9 Best Lat Pulldown Bar Attachments For Lats & Upper Back

Why did the cable machine break up with the lat bar?

Because it wasn’t pulling its weight.

My name is Steve Hoyles, and I suck at impromptu jokes.

But I have two decades of experience with lat pulldown bars and attachments.

In other words, when it comes to choosing a good lat bar, I’ve got your back…and lats… (I’ll stop now…).

In all seriousness…I honestly believe this page is THE most complete guide on the topic.

Why?

Because it goes beyond experience.

Here’s a small selection of my personal lat pulldown attachments at my 8,000 sq ft commercial gym…

But this guide also plugs into a massive pool of unique data and first-hand experiences.

To be specific…

I’ve compared 105 lat pulldown bars and attachments in 11 quality categories – from materials and finish to grip and geometry.

I had 3 main goals:

1. Pick the bars and attachments that add unique value.
2. Offer insight that you won’t find in the spec sheets.
3. Make the list comprehensive and versatile, yet concise and actionable.

That’s a tall order.

Let’s see if I made it work…

Budget Option

REP Fitness 48” Solid bar

Check the price here

Best Overall

IVANKO Bent Lat Bar

Check the price here

Premium Option

Rogue Stainless lat bar

Check the price here

9 best lat pulldown bars and attachments

1 – Best lat pulldown bar for the money – Ivanko BLB 48”

Rating: 80 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a premium lat bar in the medium price range.

Pros:

• Premium materials, details, and finishes (triple chrome).
• Marked knurling for a precise grip.
• Well-balanced knurl – feels “grippy” but not sharp.
• Great value for money – high-end bar at a decent price.

Cons:

• Finished in chrome – less durable and resistant than stainless steel.

Summary

This Ivanko Bent Lat Bar is the best overall because it strikes the right balance between quality build and price.

The value here is off the charts:

• Most lat pulldown bars of this quality cost 50-100% more.
• The bars in its price range aren’t as well made (structure, knurling, and finishes).
• You get a premium brand without paying a premium price.

If I had to choose one aspect that stands out, it would be the knurling.

It’s just “sharp” enough to never be slippery and passive enough not to cut into your palms. And the spacers on the knurled part take the guesswork out of any lat pulldown exercise.

I’m sure you’ve heard the old “imagine your hands like hooks and pull with your back.”

But what good is imagining anything on a slippery or a sharp bar?

This is the type of lat pulldown bar that actually allows you to do that and blast the lats without losing grip.

Specs

2 – Money-no-object pick – Rogue Stainless Lat Bar

Rating: 72 out of 100

Who it’s for: The no-compromise buyer looking for the absolute best lat pulldown bar.

Pros:

• Stainless steel build and finish.
• Knurled end-to-end.
• Precision build – from the bends to the laser cuts.

Cons:

• Expensive.
• Can be too heavy for some.

Summary

Rogue Stainless Lat Bar is the obvious choice if money is not a huge factor.

A few things that stand out:

• It’s built in the USA using ONLY stainless steel.
• It is heavy but perfectly balanced.
• The attention to detail is impeccable.
• Knurled throughout – a massive plus if more than one person will be using it.

For the conservative buyer and a serious lifter, the decision to get this bar should be all about the grip.

Two key points here are:

1. The knurling feels “grippy” without cutting into your palms.
2. The angles are biomechanically correct, no matter your wingspan.

This allows it to be about 10% thicker compared to your average bar (26 mm) without presenting a grip problem (even for those with small hands).

It means you’ll be working on your grip strength without anything feeling different. Thicker bars = more forearm recruitment.

That grip strength translates to any pulling exercise, it also benefits exercises such as the farmer carry.

The knurling also goes end-to-end, which means it’s equally useful for wide and close-grip pulls.

The latter, combined with the extra thickness, will allow you to shred your lower lats like you hate them.

That gives you the extra thickness in the lower back.

Simply put – as far as classic bars go, there’s nothing to add or take away here.

