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The lat pulldown machine is a gym equipment made specifically for targeting the latissimus dorsi, commonly referred to as the “lats”, without tiring the triceps or biceps.
The latissimus dorsi or lats is a muscle that starts just below the armpits and spreads down and across your back.
Strengthening the lats will help give you a strong back which is an indication of a fit, strong body. A stronger back promotes better posture and better spinal stability. The lat pulldown machine is one of the best equipment you can add to your home gym to help you build your back muscles.
Keep reading for more about the lat pulldown machine and find out which could be the best home lat pulldown machine for you.
A quick look at our Best Lat Pulldown Machines for Home Gym
Best Lat Pulldown Machine – Worth Considering
What Is a Lat Pulldown Machine?
The cable lat pulldown machine targets your lats while also working your shoulders and abdominal muscles.
It consists of a wide metal bar attached to a pulley system of varying resistance (weighted plates for example).
Most lat pulldown machines include a bench with thigh pads to help keep you in a seated position as you pull the bar down to your chin, thus activating your lats.
Ready to make a lat pulldown machine the newest addition to your home gym?
Best lat pulldown machine for home gym that can help you build your back muscles
See below for detailed analyses of the best lat pulldown machine for home gym and why it’s perfect for you:
Rogue LP-2 Lat Pulldown/Low Row Machine
Rogue Fitness is known for making high-quality home gym equipment and their LP-2 Lat Pulldown and Low Row Machine is no different.
Made entirely in the USA, the 775-pound newly redesigned lat pulldown machine stands 9 feet tall with a footprint of 83 x 42 inches.
It features a 300-pound weight stack in 10-pound increments and is made from 3×3 inches precision-machined 11-gauge steel. The weight and the quality of steel used in its construction, all point to an equipment that really means business.
The 6-inch aluminum cable pulleys are a key difference from Rogue’s first version of their Lat Pulldown and Low Row Machine, which were made from Nylon.
New stowable flip-down foot pegs make it easy to get in and out of the machine when using it for lat pulldowns.
And the new swing-arm style hip pad makes for easier and smoother custom adjustments.
Rogue’s lat pulldown machine includes a stainless steel lat pulldown bar that’s fully knurled for a better handgrip.
The wide foam seat connects to the adjustable foam-padded swing-arm style leg roller. The adjustable feature makes it easy to position the roller at a point or level that makes it comfortable for you to work out.
The Rogue LP-2 Lat Pulldown/Low Row Machine ships fully assembled. That means you wouldn’t have to spend some valuable time installing the gym equipment.
The home gym equipment must be bolted securely to the floor for safety. Rogue does not include the mounting hardware, so you’ll have to figure that out for yourself and also make provision for their purchase in your budget.
Each LP-2 lat pulldown machine is made to order, so expect to wait 12-16 weeks before delivery. And if you need to return it, you’ll be charged a 20% restocking fee for the standard black version. Custom color orders and not returnable. That is something to bear in mind. But, given the attention to detail that has gone into the design of the equipment, and the quality control measures that go into its production, we don’t believe the issue of a return will come into the equation
Pricewise, you’ll be shelling out the big bucks for this lat pulldown machine. But if you desire a well-made, high-quality equipment that is built to last, it will be an investment well spent.
Pros
Cons
- Made in the USA
- High-quality equipment
- Robust 11-gauge steel construction.
- Knurled lat pulldown hand grips2 in 1 exercise equipment (lat pulldown and low row)
- Adjustable hip pad
- No assembly required
- Suitable for both commercial and home gyms
- Mounting hardware not included
- Long delivery time
- Non-returnable custom orders
- 20% restocking fee on standard orders
- Expensive – Price at the high end
- Arrives fully assembled – difficult to move without equipment
The Rogue LP-2 Lat Pulldown/Low Row Machine is a heavy-duty beast of a gym equipment that can easily be installed in a home gym, as well as in a commercial setting. It is available to buy directly from Rogue Fitness. The build quality, the height of the equipment, and the weight are evidence of that.
