11 Best Lat Pulldown Bars & Attachments (For Mass Building)

Lat Pulldown Bars & Attachments Compared

Different Types Of Lat Pulldown Bars & Attachments 

There are many types of lat pulldown bars. The most common styles still have variations themselves. Let’s break the different types down a bit to better understand what you have to work with. 

Standard Curve

The standard curve bar is the most traditional style pulldown bar. It features a straight middle with ends that curve down to the handles. In most cases, there is knurling on the bar before the curve and just outside the end handles to enable various grips. The straight edge can range between 12 and 36 inches in length.

Straight Bar

D-Handle Curved Bar

Barbell Style

How To Choose The Right Lat Pulldown Bar 

Choosing the right pulldown bar depends a lot on your height, size, and wingspan. It also depends on the type of lat pulldown you may need to perform. Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a one-size-fits-all bar size. So let's take a closer. 

Bar Shape 

The standard shapes are straight bar and curved. There are also rounded bars, which, like the curved bar, bend down to the handles but don't have a straight edge at all. You also have V bars, wavy bars, and many other unconventional shapes. 

Typically, though, for proper form, a straight bar or curved bar is the most popular. For specific workouts, though, you may need to use a non-conventional option. 

Bar Length 

Bar length may be the most important aspect for the movement and form throughout the exercise. It is highly recommended that you get a bar length that allows for a natural grip, which is slightly wider than shoulder-width. This will engage the muscle groups the most. 

Wide grips and close grips are also often used for a variation on the pulldowns. It all depends on your wingspan, though. Smaller users with a large bar can find themselves trying to keep the bar under control and losing form. You want to ensure that the bar length fits your grip in all forms while offering complete control. 

Knurling (Grip) 

The bar grip also varies and is a personal preference. Knurling is simply a dimpling or texture cut into the metal to offer a surface with more grip. Many knurled bars have a rubber or plastic ball stopper on the ends so your hands don’t slide off. 

Other grips include rubber or plastic bicycle-style grips that are easier to hold on to but limit the area you can grab the bar. For the largest range of motion, a knurled bar is recommended. 

Bar Ends 

The bar ends may simply be a handle grip or ball to prevent your hands from sliding off. However, D-grip bars have a perpendicular handle for a wide grip pulldown. Changing the grip position also changes the way your muscles engage, giving you more freedom of motion. 

Fabrication Quality 

Build quality also plays a part in your decision. Solid steel bars are the heaviest but offer the best corrosion protection and won’t dent or become misshapen as fast as other options. Full chrome bars are less expensive but wear down much faster. 

Universal Attachment Option 

Being able to connect to any pulley system is essential for any pulldown bar. You want to find an option that has a universal carabiner attachment or a D-ring clasp that will fit on your cable end. 

Price 

Price is also a concern for many users. While lat pulldown bars are not overly expensive, there is still a wide range of pricing. Once you know what type of bar and grip you need, finding the right model will then come down to price and performance. 

Also see - Our Top Rated Lat Pulldown Machines

1. CAP Barbell LAT Pull Machine Bar

CAP is a name that comes up often when you are dealing with home gym accessories. One of their biggest hits is the lat pulldown bar. This is a heavy bar designed for commercial use and will fit perfectly in your home gym space. 

Our top pick is a curved bar made of solid steel and offers a chrome finish. It does weigh over 10 pounds, making it one of the heaviest bars on the market. However, that heft means it won't bend under weight and is rated at over 800 pounds. 

At four feet long, it is ideal for most users, though those with smaller wingspans may find it harder to use. With a heavy, deep knurl, you may also find you need to wear gloves, but you won't have to worry about losing the grip. 

The center swivel works well for standard motions but is a little tight for non-traditional uses (bicep curls, for example). You may require extra lubrication if you decide to use it outside of its intended purpose. 

2. Rogue Stainless Lat Bar 

The curved lat pulldown bar from Rogue Fitness is easily one of the most expensive bars on this list. However, with the price, you get a pulldown that can do anything. This is a professional bar designed for daily and near-constant use. 

Made of solid steel and hand knurled, there aren't any knobs or handles on the end. Instead, it is machined from a single piece of steel and bent to machine specifications by Rogue. 

The 15 pound bar is heavy and takes control to use efficiently. It is also important to support the bar when changing weights so you don’t cause an accident. You should also be mindful of how much lat pulldown weight you are using, so you don't get injured.

However, when you are gripping the slightly aggressive knurl, you feel in total control. All of the focus is placed on your form and the weight and not on your bar. 

You can enjoy the benefits of lat pulldowns with the utmost confidence and won’t feel like you are pulling on a toy. 

The swivel is also perfect, giving you push and pull from any angle without slipping or catching. It also comes with a Rogue stamped black D-ring to connect to your cable and start using out of the box. 

