Every January, there's one machine that tends to have the longest lines of people waiting to use it. I'm talking, of course, about the lat pull-down machine.
Sure, other weightlifting machines can get busy, but there's just something about lat pull-downs that can seem to gather crowds. The best lat pull-down machines are simple to use, and I'd argue that this is their biggest draw. Absolute beginners to home gym equipment can take a seat at the lat pull-down machine and figure out relatively quickly how to use it (even if their form might not be perfect).
Do lat pull-down machines really deserve all the popularity they have? You bet! Lat pull-down machines are one of the best pieces of equipment that you can use to achieve your fitness goals, regardless of whether you're going after muscle mass, strength, power, or endurance. Lat pull-down machines are durable, quiet, and effective. Most surprisingly, they are great pieces of equipment for saving space and getting in a great workout
What qualifies a piece of equipment to be labeled as one of the best lat pull-down machines? It all comes down to durability, reliability, and the benefits that the machine can offer. That's exactly what the research team here at ACTIVE looks for to ensure we bring you only the best lat pull-down machines.
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The Best Lat Pull-Down Machine - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Lat Pull-down Machine: Force USA Lat Pull-Down
- Best Premium Lat Pull-down Machine: Titan Fitness Lat Tower
- Best Lat Pull-down Machine for Strength Training: REP Fitness Plate Lat Pull-Down
- Best Budget Lat Pull-down Machine: Body-Solid Powerline
- Best Lat Pull-down Machine for Home: Titan Plate Tower
- Best Commercial Lat Pull-down Machine: XMark Lat Pull-Down
- Best Wall Mounted Lat Pull-down Machine: Valor Fitness BD-62
Best Overall Lat Pull-Down Machine - Force USA Lat Pull-Down
SPECS
- Dimensions: 78.7" (L) x 47.2" (W) x 86.6" (H) (Adds 60cm to the depth of the MyRack Base Unit)
- Weight: 70 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 275 lbs.
What qualifies as the best overall lat pull-down machine? Aside from durability and reliability, we wanted to find a lat pull-down machine that was both effective now and a worthwhile investment for years in the future. We wanted something that you could build on.
Maybe it starts as a lat pull-down machine, but then you move into a bigger home and you have a bigger budget. Instead of having to buy a brand-new set of equipment, you can simply add on to what you already have.
In other words, our pick for the best overall lat pull-down machine is going to be perfect for people who understand that their fitness journey doesn't have an end date. It's ongoing and you need equipment that can evolve with you.
Introducing the Force USA Lat Pull-down. This lat pull-down machine attachment allows you to add items to the foundational equipment, allowing you to eventually build a full gym with bench presses, cable cross-overs, a dip station, and much more.
Although this is a lat pull-down attachment, there are many other exercises available for you to perform including the low row, triceps push-down, overhead cable extensions, etc.
For those of you who are worried about space, the base rack measures as follows: 87-inches high by 47-inches wide and 55-inches in diameter. And while the base rack requires some space, the lat pull-down attachment doesn't need much. It simply locks on to the back of the base unit and you won't notice much of a difference in the amount of room that's needed.
Overall, if you're serious about your fitness goals and journey, the Force USA base rack and lat pull-down attachment are a great buy that will be there for your toughest workouts.
What We Like
- Comes with the adaptors for either standard or Olympic weight plates, ensuring you don't have to run out to buy a whole new set
- With weight sleeves that feature a unique welded support bracket and safety stopper, you can max out with peace of mind knowing that your workout is safe
- Allows you to build on the base rack, slowly creating a full gym at a pace that your progress and budget allow for
What We Don't Like
- This is an attachment for the MyRack foundation, so the initial purchase must be the base rack. Depending on your budget and goals, this might be a pain to do, but if you're thinking long-term, this is an excellent option
- You need to do some measuring to account for both the base unit and the lat pull-down attachment
Best Premium Lat Pull-Down Machine - Titan Fitness Lat Tower
SPECS
- Dimensions: 87" (H) x 41" (W) x 57" (D)
- Weight: 530 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 300 lbs.
For those who don't want to wait to build the perfect lat pull-down machine, we move on to our pick for the best premium lat pull-down machine.
A premium piece of fitness equipment goes beyond the expected durability and effectiveness of the machine. There needs to be attention to the little details, and bells and whistles are always welcome.
For that, we chose the Titan Fitness Lat Tower, an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts who are looking to take their workout up a notch with a top-notch piece of equipment. The 300-pound single-weight stack allows you to perform a variety of exercises, including pull-downs, bent-over rows, seated rows, and more. Additionally, it comes with a lat bar and band pegs to enhance your resistance training. With this long-lasting design, you can depend on it to help you meet your fitness goals!
