Body Solid Lat Pulldown (PLM180X vs GLM83 vs GSRM40)

During the last few years, the popularity of home gyms has soared. This doesn't seem to be slowing down, and there's continuing to be a rush to get the best home gym equipment as quickly as possible. However, it’s not always obvious what equipment is best for home gyms and can give you the gains you’re looking for. 

Lat pulldown machines are regarded as one of the best ways to exercise your upper body, but there are a lot of different lat pulldown machines to choose from.

In this article, we'll review one of the most popular, the Body Solid lat pulldown machine, and explore the key features to help you decide if it might be right for you. 

The Body Solid lat pulldown machine is competitively priced and is designed to give you a complete upper body workout.

Body Solid makes a few different models, but overall, their products are pretty compact compared to other brands, making them well suited to home or garage gyms. On top of that, they only weigh around 100lbs, so they’re easier to move as needed. 

Despite their lightweight nature, the Body Solid line features a durable steel frame to help protect them from heavy use. 

lat pulldown machine

Body Solid lat pulldown machines are great for use at home, and while some of their range would work in a commercial setting, you may need something with a greater max weight capacity.  


Unique Features Of The Body Solid Lat Pulldown Machines

Lat pulldown machines let you isolate your back muscles in a controlled way.

They focus the exercise on your upper body and work several major muscle groups, which help improve your overall strength. 

They are well suited for home gyms because they let you perform a compound exercise that engages several muscle groups. 

lat muscle

This effectively means it does the job of several machines at once, saving you space, time, and money.

In commercial gyms they allow you to isolate your lats easily and build a broad back that will support you when carrying out other exercises.   

Body Solid lat pulldown machines have a few key features which help them stand out in a crowded market. Here’s a quick breakdown.

Quality Construction 

Body Solid produces machines suitable for commercial or home use. They put a lot of energy into creating durable and long-lasting machines with stainless steel frames and high-quality construction techniques. The company motto is ‘Build For Life,' and they've built machines that live up to that phrase.  

  • Adjustable Seats  
    On top of the overall build quality, Body Solid has taken the time to make their products user friendly too. For example, they have included comfortable, adjustable seats on all their machines to make them easier and safer to use. 
  • Patented Nylon Bushings   
    Bushings are small components that are vital on a lat pulldown machine. Body Solid uses unique nylon to create theirs so that it lasts just as long as the machine itself. This is a small detail, but really important as it helps ensure that the entire piece of equipment lasts longer without the need for replacement parts.  

Smart Design 

Body Solid has been around for over 30 years. In that time, they’ve been refining their designs to better meet user needs. The smart design of their lat pulldown machines makes them well suited for home gyms and easy to use for beginners.  

  • Seated Row Foot Brace   
    Keeping your lower body still when doing a lat pulldown is vital as it allows you to isolate your back compared to pullup. Many people improvise and use resistance bands, but Body Solid has incorporated this into the design so you can get the most of your workout.  
  • Easy Access Plate Load System   
    Loading and unloading plates can be time consuming and challenging for some users, which is why commercial gyms often opt for selectorized machines instead. Body Solid has developed an easy access plate load solution, making it a lot quicker to change to your appropriate weight. This makes it easier to adjust your resistance without interrupting your workout. 
  • No Cable Change Technology   
    Lat pulldown machines can be used in a few different configurations, but this usually means changing the cable position, which can be a bit tricky. Body Solid has developed ‘no cable change’ technology so you can shift positions simply and quickly.  

Safety Features 

While the design and quality are important for gym machines, you need to be sure the right safety level is there so you can work out without any risk to your body. Body Solid is one of the most safety conscious companies, and they've designed their lat pulldown machine to limit any risk of injury. 

  • Comfortable 8” Foam Rollers    
    Body Solid has installed 8-inch foam rollers on their lat pulldown machines to help make it more comfortable to use. This helps to protect your hands from any injuries associated with heavy lifting.  
  • Safe Weight Capacity    
    The Body Solid lat pulldown machine has a weight capacity of 300lbs, which is pretty good for this price point. This makes it appropriate for beginners and experienced lifters. The machine is well balanced, so it can handle the heavy load without any risk of it moving or becoming unsteady during your workout. 

