Best Power Racks With Lat Pull-Downs (2024)

The centerpiece of any garage gym is often the power rack: a squat rack for your barbell workout, and a home for any attachments you’d like to use. Some of the most common attachments are a lat pull-down and low row add-on. Adding these two elements together can take your home gym to the next level, adding versatility to your gym and variety to your full-body workout program.

If you are looking for your next power rack with access to cable attachments, look no further. We’ve assembled our favorites for the best power racks with lat pulldowns, ranging from solid budget options to the sturdiest power racks and pulley systems money can buy. Read on to find the rack and lat pull-down combo that’s right for you.

RELATED: Black Friday Fitness Equipment Deals

We have had vast experience with the best squat racks over the years, as well as providing you, the consumer, with quality information. Through testing the equipment we review, our testers provide you with firsthand knowledge of the products to help inform your choice in gym equipment.

Our team of certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 trainers, weightlifting coaches, and athletes know what to look for in home gym equipment, because fitness and gym equipment is already part of our lives. We rate each product from 1 to 5 based on a variety of factors, including durability, versatility, stability, and accessory compatibility.

The 8 Best Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs  

• Best Overall Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: REP Ares 2.0
• Most Versatile Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Force USA MyRack
• Best Space-Saving Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3
• Best Outdoor Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0
• Best Budget Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Titan T-3 Series
• Best Garage Gym Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: PRx Build Limitless Full Cage
• Best Value Power Rack With Lat Pull-Down: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym
• Best Customizable Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Bells of Steel Hydra Rack

Best Overall Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: REP Ares 2.0 Cable Attachment Builder

Good for: People who want a smartly-integrated pulley system in their power rack

Best Overall

REP Fitness Ares 2.0

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Upgraded version of Ares cable attachment
• Compatible with PR-4000 and PR-5000 power racks
• Dual weight stacks with 260 lbs each
• Adds cable machine functionality to a power rack
• Built-in micro-adjustment plates
• Low row is updated to seated row height

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comparable in price to the OG Ares
• Customizable rack options
• Compatible with PR-4000 and PR-5000
• Swiveling pulleys
• Built-in micro-adjustment plates
• Adds versatility to a power rack

Cons

• Expensive
• Likely only works with REP racks

Bottom Line

The REP Ares 2.0 is an upgrade of the original REP Fitness Ares Cable Attachment. This functional trainer integration features improvements such as a raised low row attachment point, as well as a deeper set weight stack, to allow for more space within the power rack. The Ares 2.0 comes with dual 260-pound weight stacks, with an option to make them 310 pounds.

REP Fitness constructed the Ares Cable Attachment to be a complete pulley system and functional trainer compatible with the REP PR-4000 and PR-5000. There are 36 pulleys on this attachment—that’s a lot of pulleys—and six attachment points, allowing for lat pull-downs, low rows, cable crossovers, and adjustable heights for the pulleys on the front of the rack.

“There is a lot going on here, but that’s the magic of this system,” says Coop.

The aluminum pulleys are rated for 450 pounds, but the weight stacks don’t go that high. That means you can add band tension or a weight plate for more resistance. However, using the pulleys closer to the max weight range may wear the cables a little faster.

In Coop’s testing of the REP Ares System, the pulleys and cables moved smoothly through every exercise he tested. “Because REP is using a 2:1 ratio on all the pulleys and stacks, you can get enough cable travel length to do just about any movement you want to. It also makes for a super smooth pull,” says Coop.

Because this is set on a power rack, the cables are not as wide as those on the best functional trainers, so some exercises like chest flyes felt a little awkward because of the narrower width. Also, the low row seemed a little lower than it could have been.

The weight stacks will take up a lot of space in the center of the rack. In his testing, the rack could still support most exercises except for adjustable bench work, like an incline bench. The rack can be customizable on the REP website, creating a 4- or 6-post power rack with a multitude of height and depth options. The rack also has colorway options, which is always a nice touch.

