axis independent arms provide a biomechanically correct lat pulldown. While the hands with a 360 degree capability make sure you can find a comfortable position for your hands on each rep.
This leverage machine comes equipped with adjustable leg holds and a gas assisted adjustable seat.
This solid machine is sturdy enough to handle your tough workouts, while being light enough for one person to move in the home gym if necessary.
Pros
- Lifetime Home Warranty
- 360 degree rotating handles for ideal hand placement
- Fixed motion for an ideal pulldown
- Independent arm movement for isolation reps
- Shipping included
Cons
- Only can do one movement with it
- Weight plates required
The LVLA offers the natural feel and resistance of free-weights with the control of a machine. This commercial grade lat pulldown machine...
9. Best Wall Mounted Lat Pulldown Machine: ARCHON Wall Mounted Cable Station
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 250lb
- Type: Plate-loaded
- Multi-function: Great multiple exercises thanks to the vertical adjustment capability
- Warranty: 30 days (2 year extended protection ~$48)
The ARCHON Wall Mounted Cable Station is a cable machine that makes up in versatility of what it lacks in size. The dual pulley system has 17 possible vertical adjustments, making targeting every angle you could imagine possible.
Isolation exercises are simple to do in this plate loaded machine, making this an outstanding option for all of your upper body workouts. This cable machine comes with two commercial handles, but is also available with a cable accessory kit which includes a tricep rope, a lat bar, and a V-handle for cable t bar rows, making the possibilities of what exercises you want to accomplish up to your imagination.
Unlike most competitors, the pulley carriage is constructed with linear ball bearings instead of nylon bushings that can easily wear out due to friction. The weight posts can handle up to 125lbs each making a total of 250lb weight capacity.
Although I haven't used this machine a quick look on Amazon shows that they have a 4.5 star rating with over 60 positive reviews. Most users say they are happy with their purchase regarding performance and build quality. The negative feedback tends to center around difficult assembly and noise when using it.
This compact lat pulldown machines gives you more possibilities than other similarly priced options. Easy mounting right into your studs keeps the station secure and sturdy.
Pros
- Extremely versatile
- 4x Linear ball bearing pulley carriage for reduced friction and longevity
- Very small footprint
- Easy to mount
Cons
- Lat bar isn't included in base package
- Exercises such as chest flys may be difficult with a singular tower
Dual swivel pulley station: 17 Vertical positions providing bilateral and unilateral training. Vertical upper and lower wall mount: Ability to mount to one stud...
10. Best Functional Trainer With Lat Pulldown: Force USA G10
Key Features:
- Weight capacity: 400lb
- Weight ratio: 2:1 & 4:1
- Type: Weight stack
- Multi-function: Endless exercise capability
- Warranty: 1 year
The Force USA G10 All-In-One Trainer is the ultimate home gym strength training system. Most lat pulldown machines do not have the adaptability that this multi-use machine offers.
Introducing Force USA's groundbreaking innovation: the World's First Adjustable Cable Ratio System. This revolutionary feature allows seamless transformation of the pulley ratio from 2:1 to 4:1, providing different weight levels for multiple users based on their strength. With a 2:1 ratio, lifting 100 lbs means 50 lbs of effort, while the 4:1 ratio means only 25 lbs of effort for the same 100 lbs load.
I've used a number of Force USA products and I'm always blown away by the functionality they provide. The G10 is no different, with this machine I was able to do everything from heavy squats to lat pulldowns. I can't recommend Force USA's products enough.
Experience enhanced versatility with the Force USA G10 Upgrade Kit, offering three additional strength training stations like Jammer Arms, Leg Press Plate, and Core Trainer. This kit also includes valuable attachments such as a TV Mount, Barbell Row Handle, 4x Storage Shelves, Single Metal Handle (Pair), and an Ankle Cuff, expanding the functional trainer cable pulley system.
The Half Rack boasts an impressive 60 adjustment points on the front-facing uprights, each spaced at 1" intervals and marked with laser-etched numbering. This ensures precise customization for various exercises like bench presses, squats, and more, catering to users of all sizes.