Product Weight: 775 pounds | Product Length: 83 inches | Product Width: 42 inches | Product Height: 108 inches | Foot Print: 83 x 42 inches | Steel Notes: 3×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
Rogue Fitness Monster Lat Pulldown/Low Row (Standalone)
Like the Rogue LP-2, the Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown and Low Row Machine arrives fully assembled.
The weight and height point to the fact that you will need some serious equipment and/or manpower to offload and position it. But it also implies you will not waste any time on assembly. Reserve all your energy for the start of your back muscle strengthening and building journey.
The 605-pound lat pulldown machine for home stands 8 feet tall with a footprint of just 40 x 60 inches. Thus, it wouldn’t take much floor space in your gym, nor will it wobble easily during your training.
It features a 300-pound weight stack in 10-pound increments. It comes with a stainless steel lat pulldown bar and a diamond-tread adjustable footplate for performing low row exercises.
Rogue’s standalone lat pulldown machine includes 6-inch nylon pulleys. These are much larger, compared to other versions of Rogue’s pulldown machines. The larger pulleys help reduce friction and improve the lifespan of the cable. The pulleys themselves come covered with lightweight UHMW. That protects them, and therefore, you, from any potential damage.
The stainless steel bent lat pulldown bar is fully knurled to help give you a firm grip.
Made from quality 3×3 inches precision-machined 11-gauge steel, Rogue never disappoints its customers with quality.
The diamond tread footplate used for low row exercises features 10 different adjustments. That makes it easy for users of all sizes and heights to use without any limitations.
It’s fitted with foam roller hip pads. You can adjust that from 4 inches to 9 inches above the padded seat to give you all the comfort you need when working out. However, this version of Rogue’s lat pulldown machines does not come with the swing-arm feature that you find on the others, like the Rogue LP-2.
Like the Rogue LP-2, you must bolt the Rogue Fitness Monster to the floor to make it more secure and make it safe for you to use. But you won’t find the mounting hardware included in your purchase. Thus, you must make a provision in your budget to purchase that.
For quality that will stand the test of time, the Rogue Fitness Monster is one of your best choices.
But at just a slightly lower price point than the Rogue LP 2, you might as well go for that if you have the ceiling height and floor space for it. That will give you some extra convenient features like the Rogue LP-2 swing arm hip roller pads, aluminum pulleys, and stowable flip-down footpegs.
Pros
Cons
- Made in the USA
- No assembly required
- Fully knurled lat pulldown bar
- Made from high quality steel
- 10 position adjustable diamond-tread footplate
- 2 in 1 exercise capability (lat pulldown and low row)
- Robust 11-gauge steel construction.
- Suitable for both commercial and home gyms
- Pricey. Price at the top end of your budget
- Arrives fully assembled making it difficult to move without equipment
- No swing-arm hip pad roller
- Footplates not stowable
The Rogue Lat Pulldown/Low Row (Standalone) is another high quality heavy-duty beast that can easily fit into any home gym or commercial gym environment, especially where space is at a premium. You can order yours directly from Rogue Fitness Now.
Product Weight: 605 pounds | Product Length: 60 inches | Product Width: 40 inches | Product Height: 96 inches | Steel Notes: 3×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
Titan Fitness Lat Tower
The Titan Fitness Lat Tower is a commercial-grade fitness equipment designed more for the home gym than for the commercial environment.
Titan has kept the height of the Lat Tower to a level that will make it easy to install in most home gyms. Thus, exercisers above 6 feet in height or those with long arms may not be able to use the equipment comfortably.
But the build quality has not been compromised. It is not up to the level offered by Rogue Fitness, but it’s not very far off.
Unlike some of the gym equipment from Titan that have received negative customer feedback on the level of quality, the Lat Tower comes across as a thoughtfully designed heavy beast. That gives the impression Titan Fitness is listening to its customers and has taken steps to address its quality issues.
It is a stand-alone lat pulldown and low row machine. But Titan does not include a low row handle. You might be able to use any handle you have in your gym, if you have one, for the purpose. Otherwise, you must budget for the handle.
Some users may also find the lat pulldown bar a bit short and the knurling a bit aggressive for comfort.
