Which Lat Pulldown Grip is Best? Insights from the Reddit Fitness Community

When it comes to back day, few exercises are as foundational—and as debated—as the lat pulldown. With so many grip variations floating around gyms and online threads, it’s easy to get lost in the mix. If you’ve ever searched for “lat pulldown grip Reddit,” chances are you’ve seen passionate discussions comparing close grip vs. wide grip, underhand vs. neutral, and which attachments truly activate the lats.

Here’s a breakdown of what the Reddit fitness crowd—and real-world lifters—have to say.

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1. Close Grip Lat Pulldown: The Underdog for Big Lats?

Redditors often praise the close grip lat pulldown for its ability to hit the lower lats and give a deeper stretch at the bottom of the movement. This variation usually involves a V-bar or neutral grip handle, pulling the bar to the chest while keeping the elbows close to the body.

What lifters say:
Many users report feeling more lat engagement with a close grip than with the traditional wide grip. The biomechanics allow a longer range of motion and often better form control, especially for newer lifters who struggle to isolate their lats.

Personal note:
In my own training, I found close grip pulldowns to be a game-changer during a plateau. At one point, my wide grip form was compensating with arms and upper traps. Swapping to close grip helped me “find” my lats again—especially when I focused on squeezing at the bottom of each rep.

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2. Underhand Lat Pulldown: Biceps or Back?

Reddit threads about the underhand (supinated) grip lat pulldown are filled with one recurring debate: is it more of a biceps movement?

The consensus is that underhand pulldowns do involve more biceps, but they also provide excellent lower lat activation when done correctly. Lifters with shoulder mobility issues also note that this variation feels more natural and less straining than a wide grip.

Pro tip from Redditors:
Lean back slightly and keep your elbows tucked to prevent turning the movement into a biceps curl. Think of pulling with your elbows, not your hands.

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3. Wide vs. Close Grip Lat Pulldown: The Classic Debate

One of the most active discussions on Reddit is close grip lat pulldown vs wide grip. The wide grip is often touted as the “classic” for building back width, but users are quick to challenge that notion.

What Reddit lifters say:

• Wide grip: Better upper lat and teres major involvement, but harder to feel deep engagement.

• Close grip: Easier mind-muscle connection, longer range of motion, and less strain on shoulders.

Common conclusion: Many lifters rotate both into their program, using wide grip for general lat development and close grip to focus on depth and lower lat engagement.

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4. Neutral Grip Lat Pulldown: The Joint-Friendly Option

Neutral grip pulldowns, often done with a parallel bar attachment, are a favorite among Reddit users dealing with shoulder or elbow issues.

This grip allows the wrists to stay in a more natural alignment, reducing joint stress while still providing great lat activation. Many lifters find they can go heavier and pull more explosively with a neutral grip than with other variations.

Gym tip: Try pulling with a slight pause at the bottom and a controlled eccentric—Redditors often emphasize the importance of slow negatives for hypertrophy.

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5. Best Lat Pulldown Attachment According to Reddit

A common post in the r/homegym and r/weightroom communities is: “What’s the best lat pulldown attachment?”

The fan favorites include:

• Mag grips (Maximum Advantage Grips): Ergonomic, textured handles that eliminate wrist strain and encourage proper form.

• Spud Inc. straps: Versatile and portable, perfect for garage gyms.

• Standard V-bar or neutral row handle: For close grip or neutral grip pulldowns.

Many users suggest rotating attachments to prevent overuse injuries and target different parts of the lats. Variety isn’t just good for the mind—it’s essential for the muscles.

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Final Thoughts: There’s No One “Best” Lat Pulldown Grip

If there’s one thing you’ll learn from Reddit’s fitness forums, it’s that context matters. The “best” grip depends on your goals, anatomy, and training history.

Want to focus on width? Try wide grip but keep form strict.
Need to improve mind-muscle connection? Go close grip or neutral.
Recovering from an injury? Underhand or neutral might be your safest bet.

Your back is made of several complex muscles, and training it from multiple angles is key to real development. Try each variation for 4–6 weeks, take notes on how your body responds, and don’t be afraid to experiment.