Crafted from heavy gauge structured steel tubing, the G10 exhibits professional-grade construction capable of enduring rigorous use, even in a commercial setting. The assurance of a limited lifetime structural warranty underscores its durability, giving you the confidence that Force USA stands firmly behind this exceptional product. Upgrade to Force USA G10 and redefine your home gym experience with innovation, versatility, and unmatched durability.
Pros
- :1 & 4:1 Cable Pulley Ratio
- 11 Attachments included
- Super high weight rating which even advanced lifters would have trouble achieving
- Combines 12 strength training machines into 1
Cons
- Expensive
- Doesn't come with weights
Introducing the Force USA G10 All-In-One Trainer—The Ultimate plate loaded all-in-one trainer. The Force USA G10 All-In-One Trainer combines a power rack, functional trainer, smith machine, dip station, chin up station, core trainer, low row...
10 Best Lat Pulldown Machines Side By Side Comparison
Below you'll find a chart that compares our top ten lat pulldown machines so you can see how they measure up next to one another.|
Product Name
|
Price ($-$$$$)
|
Dimensions
|
Warranty
|
Weight Capacity
|
Features
|
Average rating
|
|
|
$
|
57”(L)
47”(W)
85”(H)
|
1 year
|
400 lb
|
-Dual 13” Olympic plate sleeves
-4 adjustable position thigh pads
-Lat pulldown/low row handle
|
98 Reviews
✩✩✩✩.8
|
|
$
|
59”(L)
26”(W)
77”(H)
|
NA
|
500lb
|
-High and low Pulleys
-4 adjustable position seat & thigh pads
|
644 Reviews
✩✩✩✩.5
|
|
|
|
$$$$
|
50”(L)
47”(W)
84”(H)
|
Commercial
|
235 lb
|
-Heavy gauge steel construction
-Fully shrouded weight stack
Dual function
|
N/A
|
|
$$
|
56.7"(L) (48”)W (82.7”)H
|
In-home lifetime frame warranty
1 year on hardware, pop pins, cables, pulleys
|
400lb
|
-Aircraft quality cables
-Chrome plated lat pulldown bar & low row bar w/ texturized rubber
handles
-High and low pulleys
|
413 Reviews
✩✩✩✩.7
|
|
|
$$$
|
57”(L)
41”(W)
87”(H)
|
1-year warranty
|
300lb
|
-Lat bar and band pegs
-300lb weight stack
|
59
Reviews ✩✩✩✩.8
|
|
|
$$$$
|
64”(L)
46”(W)
83”(H)
|
Lifetime Home Warranty
|
210lb - 310lb
|
-Mid row pulley
-High tensile steel construction
|
N/A
|
|
|
$ - For just the attachment
$$ - with the power rack
|
68”(L)
46”(W)
83.25”(H)
|
1 year warranty
|
270lb
|
-Leg hold is adjusted using the power rack
-2”x2” chrome guide rail
|
10,092
Reviews ✩✩✩✩.7
|
|
|
$$$ |
76”(L) 49”(W) 84”(H) |
Lifetime home warranty |
NA |
-Dual axis arm movement -360 degree rotating handles |
N/A |
|
|
$$ |
13”(L) 19”(W) 87”(H) |
1 year - cable covers, pop pins, plastic/rubber parts 2 year - hardware 5 year - structural damage |
250lbs |
-17 Vertical adjustments -Ball bearing plate carriage |
63 ✩✩✩✩.7 |
|
|
$$$$ |
58”(L) 79”(W) 89”(H) |
Lifetime Structural 2 year - cables and pulleys 90 day - wear and tear on rack accessories |
992 lb |
-11 attachments -1:1 Cable pulley ratio |
16 ✩✩✩✩✩ |
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF Lat Pulldown Machines?
Lat pulldown machines allow you to develop your latissimus dorsi muscles in a safe and gradual way. Here are a few benefits of using a lat pulldown machine.
Increase Upper Body Strength
Regular use of the lat pulldown machine can drastically improve upper body strength, which is beneficial for daily activities and other exercises. Lat pulldowns not only work the lats but also engage and strengthen the traps, shoulders, biceps, rhomboids and rear delts.