Flexible Price Points 

Body Solid lat pulldown is in the mid-range when it comes to price, but different models are available to suit a variety of budgets. They have a few different machines with features that allow you to strip back or scale up the offering so you can get a lat pulldown that fits with what you want to spend.

Also see - Power Racks with Lat Pulldown Options


4 Body Solid Lat Pulldown Machine Reviews 

1. Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X Lat & Low Row  

Specifications 

Dimensions 

48” x 25” x 80”

Weight 

69 lbs

Maximum Weight Stack 

250 lbs

Warranty 

Yes, lifetime 

The Body Solid Powerline is the most basic lat machine available, but it still offers a great deal of functionality. It can be used for lat pulldowns, tricep extensions, seated and upright rows, and accommodates up to 250lbs of weight which is adequate resistance for most users.  

This lat pulldown machine is lightweight and compact, and noticeably smaller than similar products. This makes it well suited for home use or garage gyms where you may not have as much space.

Despite being smaller than commercial lat pulldown machines, it has a high build quality and is made from heavy-duty stainless steel, which is durable and easy to clean. The foam rollers and nylon bushings make it safe and easy to use, and it offers a smooth lifting experience for users.  

This machine is priced competitively, and considering it can handle 250lbs of plate loaded weights and the materials used, it’s good value. Remember that the plates are sold separately, so you'll have to factor that into the overall cost. Body Solid protects their products with a lifetime guarantee, but you'll need to make sure you register your product online.   

This is a high-quality lat pulldown machine, but it’s definitely not been designed with commercial use in mind. While 250lbs may be plenty for beginner or semi-experienced users, it won’t be enough for veterans. It also lacks some of the functionality of more expensive lat pulldown machines as the seat can’t really be adjusted, and it isn’t compatible with other fittings.  

However, this is a great lat pulldown machine for those who are reasonably new to lifting and don't want or need all the bells and whistles. At this price point, it's offering some good value.  

Pros

  • Affordable 
  • Compact 
  • Quality materials 
  • Good weight capacity for price point 

Cons

  • Basic features only 
  • Lacks versatility / won’t work with some attachments 

2. Body Solid Pro Lat Machine GLM83 

Specifications 

Dimensions 

60” x 32” x 82” 

Weight 

59 lbs 

Maximum Weight Stack 

300 lbs

Warranty 

Yes, lifetime 

The Body Solid Pro Lat Machine is a step up from the Powerline in terms of functionality and versatility. It’s larger, which makes it easier to use for bigger people, but it’s also lighter, so you can still move it easily as needed. It can support up to 300lbs of weight which is enough for almost every user. 

The overall quality of the frame itself is impressive. It’s made from stainless steel and has the same construction quality as the read of the Body Solid line. One criticism we have, though, is the cable attachments, as some users have had issues with them breaking after only a few months. 

It's worth making sure you register the product so you're protected by the warranty if this happens to you. However, all in all, it's a well-made machine, and the warranty helps give that extra level of protection. 

The Body Solid Pro has an extra padded, adjustable seat to help support users. It has a foot brace to help isolate your upper body and maximize your strength gains and works well with a range of different attachments. The intelligent design makes it a very well-rounded machine that works for a variety of different exercises.  

For the Body Solid range, this is in the middle in terms of price, but it's still very affordable compared to other brands and similar machines. It's protected by the Body Solid warranty, and it offers some good value.  

This lat pulldown machine works well in home gyms, but despite being commercial rated, you’re less likely to see it in a commercial gym. It’s suitable for experienced or beginner lifters and offers a great deal of value.  

Pros

  • Good value 
  • Lightweight and easy to move 
  • Well designed 
  • Durable and solid materials

Cons

  • Difficult construction 
  • Cable issues have been reported 

3. Body Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine 

Specifications 

Dimensions 

64” x 46” x 83” 

Weight 

120 lbs

Maximum Weight Stack 

350+ lbs

Warranty 

Yes, lifetime 

At the top of the range is the Body Solid SLM. This machine is noticeably larger than the others but is definitely made with commercial or home gyms in mind. It can accommodate over 350lbs of weight, making it an excellent option for more experienced lifters.  

The SLM has all the same quality you would see in the rest of the Body Solid line but uses heavy-duty steel, which is even sturdier. It's made to be efficient and practical, with the no cable change technology that lets you shift exercises effortlessly.You can easily switch between wide-grip and close-grip pulldowns.

