Nordic Back Extension Machine Review

The Nordic back extension machine by the Tib Bar Guy is one of a kind.

It’s a combination of a full size nordic curl bench, mini nordic bench, and lower back extension machine.

So I can do lower back extension, Nordic curls, and QL stretches making it a killer posterior chain trainer.

Let’s check it out!

Unboxing

The Tib Bar Guy Nordic bench came neatly packaged in one single box.

All pieces came bubble wrapped and protected with styrofoam blocks.

Here’s what it looks like once I took all the parts out of the box.

Instructions are straight forward and it was easy to assemble.

Specs

• Weight: 100 lbs

• Dimensions: 60″ L x 20″ W x 17″ H

• Weight capacity: 550 lbs

• Build: Heavy duty steel and premium padding

• Adjustable Nordic bench: 0 – 45 degrees with 9 levels of regression

• Adjustable low back extension machine: Adjusts vertically and angle wise (37-45 degrees)

• Vinyl: Premium leather

• Padding: Premium foam

Top Benefits Of The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension V2

Nordic Curl Regressions/Progressions

Nordic curls are one of the hardest bodyweight exercises I’ve ever tried.

With the Nordic back extension I can scale back Nordic curls starting at 45 degrees and slowly work my way down on increments.

I also like that the reps are done at full range of motion, not partial.

This is an improvement over the original Tib Bar Guy Nordic weight bench.

This lets me overload my hamstrings progressively so I can get stronger over time but more importantly, it keeps me from getting injured.

I’ve strained my right hamstring and calf before trying to do flat Nordic curls without the proper training and it sucked.

These incremental Nordic curl progressions give me a better way to build up to a fully flat Nordic curl.

Quick Transitions

With the new version 2, the Tib Bar Guy added a big pop pin to the underside of the knee pad and this is 100% better than the old version.

This makes the transition from Nordic bench to lower back extensions WAY faster.

Before I had to twist the knob for about a minute to release the knee pad from the bench, now this takes a few seconds.

By removing the knee pad, I can slide the hip pad down and transition to a lower back hyperextension machine quickly.

All I have to do is pull a pop pin and set the hip pad to my height.

Here’s what the hip pad looks like after sliding it down and setting it up for back extensions.

And of course, I can change the angles of incline just as easily with another pop pin.

That pop pin is right below the hip pad and it lets me jump from one angle to another quickly.

With this pin I can change the angles from 45 degrees to 20 degrees.

Versatile

The Nordic back extension machine is advertised as a 4-in-1 machine: Nordic bench, back extension machine, hip thrusts/split squats, and reverse hypers so it’s very versatile as it is…

But if you’re a home gym owner like me, we’re always finding uses and gym hacks anytime we can.

For example, above I’m using the bench as a preacher curl pad which is something it’s not meant to do but it works.

I’ll show you some others later on so keep reading.

Best Features Of The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension V2

Padding

This bench has two full sized pads: a detachable knee pad for Nordic curls and an adjustable hip pad for back extensions and reverse hypers.

Both pads are thick and comfortable and use grippy vinyl.

Here’s the hip pad with a crotch gap at the top which is an improvement over the first version that didn’t have a gap.

In the gap you’ll see there’s a metal piece with a pop pin.

That’s where I connect the detachable leg roller to the front of the bench for other exercises like split squats and hip thrusts.

I like to remove this piece when I’m doing reverse hypers and lower back extensions.

This way my hips and crotch are resting on the foam pads without the possibility of hitting metal.

Here’s what that piece looks like when it’s completely detached from the bench’s frame.

And here is the hip pad without the metal in the gap.

I like that they rounded the ends of the pads and extended down.

This makes it very comfortable when doing reverse hypers so my thighs are not touching any metal parts.

Smooth Telescoping

The chrome tubing used to adjust the angles on the bench makes it easy to change angles.

Here’s what that looks like up close.

Same goes for the height adjustments on the hip pad.

I can easily move the pad up and down without any jerky movements.

Mini Nordic Bench

Once I remove the knee pad, I can slide down the back extension pad to use this as a mini Nordic bench.

Having the ability to use this as a mini nordic bench is great for people with small spaces.

And because of the smaller design, a counter balance weight horn was added to the back of the foot plate (similar to the Nordic Mini).

For heavier or taller people, just add any Olympic sized weight plate to the back to prevent the bench from tipping when you lean forward.

Leg Rollers

With the Nordic Back Extension V2 model, the Tib Bar Guy added a double roller.

The first version had a single roller so my legs are anchored down more securely with the new version.

The leg rollers are comfortable are adjustable to 6 different heights.

Besides using it to secure my legs down for Nordic curls, lower back extensions, and GHD sit ups, I can remove the top roller from the back and take it to the front of the bench for more exercises.

Here’s what the top leg roller looks like when I take it off the bench.

And the diamond plated foot plate has plenty of room to keep my feet planted for added stability.