Improve Posture
When performing lat pulldowns you have to depress your shoulder blades to pull the bar down. This helps to train the postural muscles which leads to stronger scapular muscles. Strengthening muscles in the area of the body translate to better overall posture so that you're not constantly hunched over.
Pull Up Alternative
For people that can't perform a full pull-up yet, a lat machine is the perfect way to build upper-body strength that will carry over into other exercises. Another benefit of lat pulldowns are the posture correcting effect they can have. One of the main motions of a lat pulldown is the depression and adduction of the shoulder blades, which in strengthening will lead to a straighter back.
Multiple Variations Pulldowns
Another benefit of a lat pulldown machines are the variations of pulldowns that can be performed such close grip pulldowns, reverse grip (supinated) pulldowns, wide grip pulldowns, and behind the neck pulldowns. All of these variations of lat pull downs target slightly different muscle groups and can help achieve a well developed back.¹
Great For Beginners
Lat pulldowns provide users a controlled motion with less variability in movement patterns. This reduces the risk of potential injury and helps beginners target the proper muscles.
6 Types of Lat Pulldown Machines:
Lat pulldown machines come in different designs and when shopping for one you should understand the differences so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
Let's have a look at the different types of lat pulldown machines below:
1. Stand-alone
This machine is made to do one specific exercise and do it perfectly. Most stand-alone lat machines you see at the gym usually comes with weight stacks, but there are also plate-loaded versions. A stand-alone lat machine typically has only have an overhead pulldown, but there are machines that do offer a version with a seated-row or low row pulley.
2. Power Rack Attachment
A power rack attachment is an add-on piece of fitness equipment to a weight cage. Power racks are generally used by powerlifters, or people getting serious about their strength training.
3. Weight Stack
A weight stack lat machine is pre-equipped with weight plates stacked on top of each other, hence the name. The weight plates usually come in increments of 10lb and are easily changed with a weight stack pin. There are some versions that have places to add resistance bands if you need more of a challenge.
4. Plate Loaded
A plate loaded lat machine is one that needs standard or Olympic plates to function properly. These machines are generally lower cost for the actually machine, but the weights themselves can add up quickly, which is another factor to consider.
5. Leverage
Leverage lat machines are great for keeping a very strict range of motion for your lat pulldowns. These machines generally have rotating handles that provide a comfortable grip and natural feel to performing the exercise. Leverage machines are also great for focusing on isolation movements and will make it easier to identify strength inequalities in your back.
6. Wall Mounted
Wall mounted lat machines provide an extremely small footprint for someone looking to add to their home or garage gym. Just as the name implies, these machines are bolted to the wall to keep them from moving.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING LAT PULLDOWN MACHINE FOR HOME GYM:
When looking to buy a lat pulldown machine you should consider a number of factors to make sure you end up with a machine you're happy with. We listed some of the main factors you should consider before buying this piece of gym equipment.
1. Size
Once you've figured out that you want a lat pulldown machine, now you need to figure out how much space you have to put one in. Some lat pulldown machines can reach close to 8' tall, so making sure you have adequate ceiling space is a must before buying this piece of fitness equipment.
2. Build
Build quality is also a very important aspect to consider when shopping for any piece of fitness equipment. If you're someone that's looking to move 300lb of weight around, the material of the frame is going to matter more to you than someone whose target weight range doesn't break 200lb.
For heavier lifters, a thicker steel frame is going to be key to keep that machine in use for years to come. One of the most important pieces of a lat machine are the cables. If a cable breaks down, it will render the whole piece of equipment inoperable, so somethings to keep in mind are if the cables are coated, and what the strength of the cables are.
Are you looking for a plate loaded or weight stack machine? If you already have a serious gym in your home, you may already have weights ready to use, and a plate-loaded machine would fit your needs perfectly. If you're just getting started on your home gym and don't necessarily have the space for extra weights laying around, a weight-stack machine may be the way to go.
Weight capacity is also a very important aspect that plays into your decision. What is the heaviest weight you think you will need? It's important to check the weight capacity of these machines against the construction quality to make sure that the machine will actually be able to handle what you plan on throwing at it.
Something else to keep in mind are the adjustment options available on the machine. A machine can tick all the other boxes but if you can't comfortably use the machine, the only person you are short changing is yourself.