3. Ulalov U-Shaped Lat Pulldown Bar 

The Ulalov pulldown bar is another solid steel bar that utilizes the U-shape with D-shaped handles for a comfortable grip at any wingspan. This bar is a universal fit for any cable machine and can be used for pulldowns, rows, triceps press, and more. 

The 8-pound bar has a precision bend and non-slip grips on the straight edge and handle centers. The position doesn't matter here, so you can use it in any direction for pushing, pulling, or rows. 

The center swivel moves freely without sound or catching, too. You won’t jerk or pull when you expect to glide, and using this bar lets you focus on the weight and your form. At 27 inches, it isn't the best option for an extra-wide grip lat pulldown, but with the end handles you can push elbows out or in to achieve the same results. 

4. A2ZCARE Lat Pulldown V-Bar 

The V-shape pulldown bar has many purposes, and one of the best is for seated rows. It forces close grip and elbows in for a proper form. You can also use it for triceps pulls, lat pulldowns, hammer throws, and much more. 

The solid steel V-shaped bar from A2ZCare is a solid piece of equipment with expert welds and rated for over 800 pounds of use. There is a single centered hole for your cable or carabiner (not included) that measured 0.53 inches in diameter. 

The knurled grip on the handles is slightly aggressive, so you may want to wear gloves. However, the 1-year warranty and 60-day free return policy speak volumes. 

Where other brands don’t even offer a warranty, A2ZCare gives you the chance to try it out and return it, no questions asked. 

5. HulkFit Heavy Duty LAT Pull Bar

HulkFit offers one of the best lat pulldown combo bar sets available. With 5 different widths to choose from, you can focus your pulls on different muscle groups simply by changing the bar.

The bars are all made from powder coated heavy duty steel that performs better than expected. Tested at over 800 pounds, these give you a different take on your workouts. Using a mag grip style (palms facing each other, elbows in), your muscle focus becomes more pronounced and exaggerated. 

This combo set includes 5 handles that range from 8 inches to 33 inches wide, giving you an extra close grip to a wide-angle grip. 

If you are looking for a bar set that will add a new challenge to your workouts, you just found it. If you have never used this style of bar before, you are in for a treat. Keep your lat pulldown results from plateauing and use the HulkFit pulldown bars today. 

If you want a recap on these top 5 products, then check out your YouTube video below where we review these top lat pulldown attachments & bars in further detail.

6. Power Systems Premium Bar

Power Systems is a brand of exercise accessories, and their 48-inch lat pulldown bar is by far the most popular. This premium bar features a slight bend, multiple rubber knurled grips, and bulb ends to prevent slipping. 

Everything about this solid, sturdy bar screams perfection, and you can feel it in your hands when you take that initial pull. 

The machined center swivel is designed to fit almost every carabiner and pulley system out there, so you won't have any trouble attaching it to your rig. It also rolls smooth and natural when you pull down or pull up, giving you even more freedom to perform more exercises.

The knurled rubber grips are comfortable in the hand and offer three different grip variations from close, natural, and wide. You won't slip, even when sweaty, with or without gloves. 

48 inches is a bit long for some users, who many find that the additional length (compared to 36 inch bars) is a bit unwieldy. However, for a vast majority of users, there won't be any reach or weight issues, and you can get your workouts completed without needing to switch out bars continuously. 

7. VURESQUE Lat Pulldown Bar

The simple lat pulldown bar from Vuresque is arguably one of the best 36 inch bars on the market. It features comfort grip for multiple handholds and a solid steel construction that give it heft without adding too much weight. 

The knurled rubber grips are found on the straight edge and the end handles. Complete with anti-slip off bulbs, you can work with or without gloves for comfort at all times. 

Made for a close and wide grip, the bar is ideal for shoulder-width pulldowns or elbow-in pulls. With a near-frictionless, 360-degree swivel that fits any pulley, cable, or machine, you will wonder how you ever lifted a pound without it. 

Because of the smaller width of the bar and the 360-degrees swivel, you can also use this bar for reverse grip, pushes, rows, and a wide variety of seated cable exercises. At 800-pound test strength, you can lift to your hearts content. 

8. Garage Fit Lat Pulldown Bar Attachment

For a bar that can do it all and give you the best value for the money, look no further than the Garage Fit lat pulldown bar. This solid steel bar is perfectly balanced, has a great bend, and comes with a non-aggressive knurling to protect your hands without allowing them to slip. 

The rubber tipped ends keep wide grips from sliding off, and center or reverse grips have 8 inches (each side) for holding on. 

The near 10-pound bar is heavy duty and fit for commercial applications but is priced right in with your home gym. From lat pulldowns to triceps pulls and even seated rows, this bar can do it all. 

The center swivel is a bit noisy at times, but a quick dab of machine oil will take care of that. Otherwise, this bar is easily the best value for the money. Get it while it is in stock or regret it later. 

9. Yes4All LAT Cable Attachment

One of the most popular pulldown bars is the straight bar. These small bars are ideal for triceps pulls, rows, curls, and pullovers. At 18 inches, it forces you to keep elbows in and focus on the muscle groups in action. 