Although you can build an entire rack out of the website, either a PR-4000 or 5000, you can also buy the cable attachment by itself, for a starting price of about $2900. Obviously, adding the power rack is only going to ramp the price up, so buying the cable attachment for your rack is a great option, BUT make sure that your squat rack is compatible first. If you don’t have a PR-4000 or 5000, I’d recommend talking to a REP Fitness representative to see if your rack is compatible with the Ares.

The price is a lot, and it has quite a footprint, but if the price is of no concern, this is a great power rack that doubles as a functional trainer.

For more details, read our in-depth REP Ares Cable Attachment review.

If you’re looking to cut down on costs, the REP Athena is a similar modular power rack, but features a plate-loaded pulley system, which reduces materials and shipping weight.

Most Versatile Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Force USA MyRack

Good for: Anyone looking for a power rack to build a versatile home gym

Most Versatile

Force USA MyRack Modular Power Rack

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Use code GGR5 to save 5% on orders over $250

Product Highlights

• Extremely versatile
• Use freestanding or bolted
• 100% customizable

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Modular and extremely versatile
• Performs well after yeas or use
• Easy online buying process
• Price point on the rack is pretty competitive
• Westside hole spacing
• Features a cable crossover attachment.
• Bar storage built-in
• Numbered uprights

Cons

• Thinner uprights with 12-gauge steel
• Attachments use inferior materials
• Powder coat leaves much to be desired
• Numbers on uprights may fade

Bottom Line

The Force USA MyRack is a modular power rack that features every attachment you can think of in a compact rack designed for a home gym. After using and reviewing the rack over the past two years, we stand behind our initial assessment that it's a good option for those that want a rack with a lot of attachments for not a lot of money. It's not the best rack on the market by any means, but it is a novel solution at an affordable price.

When building out a home gym from a power rack, it’s good to have some options as far as attachments go. The Force USA MyRack provides just that; in addition to a lat pull-down and low row, the modular MyRack has a whopping 19 other attachments to choose from. Also, you start with the rack and add the attachments and equipment you want—only paying for exactly what you need.

Made with a slightly thinner 12-gauge steel, the Force USA MyRack is a budget-friendly power rack. The rack is bolted instead of welded, but it is reinforced with backer plates, to strengthen its joints. In our experience, the rack was very sturdy. The uprights are not industry standard at 2.4 inches squared, so you will have to purchase Force USA attachments specific for this piece of equipment.

While there are a multitude of attachments, in our review of the MyRack, a few of the attachments were a little subpar, particularly with the variety of pull-up bars. The multi-grip pull-up bar had a nice knurling, but the other pull-up bar attachments had a surprisingly slick powder coat that wasn’t great for grip.

RELATED: Lat Pulldown Vs Pull-Up

While there is a lat pull-down and low row attachment available for the MyRack, there is also the option of a cable crossover. Additionally, you can purchase a seat attachment for the cable crossover. If you are looking to have both attachments, just purchasing the seat might be a way to save a bit of money, as the price of attachments start to add up. 

To learn more, check out our in-depth Force USA MyRack Review.

This Force USA modular rack will comes with a bit of decision making as you pick and choose your add-on items. If you want your purchase made easy, we suggest the Major Fitness All-In-One Home Gym Power Rack F22.

Best Space-Saving Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3

Good for: Those needing a compact but solid power rack for their home gym

Best Space-Saving

Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• 3×3″ 11-gauge steel
• 5/8″ bolts and fasteners
• Westside spacing
• Pin/pipe safeties
• Rogue Monster Lite compatible

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 11-gauge steel
• Westside spacing
• Compact rack design

Cons

• Some reviews claim the product was damaged during shipping
• Holes are not numbered
• Must be bolted to floor

Bottom Line

The Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3 is a compact and sturdy rack from Rogue Fitness. Compatible with the entire Rogue Monster Lite series, this durable power rack can offer a good amount of versatility

Rogue is one of our favorite manufacturers when it comes to squat racks. The brand always makes a quality product, and the Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3 Rack is no different. Providing a strong frame made from 11-gauge steel, the RML-3 also has a smaller footprint than most competitors, with a total depth of 30 inches. I use this rack at the gym I train out of, and with it rated for a weight capacity of 1,000 pounds, it can handle almost any barbell workout, although the rack needs to be bolted down.

