Many people want to create versatile home gyms with limited space, and choosing a power rack with a lat pulldown attachment is one way to make the most of the space you have. This review will cover three of the best power racks with lat pulldowns (and sometimes other attachments as well):
- Valor Fitness BD-7 power rack with lat pull attachment
- Akonza Athletics power rack with lat pull attachment
- XMark Fitness Heavy-Duty multifunctional power cage
What’s the Value of Having a Power Rack With a Lat Pulldown Attachment?
Whether you are building a home gym after just starting lifting or are finally creating a home gym after years of weight training experience, you may have some questions as to why you might want to consider purchasing a power rack with a lat pulldown attachment. Below, we’ll look at some of the reasons why you might want to go with this option:
What are the Benefits of Having a Power Rack With Lat Pulldown Attachment?
You may wonder what benefit there is to purchasing a power rack with the lat pulldown attachment when you could just purchase a stand-alone lat pulldown unit. One notable benefit is the fact that these units are very space-efficient. Unless you have virtually unlimited space, you probably want to make the most of the space you have for creating your home gym. The lat pulldown attachment is usually in the power rack, so you get what is effectively an extra machine without taking up any additional space.
Another very important benefit is versatility. While most of these power racks advertise the lat pulldown, many of them allow the lat cable attachment to detach, so you can do other exercises at well. Some models even allow the cable to adjust, so you effectively have a full cable machine that can allow you to do tricep pulldowns, cable curls, and more.
The last major benefit to consider when deciding whether to go for a power rack with a lat pulldown attachment is the fact that these models tend to be cost-effective. While they are generally more expensive than plain power racks, the fact that you are getting what is basically an extra machine for a slight price hike tends to make this cost difference worth it.
How to Choose a Power Rack With Lat Pulldown Attachment
When you are looking at different options, it is generally a good idea to consider a few things. While everyone’s individual considerations will be different, the following list is a good place to start:
- Set a budget.
- Decide whether you want an adjustable cable, or if the lat pulldown alone is sufficient.
- Decide how strong your power rack needs to be.
- Decide whether you want the lat pulldown attachment to be removable.
Setting a budget ahead of time can help to narrow your options, which can ultimately save you time and let you focus on the details of the models you can afford. Some models also give you the option of first purchasing the power rack and then separately purchasing the lat pulldown attachment, so if you would rather spend money gradually, this option may be better for you.
It is also important to evaluate what you hope to accomplish with the rack. If you really would only use the cable to do lat pulldowns anyway, you may not want to pay extra for a fully-adjustable cable attachment. If you are planning on doing a lot of cable work anyway, paying the extra for the adjustable attachment may be worth it.
It is also wise to think about how strong the power rack itself needs to be. If you squat very heavy weights and/or may drop the weight onto the safeties a stronger gauge of steel would be recommended. Similarly, thinking about what features you need in a power rack can help you narrow down choices. Do you want closer-spaced holes? Is there a certain style of j-hook that you prefer? Making a list of what you want outside of the lat pulldown can help guide your search.
Best Power Rack with Lat Pulldown Reviews
While there are many options available for purchase, we have included three popular models. These reviews are not exhaustive, but they are designed to give you a sense of whether each one may be a good fit for you.
Valor Fitness BD-7 Power Cage
This affordable power rack has some great features not typically included in models as affordable as it is. While the manufacturer does not mention the gauge of the steel used, the safeties and j-hooks are rated to hold 500 pounds. While the safeties and j-hooks have a basic straight-pin with bar catch design, this model really stands out in terms of its lat pulldown attachment. While this cable attachment is not fully adjustable, it has a top and bottom attachment for versatility. This model also includes plate storage pegs for convenience.
Pros:
- The cable can be used at the top or bottom of the unit, so you can do more cable exercises than just the lat pulldown.
- Includes plate storage.
- Solid steel frame construction.
Cons:
- Plain j-hooks have a bar catch at 90 degrees, so unracking and re-racking may be challenging.
- The manufacturer does not lose hole spacing or steel gauge used.
Akonza Athletics Power Cage
This very affordable model has some surprising features. While the manufacturer does not specify steel gauge used, this power rack is rated to hold 700 pounds maximum, and each bar holder is rated at 500 pounds. Like the Valor model, this model has basic round steel safeties and j-hooks with bar stops at 90 degrees. This model also has a plate-loading lat attachment as well as a lower pulley for upright or low rows, cable curls, and more. It also features a pull-up attachment with ergonomic handles. This model features plate storage options as well. The manufacturer does not specify the spacing between holes.
Pros:
- Very affordable, especially given its features.
- Includes plate storage, which is usually only found on higher-priced models
- Both high and low cable attachments for a variety of exercises.
- More ergonomic pull-up attachment.
Cons:
- The manufacturer does not specify steel gauge.
- Some users may prefer wider or padded safety bars and j-hooks.
XMark Fitness Heavy Duty Power Cage
This is a more expensive option, but buyers also have the option of purchasing the power rack alone and purchasing the lat pulldown attachment separately. Like the other models, this one has both a low-cable and high-cable option, and holes are closely spaced at two inches for precision. This model is made of 11-gauge steel, which is the standard used by many commercial gyms. It also includes leaves to adapt between standard and Olympic plates, and it includes plate storage pegs. It also includes tricep dip bars, wider safeties, and j-hooks with a slight lip for ease of reracking.
Pros:
- Users can buy the lat pulldown attachment separately if desired.
- Includes dip bar, ergonomic pull-up bar.
- Better quality j-hooks and safety bars than most models.
Cons:
- It is on the more expensive side.
- Extra parts may make the assembly somewhat challenging.
Our Recommendation
Though each of these racks can be the best power rack for your home gym, the XMark power rack is the winner in terms of value and versatility. While each of these racks has both a high and low cable option, this rack’s quality j-hooks and safety bars and superior 11-gauge steel construction mean that it is well suited to those who want their lifts to be as smooth and secure as possible. Plus, its added features like the included dip bars and ergonomic pull-up attachment mean that you get even more out of the small space the rack takes up.