ALSO CHECKOUT: Best Nordic Benches

Split Squats & Hip Thrusts

Here’s what it looks like when I move the leg roller to the front.

This gives me the ability to support my legs or body and use the extra space in front of the bench for more exercises.

Here I’m doing split squats…

And I can use the same set up as a hip thrust machine.

The bench is long enough that I can load up the front with a lot of weight without it tilting.

Adjustable Low Back Extension Machine

When I convert the Nordic bench into a low back extension machine is that I can adjust the angle of extension.

Most lower back extension machines only adjust the height of the pad to fit people of different heights but the angle doesn’t change.

A change in the angle switches the focus of the exercise to different muscles.

Above I’m doing a 30 degree lower back extension (previous pic was 45 degrees).

At 30 degrees I put more stress on my hamstrings and at 45 degrees I put more stress on my lower back and glutes.

These small adjustments let me focus on specific muscles which I can’t do with fixed machines.

And it’s stable enough to supported weighted lower back extensions without a problem.

Above I’m using a 70 lbs adjustable dumbbell but the bench has a weight capacity of 550 lbs which is more than I’ll ever be able to load on my back.

RELATED: Nordstick NordBench Review

Vertical Storage

I really like that the Tib Bar Guy designed this bench with the ability to be store upright.

At almost 6 feet in length, it would take up way too much space in my garage gym.

Here’s a closer look at the bottom of the bench when I stand it up.

It sits on three points: two wheels and a weight horn.

I like that the Tib Bar Guy added a magnet between the base and moving parts above it.

This makes it safer so it doesn’t open when upright and keeps my fingers from getting crushed by the top piece if it were to slam down.

By standing straight up, it only sticks out 19″ from the wall.

Even in gyms with a lot of equipment where there is little space, the Nordic back extension machine doesn’t need much room for storage.

And with the bench weighing just 100 lbs, it’s real easy to stand upright.

One end has a handle.

And the other end has floating wheels.

All you do is lift the bench by the handle til the wheels touch and it’s easy to roll around and stand it up.

EXPLORE MORE: Freak Athlete vs Tib Bar Guy

Nordic Back Extension Machine Alternatives

Freak Athlete Hyper Pro

An alternative to the Nordic Back Extensions machine is the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro (Previously known as the Freak Athlete Nordic Hyper GHD).

Freak Athlete’s Hyper Pro is 9 machines in 1 (when you add the Leg Developer and GHD pad) and has similar capabilities as Tib Bar Guy’s.

It all comes down to what exercises you do and what equipment you already own that might overlap.

The Nordic Hyper is also $300 more than the Nordic Back Extension.

The NordBench

The NordBench is a 5-in-1 Nordic curl bench created by The NordStick.

It is the most compact of all these benches making it easy to hang on a wall, store in a closet, or under a bed.

A unique feature of the NordBench is the rotating footplate that turns into a slant board which is a great idea!

Shogun Sports Nord-Ex

Another alternative is the Shogun Sports Nord Ex.

This one is strictly for lower back extensions and Nordic curls.

Out of all these machines, this one is the most expensive one and that’s because it is commercial grade.

Only thing I’m not a fan of, is the partial Nordic curls (I prefer full range of motion).

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cost: 1/3 of the cost of a Nordic bench and low back extension machine combined

• Adjustable: Both Nordic bench and low back extension set ups can be adjusted

• Scalable: 8 levels of regressions so even beginners can progress at their own pace to a full Nordic

• Storage: Can be stored upright to take up minimal space (only takes 19″ from the wall)

• Versatile: I can do low back extensions, Nordic curls, QL stretches

• 4-in-1: Can be used as a full sized Nordic bench, mini nordic bench, hip thrust machine/split squat stand, and low back extension machine

Cons

• Back extension pad: No crotch cut out V2 now has a cut out to make it more comfortable for guys so they don’t crush their jewels

• Narrow footplate: I’d like if the footplate was a bit wider so I could add more hip abduction and external rotation to the hyperextensions for more glute focus

Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension Price

The Nordic Back Extension V2’s price is $499 which sits in the middle when compared to other Nordic bench combos.

Lowest price I’ve seen is $399 and highest price is $1000.

So this falls at about 50% of the most expensive bench, yet it still provides a lot of functionality and it’s well worth the $499.

Tib Bar Guy Discount Code

The Nordic back extension machine currently sells for $499 but here’s how to get a 10% discount.

But you know I’m gonna hook you up whenever I can…

Click here Click the red button below to reveal a promo code that you can copy and pasted at checkout for a discount.

Nordic Back Extension Machine Review

The Nordic back extension V2 is for people who are serious about strengthening and rehabbing their posterior chain.

It’s made with quality materials, comfortable, adjustable, and scalable for athletes at every level.

Nordic curls give you strong calves, hamstrings, and healthy knees.

Lower back extension build strong glutes and lower backs.

And QL raises make for a solid core.

This 4-in-1 machine gets my two thumbs up.