Coop says the R-3 is a incredibly stable rack. “Although it doesn’t have a big footprint, it’s wide with the crossmembers measuring 49 inches hole to hole,” says Coop. “The width gives the R-3 a super sturdy base.”

For the lat pull-down, Rogue offers a cable attachment for the Monster Lite series called the Monster Lite Slinger. Starting at $360, it can be customized for a plate-loaded machine, a weight stack, or even resistance bands. Additionally, a lat pull-down seat and low row can be added, too, if you do not already have a weight bench with leg rollers.

All pieces attach onto one of the uprights, maintaining the compact power rack’s small footprint. Additionally, Rogue’s lat pull-down bar has a very strong knurling on it, a touch that I like.

The Monster Lite Rack has a thick and thin pull-up bar along the top of the rack, as well as 4 band pegs that can be used for banded squats or bench press. Although the rack has a small footprint, the height is 90 inches, which may be high for some garage gyms. If you can not bolt down the rack or it is too tall, it might be wise to consider a half rack or short rack to save space.

RELATED: The Rogue R-3 Power Rack: A Great Option for Your Home Gym

If the Rogue RML-3 dimensions don’t cut it for your home gym, consider the Rogue R-3W Fold Back Wall Mount Rack which can completely fold out of the way when not in use.

Best Outdoor Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0

Good for: People wanting a heavy-duty power rack at an affordable price

Best Outdoor

GIANT Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack with Lat/Low Row

Check Price Use code GGR to save 5%

Product Highlights

• Power rack with lat pulldown/low row attachment
• Extended pipe safeties
• Padded j-cups
• Attachment has a 1:1 ratio (so 20 pounds actually feels like 20 pounds)
• 700-pound weight capacity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable steel tubing
• Lat pulldown/low row attachment with a 1:1 ratio
• Extended pipe safeties and padded J-cups
• 700-pound weight rating
• Laser-cut numbers

Cons

• Long shipping times

Bottom Line

The Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack with Lat/Low Row is a durable, high-value rack that comes with a lat pulldown/low row attachment with a 1:1 ratio. It's one of the best-value rigs for home gym owners.

At GGR, we realize that some home gym owners craft their set-ups in an outdoor shed or their backyards, so they need equipment that can stand up to the elements. We chose the Giant Lifting Garage Gym Power Rack 2.0 because it presents quality construction, durability, and stability, all at a lower price than many competitors—and reviewers with outdoor gyms approve. The plate-loaded cable attachment has a 450-pound weight capacity, so you can really load it up, and operates at a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 10 pounds will feel like 10 pounds.

Plus, you get a multi-grip pull-up bar, padded J-cups, and free shipping with your order. For under $700, that’s a 5 out of 5 value.

As for the squat rack, the build of this rack is solid. The rack is constructed with 2-inch-by-2-inch 14-gauge steel tubing, which gives the rack a weight capacity of 700 pounds. While that’s not the heaviest, it’s certainly enough for most home gym athletes and quite impressive given the price point. I score this rack 4 out of 5 stars for durability.

It’s nothing fancy, but it should hold up for most home gym owners with a 700-pound weight capacity. But from my experience, don’t expect a perfect locked-to-the-ground feel. There was a bit of wobbling when I had 315 pounds on the bar for squats. However, with weight plates on the horns, the wobbling significantly reduced.

Another GGR expert product tester loaded the barbell for 135-pound squats and noticed less wobbling on the GIANT Lifting rack. “It may not be worthwhile for competitive strength athletes because it’s constructed from 14-gauge steel and has a weight rating under 1,000 pounds, but for many folks this is solid option that won’t break the bank,” says our tester.

The numbers are laser cut throughout the uprights, a smooth powder coat finish ensures a tight grip on the pull-up bar, and the 1-inch holes are compatible with multiple power rack attachments. Giant uses extended pipe safeties and gussets on each upright to add stability, so you shouldn’t have to bolt this rack with a lat pull-down to the ground.

This rack is rated for 700 pounds. If you’re looking for a heavier weight capacity without spending more money, we suggest the Titan T-3 Series Power Rack.

