In June we received a combination cable pulldown and seated row machine from Rogue Fitness, which came with both a lat bar and a close, parallel-grip attachment. While the lat pulldown bar works well for wide overhand-grip pulldowns and rows, the straight handle is poor for properly performed front-grip pulldowns (close, underhand grip). So, I decided to design my own handle for front-grip pulldowns with the proper handle angles, based on Ken Hutchins’ design for the SuperSlow Systems and RenEx pulldown handles, and with his input.
The close parallel-grip triangle handles are also very poor for seated rows, but I will address that elsewhere later.
While designing the pulldown handle it occurred to me it would also work well for both cable triceps pressdowns and arm curls if I added another attachment point opposite the handles, which is why there are two.
I sent the drawings to a local machine shop which made the prototype below, which was nearly perfect. After some testing I figured I only needed to raise the angle of the handles a little more, and have already sent the updated drawings to have another made which I expect to have in about a week.
Baye Front-Grip Pulldown Handle Prototype
For detailed explanations and demonstrations of how to properly perform front-grip and wide-grip pulldowns and mid and low seated cable rows as well as dozens of other free weight and cable exercises, join the private HIT List forum
After picking up the prototype I recorded the following video with a brief explanation of the design.
I am not selling these handles. I made these because I wanted them for my home gym. I am currently far too busy writing books and recording videos to get involved in making and shipping equipment Instead, I am giving you the drawings for free so you can make your own or hire a shop to make one for you. I can also provide a DXF file of the center part by request. If you make or have one made, please share a photo of you using it on social media, and tag me in it and include a link to this page.
I am well aware these are extremely overdesigned for the kind of loads they will be used for. The heavier, bulkier design is a personal stylistic preference (mine is made with 7 gauge tubing and 1/2″ plate). You could have yours made with 14 gauge tubing and 1/4″ plate and it would be strong enough.
Baye Pulldown Handle Handle Dimensions
Baye Pulldown Handle Center Dimensions
Baye Pulldown Handle Top and Side Views
If you build or have one built please share a photo of you using it and let me know how you like it. If you would like to order one from Core Manufacturing contact Alex Losada at alex@core-manufacturing.com and tell him you would like to purchase a Baye Pulldown Handle.
Realize these are heavy-duty pulldown handles that are built to order and cost far more than mass-produced cable attachments. Based on the current price of steel expect to pay $180-220 for a bare-steel pulldown handle, and $280 to $300 for one with a powder-coat finish, plus shipping and handling.