One of the things we really liked was the attention to detail around the seating and knee pads. Not only are they comfy, but they are easily adjustable. While the low row attachment is based on the floor, there is a foot plate for you to secure yourself before starting the exercise.
Let's say that you already have some fitness equipment in a room or basement. Can the Lat Tower fit? This standalone lat pull-down machine is designed to save space, making it perfect for your home gym. This is an elite quality machine that is built solid and ready to handle whatever workout you throw at it.
What We Like
- Titan Fitness includes the lat pull-down barbell, and the one they include with the machine is great. Very strong and sturdy with excellent knurling for a perfect grip for every rep
- It has an impressive weight stack. At 300 lbs. with 10-lb. increments, this is going to be suitable for the majority of fitness goals
- Very comfortable seating that is easy to adjust for any height
What We Don't Like
- Recent reviews show some concern over quality control. One reviewer found they were sent two of the same items but were missing an important part
- The low row is based on the floor, which could be uncomfortable for some people, especially if they don't have a rug or mat
Best Lat Pull-Down Machine for Strength Training - REP Fitness Plate Lat Pull-Down
SPECS
-
Dimensions: (depends on which option you buy)
- 80" (H) x 21.94" (W) x 22.9" (L)
- 93" (H) x 21.94" (W) x 22.9" (L)
- Weight: N/A
- Weight stack capacity: 550 lbs.
How do you build strength? Not a base level of strength, but I'm talking about pushing serious weight around. Fitness studies show that you need to lift between 85% to 100% of your one-repetition maximum (1RM).
If you are serious about pursuing strength, then you know that as you get stronger, you'll need to continuously challenge yourself in order to keep seeing results. The traditional lat pull-down machine will have a weight capacity of around 250 to 300 pounds, which is great in the beginning—but what happens when you're no longer challenged by this? The lat pull-down machine becomes more of a warm-up machine.
The way around this is to buy a lat pull-down machine that's specifically made for chasing after your goals of maximal strength. Our pick for the best lat pull-down machine for strength training is the REP Fitness Plate lat pull-down. Just like the first lat pull-down machine on our list, this is an attachment. What's unique about it is that it's for a power rack base unit, which allows you to build a full gym that is focused on maximal strength training.
The lat and low row attachment is a pulley system that attaches to a PR-4000, PR-5000, Omni, or Apollo half rack. With a 1:1 ratio, this system provides the user with 10 pounds of resistance for every 10-pound weight. These cables are made from high-quality galvanized wire with a raw steel core, and the pulleys are aluminum. This makes for a durable and long-lasting product.
One of the things that we love about this attachment is that you can adjust it accordingly with two height options. This will ensure that it fits the cage you purchase.
What We Like
- The weight capacity is higher than most lat pull-down machines, ensuring you can focus on maximal strength training
- Incredible quality with the cable pulley system
- Height options make it easy to adjust to what you need
What We Don't Like
- This is an attachment, which means you must first buy the foundational piece. This is not going to be a good fit for those who are just looking for a standalone machine.
- This lat pull-down attachment also requires the rear base stabilizer, which is another piece of equipment you have to buy in order to ensure the lat pull-down attachment works
BUY: REP Fitness Plate Lat Pull-Down
Best Budget Lat Pull-Down Machine - Body-Solid Powerline
SPECS
- Dimensions: 48" (L) x 25" (W) x 80" (H)
- Weight: 69 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 250 lbs.
Maybe some of the options so far on this list are prohibitively expensive, but you really want to get a lat pull-down machine for your home gym. You want something that won't break the bank, but you also want a machine that won't literally break as soon as you get it home.
Our pick for the best budget lat pull-down machine combines quality and performance for a reasonable price point. Introducing the Body-Solid Powerline. This machine doubles as a lat pull-down and low row station, but also allows you to perform other popular upper-body exercises like upright rows and triceps push-downs.
Don't let the price fool you. This thing is made of heavy gauge steel construction, ensuring it's going to last for a long time. With a weight capacity of 250 pounds, this lat pull-down machine is going to be a great option for most fitness goals.
The Body-Solid Powerline probably looks exactly like what you used in high school. It provides you with the essentials without unnecessary bells and whistles. If you want a predictably reliable lat pull-down machine to help you get after your fitness goals, Body-Solid Powerline is the machine for you.
