Shogun Nord Ex Review

The Shogun Nord Ex is a compact, versatile posterior chain training machine.

It’s a Nordic curl bench and hyperextension machine combo so I can train my hamstrings, glutes, and back with one product.

What’s also cool about it, is that it’s adjustable so I can train at different angles (even do assisted Nordics 😳)

And I can store it vertically so it doesn’t take up much room when I’m not using it.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

The Nord Ex came in 3 separate boxes and everything was wrapped extremely well.

I’m gonna open each box and show you what’s inside.

Here’s Box 1 and as you can see, the sides were protected in foam so the contents wouldn’t shift around during transport.

The foam pads came in their own bags.

I’m very impressed at the amount of detail they put into protecting all the parts.

First piece out of box 1 is the weight panel.

This is the bottom piece where everything attaches.

And the other two pieces inside box 1 are the knee pads.

The cushion on these is premium quality and reminds me of the foam AbMat uses for their products.

It’s soft on my knees but at the same time supportive.

Now it’s time to open up Box #2.

Same level of protection as Box 1 with two smaller boxes in the middle.

Box 2 has the feet and all the hardware.

I like how they organized the hardware with labels to match the instruction manual step-by-step.

Each bag is labeled with the step number (ex: Step 1) and the pieces for that step.

And now it’s time to pull everything out of box number 3.

This box brings the foot holder pads, foot plate, back extension pads, and the angling tube.

That’s everything that comes in the three boxes and here’s what it looks like after I put it together.

At 41″ L x 25″ W, it’s very compact but has a ton of adjustments that can be made.

Keep reading and I’ll show you every detail about the Nord-Ex.

Specs

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions: 41″ L x 25″ W

• Weight: 126 lbs

Materials

• Main frame: 11 gauge thick carbon steel

• Foot plate: 8 gauge thick threaded steel

• Side plates: 4 gauge thick carbon steel

• Length & angle adjustment tubes: 13 gauge stainless steel

Adjustment Details

• Back extension length adjustments: 35.6″ – 42.4″

• Back extension angles: 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 degrees

• Assisted Nordic angles: 15, 30, and 45 degrees

• Flat Nordic lengths: 34.2″ – 43.03″

Foam Pads

• Material: Custom molded, self-skinning polyurethane foam

• Main foam pad dimensions: 25.4″L x 8.2″W x 3.14″H

• Back extension pad dimensions: 9.5″ L x 8.8″ W x 3.04″ H

• Ankle pad dimensions: 5.9″L x 4.33″D

Best Shogun Nord Ex Features

Comfortable Thick Padding

I really like how comfortable the padding is all over the machine.

The knee pads are about 2.5″ thick so they can take on a lot of weight.

It’s comfortable and gives a little bit but it doesn’t allow my knees to sink.

The hyperextension hip pad is about the same thickness and has a rounded edge which feels good on my belly when I bend forward.

Leg Support

The leg support rollers are made of the same material so there’s no pain on my Achille’s tendon when I’m strapped down.

The foot rollers are adjusted with a pull pin.

I don’t need to worry about the foam pads slipping out since they’re held in place with a round plate and screw.

Between the leg rollers and the footplate I’m about to show you, my legs feel very secure and stable while I’m exercising.

Footplate

Here’s a bird’s eye view of the diamond plated footplate.

The bottom is smooth and it’s done this way because it’ll be the base when I stand it up vertically (I’ll show you this later on).

Smaller Nordic curl benches like the Freak Athlete Nordic Mini have a weight horn in that area that’s used for counterbalance.

Since I’m able to extend the hyperextension pad forward, the Shogun Nord-Ex doesn’t need counterbalance when I’m leaning forward during Nordics.

Here’s a sideview of my feet being supported by the footplate and held down by the leg rollers when doing Nordic curls.

And this is what it looks like when doing lower back hyperextensions.

RELATED: Nordstick Nordbench review

Caster Wheels For Easy Transport

Right next to the footplate there’s a pair of caster wheels.

