Body Solid Lat Pulldown (PLM180X vs GLM83 vs GSRM40)

All About Body Solid Lat Pulldown Machines 

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

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.  

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.  

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. 

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

1. Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X Lat & Low Row  

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.  

2. Body Solid Pro Lat Machine GLM83 

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.  

3. Body Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine 

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.  

4. Body Solid GSRM40 Adjustable Seated Row Machine 

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. 

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.

Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X LAT and Low Row...

Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine

Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine

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152 Reviews

51 Reviews

5 Reviews

$375.00

$535.00

$2,720.00

Body-Solid Powerline PLM180X LAT and Low Row...

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152 Reviews

$375.00

Body-Solid Pro Lat Machine

-

51 Reviews

$535.00

Body-Solid SLM-300G/2 LAT Machine

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5 Reviews

$2,720.00

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 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 

All of these should be included with the machine. 

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: 

Conclusion