Best Budget Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Titan Fitness T-3 Series

Good for: Someone looking for a solid budget-friendly power rack

Best Budget Power Rack

Titan T-3 Series Power Rack

GGR Score: 4.8

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Product Highlights

• 2×3″ 11-gauge steel tubing
• Weight capacity of 1,000 lbs
• Westside spacing
• Bolt-together construction
• Includes J-hooks and weight holders

Pros & Cons

Pros

• More affordable than competitors
• Stable when bolted down
• Bolted panels easier to adjust on uneven surface
• V2 of the T-3 comes in a variety of colors
• V2 of the T-3 has laser-cut holes on the side and front of uprights
• Westside spacing
• Pin/pipe safeties
• 2×3" tubing allows for Titan and other competitors' attachments and add-ons

Cons

• Known for delays and mixing up orders
• Imported materials
• Not the best welds
• J-cups are average at best
• Bolted panels makes for a weaker joint
• Cheaper bolts used

Bottom Line

The Titan T-3 is a good, budget-friendly power rack. It's very similar to one of our favorite racks, the Rogue R-3, but at a much cheaper price thanks to it's imported nature. If you have the ability to bolt down your rack to a platform or concrete foundation and want a rack that won't break the bank, this is a good option.

There are very few power racks we recommend around the $500, simply because the quality tends to drop along with the price, but the Titan Fitness T-3 Series Power Rack is an exception. Coop Mitchell, GGR’s founder and home gym equipment expert, says this is the rack that made Titan a household name among home gym fanatics because it looks and feels like a rack you’d find at a commercial gym for a fraction of the cost.

“When the T-3 came originally on the on the market it was essentially an imported version of the Rogue R-3 Power Rack that was cheaper and not nearly as good,” says Coop. “However, it’s gone through some iterations and now has laser-cut holes and better quality welding.”

The rack has two pull-up bars at the top with two different widths, for the option of working the grip more or less. The rack has an abundance of holes along the uprights’ front, back, and sides, allowing for numerous attachments to be on the rack at once; and also customization on where they can be. The Westside spacing allows for accurate placement of the J-cups and safety bars during bench press and similar exercises. Plus, it has an 1,100-pound weight capacity and customizable height and depth options.

TItan Fitness has been able to address many construction and quality issues that we first noticed in our comparison between the T-3 and Rogue R-3 Power Rack a few years back. Since then, Titan has brought consistency and a cleaner look to its power racks. 

For an additional $350 ($390 for the tall rack), you can get a lat tower and low row attachment to the back of the rack. The 70-pound attachment is plate-loaded, and has a weight capacity of 300 pounds. With the squat cage already starting at $519, this rack and lat pull-down combo presents some great value.

Although many of the quality issues have been addressed since Titan started using robotic welders, some reviewers still claim inconsistency when it comes to quality of the rack. Additionally, the power rack probably should be bolted down since it lacks a real base; Titan recommends it to ensure stability. If you are able to bolt down the Titan T-3 in your garage gym, it’s a great choice for value.

You can learn more about the T-3 Series and the other racks Titan has to offer in our Titan Squat Racks Review.

If you prefer a rack with 3-inch-by-3-inch uprights, the Titan X-3 Power Rack fits the bill and is priced under $800.

Best Garage Gym Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: PRx Build Limitless Full Cage

Good for: Garage gym users needing a durable squat rack at an affordable price

Best Garage Gym Power Rack

PRx Build Limitless Full Cage

GGR Score: 4.8

Check Price Get $64.95 off for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• Two height options
• Made in the USA
• 5/8-inch holes
• Westside hole spacing in bench area
• 9 color options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 9 color options
• Multi-grip pull-up bar
• 1,000-pound weight capacity
• Two height options
• 11-gauge steel

Cons

• Expensive

Bottom Line

The PRx Build Limitless Full Cage is a durable and customizable power rack that comes in 9 colors, has an impressive 1,000-pound weight capacity, and a multi-grip pull-up bar.