Specs

3 – Best budget lat pulldown bar – 48” Solid Bar by REP Fitness

Rating: 72 out of 100

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for a solid lat pulldown bar on a budget.

Pros:

• Cheap.
• Full size and good geometry.
• Good knurling.

Cons:

• Chrome build and finish.

Summary

The REP 48-inch is the best budget lat pulldown bar you can get without sacrificing grip width.

In other words – it’s a full-size bar with well-placed knurling that will do the same job as units that cost 3 times as much.

It might not feel as good in hand as the Rogue Stainless or Ivanko.

It also might chip in time.

But it will leave room in your home gym budget for other attachments.

(…or food…)

Specs

4 – Best budget curl lat bar – Revolving Solid Bar by American Barbell

Rating: 70 out of 100

Who it’s for: For anyone looking for a short bar that also works for curls.

Pros:

• Small and light.
• Solid knurling.
• End caps.

Cons:

• Might be too small for some.

Summary

A curved bar like the Revolving Solid from American Barbell is a versatile lat attachment.

That versatility meets the basic needs on the lat pulldown and spills over to low-pulley biceps curls and triceps pushdowns.

This one does a better job at that than similar curls bars.

Two main reasons for that:

1. It’s wider than most curl attachments allowing for shoulder-width pull downs even if you’re a big guy
2. The swivel joint – when working with smaller bars, you want this multi-directional freedom

Finally, it’s conservatively priced.

Specs

5 – Best V-grip lat pulldown attachments – Rogue Grip Triangle and a budget option from A2ZCARE

Who it’s for: For anyone looking to add depth to their pulldown with a close neutral grip but doesn’t want a dedicated attachment.

Pros:

• You can use more weight.
• Versatile – can be used for pulldown and low rows.
• Greater range of motion.
• Potential to bring in rhomboids and traps.

Cons:

• Less lat isolation.
• For advanced lifters, overloading can become a problem.

A moment for the grips

Based on the body of studies comparing grips and muscle activation, the only advice that makes sense is to mix it up.

Medium-to-wide front pronated grip showed the greatest muscle activation for the lats.

Just like you wouldn’t do preacher curls for the rest of your life, you shouldn’t only do wide-grip pulldowns.

This is my point – a well-rounded lat pulldown program includes all grips at different widths.

Summary of the V-grip attachment picks

What does a V-grip do?

It allows you to work the whole back with less biceps activation compared to a medium grip.

What’s better about the V-grips we’re recommending?

Rogue Triangle is a robust piece that feels premium, yields a close-to-perfect grip, and looks cool while doing it.

It also costs a lot.

In fact, you can get a triangle attachment that will do the job for 60-70% less. Our pick in the budget category is the A2ZCARE V-handle.

I don’t know what’s up with that name, but I do know it’s a bargain – solid steel and a nice grip that’s gonna be good enough for 7 out of 10 people.

If you’re looking for the absolute best V-handle lat attachment, go with Rogue Triangle. If you don’t like the price, something basic like the A2ZCARE V-grip handles will do the job.

Specs

6 – Best neutral-grip lat bar (D-handles) – Pro Series Bar by REP Fitness

Who it’s for: For anyone looking to minimize wrist strain and injury risk on lat pulldowns.

Pros:

• Less taxing on the wrists.
• Natural movement.
• Multi-axis rotation of the attachment joint.
• Built and finished in hard chrome.
• Gives you more lifting options with the exercise (overhand, underhand and neutral grip)

Cons:

• Costs more than most D-handles.

Summary

Lat pulldown with neutral-grip D-handles will work the same muscles as a medium-to-wide front grip.

The three main differences are:

1. It’s gentler on the joints and elbows.
2. It will activate the teres major more than a medium grip (because your shoulder socket will be pointing upwards).
3. It will activate other stabilizers like the biceps more. To minimize that, control the path of your elbows and pull them to your side.

Now, sets of neutral grip attachments will be more versatile than a single D-handle bar (this REP is more O-handle, but that’s beside the point).