3. Price/Budget
This can be one of the biggest factors in the decision on which machine to buy. As you can see from our list, price can vary dramatically for very similar machines. Just because something is the most expensive, doesn't necessarily make it the best machine for you. Which leads into the next section.
4. Usage
What are your goals with this machine? If you are looking for a machine that only does lat pulldowns, then looking at a functional trainer might not be for you. If you're looking for something that can do multiple exercises, then it might be worth spending the extra money and getting a little more machine than you originally planned.
5. Online Ratings
One very important aspect of researching the best lat pulldown machines is checking out user reviews. It's always good to get perspective from people who have hands on experience with the product you're interested in. Don't just look at the 5 star reviews, look at some of lower and middle reviews to get an idea of what people might not have liked in the product.
Lat Pulldown Machine FAQ:
Is a Lat Pulldown Machine Worth It?
If you are someone that isn't able to do a chin up or pull up on your own, lat pulldown machines are great for building the strength foundation you need to perform those more intense movements. Lat machines can be extremely versatile in terms of variations as well as being able to perform exercises from other muscle groups such as tricep pushdowns and curls.
How Much Does A Lat Pulldown Machine Cost?
The price of a lat machine can vary greatly. The cost can be from a few hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars. Whatever your price range, you can find a piece of equipment to match your budget.
What muscles does a lat pulldown machine work?
Based on traditional use, a lat machine works the latissimus dorsi (a.k.a. lats), rear deltoids, the trapezius, rhomboids, biceps, and forearms.
What lat Pulldown Variation is The Best?
Studies have shown that a pronated (palms facing away from you) grip is more effective on stimulating the lats than a supinated (palms toward you) grip. As far as narrow, wide, or medium hand placement, medium has shown a minor advantage.
Do Lat Pulldowns Build Mass?
Yes! With proper form and technique, lat pulldowns will increase the size of your back. In order to see results, increases in weight over time are necessary to breakdown the muscle tissue so it can heal stronger and larger.
Can Lat Pulldowns Replace Pull-Ups?
Yes and no. A lat pull can simulate the motion of performing a pull-up, but it doesn't stimulate the support muscles for upper body strength a traditional pull-up will. Another important aspect is correct form to maximize the effectiveness of the exercise.
How to Do Lat Pulldowns?
Keeping your upper body stationary, position your hands approximately 6in wider than your shoulders. Bring the bar down to your chest by pulling with your elbows (as opposed to pulling with your hands), squeeze your back together like you're trying to hold a pencil between your shoulder blades for a moment, and slowly bring the weight back up to your starting position.
What are the Common Mistakes When Using a Lat Pulldown Machine?
Some common mistakes when doing lat pulldowns are:
- Using body momentum to bring the bar down
- Pulling with the hands rather than the elbows
- Not keeping your shoulders rolled back while bringing the weight down
- Not using the full range of motion
- Not controlling the weight on the way back up
SUMMARY
If you're looking to build a strong, wide back and don't quite have the strength to do traditional pull-ups, then a lat pull machine may be a great investment for you. As we've highlighted, there are a copious amount of options that you can choose from to make sure you pick the right machine. For people with already established home gyms, a plate-loaded machine may be the best match because they don't have to buy plates to use the machine.
Someone just starting to build their gym may want to use a weight-stack machine to cut out having to buy more equipment. Size of the equipment will also play an important part of your decision-making, adequate space is essential in picking the right equipment. Making sure you get a machine that is built from high tensile steel as well as quality cables will ensure that your investment into your fitness lasts.
With our top ten best lat pulldown machines, you're bound to find a multi-faceted piece of gym equipment that can help you take your home training to the next level.
The Plated-Loaded Lat Tower is a space-saving strength trainer designed to build your back and shoulder strength. This high-quality Lat Tower combines lat pull down and a low row position...
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References:
- Andersen, Vidar, et al. “Effects of Grip Width on Muscle Strength and Activation in the Lat Pull-Down.” Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, vol. 28, no. 4, Apr. 2014, pp. 1135–1142, https://doi.org/10.1097/jsc.0000000000000232.
Tyler DiGiovanni
Author