Build quality is quite high and the equipment looks very solidly built. Titan fitness opted to use 3 x 3-inch 11-gauge steel uprights for the Tower, contributing to its 530-pound weight. That helps give it a more solid base and feel.
But we will recommend bolting it to the floor to ensure better stability and peace of mind.
It is very compact with a small footprint. Thus, many will find it easy to install it in their home and garage gyms without worrying about space.
You get some band pegs with the equipment. That allows you to use resistance bands, widening the variety and intensity of exercises you can do with the Lat Tower. Thus seated rows, bent-over rows, pulldowns, etc. are all possible with the equipment
Titan uses a heavy-duty aircraft-grade cable that runs on anodized pulleys that seem to operate smoothly with virtually no resistance.
It comes with a 300-pound single-weight stack in 10-pounds increments allowing you to slowly build up your fitness levels in a way that you find convenient.
It is very versatile. Different footplate and thigh pad positions make it possible for different exercisers of different heights and weights to use.
The seat for the lat pulldowns and the rollers, are well-padded, comfortable, and have vinyl covers. But note that you have to sit on the floor for the low rows.
One notable disappointment is the warranty. The Lat Tower comes with just a 1-year warranty, compared to the Lifetime warranty offered by Rogue Fitness.
Hands down, the Lat Tower could be one of the best products from Titan Fitness. If you are looking for the best but cannot shell out for any of those offered by Rogue Fitness, this will not disappoint.
The Titan Fitness Lat Tower is available to buy from Amazon Now!
Pros
Cons
- Compact, space-saving commercial-grade home gym equipment
- 2 in 1 exercise capability (lat pulldown and low row)
- Good level of adjustability
- High build quality
- Band pegs for resistance bands widen the number of exercise options
- Reasonably priced, compared to rival options
- Versatile for a wide range of exercises
- Could do with better and clearer assembly instructions
- Build quality of Lat pulldown bar below expectation
- Some may find the knurling on the pulldown bar too aggressive for comfort
- May not be ideal for tall users over 6 feet
- Just 1-year warranty
Product Weight: 530 pounds | Product Length: 57 inches | Product Width: 41 inches | Product Height: 87 inches | Steel Notes: 3×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown / Low Row (Rack Mounted)
Our pick for the best home lat pulldown machine – rack-mounted goes to Rogue Fitness yet again.
The Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown and Low Row (Rack Mounted) machine will need a 3×3 inch Monster Series rack or rig for mounting. You can bolt it to either the front, back, or sides of the rack.
The sturdy machine-precisioned 11-gauge steel home gym equipment measures 8 feet tall and has a footprint of 18.75 x 57 inches when you extend the footplate fully.
It comes with a weight stack of 300pounds (in 10-pound increments), stainless steel knurled lat pulldown bar for a safe gripping experience, a diamond-tread adjustable footplate, and 6-inch nylon pulleys.
Thus, you get the same gym quality lat pull down machine as the others, but without the mounting rack. That makes it very attractive to those who have the Monster 3×3 inch rack already installed in their gym.
The foam leg rollers, or hip pad rollers, are adjustable from 4 inches to 9 inches above the seat pad. That means your size or height would not stop you from using the equipment
Like with the standalone versions of Rogue’s lat pulldown machines, you can easily switch from lat pulldown exercises to low row exercises by using the diamond tread footpad. That makes it easy for exercisers to go through their training without any interruption. It also makes it easy for different athletes to use the same machine without the need to waste time trying to set up the equipment.
Like with Rogue’s other lat pulldown machines, the Rogue Monster comes fully assembled. Because of its weight (555 lbs.), it’s difficult to transport without the help of some machinery or a few strong friends.
The Rogue Monster weighs slightly less, has a slightly smaller footprint, and is slightly less expensive than the previously mentioned Rogue lat pulldown machines. That makes it a very attractive option for those with smaller gyms.
But despite the small foot, the quality craftsmanship and high-grade equipment materials stay consistent with the Rogue Monster. And unlike most of the lat pulldown machines on the list, all the Rogue gym equipment listed are fully machined and manufactured in the USA.