What We Like
- Given its dimensions and light weight at 69 lbs., this is going to be a solid choice for both budget shoppers and people with little space
- This exercise system is equipped with dual position 8" foam rollers to keep you secure and patented nylon bushings for a smoother lifting experience
- The 1"-diameter weight posts and electrostatically applied powder-coat finish make this machine exceptionally durable to regular use
What We Don't Like
- Unfortunately, the seat is not adjustable, so be sure to do your research on the measurements before purchasing
- Many reviewers comment on the difficulty of reading and quickly understanding the building instructions
BUY: Body-Solid Powerline
Best Lat Pull-Down Machine for Home: Titan Plate Tower
SPECS
- Dimensions: 85" (H) x 57" (D) x 47" (W)
- Weight: 120 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 400 lbs.
While gyms have been back in business all over the world for more than a year, all-in-one home gyms are still just as popular as they were back in 2020. Since then, brands have been focusing on adding commercial quality to their home use products.
Commercial-grade equipment means that it is manufactured and designed to be used by many people each and every day. If you have a commercial-grade machine for your home use, you can rest assured that it's going to be able to handle whatever workout you're doing, even if you're exercising every day.
With that said, we wanted to find a lat pull-down for the home that was crafted as if it was going into a commercial gym. Our pick for the best lat pull-down machine for home is the Titan Plate Tower. This is a plated-loaded lat tower that is both an effective strength trainer and space saving piece of fitness equipment.
As a way to build muscle and strength, it has dual 13-inch loadable weight plate sleeves. With a 400-pound weight capacity, you can slowly work up to higher intensity workouts that are in line with your experience and goals.
As a way to save space in your home, the Titan Plate Tower doesn't require too much room. It can fit comfortably in most spare rooms, offices, or basements. The only measurement you have to really be aware of is the height. While it's not a wide machine, it does reach 7 feet in height.
The lat bar and low row handle make this tower perfect for targeting your upper body and back muscles. You can perform various types of pull-downs, bent-over rows, seated rows, and more with ease.
What We Like
- There are reinforcement braces between the seat and the main upright to increase the overall stability of the machine
- The machine includes both a lat pull-down barbell and a low row attachment with padded grip handles
- Whether short or tall, these pads will help you comfortably stay in place with four adjustable positions
What We Don't Like
- Quality assurance issues seem to pop up every once in a while with this particular lat pull-down machine. One customer left a review complaining about how the machine didn't come with a cable. Keep an eye out and be sure to double check the box for what is supposed to be in your order
- If you have particularly tough workouts, you might notice that the plastic covering starts to wear down faster. Great way around this is to keep an eye on the machine and do basic maintenance every month
BUY: Titan Plate Tower
Best Commercial Lat Pull-Down Machine - XMark Lat Pull-Down
SPECS
- Dimensions: 56.7" (L) x 48" (W) x 82.7" (H)
- Weight: 155 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 400 lbs.
Continuing with the idea of commercial-grade equipment from our last pick, our next machine is going to be our choice for the best commercial lat pull-down machine. Whether you own and operate a gym or you simply want commercial-grade equipment for your home, the XMark lat pull-down is the way to go.
It is made with 11-gauge steel within a mainframe construction that measures two by three inches. The powder coat finish is scratch and chip resistant, and the unit rests on skid-resistant feet that are also safe for your flooring (although you should always put a rubber mat beneath any fitness equipment).
XMark cables are nylon-coated, made with aircraft quality material, and have a 2,200-pound tensile strength rating to easily handle the 400-pound maximum load capacity. That means you can lift with confidence no matter if you're pulling 100 or 400 pounds of plates.
It might be tough and durable, but it's also comfy, featuring extra-thick Duraguard vinyl cushioning and oversized vinyl thigh pads with chrome end caps that are resistant to sweat and tears. Overall, this lat pull-down machine is made of high-quality materials and it's designed for durability. It has a small footprint and looks great while providing smooth performance.
What We Like
- The included chrome-plated lat pull-down bar and low row bar come with textured rubber hand grips for a comfortable grip
- Made for heavy use in a commercial setting, so if you're buying this for your home, you can rest assured that this machine will be around for a long time
- We recommend opting for the upgraded accessories because they are made from premium cold-rolled steel. This means they are created to be stronger and harder than your average lat pull or low row handle
What We Don't Like
- There are a few quality assurance issues in the reviews; however, these are few and far between and they were all addressed by the company
- You must bolt this machine into the ground if you plan on lifting heavy, especially with the low row attachment, otherwise, you risk the machine tipping over
BUY: XMark Lat Pull-Down
Best Wall-Mounted Lat Pull-Down Machine - Valor Fitness BD-62
SPECS
- Dimensions: 80" (L) x 24.5" (W) x 25" (H)
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Weight stack capacity: 200 lbs.
