The GMWD plate loaded row machine is an iso lateral seated row designed for home gym owners who want a commercial style back machine without having to spend a ton of money.
It promises a 400 lbs weight capacity with unilateral training using independent arms and multi-grip options to hit my back in different ways but…
Like most fitness equipment, the real question is how well it holds up and feels during use.
In this review, I’ll break down how it performs in real-world use, who it’s best for, and how it compares to other options in the same price range.
Let’s check it out!
Unboxing
Table of Contents
- 1 Unboxing
- 2 Specs
- 3 What Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Review?
- 4 Who Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Review Best For?
- 5 Top Benefits Of The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
- 6 Best Features Of The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
- 7 GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Pros & Cons
- 8 GMWD Plate Loaded Seated Row Machine Price
- 9 GMWD Discount Code
- 10 GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Alternatives
- 11 My Hands-On Experience Using The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
- 12 Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Worth It?
- 13 GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
When I unboxed it, all the parts came wrapped in plastic and there were some styrofoam pieces that were broken.
Packaging could be a bit cleaner so there’s less shifting around during shipping.
It looked a bit sloppy but thankfully there was no damage to any of the parts.
Here’s everything out of the box…
This is a basic machine and there’s not a lot of parts so it should be an easy assembly.
And here it is.
It’s kinda long for a garage gym but a machine like this has to have length since it’s using lever arms.
Specs
- Material: 2″ x 2″, 14 gauge steel
- Dimensions: 63.8″ L x 28.7″ W x 42.2″ H
- Chest pad: 7 horizontal adjustments
- Seat Pad: 5 horizontal adjustments, 6 vertical adjustments
- Weight horns: Adjustable to fit Olympic sized (2″ center hole) and standard (1″ center hole) weight plates
- Weight: 95 lbs
- Weight capacity: 200 lbs each weight horn (400 lbs total)
What Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Review?
The GMWD plate loaded seated row machine is a strength training machine designed to target back muscles.
More specifically, the lats, rhomboids, traps, and rear deltoids.
It uses weight plates as resistance instead of a weight stack like a seated cable row machine does.
And I gotta tell you… this thing isolates the back real good. I was real sore the following day after I first tried it.
Here’s a list of what I can do with this machine:
- Seated rows
- Iso lateral pulling (one arm at a time since each lever arm is independent)
- Wide grip rows (I really feel this one in the upper back and rear delts)
- Narrow grip rows with rotating handles (hits my lats and rhomboids real good)
Who Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Review Best For?
✅ Ideal For
- Home gym owners who want a commercial style back machine
- Lifters looking to build back width and thickness
- People with lower back issues who want to avoid bent over rows
- Those looking for a budget, plate loaded back machine
- Lifters who want to address muscle imbalances with iso lateral rows
❌ Not Ideal For
- Garage gyms with very limited space
- Lifters who prefer high end, commercial build quality
Top Benefits Of The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
Eliminates Muscle Imbalances
Since each lever arm is independent, I’m able to do iso lateral rows.
This way my stronger arm can’t help my weak arm.
That way I eliminate muscle imbalances and create more symmetry.
Stability
This is not the first time I’ve seen a U-shaped front leg in machines that are front loaded.
The U-shaped front leg is similar to what the NordBench Pro uses to prevent forward tipping.
Since the weight horns have a combined weight capacity of 400 lbs, it’s smart that they designed it this way.
A long frame with a U-shaped front leg covers more surface area so this machine has great stability.
And of course, my weight on the opposite end helps to counter balance some of the weight in the front too.
Lower Back Friendly
Compared to a barbell bent over row, this is much safer on my lower back.
Most of the force on my body is directed to my chest where it meets the pad so I don’t feel any pressure or fatigue on my lower back.
ALSO CHECKOUT: GMWD Leg Press Hack Squat
Best Features Of The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
Iso Lateral Row Machine
I really like that the arms aren’t connected in the middle because I can work the left and right side of my back independently.
As I mentioned earlier, this is great to work out muscle imbalances and build symmetry.
I can either do a full set using one arm at a time or pull both arms at the same time.
But each one is working on their own so my weak side (left) doesn’t get any help.
Adjustable Seat & Chest Pad
The chest pad is comfortable and is good enough even when I go heavy.
Its vinyl is not anything fancy but it’s good enough for a budget home gym machine.