It also has an extra-long bar to accommodate other types of exercises and adjustable hold-down pads, which help to protect your hands. All of this makes it a cut above the rest of the Body Solid range, but unfortunately, it is noticeably heavier, so you shouldn't expect it to be so maneuverable. 

It’s the most expensive lat machine on our list, but it still compares well to other brands. When you consider the design and the weight capacity of the machine, it's actually great value, and you'll be hard-pressed to find another brand offering the same at this price point. It also has the Body Solid guarantee to help protect your investment.  

The Body Solid SLM lat machine is truly multi-purpose and is well suited in a home or commercial gym. It will take up a bit more space, so if you do have a home gym, then you'll need to make sure you have enough room for it. Overall, this lat machine combines performance with practicality well, and it's a pleasure to use.  

Pros

  • Heavy duty stainless steel 
  • High weight capacity 
  • User-friendly adjustable settings 
  • Versatile

Cons

  • Difficult and timely construction 
  • Large 

4. Body Solid GSRM40 Adjustable Seated Row Machine 

Specifications 

Dimensions 

64” x 46” x 83”

Weight 

88 lbs 

Maximum Weight Stack 

250 lbs 

Warranty 

Yes, lifetime 

Lat pulldown machines aren’t for everyone, but Body Solid also produces a popular seated row machine. This is deliberately made to be compact and fit comfortably in a home gym, though it is commercially rated and suitable for commercial gyms too.  

Body Solid has used their experience in this sector to build a high-quality row machine with a solid steel frame. It features adjustable handles and seats to accommodate lots of different sized users and allows you to stack up to 250lbs worth of weight.   

This rowing machine has been built for home use or to be used in smaller gyms. It’s compact, lightweight, and versatile but can still accommodate enough weight for most gym-goers. It's priced well and offers a viable alternative to a lat pulldown machine. A great choice if you want to work out your lats a different way. 

Pros

  • Lightweight  
  • Comfortable with extra padding 
  • Easy to load plates 
  • Great lat workout 

Cons

  • Lower weight capacity of 250 lbs 
  • Limited motion 

Comparing These 3 Body Solid Models 

All of the Body Solid lat pulldown machines offer one thing, quality. The construction quality across them all is excellent, and the materials used are reliable and durable. The warranty backs all this up, so it feels very much like a Body Solid machine is an investment, not a cost.   

As you move up through the range, the user-friendly qualities become more prominent. The extra padding and adjustable features are much more present in the SLM and just make the user experience that much more. Of course, the price point does increase with the SLM too, but the balance has definitely been struck well to give some good value. 

Each of these products has its pros and cons, but if you want a commercial-grade lat pulldown machine with full functionality, then you should go for the Body Line SLM. If you want a really great lat pulldown machine for a home gym, then you should opt for the Body Solid Pro. 

Alternatively, if you have a tight budget but want a well-made but compact piece of equipment, then the Body Line Powerline is best for you. They're all great products, but I would say that the SLM is the only one we would use in a commercial gym.

IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine
Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine
IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine
Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine
-
-
-
156 Reviews
54 Reviews
5 Reviews
$375.00
$535.00
$2,595.00
IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
-
156 Reviews
$375.00
Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine
Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine
-
54 Reviews
$535.00
Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine
Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine
-
5 Reviews
$2,595.00


Comparisons With Other Lat Pulldown Machines 

Rogue Vs Body Solid 

Rogue is a well-known brand and has a good reputation. Their lat pulldown machine is fairly compact, though slightly larger than the Body Solid model, and can handle 300lbs of weight. 

It’s well made and uses the same steel that Body Solid use for their lat pulldown. They’ve introduced a 6-inch pulley on their pulldown machine, which helps protect the cables and increase the longevity of the whole machine. 

The Rogue lat pulldown machine is quite impressive and would work well in a commercial or home setting, but it is less affordable. It's 2 or 3 times more expensive than the Body Solid range, so for many people, it just isn't going to be an option.  

XMark Vs Body Solid

XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable...
448 Reviews
XMark LAT Pull Down and Low Row Cable...
  • VERSATILITY: Features both high and low...
  • STRENGTH: With nylon-coated aircraft quality...
  • STABILITY: 11-gauge steel 2 inch by 3 inch...
  • COMFORT: Extra thick 3 inch sweat and...