Valor is a brand that consistently delivers across a variety of fitness equipment, and the lat pull-down machine is no different. While Valor could have fit in most of the categories on this list, we wanted to save it for a spot where it outperformed. That's why it's our pick for the best wall-mounted lat pull-down machine.
Mounting a piece of fitness equipment to a wall is optional, but it's also one of the best ideas for what you could do for a lat pull-down machine. This is especially true if your goal means lifting most of the weight on the stack.
The Valor Fitness BD-62 has a bracket to create a single anchor point for mounting it to the wall. One of the things we really liked about the anchor point is that it's not in your way and it's both functional and aesthetic. Once it's mounted, this lat pull-down machine isn't going anywhere.
Now, let's talk about some of its other features, starting with the fact that this machine is as tough and durable as it is space saving. Unlike some of the other machines on this list, the compact design of this workout equipment is perfect for at-home use, as it takes up little room and can be used for strength training with an included cable system.
The double-bar track provides stability and allows the plate loaded carriage system to glide smoothly along the tracks, supplying resistance. It has 16 positions that the user can choose from to perform different kinds of bilateral and unilateral exercises. With a 1:1 weight ratio, lifting 100 pounds means you're getting 100 pounds of actual resistance. Despite being a slim, standalone piece of equipment, the Valor Fitness BD-62 has a maximum weight load of 200 pounds.
Speaking of all that weight, one of the features that we really like with the BD-62 is that you can use either standard or Olympic plates. This means that if you already have a collection of weight plates—standard or Olympic—you don't have to run out to buy a completely different set. With that said, the Olympic plates will fit as is, but if you are lifting heavy and you want to guarantee that the Olympic plates are securely fashioned, Valor recommends buying their EX-10 Olympic Adapter Sleeve.
Overall, if you want a lat pull-down machine that is super tough with a respectable weight capacity and secure wall mount, this is what you've been looking for. Best of all, the price point is fair, making it a great choice for budget home gym shoppers.
What We Like
- Valor provides a decently generous warranty with 3 years for the frame and 1 year for the cable
- With the BD-62, you can have a world-class gym workout without using up all your living space
- The pulley braces on each side of the adjustment tube allow for a wide range of motion to perform your favorite workouts
What We Don't Like
- Some reviewers mention trouble with mounting it to a wall
- Again, based on reviews, it seems like there can be some quality assurance issues from time to time, but nothing major. The most common complaint in regard to quality assurance was that some of the bolts were missing but quickly replaced by Valor
BUY: Valor Fitness BD-62
Benefits of Lat Pull-Down Machines
The lat pull-down machine has been around for decades. It has maintained its popularity thanks in large part to its numerous benefits including the following:
Ease of Use
The best lat pull-down machines are incredibly easy to use, even for people with no experience working out. While it'll take some practice (and preferably some guidance from a personal trainer) to perfect the form and execution, it's one of the most basic pulling exercises you can do.
Here's how to perform a traditional lat pull-down with overhand grip:
- Sit down in the lat pull-down machine with your feet flat against the floor. Make sure your thighs are underneath the pad and that you're sitting up straight with a tall torso.
- Reach up to grab the bar about shoulder-width apart and ensure an overhand grip.
- Without moving your torso, pull the bar down until it touches your chest. Focus on using your lats to do so and not jerking the weight with momentum.
- Pause for a second at the bottom of the motion before slowly raising the bar back up to its starting position.
- Remember to forcefully engage and contract the lats while performing this exercise, as that is the target muscle. You shouldn't be putting all the work in your shoulders or biceps.
Muscle Development
Lat pull-downs can help you target several major muscles in your back. By simply changing your grip or the angle of the pull, you can activate the latissimus dorsi, trapezius, rhomboids, and rear delts. You'll also target your biceps since they play a supporting role in the pulling movement. This is great—and necessary—for developing a strong and symmetrical back.
Hypertrophy
Continuing with the point above, since the lat pull-down machine can properly target several muscle groups simultaneously, it is an effective way to support goals of muscle growth (hypertrophy). Just be sure to utilize the proven acute variables for muscle growth, which is performing 3-5 sets of 8-12 repetitions.
Strength Building
Lat pull-downs are great for building strength in your upper body as you work against the resistance of the weight plates. Unlike an exercise such as the barbell bench press where you require a spotter when trying to set a new record, the lat pull-down can be done safely whether you are by yourself or with friends who are there to spot you.
Improved Posture
Lat pull-downs can help counteract some of the negative effects that come with sitting all day at a desk. By strengthening your back and shoulders, you can improve your posture and reduce neck pain caused by poor alignment.
