6 Best Wall Mounted Lat Pulldown Machines (Rated & Reviewed)

Wall Mounted Lat Pulldown Machines Compared

Wall-Mount Vs Free Standing Lat Pulldown Machines

Wall mounted lat pulldown machines easily have the space saving advantage. But is that all they bring to the game? It isn’t.

Wall mounted systems can be adjusted to fit your exact size, where a free-standing system only allows seat or thigh pad adjustments. Having the proper height between the bar overhead and the seat is important for comfort and proper form.

You will find that wall mounted systems all tend to look alike, though. Free-standing systems have more variety and can fit in with your home gym décor a little easier. Obviously, free standing systems are much heavier, too. This means they tend to have the ability to support more weight for heavy lifters.

For the gym-goer, working out at home is more gym-replicated with a free standing system. However, wall mounted systems are an ideal choice for those looking to have as much equipment as possible for versatile workouts.

Related Article - How Much Weight Should I Lift For Lat Pulldowns?

Wall Mounted Lat Pulldown Machine Buying Guide

When choosing a wall mounted lat pulldown machine, you have a lot of factors to consider. In this section, we will focus on these factors, so you understand what is in the decision ahead of you.

Compact Design/Footprint

Wall mounted machines are famous for their space-saving design. Without a large frame and mounted directly to the wall, the compact designs need to be prevalent. You will find that some models are still quite large. Knowing the space you have for the system setup will be crucial to your final choice.

Ease of Assembly

In most cases, wall mounted systems are much easier to assemble and set up than smith cages and stand alone lat machines. However, getting the pulleys in the right position and running the cables can be tricky. This is extra challenging when there is a lower pulley added, too.

Available Pulley Options

The pulleys will vary in size, construction, and number. Some wall mounted systems will only have a high pulley; some will have two high pulleys. You should also find a low pulley mounted to the wall. Stainless steel pulleys are standard, but higher-end models will have aluminum pulleys. 

Load Capacity

The load capacity is also highly important. If your system can’t support the weights you need to lift, they won’t be very useful. However, the mounts and supports need to be strong enough to consistently lift the weight you are working out with.

Exercise Options

When constructing a home gym, you want components that have more than one use. Wall mounted lat pulldown machines should be able to handle multiple exercises. Low pulleys can be used for bicep curls, glute kicks, and rows. The top pulleys for lat pulldowns, obviously, but also triceps pulls and other high weight workouts.

Quality & Durability

The quality of the machine needs to be high. With low quality pulleys, cables, or mounts, the entire system won't work well. The quality also needs to extend to the lag bolts or pins that secure the system to the wall.

Because the system is meant for home gyms, workouts and high weights, they also need to be durable. With daily use, constant plate changes and drops, it needs to stand up to the test of time and abuse.

Warranty

Warranties will vary from brand to brand and from machine to machine. You need to ensure you read through the warranty to know what is covered, for how long, and how to make a claim. You also need to pay attention to the criteria for starting the warranty.

Coverage terms could include registration, ensuring the system is mounted into brick instead of wood, and other concerns. The coverage time is also essential to understand. Certain parts may have more extended coverage, and it is important to know what you are getting into.

Price

Finally, the price is a crucial part of your final decision making process. You need to find the model that fits all your needs and falls within your budget. Costs vary greatly across brands, sizes, and styles.

Finding the right fit for size, needs, weight limits, and cost is a delicate balance. Once you find it, though, you won't regret your purchase.

1. Valor Fitness BD-62

Our top pick for the best wall mounted lat pulldown machine goes to the BD-62 model from Valor Fitness. If you don't know already, Valor is one of the top home gym equipment brands in the country, and they also sell their wares to commercial gyms.

The quality is unmatched, and this piece will have you working out in all kinds of ways that you never thought possible without a complete setup. Pulldowns are just the beginning. This framed setup does have a slightly complex assembly, so plan for a few hours of head-scratching as you try to decode the pictorial assembly instructions.

However, with patience and a bit of going over everything twice before you start, you will be ready to mount this machine and get to work.

One thing to note is that this machine comes with two welded bolt mounts. The bottom one will go all the way to the floor, so in a finished room, you will need to adjust for your baseboards. Some owners opt to build a riser to put the machine on, while others simply remove or cut their baseboards away. Another option is to add a board for the top mount to keep everything level.

Once fully installed, though, you won't have any wobble issues. The cables glide smoothly, and you can lift an incredible amount of weight without straining the machine. Heavy lifters and powerlifters may find that an upgrade to the pulleys is needed, but for the rest of us, it is fine as-is out of the box. The 3-year frame and 1-year cable warranty are relatively good, too.