For most people, however, a single neutral grip attachment will do the trick.

1. It’s better than similar attachments in its price range, primarily because of the multi-axis joint and the hard chrome build.
2. The D-handle bars that cost less aren’t close in build quality.
3. It costs less than more intricate neutral-grip attachments – like sets and multi-grips.

Simply put – it’s the top value among D-handle bars.

Specs

7 – Most versatile neutral-grip lat pulldown attachment – Titan Multi-Grip

Who it’s for: Anyone who feels a neutral grip works for them but doesn’t want to buy multiple bars.

Pros:

• Versatile – replaces a range of neutral-grip attachments.
• Great value for money.
• Thick grips (30 mm).

Cons:

• Cost more than a D-handle bar.
• Not as accurate as neutral-grip sets.

Summary

The Titan multi-grip bar bets the title of most versatile neutral grip lat pulldown attachment for three reasons:

1. It’s more flexible than a basic D-handle bar when it comes to neutral grip options.
2. It’s cheaper than similar multi-grip bars (like Rogues, which costs almost three times as much).
3. It’s more biomechanically accurate than the straight multi-grip bars.

Specs

8 – Best multi-bar set for neutral grip lat pulldowns – Marsafit T-Bar and V-Bar Grip Set

Who it’s for: For anyone looking to maximize lat targeting through biomechanically accurate grips.

Pros:

• Grip angles feel natural.
• Multiple grip widths in the set.
• Cheaper than similar sets.

Cons:

• Welded instead of folded steel handles.

Summary

This Marsafit is the best lat pulldown bar set for two main reasons:

1. It’s biomechanically more accurate than D-handles and multi-grip bars.
2. It costs less than similar sets.

What does “biomechanically accurate? mean”

Let me put it plastically…

If we had to pull something down from above our heads and we could grab it any way we want, we would not use a 90-degree angle grip, be it pronate, neutral, or supinate.

We’d grip it at an angle.

That’s because our shoulder socket is created to allow the hands to pull stuff down and toward our bodies.

Sets like this one emulate that.

What’s better about this one specifically?

The price-to-quality balance would be the short answer to that.

The original Vs. “interpretations”

The “original” set of these bars is made by MAG (Maximum Advantage Grip).

I love the MAGs, and I’m fully aware of the ways in which their superior (folded steel instead of welded and the uniform rubber coating).

I’m also aware that most people won’t like the idea of spending 300 bucks for a set of MAG grips.

So, I’m going with this set from Marsafit.

For three main reasons:

1. It gets the angles right.
2. The coating feels good in hand.
3. I know the brand.

Specs

9 – Top value among multi-attachment lat pulldown sets – Kukuvi

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for an all-in-one lat pulldown set on a budget.

Pros:

• Versatile.
• Cheap.

Cons:

• Not as well made as standalone lat pulldowns.

Summary

This list would not be complete if we didn’t mention one of these cheap Chinese sets.

They cost less than one Rogue bar.

This one stands out as top value because it features both a straight and a curved bar…and it’s usually one or the other.

Furthermore:

1. The build is solid.
2. The shipping is good, with each piece wrapped separately (and this tends to be a common issue with cheap sets like this).

Specs

Buyer’s guide to choosing a lat pulldown bar/attachment

If none of our picks fit the bill or you want to understand the logic and the data behind them, below is a comprehensive buying guide.

I’ll keep it concise whenever possible.

Sometimes, it’s not.

Such is the case with the first point – the grip type.

8 primary factors to consider when choosing a lat pulldown attachment

1 – Grip types of lat pulldown attachments – angles and width

(no specific # of points in our ratings)

This guide is all about bars and attachments.

I’ll keep the grip section short and sweet and aim to do 4 things:

1. Give you a top-level rule of thumb that’s true for any grip.
2. Look at what muscles each lat pulldown exercise hits more.
3. Back all of that up with studies whenever possible.
4. Look at #1-3 in the context of choosing a lat cable attachment.

