TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 Review

The TibBarGuys Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 is a compact and versatile piece of equipment that offers four unique setup options, allowing you to perform a wide variety of exercises, including:

• Nordic curls
• Back extensions
• Hip thrusts
• Split squats
• Reverse hypers

In this review, we’ll break down how well the machine performs for each of these movements and rank them to help you decide whether this is a piece of equipment worth adding to your gym.

Our Ranking System

I’ll use a simple 4-level grading system to evaluate how well this machine performs each exercise in our TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 Review:

• Great – Performs just as well as any dedicated machine built solely for that movement.
• Good – A solid secondary option. Not quite as effective or comfortable as a dedicated machine, but still a strong alternative.
• Okay – Gets the job done, but with noticeable compromises in comfort, stability, or loading potential.
• Bad – Not worth using for this exercise. Poor setup, uncomfortable, or ineffective enough that we’d recommend skipping it.

Nordic Curl Setup – Rating: Great

First up is the Nordic curl setup—and to be honest, this is the variation I’ll probably use the least with this machine. I don’t consider Nordic curls to be a must-have movement for the general population. Instead, I see them as a more specialized exercise, typically used for hamstring rehab and prehab in athletes.

That said, I have to admit that this is the best Nordic curl setup I’ve ever used. Period.

Over the years, I’ve had myself and clients try every makeshift setup you can imagine—feet under couches or racks, having a partner hold them down, or using doorway foot holders. None of those options compare to the quality and comfort provided by this machine.

• The heel catch is adjustable, making it easy to dial in the perfect fit.
  The bench cushioning significantly reduces pressure on the kneecaps, which is one of the biggest issues people run into with this movement.

Scaling the Nordic curl is notoriously difficult. Most setups require awkward band or arm assistance, which makes progression inconsistent and hard to quantify. But with this machine, you can adjust the angle you’re training at, which lets you match the stimulus to your current level and progressively overload over time.

All of this adds up to a setup that makes Nordic curls more effective, more comfortable, and easier to scale—earning it a clear rating of Great.

 

Back Extension Setup – Rating: Good

Next up is the back extension function of the machine. This is one of three back extension machines I currently have access to, alongside the Bret Contreras Back Extension and the Titan Fitness 45-Degree Hyper.

In terms of quality and performance, I’d place the TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension right in the middle of those two.

• The adjustability of both the incline angle and pad position offers more variability than the Titan and even  more than the Brett Contreras setup.
• The height off the ground is greater than the Titan, which is a plus—especially for taller athletes, since it allows for a greater range of motion.
• However, it’s not quite as elevated as the Brett Contreras machine, which does limit range in arms-down exercises slightly for someone my height (6’2”).

Another limitation is that the Brett Contreras version includes band peg attachments at the base, which I wish this machine had. Band resistance is a great way to progress back extensions, and that’s a missing piece here.

Despite those drawbacks, I do really like this setup. It’s comfortable, adjustable, and performs well. But if your primary goal is to train back extensions, there are dedicated machines that do it better. So this earns a rating of Good—a very solid secondary option, but not the best available.

 

Hip Thrust & Split Squat Setup – Rating: Good

Now let’s take a look at the hip thrust and split squat setups.

I’ll be honest—I’ve always found hip thrusts awkward to set up. Getting my legs under the bar and finding the perfect bench height rarely feels smooth or comfortable. That said, I’m fortunate to have a squat rack with adjustable leg rollers, which makes split squats a lot easier to set up than if I were relying on a standard flat bench with a fixed height.

What I really appreciate about the TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension machine is how easily adjustable the pad height is. This makes it much simpler to set up both hip thrusts and split squats at the ideal height for each athlete.

Is this a machine you’d buy solely for these two exercises? Probably not. But as an added bonus, it’s a strong performer.