So technically, these are all power racks we are recommending for your garage gym, but PRx was built on providing garage-friendly home gym equipment to people who want to make the most of their space. With the PRx Build Limitless Full Cage, you can customize the height (81 or 95 inches), design it in one of 9 colors, and attach a cable machine to increase its versatility.

Let’s talk about the pulley system for a quick second. Yes, it’s an extra cost but by attaching it to your power rack’s pull-up bar you’re taking up less space and still spending less money than buying a standalone cable machine. The plate-loaded pulley attachment has a 600-pound weight capacity with a 1:1 pulley ratio (so 20 pounds really feels like 20) and a 75-inch cable travel length. You can also pick between a high or low pulley, or both.

While we haven’t used the full cage, we have tested and reviewed other racks that are part of PRx’s Build Limitless line. They all have a gritty powder coat, Westside hole spacing through the bench area, great stability, and 5/8-inch holes that should fit other companies’ attachments.

RELATED: PRx Build Limitless Rack Review

The 3-inch-by-3-inch 11-gauge steel and 1,000-pound weight capacity is enough for it to earn a 5 out of 5 on durability. If you’re a taller person and have the ceiling space, we recommend going with the 95-inch tall uprights so you can get a full range of motion on pull-ups and chin-ups.

If you’re thinking about foregoing the lat pulldown feature, we like the PRx Build Limitless Squat Stand for nearly half the price.

Best Value Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym

Good for: Anyone looking for a starter power rack with tremendous value for a home gym

Best Value

Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym

GGR Score: 4

Check Price Save $50 for Black Friday

Product Highlights

• 4-in-1 power rack (power rack, cable pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, and 360° landmine attachment)
• 1,000-pound weight rating
• Dual pulley system with a 2:1 ratio (20 pounds feels like 10)
• 14 adjustment positions
• J-hooks and safety arms
• Band pegs

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4-in-1 power rack
• 1,000-pound weight rating
• Spotter arms and J-cups included
• 35-day money back policy
• Free shipping

Cons

• Holes are not numbered

Bottom Line

The Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym combines four pieces of equipment in one, giving you a power rack, dual pulley system, multi-grip pull-up bar, and landmine attachment all at a reasonable price.

The Major Fitness All-in-One Home Gym is our pick for providing the best bang for your buck. It is not the strongest power rack, nor is it constructed with the strongest steel, as it is built with 14-gauge steel. But for under $1,000 with free shipping, you’re getting a power rack with a 1,000-pound weight capacity, plate-loaded independent cable pulley system, band pegs, a multi-grip pull-up bar, and a landmine attachment.

As GGR founder and home gym equipment expert Coop Mitchell would say, that’s a steal. Plus, it comes in three colorway options (black, red, and white).

The cable system consists of two independent pulleys, meaning two people can use both sides at the same time and still have enough space for someone to squat in the rack. It’s loaded with Olympic weight plates, either iron or bumper, and has a 2:1 ratio, meaning 50 pounds will actually feel like 25. Each side also has 17 adjustable positions, so you can hit just about every angle and muscle group you can think of.

The only major downside is that it only comes with a 1-year warranty, though you do get a 35-day money back guarantee.

This all-in-one home gym might be everything you need in one package. However, if you have a bigger budget, we really like the Vesta Fitness Pro Series 3-in-1 rack with a seamless counter balanced Smith machine bar and a super smooth 2:1 pulley ratio.

Best Customizable Power Rack with Lat Pull-Down: Bells of Steel Hydra Rack

Good for: Strength training enthusiasts wanting a power rack that fits their specific needs

Best Customizable Power Rack

Bells of Steel Hydra 4-Post Power Rack

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Fully customizable
• Free shipping and 30-day money back guarantee
• 3″ x 3″ 11-gauge steel
• Limited lifetime warranty

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fully customizable
• 3" x 3" 11-gauge steel
• Choose your own height and depth
• 5/8" holes with 1" and 2" spacing
• Compatible with a number of attachments
• Free shipping
• 30-day money back guarantee

Cons

• Add-ons quickly increase price
• Only attachments made precisely for 76.2mm x 76.2mm uprights will fit
• Assembly may be challenging to do alone

Bottom Line

The Hydra Rack is a great option for home gym owners looking for a fully customizable rack from a trusted brand.