They’re floating so the Shogun Nord Ex has to be tilted for them to touch the floor.

On the other end of the Nord-Ex there’s a cylindrical handle so I can lift it up from this end and the wheels can touch the floor.

The machine weighs 126 lbs so this makes it really easy for me to roll around.

Nordic Curl Regressions/Progressions

Right by the handle there’s a pull pin below the Nord-Ex that controls the angle of assistance when doing Nordic curl regressions.

Love having this option since Nordics are a hamstrings isolation exercise that’s hard as shit.

This makes it easier for beginners to make Nordic curl progressions at their own pace.

I can select three different angles for assisted Nordics: 15, 30, and 45 degrees.

The bigger the number, the less distance I have to travel forward.

Adjustable Back Extension

The back extension portion of the Shogun Sports Nord Ex can be adjusted in length and angles.

Above I have it set up at the highest angle (55 degrees).

And in this pic I set it up at the lowest angle (35 degrees).

I can also adjust the length of the hip pad.

Here I set it at the shortest distance.

And here I set it at the tallest setting.

It has 10 height settings so it can be used by everyone regardless of height.

And right next to the hip pads there’s a pair of handles to help when setting up or in case I need to push off.

Nordic Curl Bench Set Up

Nordic Mini

By default the Nord Ex is set up like a Nordic mini.

If you can do a full Nordic curl, then you’re ready to go from here and there’s nothing to configure.

But most garage gym warriors like me won’t start like this, so this is why regressions on the Nord-Ex come in handy.

Adjusting Angles

Off to the one of the sides there’s a safety pin that locks the back extension pad in place.

I pull the safety pin to unlock the back pad.

Now that it’s unlocked from the bench, I lift it up and need to pull out the pad.

To remove the back pad I pull on this knob and pull it all the way out.

Now I go to the front of the Nord Ex and pull on this knob numbered with 15, 30, and 45 degrees.

Once I select my regression and lock it in place, it’ll look like this.

This is where I insert the back pad so that my chest hits it.

The higher the degree I select, the easier the Nordic regression will be.

And here is the assisted Nordic set up which is similar to the concept used by the Nordic weight bench.

This is what it looks like when I have it set up at 45 degrees.

And yes, these are partial Nordic curl regressions since my hamstrings aren’t stretched out all the way.

I personally like doing full range of motion hamstring regressions better because I feel my hamstrings get stronger that way.

If you prefer full range of motion regressions, the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro is an option.

Here I brought it down one setting for 30 degrees.

As you can tell, I get lower and lower every 15 degrees so my hamstrings have to work harder.

And here it is at 15 degrees just a bit shy of complete horizontal.

Once I’m strong enough to do full Nordics, the handles will be touching the floor so I can go through the full range of motion.

Now I’m gonna show you how to go from a Nordic bench set up to a hyperextension machine.

Hyperextension Machine Set Up

To set up the back extension, I start by pulling the safety pin to unlock the back extension pad.

Once unlocked, I lift the back extension piece up.

This exposes that chrome piece that supports the back extension pad.

Right on the front of the chrome piece there’s 5 holes that allow to set the hyperextension machine at different angles.

Angles are 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55 degrees.

Then I go to the front of the bench and fully unlock the Nordic assistance piece.

All I have to do now is insert one piece into the other at whatever angle I want.

And that’s all there’s to it for the lower back extension set up.

I showed the assisted Nordic set up first since it involves more steps.

There’s one more thing I wanna show you.

Not only can I change the angle of the lower back extension, but I can also change the height of the pad (10 height settings).

The bottom knob controls the angle of incline and the top knob controls the height of the pad.

This is good for taller people so that the pad sits right on the hips.

These adjustments make the Nord Ex suitable for everyone.

Shogun Nord Ex Exercises

Here I’m doing a weighted 45 degree lower back hyperextension.

I like that the padding in front of my hips is rounded so it’s comfortable around my belly when I bend forward.

Of course I can always do these without any weight but when I add a dumbbell, I really feel it in my lower back.

Right here I’m showing a single leg back extension.