Pros
Cons
- Rack mounted for extra stability
- Made in the USA
- Smaller footprint and lighter weight than comparable Rogue Lat pulldown machines
- Made from high quality materials
- Robust 11-gauge steel construction.
- Includes stainless steel knurled lat pulldown bar
- Arrives fully assembled
- Suitable for both commercial and home gyms
- Pricey. Price at the top end of your budget
- Arrives fully assembled and thus difficult to transport
- Requires rack mount to use
The Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown / Low Row (Rack Mounted) is another gym-quality workhorse from Rogue Fitness. It will be suitable for home and commercial gym settings. It will be a good choice for those who already have a Monster Series 3×3 inch rack or rig or those who intend to purchase that separately. It is available to order directly from Rogue Fitness Now.
Product Weight: 555 pounds | Product Length: 57 inches | Product Width: 24.5 inches | Product Height: 96 inches | Steel Notes: 3×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
XMark Lat Pull Down and Low Row Cable Machine
The XMark Lat Pull Down and Low Row Cable machine gives you the most bang for your buck.
It’s a value home gym equipment that doesn’t skimp on quality. But don’t expect it to be up to Rogue Fitness standards.
Weighing in at just 155 pounds, the XMark cable lat pulldown machine is light and compact for smaller home gym setups. It can still hold up to 400 pounds of Olympic size weight plates. But, unlike the Rogue Fitness equipment, you have to make provision for the plates as none come with it.
With both high and low pulley stations, you can complete a wide range of upper body exercises including lat pulldowns, low rows, bicep curls, triceps presses, and shoulder shrugs.
It comes with thick vinyl-covered, sweat and tear-resistant padded seats and a roller for your thigh. Those should help make users comfortable during their training
Both the chrome-plated lat pulldown bar and low row bar with textured rubber handgrips are included as well as a flip-up diamond-tread footplate for use during low row exercise.
It also includes bolted on skid-resistant feet that won’t damage the floors of your home gym.
The XMark Lat Pull Down and Low Row machine requires self-assembly which some users may find somewhat tricky.
And tall people over 6 feet beware, you may find that the XMark lat pulldown machine won’t accommodate your height. Tall users may find their range of motion for lat pulldowns to be less than ideal.
Another thing to note is that the seat pad is not adjustable, so you’ll have to make do with how it comes.
The XMark is a standalone cable lat pulldown machine that can’t be bolted to the ground which is not very ideal. Thus some users will find it a tad unsteady when using heavy weights.
Other users may also find that the diamond-tread footplates and thigh rollers are too small for them to work out comfortably.
Overall XMark makes a very decent quality lat pulldown machine for the price point.
Pros
Cons
- Decent price point
- 400 lb. weight capacity
- Versatile range of exercises
- Lighter and more compact for small home gym setups
- Made from sturdy 11-gauge steel
- Not ideal for tall users over 6 feet
- Thigh roller pad and footplates on the smaller side
- Non-adjustable seat
- Can’t be bolted to the ground for extra stability
- Requires assembly
You can buy the XMark Lat Pulldown Machine from Amazon Now
Product Weight: 155 pounds | Product Length: 56.7 inches | Product Width: 48 inches | Product Height: 84 inches | Maximum Load Capacity: 400 pounds | Steel Notes: 2×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
GDLF Lat Pull Down Machine
The GDLF Lat Pull Down Machine offers an affordable option for home gym users on a budget.
It’s made from sturdy alloy steel and has a recommended max load capacity of 300 pounds. It is compatible with 2-inch Olympic plates and 1-inch standard plates.
Weighing just 58 pounds, the GDLF Lat Pull Down Machine is much lighter than even the XMark. That puts it into the category of an equipment intended for lighter exercisers or novices
It includes 4-position adjustable foam roller thigh pads to fit your height and lock in your position while performing lat pulldowns. The foam seat pad is also 4-position adjustable allowing for users of a wide range of heights.
With both high and low pulley systems, you’ll be able to perform a variety of upper body exercises such as low rows, lat pulldowns, triceps presses, and bicep curls.
Both the lat bar and low row bar have rubber hand grips that make it more comfortable for use. The machine’s base feet are also covered in rubber to prevent skid marks and increase stability.