I can move the chest pad back and forth into 7 positions with the use of a pop pin.
When i’m using the narrow grip, I move the chest pad closer to me so I can get a big stretch at the bottom.
But when I’m using the wide grip, I have to move it closer to the handles so I can reach.
Multiple Grip Options
Like other plate loaded rows, this one has neutral grip and wide grip handles.
But I like what they’ve done with the neutral grip where they made it a ball and socket joint.
So it looks like it’s just hanging off the vertical arm but that’s because it’s free to rotate 360 degrees.
This makes it ergonomic so I can turn my forearms naturally as I’m pulling and lowering the weight.
The wide grip feels like a T-bar row to me.
I feel it hits my upper back and rear delts the most.
Here’s what the neutral grip handles looks like.
They’re using a rubber grip which works fine, it doesn’t slip. For for pulling movements I prefer knurled grip though.
Universal Weight Horns
Each weight horn is 8.75″ long so they’ll have plenty of space for most home gym owners to be able to max it out at 200 lbs per side.
The 2″ weight horns you see above are actually a cover. I can remove them and there’s a 1″ rod below for people who use standard weight plates.
Most people in the U.S. use the Olympic sized, 2″ center hole weight plates but I like that they’re universal.
This way, anyone can use it regardless of the weight plates they own.
READ NEXT: GMWD Hip Thrust Machine Review
GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Pros & Cons
Pros
- Iso lateral: I can work each arm independently to work on my weak side and create better muscle symmetry
- Multi-grip: I have the choice of using a wide grip or narrow grip to different muscles
- Adjustable: Both the chest pad and seat pad are adjustable so I can make them fit my body
- Universal: Weight horns work with both Olympic sized and standard sized weight plates
- Stable: Wide base and U-shaped front leg give the machine great stability
- Budget friendly: This feels just like a commercial gym row machine but without the hefty price
Cons
- Length: At 63″ long (just over 5 feet), this may take up too much space in some garage gyms
- Leg rollers: Foam on the leg rollers is cheap and I don’t find myself using them at all.
GMWD Plate Loaded Seated Row Machine Price
The price of GMWD’s plate loaded row machine sits just under $300.
This is lower than similar products I’ve researched and they offer free shipping within the U.S.
Keep reading so you can see how to get it for less than retail…
GMWD Discount Code
If you made it to this point, I know you’re serious about buying this machine.
So I’m gonna hook you up with a 5% discount that’ll knock off about $15 off the retail price.
Just click the red button below to reveal my exclusive coupon code (you’re welcome 👊).
GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Alternatives
Titan Seated Row Machine
Titan’s plate loaded seated row machine is similar in length and also uses a U-shaped front leg but there are some differences.
First difference I notice, is that the arms are united so it can’t be used as an iso lateral row machine.
And two, the neutral grip handles don’t swivel so they’re not as joint friendly as GMWD’s.
Price wise, Titan’s row machine is priced at $389.97 ($90 more expensive).
Syedee Plate Loaded Seated Row Machine
The Syedee seated plate loaded row machine looks identical to GMWD’s.
I’d even say they may be making these in the same factory and just slapping a different label on them.
It’s slightly more expensive than GMWD’s but
My Hands-On Experience Using The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
To me, this feels very similar to a T-bar row machine. The biggest difference is that I don’t feel as much pressure on my chest.
That’s something that always bothered me and I felt like I couldn’t breathe when I did T-bar rows at commercial gyms.
Resistance curve feels good but because this uses lever arms, it does feel easier as the lever arms get more vertical.
Needless to say, I feel the machine really isolates my back muscles so it does what it’s supposed to do.
The rollers on the hind leg could be improved since they’re the open cell kind that most budget machines have.
To be honest, I don’t use them much at all.
I just place my feet behind the legs so I don’t really feel like they’re needed.
Is The GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine Worth It?
If you want a budget friendly machine to build a strong and thick back, the GMWD plate loaded row machine is well worth it.
It has a good resistance curve, I can train each arm independently, and it puts zero stress on my lower back.
For the price and back building potential, it delivers.
GMWD Plate Loaded Row Machine
Shredded Dad is a home gym equipment reviewer and fitness equipment expert specializing in hands-on testing of strength and conditioning equipment.
His work has been featured by leading fitness brands and quoted by major media outlets including Yahoo Health, GQ, AskMen, LifeWire, Wales Online, and others.
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