Types of Lat Pull-Down Machines
The best lat pull-down machines come in a variety of sizes and styles, so depending on your fitness space you can find the best fit for you. In general, there are three primary types of lat pull-down machines:
Weight Stack Pull-Down Machines
This is the most popular type of lat pull-down machine and the one you'll find in most commercial gyms. This type of pull-down machine has a central weight stack that is attached to the cable pulley system, which is linked up to the bar that you pull down.
This is easily the most convenient type of lat pull-down machine as all the weight you need is right in front of you. There's no need to switch out weight plates. You only need to move a pin in the stack.
Plate-Loaded Pull-Down Machines
Plate-loaded pull-down machines are best for home gyms or commercial gyms that have limited space. Unlike the weight stack pull-down machines, plate-loaded pull-down machines will require you to manually load your desired amount of weight onto the bar. This is both a pro and a con.
It's not super convenient to have to get up and physically move the weight. With that said, depending on the brand you buy, you may have a weight capacity that's higher than the weight stack pull-down machines.
Digital Weight Pull-Down Machines
This type of lat pull-down machine is new and it's slowly starting to show up in both commercial and home gyms. As the name suggests, there's no weight stack and no weight plates. What you will find is a unique combination of coils that generate an electromagnetic field controlled by computer chips and magnets. Together, these elements produce a field of resistance that likens to (and some say even surpasses) what you'll find with a traditional lat pull-down machine.
Many of these types of pull-down machines are required to be mounted on your wall. What's unique about them is that you can do much more of these pull-down machines than just lat pull-downs. Depending on the brand you buy, you can get everything from a simple upper-body workout to a full-body workout.
What to Look for in a Lat Pull-Down Machine
When it comes to selecting the best lat pull-down machine, there are several factors that you should consider.
Weight Capacity
The best lat pull-down machines will have a weight capacity that is suitable for your current strength level as well as any potential future gains. If you're already pretty strong, then you may want to look for something with a higher weight capacity. If you're new to fitness, opting for the standard 250 to 300-pound weight capacity that can be found on most lat pull-down machines.
Durability
No matter what type of fitness equipment you purchase, you want it to last for a long time. Look for lat pull-down machines that are made of high-quality materials and are designed to withstand heavy use.
Size of the Machine
Who doesn't want to dedicate an entire room or basement to a fitness room? Unfortunately, the reality is that many of us just don't have the space for anything more than a few essential pieces of equipment. Thankfully, lat pull-down machines come in a variety of shapes and sizes, making it easy to find one that meets your needs in terms of space and budget.
Budget
Speaking of budget, you should also take cost into consideration when selecting a lat pull-down machine. Plate-loaded pull-down machines tend to be the most affordable while digital weight pull-down machines are usually at the higher end of the price range. Weight stack pull-down machines are in between, offering plenty of quality at an affordable price.
In terms of budget, consider whether you want this purchase to be a long-term investment for yourself and for anyone you want to pass it along to. If you want a machine that'll be around for decades, not a few years, it's worthwhile to pay more.
Solid Reputation
Finally, we highly recommend that you look for equipment that has both a great brand reputation and consistently positive reviews on their products. Reading reviews will give you an idea of other people's experiences with the product, which can help you make a more informed decision.
FAQs About Lat Pull-Down Machines
Is a lat pull-down machine worth it?
Absolutely! Lat pull-down machines are time-tested pieces of fitness equipment that are great for a variety of fitness goals including building upper-body strength and increasing muscle mass. They are a cost-effective investment for your fitness journey. And they are very safe, ensuring you can work out alone even if you are going to use heavier weights.
How many lat pull-downs should I do to build muscle?
Studies show that the recommended acute variables for muscle growth is as follows:Perform 3-5 sets of 8-12 repetitions. Most importantly, you want to use a weight that is heavy enough to ensure you reach muscular failure within that 8-12 rep range. You should not be able to do a single rep more than 12. If you can, increase the weight load.
How heavy should I go on lat pull-downs?
As mentioned above, the best way to ensure muscle growth is to use a weight that will bring you to muscular failure within 8-12 reps. You can do this by starting with lighter weights and gradually increasing your weight load until you find that you're not able to lift more than 12 reps with perfect form.
Do lat pull-downs build biceps?
Yes, lat pull-downs can be a great way to build your biceps as they target the muscles in both your upper and lower arm. However, since the emphasis is on your lats, it's best to combine lat pull-downs with other exercises that are specifically designed to target your biceps such as curls or chin-ups.
About the Author
David has over a decade of experience as a NASM-certified personal trainer, fitness and nutrition specialist, and sports conditioning specialist. David has written blog posts, e-books, training guides, and online courses that cover a range of health and fitness topics.
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