Assembly is required but the package includes all necessary hardware.
Should you have trouble with assembly or not find the GDLF Lat Pull Down Machine suitable for your needs, the company offers free refunds on undamaged equipment within 30-days.
Although the product is labeled as having a 500-pound weight capacity, users have found it not to be suitable for heavy duty use. No wonder the manufacturer recommends a maximum weight of 350 pounds
Aside from the low weight capacity, many heavily-built users may find the foam seat too small for comfort, while tall users may find the height not good enough for them to train.
The quality is not exceptional but seems consistent with the low and affordable price point. Thus many beginners and those on a low budget will find it a good option to start with. If you’re a workout beginner or plan on lifting light, this could be good home gym equipment. But for heavy lifters, you’ll want to go for one of the other options.
Pros
Cons
- 4- position adjustable seat pad
- 4-position adjustable roller thigh pad
- Compatible with Olympic and standard weight plates
- Rubber handgrips and base feet
- Not ideal for heavy lifters
- Not ideal for tall exercisers
- Seat pad too small for larger users
- Build quality and materials consistent with low price point
You can buy the GDLF Lat Pull Down Machine from Amazon Now
Product Weight: 58 pounds | Product Length: 59 inches | Product Width: 26 inches | Product Height: 77 inches | Recommended Maximum Weight: 350 pounds
Titan Fitness Plate Loaded LAT Tower v2
The compact Titan Fitness Plate Loaded LAT Tower v2 measures 85 inches high with a depth of 57 inches and width of 47 inches, making it ideal for smaller spaces.
Made from tough alloy steel, it’s moderately priced in comparison to other lat pulldown machines of similar quality.
It features an upper and lower pulley station for both lat pull downs, low rows, and a variety of other exercises. Both the lat pulldown bar and low row handles are included and feature rubber textured hand grips.
The dual weight posts measure 13 inches of loadable weight sleeves and can take Olympic size weight plates up to 400 lbs. That should be good enough for many average builders.
Titan Fitness’s lat pulldown machine is standalone but provides the option of four bolt-down holes for extra sturdiness. And Titan Fitness recommends bolting down your home gym equipment if you want to perform upright rows.
Its roller thigh pads are 4-position adjustable to accommodate users of all sizes, though some people have complained the roller pads aren’t large enough for them.
Another common irritation users have found is the lack of smoothness of the trolley sliding along the guide rods. But oiling the cables with WD40 seems to help alleviate this issue.
For the most part, Titan Fitness makes a highly acceptable home gym cable lat pulldown machine. There are a few glitches but nothing major.
Overall, you get your money’s worth for what you pay.
Pros
Cons
- Great for small home gym setups
- Good quality for the price
- Adjustable roller thigh pads
- Loadable plate weight up to 400 pounds
- Bolt holes for extra sturdiness
- Roller thigh pads not large enough for some people
- Trolley slide not very smooth
- Seat is not adjustable
You can order the Titan Fitness LAT Tower v2 from Amazon Now
Product Weight: 120 pounds | Product Length: 57 inches | Product Width: 47 inches | Product Height: 85 inches | Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Deltech Fitness Lat Machine
For the low asking price of the Deltech Fitness lat machine, you get a relatively decent quality home gym equipment. But don’t expect anything fancy.
The frame is made from steel tubing and features zinc-coated hardware, aircraft quality cables, and nylon reinforced pulleys with steel bearings for maximum strength and endurance.
It includes chrome-plated lat pulldown and row bar with a swivel design for a greater range of motion.
Though the row bar appears to have rubber encased handgrips, the lat pulldown bar is simply knurled. This helps give you some good grip during your training
The high-density foam seat and roller thigh pads are covered in sweat and tear-resistant vinyl for long-lasting comfort.
Deltech’s lat pulldown machine is weight plate loadable and includes Olympic adapters and collars for use with whatever style plates you have. No plates are included in the price though. Not a surprise, given the price the gym equipment is on offer.
The standalone design does not need to be rack-mounted or bolted to the floor. This affects the stability of the machine. Thus, some users found the machine to be quite wobbly.
