NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro, which one should you pick? It depends…

What equipment do you already own that would overlap with what these two machines have to offer?

One of them costs twice as much as the other, so how much are you looking to invest?

How much space do you have? One takes up more space than the other.

I’m gonna give you all the details so you can make an informed decision…

Reviews

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Review

Watch my Hyper Pro video review above, where I go over all the details about this machine.

NordStick NordBench Review

I haven’t gotten around to do a NordBench video review yet, but the video above shows you a quick glimpse of what it can do.

If you want to read my in-depth written review with lots of pics go to this link –> Nordbench review

What’s Similar Between The NordBench & Hyper Pro?

I’ll start by showing you the similarities between the NordBench and the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro, then I’ll give you their differences.

Nordic Curls & 45° Lower Back Extensions

Both benches work for Nordic curls with multiple incline angles so that even beginners can build up to a flat Nordic curl.

The NordBench can be adjusted in 8 angles while the Hyper Pro has 14 angles.

Here I’m at the top of a 45 degree lower back hyperextension on the NordBench.

And here at the bottom of the hyperextension on the Hyper Pro.

For the Hyper Pro, I have to remove the knee pad to do lower back extensions but I’ll show you that later when I get to the difference in pads…

Split Squats & Hip Thrusts

Here’s the setup for splits squat and hip thrusts on the NordBench.

I can also do them on the other end of the bench but I prefer to use the leg roller side.

In order to this on the leg roller side, I have to flip down the footplate (I’ll talk about the folding footplate soon).

And here’s how I do hip thrusts.

The set up is similar for the Hyper Pro except that the leg roller is detachable and I have to insert it at the other end of the bench.

Here’s what the split squats look like…

And here are the hip thrusts.

GHD Sit Ups & Reverse Hypers

The GHD sit ups on the NordBench are not the exact set up as when using a dedicated GHD machine but the result is the same.

I’m able to lock my legs down and get a big stretch on my abs and curl my way up.

Here’s how I do them on the Hyper Pro.

Reverse hypers are more of a hack on the NordBench but here’s how I do them.

First, I set the back extension to the highest setting and hang on to the rollers.

I have to bend my knees for these since the pads aren’t high enough to get full extension on my knees…

Then I extend my legs back until I’m parallel with the floor.

With the Hyper Pro, the GHD pad lifts me up a few inches so I am able to keep my legs straight…

But taller people may have to bend their knees to avoid hitting the frame on the way down.

Not an exercise that can be done perfectly on both machines but one that can be performed nonetheless.

RELATED: Shogun NordEx Review

NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro: What’s Different?

NordBench

Adjustable Footplate

The NordBench has an adjustable footplate that doubles as a slant board and a leg for vertical storage (plus a low row footplate hack I came up with).

This is unique to the NordBench and no other Nordic bench has this feature.

There’s 3 settings on the NordBench’s footplate…

The last setting locks the footplate in place so I can use it as a slant board.

This allows me to do exercises like heel elevated squats to target my quads.

And calf raises.

Here’s the hack I mentioned earlier…

With the footplate in the second position, I can set the bench in front of a cable machine and use it as a low row footplate.

This is something I struggled with for years with my set up and this works perfectly so I can push off to counteract the cable machine’s weight.

Padding

When comparing the padding on both machines, the NordBench has 3″ thick padding and the Hyper Pro’s is 2″ thick.

The NordBench only uses one set of pads for Nordic curls and back extensions while the Hyper Pro uses two sets.

Here’s what I mean…

On the top pic, you see Freak Athlete has a big rectangular knee pad that’s separate from the smaller hip pads.

While the Nordbench has longer rectangular pads that work for all exercises.

I like the NordBench’s padding more because ( 1 ) they’re thicker and ( 2 ) one set of pads eliminates a step when converting the bench from Nordics to back extensions and vice versa.

Resistance Band System

The NordBench has several spots on the frame where eye hooks can be bolted on to attach resistance bands.

There’s two in the back legs…

Two on the front legs…

Three on the middle of the frame (two on the sides and one on top).

And two more on the footplate (one on each side).

So it’s obvious these are strategically placed to hit different angles for resistance band exercises.

I think it’s a smart move by the NordStick to include all these anchor points to get more value from the NordBench.

The Hyper Pro does have one band loop close to the front legs but it’s mostly there just for lower back extensions.

Landmine Attachment

The NordBench’s landmine attachment is held down by the bench to fit any Olympic sized barbell for even more exercises.

If you’re into landmine workouts, this may a good attachment to pick up.

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

Rear Elevation

One feature the Hyper Pro has that other Nordic benches don’t, is the ability to elevate its rear.