XMark is another brand you may well have heard of, and they produce a wide range of fitness products. Their lat pulldown machine is also well made and has a very high weight capacity of 400 pounds, more than most of the Body Solid range.

However, in terms of quality, it probably isn't quite as well constructed, and you wouldn’t expect it to last quite as long.  

The real stand-out quality of the XMark is its versatility. It's set up to quickly shift between several different exercises so you can get a more well-rounded workout. It’s a good size and priced pretty well, making It a viable option for a home gym. It is a reasonable alternative to the Body Solid lat pulldown machine, but it isn’t as durable, so it may be less cost-effective in the long run. 


How To Assemble Body Solid Lat Pulldown Machine 

Assembling the Body Solid lat pulldown machine isn’t too difficult, but it can be intimidating.

We’ve given a step-by-step guide below, but it’s crucial that you follow your owner’s manual so you can set it up and adjust it correctly. Before you get started you will need: 

  • Allen keys (various sizes
  • Open-end wrenches (various sizes) 
  • Box-wrenches (various sizes) 
lat pull down machine

All of these should be included with the machine. 

  1. 1
    Remove all packaging  
  2. 2
    Assemble the base and frame 
    Follow the user manual and attach the main base frame to the frame leveler. Then, attach your main base frame to the rear base frame and the rear vertical frame using washers and nuts to hold it in place.  
  3. 3
    Attach the support frame and top frame 
    Next, attach your angled support into the base unit and secure it in place using washers, nuts, and bolts. Attach the top frame into the angled support frame and connect to the rear vertical frame. Secure in place with washers, nuts and bolts.  
  4. 4
    Add the weights 
    Place two weight stack risers on the main base frame and attach the guide rods and rubber donuts. Slide the rods through the risers and into the mainframe. Add the weight stacks, making sure they are all facing forward, and slide them onto the guide rods. Connect the top plate to the selector rod and then attach guide rods between the top weight stack frame and the mainframe. Tighten all connections and bolts in place. 
  5. 5
    Attach the bars 
    Attach the angular bars to the top frame and secure them in place using washers, nuts, and bolts. Attach the press arm holder to the seated press arm support and connect in place.  
  6. 6
    Attach pulley and cables 
    Attach the pulley platform to the main base frame and two pulley swivels onto the pulley platform. Attach the cable, so it runs from the weights through the pulleys. Attach the handle onto the end and slide on the foam handles.  
  7. 7
    Connect the seat  
    Connect the seat to the main base frame and tighten in place. Attach the seat pad frame and the foam rollers before finally connecting the footplate to the base of the frame.  
  8. 8
    Check your work 
    Make sure all connections are tight and checked before you use the machine. Remember to use the user manual to set this up, as this is only a quick guide.  
man doing tricept rope extensions in a gym

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How often should I replace the cables of these machines? 

It’s worth checking your cables every few weeks for noticeable signs of wear and tear and replacing them as soon as you see an issue. You should expect your cables to last about 3-5 years, but this will depend on the amount of use the machine gets and how heavy you are lifting.  

How long does a Body Solid lat pull down cable last? 

You should expect the cable on a Body Solid lat pull down machine to last about 5 years, depending on the amount of use your machine gets.  

How do I maintain my Body Solid lat pulldown machine? 

Regular cleaning and inspection of the machine every month will help ensure it stays in good condition. Your cable or pulley system can cause you issues, so make sure it's all moving smoothly and that your connections are tightly in place. If you're unsure, then you can consult their user guides or call their helpline.  

What exercises can I do with my Body Solid pulldown machine? 

Lat pull down machines focus the effort on your back, but you can mix it up with a variety of exercises. Here are some suggestions: 

  • Close grip pull downs 
  • Wide grip pull downs 
  • Reverse grip pull downs 
  • Single-arm lat pull downs 
  • High cable rows 
  • Overhead tricep extensions 

Conclusion

IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
156 Reviews
IRON COMPANY Body-Solid LAT Machine
  • Lat Bar and Low Row Bar included
  • 250 lb. weight capacity
  • 1" dia. weight posts
  • Electrostatically applied powder coat finish

Body Solid is a well-known brand, and they know how to make a good lat pulldown machine. Hopefully, this article has helped give you everything you need to know about the brand and the models available to help you find the best machine for you. 

Last Updated on September 8, 2021