The consensus for self-assembly of the lat pulldown machine is that it’s easy to figure out, even if the instructions aren’t so clear.
By and large, the Deltech Lat Machine is an acceptable quality home gym equipment for value. It is available to buy from Amazon now.
Pros
Cons
- Decent quality product at a reasonably good price
- Adjustable seat and roller thigh pad
- Includes Olympic adapters and collars
- Wobbly for use with higher weight plates
- Assembly may be confusing for some users
Product Weight: 132 pounds | Product Length: 63 inches | Product Width: 24 inches | Product Height: 82 inches
Valor Fitness BD-61 Cable Crossover Station with LAT Pull
If you’re looking for a lat pulldown machine that offers more versatility, then the Valor Fitness Cable Crossover Station could be the one for you.
A fully functioning cable machine, the Valor Fitness Cable Crossover Station includes a lat pull-down bar, 2 single strap handles that attach to the pulley system, a curl/row bar, and a multi-grip pull-up station.
You’ll get a full upper body workout with exercises such as lat pulldowns, rows, curls, triceps presses, crossover chest fly, cable chest press, pull-ups, and single-arm bicep curls when you purchase the Valor Fitness equipment.
The heavy-duty cable machine is made from high-quality steel and stands at 81 inches high with a small footprint of only 50 by 56 inches. That makes it suitable for many home gyms, including those with limited space.
The rubber base caps on each foot ensure extra stability and skid proofing to protect your home gym floors.
It has a 16-position adjustable cable pulley system for performing multiple exercises at different intensities. Additionally, the attachable handle straps are 5-position adjustable to accommodate your height and range of motion.
The Valor Fitness Cable Station is compatible with both 1-inch standard plates and 2-inch Olympic plates and includes 4 plastic Olympic adapter sleeves. That should make the fitness equipment attractive to a wide range of exercisers.
It includes 2 plate store pegs for a more organized home gym and can help provide extra stability. And, you have the option of bolting the cable station to the ground to ensure extra safety and stability.
But for all its exercise versatility and features, the Valor Fitness cable lat pulldown machine has just a 250-pound weight capacity. That is very disappointing as heavy lifters will not find it suitable for their needs.
Despite the low weight capacity, many fitness enthusiasts, especially light lifters and beginners, will find the versatile cable station from Valor Fitness as a welcome addition to their home gym.
One issue to keep in mind when making your choice is the length of the assembly time. It could take an average of about 5 hours for most users to put the equipment together. That would be quite worrying for many people, given that most of us have very little spare time at our disposal
Another concern is that while the overall construction of the machine seems to be acceptable, the included bars and pull-up station aren’t of the best quality.
For the price, the Valor Fitness Station provides a versatile, decently constructed addition to your home gym. It is nowhere near the quality offered by the likes of Rogue Fitness and Titan Fitness. But it is still worth considering, given the features and price,
You can buy the Valor Fitness Cable Crossover Station from Amazon Now
Pros
Cons
- Great price for the quality
- Small footprint
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Cheaply made pulldown and row bars
- Lower quality cable pulleys
- Long assembly time
- 250 weight capacity not ideal for heavy lifters
Product Weight: 62 pounds | Product Length: 68 inches | Product Width: 12 inches | Product Height: 18 inches | Foot Print: 51.25 x 22.5 inches | Steel Notes: 2×2 inches and 2×3 inches 11-Gauge Steel
How To Do a Lat Pulldown
Step 1:
Start by grasping the bar with a wide overhand grip, knuckles pointing up. Hands should be evenly spaced on the bar and wider than shoulder-width apart.
Step 2:
While seated, use your upper body strength to pull the bar down until it reaches just below chin level.
Leaning back slightly is okay but try to maintain a straight torso while pulling down. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the bottom of the move.
Step 3:
Release your shoulder blades and let the bar rise to the starting position. Repeat the move for your desired number of repetitions.
Lat Pulldown Machine Benefits
Improves Posture and Prevents Injury:
The lats are the biggest back muscles that start below your armpit and encompass the entirety of your back. Having a strong back can improve your posture and reduce your risk of back injury.