This opens up a lot of options that other Nordic benches don’t have…

With the rear elevated I can do 90 degree lower back extensions…

Decline Sit Up Bench

I can elevate the rear and decline the front to use it as a decline sit up bench.

And leg raises…

GHD Pad

The GHD pad attaches to the frame with a pop pin and the foam feels great.

With the rear elevated I can attach a GHD pad for GHD sit ups, glute ham raises (GHR’s), and reverse hypers.

The reverse hypers are not weighted since there’s no way to add a pendulum to the machine, but I can do them with a resistance band or bodyweight.

Leg Developer

The Hyper Pro has the option to add a leg developer attachment.

I can do leg extensions using Olympic sized or standard sized weight plates.

The tension at the top and bottom of these feels good.

And I can do lying leg curls so I have the option to hit my hamstrings using different resistance curves.

Nordic curls are easier at the top of the exercise while leg curls maintain constant tension throughout.

I got Freak Athlete’s upper body kit which lets me use the leg developer for a few upper body and core exercises.

If you already own long handles and a carabiner, you can use that to save you a few bucks.

Otherwise, the kit is about $30 so it’s not an expensive add-on.

NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro: Comparing The Footprint

When it comes to the space both benches take, the NordBench is about 3/4 the size of the Hyper Pro when in use.

The Nordbench is 47″ long in use, while the Hyper Pro is 60″ long

This is something to consider based on how much space you have available in your workout area.

And if you add attachments like the leg developer, then you’ll need more space not only while using it but also when storing it.

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NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro: How Do They Store?

I’ve mounted a ton of equipment on my walls so when I heard that the NordBench could be wall mounted, I had to save a space for it.

This saves me a ton of floor space and keeps my home gym organized.

If you’re not into wall storage or don’t have the wall space, you can also use the folding footplate as a leg to store the NordBench vertically.

This is similar to how I store the Hyper Pro.

I put it in a corner with the GHD pad on top and the leg developer next to it.

NordBench Pros & Cons

Pros

• Compact: I can store this on my wall, under a bed, stands up vertically, or in a closet

• Versatility: With the bench itself I can do a lot of exercises, adding the landmine attachment and resistance bands makes it a full body machine

• Comfortable: Premium foam (3″ thick) on the pads and leg rollers (5″ diameter) make it super comfortable

• Price: Compared to other Nordic benches, this is one of the most affordable ones that maintains high quality and versatility

• Footplate: I love that the footplate doubles as a slant board which is something other Nordic benches like this one don’t do

• One size fits most: This works for people from 4′ tall all the way to 6’8″ and has a weight capacity of 500 lbs so most people can use it

Cons

• Base lock: Lining up the pin that locks the base would be streamlined if it had line markers (I used a sharpie to make it easier for me).

• Handles: When rolling the Nordbench, the handles touch the floor depending on the angle I hold it. Smaller, upward curved handles could solve that.

• Hip pad knob: Knob is right below the hip pad so to adjust it, I have to get my hands into a tight space. Smaller knob would work better.

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile: Easily one of the most versatile products in the home gym space

• Space saving: When I store it vertically, it only takes up 2 square feet of space. With the leg developer, it takes up about twice as much space.

• Stable: The base is long and stable so it doesn’t require any counter weight

• Padding: Thick, dense 2″ padding everywhere makes it very comfortable to use

• User friendly: Colored knobs make it easy to use

• Fits most people: Anyone between 5 feet tall to 7 feet tall can use this machine

Cons

• Upholstery: Skin oils are highly visible after use but can be easily wiped off with a wet cloth

• Leg developer: A bolt on the leg developer comes in direct contact with the rollers which could cause the upholstery to tear (cap would be an easy fix). This is covered under their 2 year warranty if anything were to happen.

Price

Freak Athlete Hyper Price & Discount Code

Freak Athlete lists the base price for the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro at $999 but it’s currently discounted at $799.

If you add on all the attachments as a bundle, it comes out to $1599.

But they do offer a $300 discount…

NordBench Price & Discount Code

The NordStick lists the base price for the NordBench at $599 but currently have it discounted at $399.

Depending on the attachments you want to get with it, the price can go up to $599 with everything included.

Click the red button below to get an additional 10% discount code.

NordBench vs Freak Athlete Hyper Pro: Which One Should You Buy?

I’ve given you all the similarities and differences between both benches…

Now it’s up to you to determine which one fits your training style, workout space, and how much you want to invest.

Whichever one you go with, both benches offer a lot of versatility in a space saving design.

And you get a lot of bang for your buck compared to buying all the machines they replace separately.