SHOGUN NORD-EX®

The Shogun Nord-Ex is positioned as a do-it-all posterior chain machine, combining variable angle Hyperextensions and Nordic Hamstring Curls in a compact and foldable form factor. Starting with the good, it allows you to perform these movements effectively, with easy adjustments and intuitive design. It specifically excels as a quality Nordic Hamstring Curl bench, with low tolerance pin adjustments and several angle adjustments to extend or reduce range of motion for different sized athletes. The performance falls off when performing hyperextensions. The main culprit is the narrow hip pad, which seems to be a design choice made to maintain the small footprint and ability to collapse into its stored state. During hyperextensions this results compression around the groin, which is especially uncomfortable for male athletes. In terms of build quality, the padding is a firm molded foam, with a quality vinyl exterior. While the thick steel throughout the frame and footplate are robust, the use of basic Q235 steel and 201 stainless in the adjustment tubes feels more like smart cost control, falling short of their commercial-grade claims. Overall, this is a thoughtfully designed and well executed product with some very noticeable flaws and overstated claims on construction and commercial grade build quality. It will be staying in my current gym space, but would be one of the first pieces to go if I had sufficient space for standalone hyperextension and Nordic hamstring curl units.

This was on backorder for me for months. Overall I do really like it, but it wasn't quite what I expected. I liked obviously that I could do nordic curls and back extensions, and it took up a small floor space. However when setting it up for back extensions, I cant quite get my feet firmly planted in the foot plate because the pad which goes in front of your hips isn't as adjustable as I'd like. Its a hard one to explain but the adjustability isn't what I hoped for.

This piece is not one of these “Jack of all trades only good at a few” mega multi-purpose pieces of equipment that are saturating the market. This is designed to do two things and does both superbly. It’s a Nordic Curl and Back Extension piece. The build quality is awesome. Stainless steel posts, laser numbered. Injection molded rollers and pad make for durable and comfortable cushioning at ankles and knees. It’s easy to switch between exercises and adjusts smoothly. It is also fairly compact as well, which is a plus for me. Unlike the Freak Athlete Hyper Pro, which is much more bulky. It is expensive, but I got it introductory sale, and with a GovX discount for $680. It’s over $1000 now and I know that is overpriced.