Great Substitute for Pull-up or Chin-up:
The lat machine pulldown works most of the same muscles as pull ups and chin ups. For people who have difficulty with either exercise, the lat pulldown machine is a good substitute.
Works Your Abdominals:
The seated lat pulldown machine activates your hip flexors and abdominals to stabilize your body while you’re performing it. The exercise may even activate your abdominals more than the pull up or chin up exercise.
Benefits Certain Athletes:
Lat pulldowns can benefit athletes in sports that require a similar pulling motion, like gymnastics, skiing, wrestling, or swimming.
Lat Pulldown Machine Buyers Guide
Quality
Quality matters most when purchasing any home gym equipment. Look for a cable lat pulldown machine made from durable, rust-free metal that will stand the test of time.
Durability
Your lat pulldown machine should be well built to handle long-term use. Over time, metal corrodes. Make sure your machine is made from the highest quality and welded close together to prevent wear and tear.
Look for an equipment with a protective and anti-rust coating on the metal. These have the tendency to withstand harsh weather and environments.
Comfort
If your machine is not comfortable to use during your workout session, you’re less likely to use it. Make sure your lat pulldown machine features comfortable seat pads and handgrips. Look for knurled bar grips or rubber and foam-covered bar grips for more comfortable pulldown and row exercises.
Easy Assembly
Check for ease of assembly before purchasing your lat pulldown machine. If you’re not particularly handy, a more complex machine will take you too long to assemble. At worst, you’ll assemble it wrongly and risk injuring yourself from the faulty assembly.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity for lat pulldown machines differs per equipment. Make sure the one you purchase can hold heavy enough weight for your workouts.
Adjustability
Look for machines that give you the option of certain adjustments. The more adjustments available, the better you can tune the machine to suit your specific requirements.
Bottom Pulley
Check that your machine choice includes both upper and lower bottom pulley for a wider range of exercises.
Accessories/Attachments
Make sure the lat pulldown machine includes the attachments you need, such as a low row bar, lat pulldown bar, weight plates, etc. Some brands offer these attachments separately and would add to the overall purchase price
Warranty
Check that the brand you’re purchasing from includes a warranty. It’s common for home gym equipment to ship with missing pieces or even damaged components. Make sure possible returns, refunds, replacement of missing components, etc. can be done without headaches.
FAQs
Is a lat pulldown machine worth it?
The lat pulldown machine works the major muscles in your back. It targets your lat muscles specifically, without tiring out your triceps or bicep muscles.
The cable lat pulldown machine is worth it if you cannot perform other back exercises, such as the pull up or chin up. For those looking to build a wider torso, the lat pulldown machine can help.
Are Lat Pulldowns the same as Pull-Ups?
Lat pulldowns are not the same as pull ups, but they do work most of the same muscles. However, lat pulldowns may activate the abdominals slightly more than pull-ups. The lat pulldown exercise is a good alternative to pull ups or chin-ups.
Final Words From LiveLife
A lat pulldown machine may not be high on the must-have equipment for many home gyms. But if you want a fitness equipment that can help you build your back muscles effectively, then having one in your garage gym will be a welcome addition.
If money is not an object and you are looking for the best, or if you are looking for an equipment with all the qualities and features of a commercial product, then the Rogue Monster Lat Pulldown should be the one to choose. But any of those offered by Rogue Fitness should do in this instance as well.
The Rogue equipment are arguably the best on our list. They have all the features and qualities you will want in your home gym equipment, including, excellent build quality, exceptional stability, and a lifetime warranty. But you need to have some deep pockets to lay your hands on any of them.
Thus, for most of us, the price offered by the Rogue Fitness lat pulldown machines puts it out of our reach.
That makes the Titan Fitness Lat Tower the best compromise. It should be on top of your list if you want the best well-priced high-quality lat pulldown machine with a weight stack for your home gym or personal training studio. And, it will not disappoint. It doesn’t match the qualities and features of those from Rogue Fitness. But it will be a great alternative for many.
Having said that any of the listed lat pulldown machines should serve you well if you opt for one of them to match your budget.