The 5 Best Lat Pulldown Machines 2023

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People who workout are often aiming to get that V-shaped back. Luckily, you can achieve this look by targeting your latissimus dorsi muscle.

Lat pulldown machines mainly strengthen those swoon-worthy muscles. Incorporating this machine into your workout regime can improve your posture and stability, which protects your spine.

Take a look at the other advantages of using this machine and our list of the best 5 lat pulldown machines for 2021.

What is a lat pulldown machine?

A lat pulldown machine is a type of strength training equipment. It consists of a metal frame that’s set up with a system of pulleys and cables. The cables are connected to a weight stack.

The exercise involves sitting on the bench facing the bar, with a neutral spine and with your knees under the thigh pads. Your hands on the bar should be wider than shoulder width apart. While squeezing your shoulder blades, you pull down the bar in front of you towards your chin. At the end of the movement, you squeeze your lat muscles and slowly release the bar upwards. However, there are many grip and orientation variations to this exercise to work different muscle groups.

The latissimus dorsi muscle is found in your lower back and is the strongest back muscle.

But, using the lat pulldown machine has so many more benefits. Additionally, there’s primary and secondary activation of other upper body muscle groups including:

How do you choose a lat machine?

If you’re already considering getting a lat machine for home use, you must already have a spacious area. But, there are some specific features of the pulldown machine you should examine carefully.

Weight Capacity: This is the total weight the machine can support. If you lift a lot, you’ll need a higher load.

Type of weight: The weight types can be stacks or standard or olympic plates. As these machines don’t come with weights, plates are more convenient if you already have some. Plus, some machines come with adapters for olympic plates.

Seat and thigh pad: To be comfortable while seated, you’ll want to check to see that these are adjustable.

Attachments: If there are extra pulleys, you could do other exercises on the machine and buy optional accessories. This makes the lat pulldown machine more versatile and you’ll get your money’s worth..

Quality: Most lat pulldown machines are made well but double-check the weight, the material of the frame and cables. That way you know you have solid equipment that won’t break.

Warranty: This is important when replacing or repairing your equipment and to protect your investment.

X-Mark Lat Pulldown Machine (XM-7618)

This lat machine has the highest weight load on our list, which is why it’s the most expensive. The X-Mark Lat Pulldown Machine has a durable 11-gauge steel frame and aircraft quality cables. It has both pulley stations so you can work out your whole body. But there are comparable machines without the hefty price tag.

Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine (GLM83)

The Body-Solid Lat Machine is slightly less expensive than the X-Mark and it has a better warranty. This machine has a heavy-gauge steel frame. The high and low pulley stations allow you to do different exercises. And extra attachments can be bought separately. Although, for $715 USD, it doesn’t offer more than others.

Body-Solid Powerline Pulldown Machine (PLM180X)

Another Body-Solid machine made our list and this machine is suited for people who lift less. The Body-Solid Powerline Lat Machine is also built with a heavy duty gauge frame. It’s a very light machine but it still has the low pulley station, so it can be used in other ways. You can buy optional accessories online.

Vanswe Lat Pulldown Machine (LP003)

The Vanswe Lat Pulldown Machine is the cheapest one on our list. It houses a heavy steel frame. And unlike the previously mentioned machines, both the thigh pads and seat are adjustable. You still get versatility with the high and low pulley stations. But, the weight load is light.

Valor Fitness Plate Loaded Lat Machine (CB-12)

The Valor Fitness Lat Pulldown is again a machine for people who don’t need a heavy weight load. The frame is made of 12-gauge steel while the cable pulley can hold up to 200 lbs. The warranty is still fair. And, you have the options of using the high and low pulleys. Overall, this is a great quality machine for an affordable price.

Before committing to a lat pulldown machine, we suggest actually going into the store and testing it out. Even with the posted specifications, some of these exercise machines are more well-made than others. If the machine comes with multiple pulley stations, you’ve got a great adaptable machine for a full-body workout.