While we have not had our hands on the Bells of Steel Hydra Rack yet, we are a big fan of the company and in our experience, they have made quality products, like the brand’s 2-in-1 machine we tested and loved: the Reverse Hammer. In terms of squat racks, the Hydra Series provides some of the best customization options on the market.

When I go on the website to customize a power rack, there are 10 steps—ten. With multiple options for rack height and depth, pull-up bars (including a multi-grip pull-up bar or globe grips), and tons of storage and attachment options, this is a rack that is fully adjustable to your needs. With some premade options, you can also build your rack, literally piece by piece.

The rack is high-quality, made of heavy-duty steel, and the uprights are 3 inches by 3 inches with 5/8-inch holes and westside spacing. Rated for 1,000 pounds, the rack is sturdy and durable, although a more shallow rack should probably be bolted down to add stability.

The lat pull-down attachment for the Hydra Rack is $349, and can support both 1-inch standard plates and 2-inch Olympic plates for a max weight of 285 pounds. The Hydra Rack supports tons of other attachments, including a cable crossover and dip station. However, the customization and attachments are sure to make the price tag creep up on you.

If you prefer to buy gym equipment made in the USA, we suggest going for the Rogue RML-3 Monster Lite R-3 rack.

Other Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs We Researched

There are a lot of great power racks with lat pull-down attachments on the market, which made narrowing down our list pretty difficult to say the least. Here are a few others contenders for best power racks with lat pull-downs that didn’t quite make the cut:

Prime Fitness Prodigy Power Rack: In our review of the Prime Fitness Prodigy Power Rack, one of the things that stood out was the immense versatility of the power rack in a compact space. The pulley system and attachments were constructed well, which are typically a second thought when it comes to power racks. However, the J-hooks did not have plastic lining that are typical, and would damage the bar and hooks while using them. It appears Prime FItness has re-designed these hooks to include UHMW lining.

Sorinex XL Series Single Rack: Sorinex makes quality products and their XL Series are no different. The rack is durable and customizable, and in our in-depth review of the XL Rack, Coop says it is one of the best available. However, the rack is more pricey than its competitors; if price is a concern, there are some more affordable options that still provide a quality product.

Rogue RM-3 Monster Rack 2.0: When it comes to racks, Rogue Fitness provides a quality product. The RM-3 is a fantastic rack, but we chose a Rogue rack from their Monster Lite series, as it is less expensive; the main difference between them is the hole and attachment sizing.

How We Picked and Tested

We have looked at and tested many different squat racks, power racks, and cages from a diverse set of brands. So from our experience, we looked at and researched power racks and their attachments, noting the quality and construction of both the power racks and the cable attachments. From there, we tested several machines, both in their ability as a power rack, as well as being a functional full trainer with a lat pull-down.

We did barbell squats (obviously), and also swung around on the pull-up bars for a bit to note the stability of the racks, and their weight capacity. For lat pull-downs we tested, we ran them through a full-body workout, tested out the low row attachment if it had one, and noted the quality and durability of it and other attachments.

FInally, power racks can be expensive. They can be more expensive when you add a lat pull-down attachment. With this in mind, we made sure that each product we recommended provided value for the user, in that it provided a quality product at a reasonable price.

Benefits of Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs

There are many reasons for power racks, both as a squat cage, and as a home gym. The main thing is that the power rack can fit attachments and add versatility to your garage gym. Here are a couple other benefits for investing in a power rack with a lat pull-down:

Full-Body Workout

Power racks are already a piece of fitness equipment where you can workout your entire body with barbell squats, deadlifts, and presses. Recent research¹ suggests you can perform split-body or full-body workouts and still see results in muscle size and power, so don’t worry about how you split things up.

However, adding a lat pull-down to your rack can add some versatility to your workout, giving you a different stimulus. Going from squats with free weights to a triceps push-down with cable resistance adds variety to your exercise routine.

Adding multifunctional elements to your power rack will help you workout the entire body in your home gym, which helps you in your training by being efficient in your workout, and saving time in your workout.