Lat pulldown is a complex open-chain move that works more than the lats.

Below are the primary and secondary muscles worked:

• Lats and “tereses” (major and minor) are agonists (main muscles worked).
• Rhomboids, traps, rear delts, biceps, forearms, and neck (Levator Scapulae) are synergists (secondary muscles worked, depending on the grip, trunk, and hand position).
• The rotator cuff and triceps help as stabilizers.

Instead of obsessing over what each grip does, focus on performing the lat pulldowns correctly, mixing it up with different grips. There’s value in variety as well.

Most importantly, measure, track, and progress slowly.

If/when the progress stops, reassess.

It means that a comprehensive lat pulldown program will involve different attachments,

But only some will be staple – like your basic lat pulldown bar and a close-grip V-handle.

All the hoopla boils down to two points:

1. Grip width – the differences in lat activation are minor, with the medium grip having a slight advantage. (study)

2. Grip angle – pronated position (overhand) results in more lat stimulation than supinated (underhand). That goes for both the narrow and wide grip. (study).

Underhand grip, on the other hand, has a greater overload potential.

Neutral works the lats and teres major but brings in a bit more trap. It’s a great way to overload the muscle while sparing the wrists.

Studies are immensely useful but will never replace experience.

It can’t account for what you like, where it hurts, and what bores you.

Studies also do not (and can not) cover the intricacies.

Here’s a spicy tidbit to illustrate that…

In my opinion, the closest you can get to isolating the lats are single-handle pulldowns.

Tuck your elbow in and line up your forearm with the cable (imagine it as one straight line), and you practically remove the biceps from the equation.

Why?

Because the lever arm between the resistance force and the elbow joint is minimal (close to zero at points), so the lats do all the work.

That’s why a simple handle is THE most underrated lat pulldown attachment.

You can’t go wrong with a medium-to-wide overhand grip, but you can go wrong with ONLY it.

Mix it up.

If you have a lat pulldown machine or a cable machine, you probably also have handles.

If you don’t, get a pair.

2 – Size/length and grip diameter of the bar

(no specific # of points in our ratings)

This one is pretty intuitive and is not a quality aspect in and of itself.

No size is intrinsically better.

If you understand the principles we went over above, choosing the right size will be straightforward.

I’ll list my 5 rules of thumb for reference and then include a size comparison graph.

My rules of thumb:

1. If you’re averagely built, get a medium-size angled bar (40-48 inches) as your staple.

2. If you’re on a budget, pair your main lat bar with a cheap set of attachments, an extender bar, and good single handles.

A setup like that is crazy versatile and can cost you as little as $150.

3. If you’re on the shorter side and want a classic bar, go for something in the 36 to 40-inch range (like the CAP Deluxe).

4. For the neutral grip, a V-bar handle will be your staple.

For versatility, pair it with a multi-grip bar like the Titan.

Bonus tip: A cheaper alternative to that is the adjuster-handle combo I mentioned above. That adds a ton of versatility.

However, it will be more taxing on your forearms because of the instability. In other words, your grip might fail before your lats do.

For 9 out of 10 people, the grip diameter will be a non-factor since most of these bars are in the sweet range – 1 to 1⅛-inch.

If you have especially small hands, I know of a few bars with less than an inch in diameter. The best among them is this Synergee.

3 – Shape of lat pulldown bars – straight vs. bent (angled)

(no specific # of points in our ratings)

If you’re only getting one lat bar, get a bent one.

It’s easier on the wrists on wide-grip lat pulldowns and has no substantial flaws for any other grip.

You could argue that a shorter straight bar is better for a narrow underhand grip because you can get a stable, firm grip.

That’s probably true but only makes sense if you’re short with a small wingspan.

In this scenario, the extra steel to the side might introduce some instability.

For most people, a bent bar will do the job. You can always use the straight section of a bent bar, should you want to lift a straight bar.

This is also true – a short straight bar will feel better in hand for narrow underhand pulldowns. If you have money to burn and the home gym is your pet project, get both.