The biggest downside is that there isn't much room behind the machine where the weights are. It is designed for standard plates, and you will need a separate Olympic adapter, but 45-pound plates may scrape your walls.

2. Merax Wall Mount Cable Station

Similar to our top pick, the Merax model also mounts to the wall using welded bolt plates. There is a little more room between the wall and the plate rack, but there isn’t an adapter for Olympic plates (though you can make one as a DIY project).

The assembly for this model is easier, but cable routing through the five pulleys can be tricky, so when you get to this part of the assembly, go slow and be methodical.

Once fully installed, you will run into the same mounting issue with the baseboards. However, once you overcome that, you will have an 18-hole adjustable height to work with, allowing you to perform workouts from 16 different positions.

The handles, multi-grip lat pulldown bar, and short bar help you achieve the workout you need, and you can begin the same day it arrives at your door.

The 1-year warranty here is a little light, and we would love to see a longer one. Especially with the quality and durability of this build. But for the cost, this is the best value for the money, and you won't find a more inclusive lat pulldown machine for the price.

3. Ipanda Wall-Mounted Cable Pulley System

If you need to save even more space, a full wall mounted pulley system is for you. Luckily, Ipanda offers the best wall cable pulley out there. This system uses a single arm and dual pulleys to allow you to lift weights, plates, and kettlebells with up to five variances in positioning.

We like that the installation is simple, and for those looking for a quick workout can use lag bolts mounted into a wall stud. However, for a more serious lifter or those needing higher weight limits, you must install into masonry with expansion bolts for the best performance.

One thing you may notice when using this wall mounted pulley arm is that higher weights and strained workouts can cause the weights to swing. While this doesn’t affect the tension on your cables or your lifting, it can cause wall damage. Slower lifting or a weight guide is recommended.

There are two options for pulleys as well. You can order the fixed pulley for lat pulldowns, reverse boats, triceps pulls, and other exercises. However, you probably want the rotating pulleys to open up even more exercises like wood choppers and twists.

It is also advised to order two units. With two arms, you can lift more weights and incorporate even more exercises into your routines, such as cable crossovers, curls, and more.

The pulleys themselves aren't the highest quality, though. For most users, this won't be a problem, but heavier weights will need a pulley upgrade at some point. The lack of a warranty is also cause for a red flag, but there are few reported issues that couldn’t be handled with a phone call.

4. Titan Wall Mounted Pulley Tower V3

If you want reliable, durable, and long-lasting, then Titan may be your answer. Easily one of the most improved home gym brands in recent years, their upgraded models are affordable and durable.

The upgraded Titan V3 is a taller, more durable wall mounted lat pulldown that has features others are missing. The best feature, though, may be in the mounting. Unlike all other framed models, the V3 has an elevated bottom bolt mount.

That's right! You don't have to make adjustments to get around your baseboards anymore. Assembly is straightforward, and while cable routing can give you some pause, it isn’t overly difficult to properly route the cables through the pulleys.

Once installed and assembled, you will have years of reliable service from this 18-position machine. You can perform so many exercises on it there isn’t much need for other equipment in your gym. You will need an adjustable weight bench, of course, but with the ability to accommodate standard and Olympic weights, you can get a full body workout in less than an hour with this one machine.

Everything from pulldowns to glute kicks and even reverse presses (boat pulldowns) are fluid, smooth, and easy. The dual pulley system also pivots, allowing for wood choppers, cable cross-overs, and standing rows.

The only disappointment here besides the 1-year warranty is that they sell out fast. Production is ramped up, but you may have to wait a few weeks if you don’t order soon.

5. Mikolo Fitness LAT and Lift Pulley System

Mikolo offers you a highly affordable wall mounted lat pulldown system with a single pulley, two lengths of cable, two handles, and a weight pin. You don't have to use straps anymore, and the pin will accommodate standard and Olympic plates.

Assembly is easy as there is a single pulley to use. However, the hard part comes in installation and use. This system is designed for two-position workouts. The standard position has the pulley hanging with the weights on one side and you on the other.

If you want to pull (for curls, rows, etc.), you will need to change the pulley position, which can get confusing. Alternatively, you can find additional pulleys by Miloko and install multiples for various uses.

With a 72 and 90-inch cable, you have a lot of space to work with, too. The pulley is smooth and quiet in operation, but the mounting bolts may not be the strongest ever made. Look to upgrade the bolts in time, but out of the box, it will work.

There technically isn’t a warranty on this product, but Miloko does stand behind their equipment. Every call or email will be answered within 12 hours, and for a full year, they will replace any part with little to no hassle.

6. Fitness Lat and Lift Pulley System Home Gym

One of the most popular pulley model wall mounted systems comes from Elikiv. Unlike other arm mounted models, this one uses a base pulley to help guide the weights and prevents swinging.