A Home Gym Starter

Power racks are considered the centerpiece of home and garage gyms because they are a great way to begin a home gym. Power racks often have a load of attachments that can be added, and due to their connected four uprights, they often have the weight capacity and stability for these attachments. Most attachments are sold separately as well, so you can start with a power rack, and add the lat pull-down and other attachments down the road.

Space-Saver

Because the attachments are all on one piece of equipment, power racks are a great space saver as well. Keeping a majority of your attachments and workout stations in about a 4-foot-by-4-foot square is helpful in saving room in your home gym. Additionally, some attachments are made for additional storage, such as weight horns or storage pegs.

What to Look for in Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs

There are lots of things to consider when purchasing a power rack, especially if you’re wanting to add a lat pull-down or other attachments. Here are a few main points.

Materials

Looking at a power rack, the main thing we want to consider is the gauge of the steel; remember a lower number is stronger in this case. Most of the strongest power racks and squat stands are built with 11-gauge steel, and have a high weight capacity. Budget-friendly racks are usually constructed with 12- or 14-gauge steel instead. This thinner steel will make the rack less stable at heavier loads, but it will also be less expensive.

What to get will depend on your needs. If you are going to be using a rack for heavy loads, it’d be good to consider a stronger steel frame. If you’re looking to save, 14-gauge steel will work and still be strong enough for most people. These thinner steel frames are typically bolted and have backer plates at the joints to help strengthen the frame.

Pulleys are made of nylon or aluminum; aluminum will wear out cables faster, while nylon will wear out the pulleys more. If there are a lot of pulleys, you may want them to last longer, so aluminum might be a good option. The cables should also be covered in a nylon coating, and generally thicker is better.

Weight Capacity

This is a follow-up on materials. Most budget racks will have a weight capacity of 700 to 800 pounds, give or take. This should be more than enough for most people; generally you want a capacity of twice your max weight to account for dumping or bailing on a lift. If you’re strong enough, however, a budget power rack just may not work. A stronger gauge will get you a better weight capacity, but it will also increase the price more.

Footprint

With power racks, it’s important to not only consider the width and depth of the rack, but also the height. Some racks will simply not fit in a garage with a low ceiling; in this case, it may be wise to look into short racks or half racks, to save on the footprint of the rack.

Adding a lat pull-down to a power rack will take up some space as well. Most attach to the center of the rack, or off of an upright, which will only add a few square inches of floor space here and there. However, some lat pull-downs come as a side extension, such as Force USA’s MyRack cable crossover attachment. This can be nice to have a second workout station for a gym partner, but it will take up a lot more floor space.

FAQs About Power Racks with Lat Pull-Downs

References

1. Pedersen, H., Fimland, M.S., Schoenfeld, B.J. et al. A randomized trial on the efficacy of split-body versus full-body resistance training in non-resistance trained women. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 14, 87 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00481-7

Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

Caine Wilkes is an Olympian, placing 9th in weightlifting at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A former gym owner, he also has more than 15 years of experience coaching other athletes in weightlifting, CrossFit, and functional fitness.

Further reading

Echelon vs Peloton: Which exercise bike is better?

by Anthony O'Reilly CPT, CNC

It’s the battle of the exercise bikes: Echelon vs Peloton. Here’s what to know about both brands, and which is the best fit for your home gym. Read more

Zottman Curl: Build Bigger Biceps and Forearms With This Underrated Arm Exercise

by Ravi Davda, CPT

Zottman curls may not be as popular as barbell or hammer curls, but they help build bigger biceps and forearms. We explain how to do them with proper form. Read more

Thistle Meal Delivery Review (2024): Plant-Forward Meals for Forward Thinkers

by Zach Pierce, CPT, MSc

Explore affordable, premium, plant-based meals in this Thistle meal delivery review. Read more

SwingSesh Review (2024): Expert-Tested, Kid-Approved Fitness Playset

by Caine Wilkes, OLY, CNC, USAW-L1

A playground for all members of the family? In our SwingSesh review, we’ll take a look at this kid’s playset that doubles as a home gym. Read more