The Yes4All model is solid steel with a chrome plating to help prevent damage and corrosion. It does its job, and it does it well. For the price, there isn't a better deal out there. 

The diamond knurled grips extend through most of the handle and allow for forward or reverse grip and for use with or without gloves. There aren’t any anti-slip bulb ends, though, so those with sweaty hands may wish to use gloves at all times. 

Rated for 880 pounds like any standard pulldown bar, the straight bar is ideal for muscle focus and HIIT training with cable systems. The 1-inch diameter handles are easy to hold, and the swivel mount (though it may need oiling) is quiet and works great. 

10. yuhqc Multi-Exerciser Attachment Bar

The multi-exerciser pulldown bar from yuhqc (yeah, we can’t pronounce it either) is one of the most popular M-shaped multi-purpose bars on the market right now. With knurled rubber grips in the curves and ends, along with anti-slip bell end caps, you can work out with or without gloves as your needs see fit. 

This bar is ideal for pulldowns, bicep curls, hammer curls, rows, and many other cable exercises. At only 8 pounds, you won't fight fatigue while you work out, and your grip can stay strong throughout the movement. 

The swivel mount, as with most brands, is the weakest point and this bar is no exception. The weld is strong, but some users have reported slight bends at much higher weights. 

The 30-inch length is ideal for many sitting, standing, and reverse pull movements while providing a wide grip feel without having to reach beyond your comfort level. 

All in all, this M bar is ideal for any home gym that wants versatility from every purchase to maximize usage and storage. 

11. SYL Fitness Straight Bar

The straight bar from SLY Fitness is 2 inches longer than the Yes4 All model listed above, and many users find this ideal. 

The SLY model might be for you if you have larger hands and don't mind replacing grips. Rated at 330 pounds, this straight bar is made for seated and upright rows, triceps pushdowns, hammer curls, and a multitude of other uses. 

At 20-inches, it also fits all hand sizes, and with a foam rubber textured grip, it is comfortable to hold. That is, until it isn't. 

The main problem with foam rubber is that it tends to flatten out over time, and you will find that the grips get uncomfortable after a time. Replacing the grips with a solid rubber when they do wear out will increase your enjoyment of the bar and prolong its usefulness to your routine. 

Aside from this small nuance, this is a great bar to have on hand when you need it. After you use it a few times, though, you will find you need it more often than you first imagined. 

Less Common Lat Pulldown Attachments 

The above mentioned bar types aren’t your only options. There are other styles you can use for different pulldown exercises. Let's cover those as well, so you have all the information before you buy. 

Rope Attachments 

Cable Attachments 

Handles & Foot Straps 

How To Use A Lat Pulldown Bar Correctly 

A lat pulldown is one exercise that engages a lot of various muscle groups. Proper form is essential to perform the move correctly and engage the muscles in the right way, leading to several benefits. 

Unfortunately, lat pulldowns are also easy to perform improperly. Let’s look at the proper steps and form to use when doing this exercise. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How can you make a DIY lat pulldown bar? 

It is possible to make your own pulldown bar, but you really should consider your skills in doing so. Workout equipment needs to be strong, durable, and not break mid-pull to ensure your safety. However, you need a bar, which can be 11-gauge steel, some eyelet bolts with washers and nuts and handles.

In essence, you want to cut your steel to size (36 - 48 inches) and drill a hole directly in the center for the eyelet bolt. This is where the bar will attach to the carabiner and cable. Next, drill at least two more holes equidistant from the ends to attach your handles and ensure all your nuts and bolts are secure and tight. 

What is a good weight for lat pulldown? 

The best weight is one that you can pull down while maintaining form but one that gives you a bit of a challenge. For beginners, you should start with between 75 and 85 pounds (men) or 40 to 50 pounds (women) and work your way up to 250 pounds over time as you get stronger. 

Learn more about optimal lat pulldown weights

How long is a standard lat pulldown bar? 

Standard lat pulldown bars are 36 inches long at the straight part. Many bars are 36 inches overall, but curved bars may extend up to 48 inches total, with the straight part of the bar being 36 inches. 

Do I need several different lat pulldown bars? 

You do not need a lot of different bars to perform a lat pulldown. A standard bar with grips or knurling will allow you to perform standard and wide-grip pulldowns. However, the various bars (short bar, ropes, V bars, etc.) can alter your workouts and give you a pulldown alternative when working out. 

Conclusion

Lat pulldowns, as a compound exercise, are essential to many workout routines. Having the right lat pulldown bar is a critical component to performance, form, and results. While you can use a single, standard pulldown bar, the variations help keep things changing. 

Hopefully, this article has helped you identify the best lat pulldown bar for your needs. If not, take a second look at our top pick. The CAP Barbell LAT Pull Machine Bar is comfortable, has great knurling for non-slip grips, and is made from solid, chrome-finished steel. Overall it is a top pick for many lifters and should be in your home gym, too.