• The hip thrust setup isn’t quite as refined as what you’d get from a dedicated hip thrust machine, but I still prefer using this over a standard bench setup.
• The adjustability adds versatility and comfort, especially for athletes of different sizes.

Overall, this function earns a solid Good rating. It’s not a standout feature, but it’s definitely a very welcome addition to the machine’s versatility.

Reverse Hyper Setup – Rating: Okay

Let’s talk about the reverse hyperextension function.

First, an important note: No piece of equipment I’ve found performs reverse hypers nearly as well as a dedicated reverse hyper machine.

I’ve tried just about every DIY workaround—using a GHD, an incline bench, or anything else I could think of—for myself and for clients without access to a true reverse hyper. And while some setups are functional, none of them are great.

The TibBarGuys Nordic Back Extension machine is a slight improvement over most of those DIY options

• The pad is more comfortable than draping yourself over an incline bench, but is still not perfect.
• The adjustable height allows for a bit more range of motion compared to using a GHD.

Those upgrades put it a notch above the typical DIY solutions. However, it still falls well short of the experience you get with a dedicated reverse hyper machine.

• It’s much harder to load effectively.
• You don’t get that smooth pendulum swing that’s a key feature of true reverse hypers.
• The pad, while better than a bench, is still less comfortable than what you’d find on a purpose-built machine.

Overall, this function earns an Okay rating. It’s a functional substitute in a pinch, and better than most makeshift setups—but it’s not ideal if reverse hypers are a staple in your training.

 

Bonus Exercises – Rating: Good (for versatility)

Lastly in this TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 Review, let’s touch on a few bonus exercises you can perform with this machine.

While these aren’t the primary reasons you’d purchase the TibBarGuys Nordic Back Extension, they’re nice add-ons—especially for home gym owners trying to maximize value and space.

• Preacher curls work surprisingly well with this setup if you don’t have access to a dedicated preacher curl bench. Athletes with shorter arms may find it difficult to reach full extension, but that wasn’t an issue for me personally.
• It’s also a great setup for prone trap raises, which can be awkward to position properly without the right surface.

Again, these aren’t exercises you’d buy this machine for, but they’re great bonus options that make the equipment even more versatile—something that’s especially valuable in tight training spaces or home gyms.

 

Final Thoughts

Build Quality – TibBarGuy Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 Review

The overall build quality is excellent. The materials, particularly the foam pad and frame construction, feel premium. You get a strong sense of precision machining and durability. Unlike many budget-friendly options that have noticeable wiggle or instability between parts, this machine feels solid and secure.

Ease of Use

That said, the first few weeks of using the machine can be a little frustrating. It takes time to learn where each adjustment knob is and how to transition between the various setups. Once you’re familiar with it, the process becomes quick—but there is a learning curve.

Footprint & Space Efficiency

From a space-saving perspective, this machine shines. It takes up very little room, making it an excellent choice for home gym owners working with limited space.

Price Point

At just $599, this machine delivers solid value for the range of exercises it supports. When you consider how well it performs for movements like back extensions, it’s a great investment for home gym setups looking to consolidate equipment.

Home Gym vs. Commercial Gym Use

If I were outfitting a home gym, this machine would be a fantastic choice. It efficiently handles multiple key exercises without eating up valuable floor space.

However, in a commercial gym setting, I’d personally prefer to invest in dedicated machines for reverse hypers, back extensions, and hip thrusts. Each of those specialized setups offers slightly better performance and usability. Plus, in a gym environment, I can see members struggling with the learning curve—meaning you’ll likely end up constantly helping others with setup and adjustments.

Overall Verdict: Well Worth Picking Up

Despite a few small limitations, I’ve really enjoyed using this machine. Its build quality, versatility, and compact design make it a standout choice for home gym owners—especially those who want to train multiple posterior chain exercises without filling their space with separate machines.

If you’re looking for value, versatility, and space efficiency, the TibBarGuys Nordic Back Extension Machine V2 is well worth picking up.

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