This lets me load the glutes and hamstrings without putting too much strain on my lower back.

I do this by taking one foot off the foot plate.

My other leg sits on top of the leg support pad.

When I come up, only the leg on the foot plate is doing all the work.

This is me doing a reverse hyperextension.

Depending on how tall you are, you might need to adjust the height of the back pad.

And of course I can do Nordic curls.

Here I’m showing a regression at 45 degrees (there’s 15, 30, and 45 degrees)

This way I can slowly decrease the angle until I progress to a full Nordic curl.

And this is the Trap 3 exercise.

I don’t need a lot of weight for this one and it hits the trapezius real good while my lower back is contracting isometrically.

Another exercise I can do on the Nord-Ex is QL side bends (not shown).

Storing The Shogun Sports Nord-Ex

I like any equipment that’s space saving and helps me keep my gym organized.

So I’m glad Shogun Sports gave the Nord-Ex the ability to stand up vertically.

The Nord Ex’s foot plate is the only thing touching the floor when I stand it up.

Right here I set it right next to my folding PRx incline bench which sticks out 7″ from the wall.

The Nord-Ex sticks out a little past that but still not a lot.

Shogun Sports Nord Ex Alternatives

TBG Nordic Back Extension Machine

I’ve reviewed the Tib Bar Guy’s Nordic Back Extension Machine previously and it’s similar to the Mr Infinity Nord Ex.

Both have the option to do hyperextensions and Nordic curls at various levels.

So what’s different?

Biggest difference between the two is that the Nordic back extension machine has 9 Nordic curl regressions done at full range of motion.

What does that mean?

Look at the picture above and you’ll see the hamstrings are fully stretched out (full range of motion).

The Nordic back extension machine has a weight horn under the footplate for counterbalance.

Shogun’s Mr Infinity Nord Ex doesn’t need a weight horn.

And the Nord Ex has a crotch gap to give the jewels some breathing room.

The Nordic back extension machine doesn’t.

For some people this can be bothersome and for others it’s not a problem at all.

As far as function goes, both benches work well for Nordic curls and back extensions but now you know their differences.

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

The Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (previously known as the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD) is a 9-in-1 machine.

Additional attachments include a Leg Developer and GHD pad.

Like the Nord Ex, it’s also a Nordic curl bench and lower back extension machine.

If you need a machine where you can do more than those two exercises, this may be something to look into.

Although it is not commercial grade quality like the Nord Ex, it’s still solid for home gym use.

The NordBench by The NordStick

The NordBench is a 5-in-1 Nordic bench that has a unique feature other similar benches don’t have.

It has a fold down footplate that transforms into a slant board which is sick!

This is also the most compact bench in category and can be hung on a wall, slid under a bed, or stored in a closet.

Shogun Nord Ex Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatility: I can do back extensions, Nordic curls, QL raises, single leg back extensions, reverse hypers, Trap 3 raises

• Build: The Nord Ex is made of heavy duty steel and the foam pads are premium quality and comfortable

• Adjustable: I can do hyperextensions and assisted Nordic curls at different angles to increase/decrease the intensity

• Space saving: I like having the ability to stand the Nord Ex up vertically on the footplate. Anything space saving is huge in a garage gym.

• Stable: Doesn’t wobble at all

Cons

• Expensive: The Nord Ex is not cheap but it’s because everything about it is premium, commercial grade quality. Read below for a discount.

Shogun Sports Discount Code

The Nord-Ex currently sells for just shy of a $1000.

Yup, it’s not a cheap piece of equipment but this thing is built like a tank and hits the whole posterior chain.

So I’m gonna show you how to get a $100 discount.

Click the red button below to reveal my exclusive coupon code…

Shogun Nord Ex Review

Overall I’m very happy with the way the Nord Ex works my entire posterior chain muscles.

Having the ability to regress Nordic curls is an excellent feature since they’re so hard.

And the adjustable hyperextension portion is excellent for the lower back and glutes.

Solid build, comfortable, and adjustable makes the Mr Infinity Nord Ex a winner.