If you train at home and care about building up your posterior chain muscles, there’s a strong case to be made that the TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 is one of the smartest purchases you can make. It’s not perfect, but it might just offer the best bang for your buck in this product category.
| Model | Pros & Cons | Rating |
|---|---|---|
The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 | Pros:
| Rated 4.5 out of 5 |
What makes it stand out is the promise of versatility in exercise selection, as well as a high level of adjustability that makes the notoriously difficult Nordic curl exercise more approachable through regressions.
I’ve spent significant time testing this machine in my home gym, putting it through its paces across all of its intended uses — including Nordic curls, back extensions, hip thrusts, Bulgarians, reverse hypers, and more.
In this Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 review, I’ll tell you whether this piece of equipment lives up to its claims of versatility, whether the adjustability is helpful or an ease-of-use nightmare, and I’ll also cover the assembly, pros and cons, alternative products, and ultimately, whether this machine deserves a spot in your home gym.
Watch My Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 Review Video
Unboxing & Assembly Experience
Unboxing was easy enough. Plenty of packing materials, but most importantly, everything was well-protected during during shipping and it arrived without any damage to the box or the equipment inside.
Assembly was relatively straightforward. It took me about an hour, but I wasn’t rushing and I used the included tools, which work fine but definitely slow things down.
If you have a proper socket set on hand, you could probably assemble it in 30 to 40 minutes—especially if you’re already comfortable putting fitness equipment together.
First Impressions and Build Quality
Once assembled, my first impressions were positive. Despite weighing just 100 lbs—which is on the lighter side for this type of equipment—this machine feels surprisingly stable. I’m about 215 lbs and haven’t had any issues with it rocking or feeling flimsy under me.
At the same time, it’s light enough to move around easily. That’s been a big plus in my home gym where I’m frequently rearranging equipment. And it’s not just the weight that helps—the built-in wheels and lift handle make it genuinely easy to transport. I can just lift up one end with the handle and roll it across the floor easily with one hand.
In use, the machine takes up a moderate amount of floor space: about 5 feet long and 20 inches wide. But when you’re done, you can store it vertically using the built-in balancing peg. That reduces the footprint to just 17 x 20 inches.
One of the early highlights is just how adjustable this machine is. I’ll dive deeper into that next, but it’s obvious right away that the multiple adjustment points allow you to fine-tune exercises to your experience level and body proportions.
The various pads and rollers are also thoughtfully designed. Each one has a different firmness level depending on the part of your body it contacts. The footplate feels solid and stable, with a grippy diamond texture. I also appreciate the laser-cut TibBarGuy logo on the footplate—a nice aesthetic touch.
Minor gripe: The footplate corners flex slightly if you step on them with force. It’s not a safety issue, but a thicker or reinforced design would improve the premium feel.
If you’re after a commercial-grade, ultra-heavy-duty machine, this may not scratch that itch. Something like the Shogun Nord-EX might be a better match. But functionally, I’ve got no complaints.
Adjustments and Usability
This machine has a lot of telescoping components, and that’s a big part of what makes it so versatile and useful.
For the most part, adjustments are easy. That said, one area is a little finicky: the top pad adjustment for back extensions. You kind of have to wiggle it and give it a firmer push or pull to get it to move.
Pro Tip: Lubricating the top pad track with silicone spray makes a noticeable difference in adjustability.
One thing that’s missing is any kind of numbering on the top pad adjustment. So every time you set up for back extensions, you’re eyeballing the height and possibly readjusting. Laser-etched markers would be a welcome addition.
The angle setting on the telescoping arm does have laser-cut numbers—but they’re placed above the adjustment hole. A small cutout near the pin would be a more intuitive way to display it.
The knee pad is the most time-consuming component to install or remove. You have to unscrew the pin several turns, lift the pad, and re-tighten.
The main adjustment arm that controls the bench angle has 8 settings from 0 to 45 degrees, offering more regression options than many competitors. It’s also one of the fastest to adjust.
Once you get the hang of it, transitioning from Nordic curls to back extensions takes 20–40 seconds—fast enough that you’ll actually use the machine rather than avoiding it out of hassle.
Exercise Performance
This machine performs well across most exercises—particularly Nordic curls, back extensions, hip thrusts, and Bulgarian split squats.
⚠️ Reverse hypers are technically possible, but not comfortable or effective. This machine isn’t built for that use case.
Nordic Curls
This is where the machine truly excels. The knee pad is firm for good support, while the top pad is softer—perfect for cushioning your torso. The shin rollers are soft to reduce pressure, while the calf rollers are firmer to keep you locked in securely.
What really sets this machine apart is its angle adjustability. With 8 settings from flat to 45 degrees, you can start with an easier incline and gradually move to more challenging positions as you build strength. This is far more accessible than trying to rig up bands or self-assisted variations.
Tip: Bands can work for assistance, but they’re harder to replicate consistently. Angle regressions are faster and more trackable.
Back Extensions
Back extensions feel comfortable, stable, and effective. The top pad is soft enough to support your hips without discomfort. You can reduce the angle slightly to shift emphasis from your lower back to glutes, but if you go too low, your range of motion becomes limited.