‘CAUSE WHY NOT.

4 – Knurled vs. rubber grips on a lat bar

(0 to 4.2 points in our ratings)

For 8 out of 10 people, knurled bars will be the better option in the long run.

Why?

Where do I start…

• The grip is superior.
• Sweat is less of a problem.
• Steel won’t crack or wear out.
• Finally, if knurled steel feels too harsh, you can mimic the comfort of rubber with gloves or a sponge. The opposite is a no-go.

Good knurling is one of the few quality aspects that separates the good from the great brands.

And it only works well with some materials like stainless/bare steel and hard chrome.

With basic chrome bars, rubber grips are a cheap-yet-decent alternative.

5 – Material of the lat bar attachment – structure and finish

(0 to 16.9 points in our ratings)

Most lat pulldown bars are made from steel, chrome, or aluminum.

All three are high-tensile strength materials.

Stainless steel is stronger and more resistant than aluminum and chrome but also costs more.

Either won’t make a substantial difference when using the bar.

The finish is what separates the good from the bad and ugly.

Three key points to keep in mind:

1. Stainless and bare steel will yield a better grip.
2. Bare steel will rust, especially in humid climates and basement gyms.
3. Not all chrome coatings are created equal – check the specs and go for multi-layered or hard chrome.

6 – Build quality of lat bars

(15+ points across a few rated categories)

Build quality is hard to put in numbers, but we did our best to rate it across a few categories.

Four points above others:

1. Termination of the knurling.
2. Machining of the edges.
3. Precision of the welds.
4. Smoothness of movement on any rotating parts.

Here’s the harsh truth – it goes hand in hand with price.

Simply put, if attention to detail is crucial to you, go with some of the high-end brands like Rogue or Ivanko.

7 – Warranty coverage of lat pulldown bars/attachments

(0 to 16.9 points in our ratings)

Warranty is an overlooked factor with lat bars.

The logic usually goes like this, “There’s no way I’m breaking it, so why worry about the warranty?”

That makes all the sense.

Here’s my reasoning…

The warranty tells a story about how well the bar is made.

I’m not suggesting you choose based on the warranty alone.

I am suggesting establishing minimum criteria.

Below are mine:

1. If you’re paying over $100 for a single lat pulldown bar, expect a Lifetime warranty.
2. A commercial warranty is the equivalent of a Lifetime.
3. For your “main bar,” choose one that’s covered for at least 1 year.
4. Only accept 30 or 90-day money-back coverage for the secondary lat attachments.

8 – Price of the lat bar or lat pulldown attachment

(0 to 28.2 points in our ratings)

Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 for a good lat bar/attachment.

Below is a price comparison graph.

Methodology – how we assess, and rate lat pulldown bars and attachments

Below is an overview of the steps we go through to rate a lat pulldown bar.

We take pride in it because it goes beyond opinion and relies on first-hand experiences and data.

Here’s what we did:

1. We created a lat-bar attachment database with 100 units from 34 sources.
2. We split the database into categories to get a well-rounded, non-repetitive list.
3. We defined the quality categories – based on over 13,400 first-hand experiences.
4. We consulted experts to eliminate any blind spots in the rating system – stuff we might be missing.
5. We created the rating formulas for each bar type and tweaked them through 3 iterations.
6. We assessed the top-rated picks and tweaked the list to make it versatile.
7. We update the guide regularly to keep the lat-pulldown picks relevant and “fresh.”

Best lat pulldown bar/attachment – resume and takeaways

It wasn’t easy because the market is absolutely cluttered, but I feel we found some clear winners.

We have the Ivanko bar as the top value overall among classic bars.

We have the top-of-the-line Rogue Stainless as the absolute best lat pulldown bar if money is no object, and REP Fitness 48” Solid Bar as a budget alternative.

We’ve also found some gems among lat attachments.

Whatever your budget and priority, this list should cover it.

Click here to skip back to the top picks table.