I have wanted a proper Nordic curl setup and a back extension for ages, but I do not have room for two machines. The Shogun NORD-EX claims to be both in one footprint — so I dug into whether it actually delivers, or just compromises on both. Here is my honest review for 2026.
The Shogun NORD-EX is described as the world's first and only product that combines a Nordic curl bench and an adjustable back extension machine in a single unit (US Patent 11,904,198, other patents pending). It is designed to train your entire posterior chain — back, glutes, and hamstrings — with commercial-grade materials, a compact footprint, and it ships fully assembled. It holds a 5/5 rating from 58 reviews and was even praised by Garage Gym Reviews.
Getting both a Nordic bench and a back extension in a single 41 x 25 inch footprint (with vertical storage) is the whole point — it replaces two machines.
Hamstrings, glutes, and lower back in one tool makes it ideal for anyone serious about Nordic curls and back extensions.
It ships fully assembled and ready to use — no bolts, no greasy hardware, workout-ready in minutes.
This is premium, commercial-grade equipment at a premium price. Cheap Amazon Nordic boards cost far less (though owners say they feel unstable by comparison).
It is purpose-built for the posterior chain — it is not a do-everything station, though it pairs well with a cable trainer.
The headline feature: a Nordic curl bench and an adjustable back extension combined, giving you the function of two separate machines at a more cost-effective price and in less space.
The frame uses 11-gauge (3mm) Q235 carbon steel, with thick side panels and a threaded steel foot plate, plus custom-molded self-skinning polyurethane foam pads designed to resist deformation and tearing. Owners repeatedly call it solid and stable.
The back extension adjusts from 35° to 55° and adapts to users from 5' to 6'8", while the Nordic bench offers multiple levels so you can progress toward a full Nordic curl. That makes it usable for most body sizes and ability levels.
It occupies only about 41 x 25 inches, can be stored vertically, and arrives fully assembled — a genuine convenience for a machine this heavy-duty.
Honesty note: the Shogun store localized pricing to my region and displayed it in Vietnamese đồng. At the time of writing it showed roughly 34.151.000₫, and the unit was marked Sold Out with a "Notify Me When Available" option. Because this is region-localized and converts differently by country, I am not going to invent a USD figure — multiple owners describe it as expensive but a "lifetime investment." Check the live listing and your local pricing at the link below.
Pros: Genuinely two machines in one (patented); commercial-grade carbon and stainless steel build; premium, durable molded foam; highly adjustable (35°–55°, fits 5' to 6'8", multi-level Nordic); compact footprint with vertical storage; ships fully assembled; outstanding 5/5 from 58 reviews.
Cons: Expensive; frequently sold out; heavy by nature of the build; purpose-built for the posterior chain rather than a full-body station.
Buying a dedicated Nordic bench plus a separate back extension costs more, takes up double the space, and means more to store. The NORD-EX folds both into one patented unit at a lower combined cost and a small footprint. If you only ever do one of those movements, a single-purpose bench is cheaper; if you train the whole posterior chain, the combo is the smarter buy.
If posterior-chain training matters to you and space is tight, yes. The build quality, adjustability, and "two machines in one" design are exactly what a serious home gym needs, and the near-perfect reviews back that up. It is expensive and often out of stock, but owners consistently frame it as a lifetime investment rather than a regret. For the right athlete, it is a standout piece of equipment.
It combines a Nordic curl bench and an adjustable back extension in one machine to train your hamstrings, glutes, and lower back.
About 41 x 25 inches, and it can be stored vertically to save even more room.
Yes — it ships fully assembled and is ready to use out of the box.
The back extension is adaptable for users from 5' to 6'8", with a back angle adjustable from 35° to 55°.
Pricing is region-localized; it showed around 34.151.000₫ and was sold out at the time of writing. Check the live page for your local price and availability.
You can check current pricing and availability here: View the Shogun NORD-EX on Shogun Sports 👉
Affiliate disclosure: This article contains an affiliate link. If you buy through it, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are my own and based on real product information.