The top frame handles are well-placed for assistance, and there’s space underneath for dumbbells, weight plates, or even a barbell if you’re doing weighted reps. Just use caution with a barbell on your back.
The cutout in the top pad plays a dual role—it prevents uncomfortable pressure on your groin area and allows the hip thrust roller to pass through.
Hip Thrusts
Initially, I thought the hip thrust setup was too low—until I realized I had the receiver installed upside down. Flipping it corrected the issue, unlocking all of the height adjustment holes. Once set up properly, the roller can go up to about 18 inches off the ground, which is basically competition flat bench height.
The performance here surprised me. It’s actually better than using a flat weight bench. The machine is more stable, the roller allows better movement, and you can dial in your exact height.
Bulgarian Split Squats
The same roller setup used for hip thrusts works exceptionally well for Bulgarian split squats. The roller pad is more ergonomic than a flat bench, letting your foot and ankle move naturally rather than being locked into one static position.
You can also easily adjust the roller height based on your leg length. The only small drawback: your toes might lightly touch the upper pad at the top of the movement—but it won’t restrict your range.
Note: If you already own a roller attachment for your power rack, this feature may not be essential—but it’s definitely nice to have.
Reverse Hypers
Reverse hypers are the one weak link. I experimented with setups both with and without the roller installed above the pad, and neither was comfortable.
There’s a lot of pressure concentrated on your hips and lower abdomen, and the lack of a flat torso support surface makes things worse. You’re also limited to band resistance, which can be awkward and hard to control.
⚠️ Verdict: It’s possible—but awkward, uncomfortable, and not worth it compared to a dedicated reverse hyper.
Bonus Movements
You can also do movements like QL raises, Y-T-W-Ls, Powell raises, core exercises, and even preacher curls. Consider these bonus capabilities, not core features.
Bonus Features and Details
There are a few smaller design features worth highlighting:
💡 Smart detail: The pivoting bracket that holds the machine at the 10-degree angle has a magnetic clip to keep it out of the way when lowering the bench flat.
- The vinyl on the top and knee pads is moderately grippy, but not overly textured—comfortable, easy to clean, and it doesn’t trap dirt like some deep-texture vinyls.
- The rear peg is dual-purpose: it supports vertical storage and can also be loaded with weight plates to increase stability. I’ve never needed to do this, but it could help if your floor is slick or if you’re doing super heavy loaded movements.
- The machine comes with rubber foot covers, which protect your floors and reduce sliding. The only drawback is they will slip off if you drag the unit sideways.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent for Nordic curls, back extensions, hip thrusts, and Bulgarian split squats
- 8 angle settings make Nordic curls far more accessible and progressive
- Surprisingly stable despite a relatively lightweight frame
- Highly portable thanks to wheels and lift handle
- Space-saving vertical storage option
- Thoughtfully varied padding densities for comfort and support
- Clever design touches like the magnetic bracket and junk-relief cutout
- Great value at $600
Cons
- ❌ Reverse hypers are inefficient and uncomfortable
- ⚠️ Adjustment quirks: no top pad markers, stiff sliding, and slow knee pad changes
- 🔧 Not commercial-grade—not for those seeking ultra-premium build
Competitor Comparison
Shogun Nord-Ex
The Shogun Nord-Ex is known for being ultra-premium and overbuilt. It’s also slightly more compact and offers smoother adjustments.
However, it only has 4 angle settings for Nordic curls (versus 8 on the Nordic V2), and it’s priced at roughly twice the cost.
Freak Athlete Hyper Pro
The Freak Athlete Hyper Pro markets itself as a 6-in-1 or even 9-in-1 machine, capable of a wide range of exercises with add-ons. It offers 10 incline settings for Nordic curls and 3 decline settings for progressions.
You can add attachments for leg extensions, belt squats, and upper body movements—but each one increases the cost. The base unit is ~$100 more than the Nordic Back Extension Machine V2, and a fully upgraded version can cost $500+ more.
🧠 Takeaway: If you’ll actually use all the extra features, it may be worth it. But if you want a strong performer on the main movements at a lower price, the Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 delivers.
Overall Rating
The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2
The Tib Bar Guy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 is a compact, well-built unit designed for home gyms. It excels at Nordic curls, back extensions, hip thrusts, and Bulgarian split squats thanks to its smart adjustability, stable frame, and thoughtful design. While not commercial-grade and limited for reverse hypers, it delivers excellent performance and value for its price.
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.5
Final Verdict
So, is the TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 worth it?
✅ For me—absolutely. It nails the essentials: Nordic curls are amazing on it, and specifically the Nordic regressions. It also excels at back extensions. And it does a great job on hip thrusts and Bulgarians as well. Plus, you can do some other bonus exercises on it, but those aren’t the main draw.
Importantly, I actually want to use it during my workouts—which can’t be said for all home gym gear.
Yes, there are a few minor quirks, but none are dealbreakers. In return, you get a machine that’s compact, adjustable, portable, and genuinely useful. And the price is competitive, making it an excellent value.
❌ Just don’t expect it to replace a reverse hyper—it falls short on that.
If you’re interested in picking one up, be sure to use my code KING to save 10% on TheTibBarGuy.com.