You can also use the bottom pulley for seated rows, bicep curls, and other low pull exercises. The pulley arm uses two pulleys to help assist you in your workouts by adding strength to allow for more weight used while lifting. In fact, you can load up to 220 pounds on this machine without worry.

The loading pin does away with straps and allows you to use any plate you wish. Olympic weights may slip a little with the 1-inch pin, but adapters or clips will help keep them in place.

You also get three handles included with your purchase giving you added value for your dollar. You get the triceps rope, short lat bar, and double handle pull that allows you to perform over 20 different lifts and pulls at any time.

Extra hooks are used for using the upper or lower pulleys, and there is a convenient hook clip on the pulley arm so you always have them in hand.

The one major concern, which is common with many wall mounted systems, is that it must be installed in masonry. Reinforced stud installs will require you to upgrade your mounting hardware, and even with brick installs, the included hardware may not be the strongest.

Different Types Of Wall Installations

Installing a wall mounted lat pulldown machine can be difficult. Almost every type will come with expansion bolts that require mounting into brick, concrete, or masonry. If you decide to mount into a stud or wood, you will need to use lag bolts. Wood mounting is not recommended for pulley systems.

Determining Mounting Height

Another critical factor is how high to mount. In almost every instance, the non-framed models should be mounted about 78 to 80 inches high. Your lower mount will go about 15 to 16 inches high. Your height, the height of your seat, and the amount of weight you intend to use will all determine the exact height you need.

Always check the documentation that comes with your system to ensure you know what the minimum and maximum heights are for the pulley mounts. If you need to go outside the measurements, you may need a different cable or an additional pulley.

Framed Systems

For framed or caged systems, the install is a little easier. The assembly, though, can be more difficult. Because you are building the frame, you need to get everything right, route the cables and set the frame.

Once the assembly is complete, though, the install is easier. Each frame will have mounting plates that allow you to align the bolt holes easily. Framed systems can also be mounted to a solid or reinforced stud instead of masonry because the system rests on the ground and has feet. The install is more for tip-over security than functionality.

DIY Wall Mounting Options

In essence, a wall mounted lat pulldown machine is simply pulleys, cables, and a mount for weights. Because of this, you can find the individual items and build one yourself.

One thing to keep in mind, though, is that cables and pulleys in home improvement stores aren’t designed for the consistent back and forth motion of a gym workout. When shopping for your parts, make sure the pulley bearings are low friction and the cables are insulated with thick plastic.

You can use carabiners to connect the ends of the cable loops to the handles. You can also find long and short handles at sporting goods stores. For the weights, you have a few options. Either use weight pins and a carabiner, chain, or straps. With straps, you can weave and knot through handles of kettlebells where pins are ideal for plates.

Read More - DIY Pulley System For Home Gyms

Common Exercises When Using Wall-Mounted Lat Pulldown Machines

With a lat pulldown, the most obvious exercise is (surprise!) the lat pulldown. Most often, these are done seated with your thighs secured with a lap pad. However, on a wall mounted system, there generally isn't a bench or seat to use that is secure.

A standing lat pulldown or squatted pulldown is used instead. For a squatted lat pull down, you will use less weight than normal because you are also activating your glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What type of movement are lat pulldowns?

Lat pulldowns are compound movements. Wrists, elbows, shoulders all move during both phases, and it targets the back, spine, and of course, the lat muscles.

Should you go heavy on lat pulldowns?

How heavy you go on a lat pulldown will depend on your goals. If you are looking to build mass, muscle and size, then you want to go heavy. If you are looking for tone and strength, you should go lighter with more reps.

Do lat pulldowns work chest also?

Proper lat pulldowns work the latissimus dorsi muscles in the back and will also activate your forearm and shoulder muscles. The concentric phase also activates the small, deep pectoralis minor muscles in the chest.

Are lat pulldowns better than pull ups?

Your exercise level and strength goals will make the difference. Lat pulldowns are ideal for beginners and those looking to bulk in size and everyone in between. Pull ups, though, activate more muscles and are better for overall strength. The best practice is to incorporate both into your routine.

See Also - Lat Pulldown Vs Pull Ups

Conclusion

The lat pulldown is one of the most common exercises in gyms and bodybuilding workouts around the country. At home, though, it is more challenging to perform without the proper equipment.

Buying a wall mounted lat pulldown will open up this fabulous exercise to your routine and allow for rows, bicep and triceps workouts, and other essential back exercises. Wall mounted versions are less expensive and require less space than a full smith cage or free standing lat pulldown machine. We highly recommend the Valor Fitness BD-62 for it's features and great price point!