Hardcastle Back Hyperextension Bench - Build Back Muscles

This is a great quality, solid piece of equipment for doing hyper-extensions for lower back. I purchased this as my current bench does not allow for this kind of movement and I am trying to build a stronger lower back to assist in my deadlifts.The item comes flat-packed, but only requires minimal assembly, took me about 30 minutes to put together and the instructions are fairly clear to follow. Once constructed it feels solid and I've no doubt it will last. It also looks like a quality piece of equipment and feels well constructed when you put your weight on it and use it.As one other reviewer commented, the foot pads could do with some extra grip so I purchased some inexpensive grip tape and stuck a small rectangle on each foot plate - problem solved. This cost me £5 extra and I have enough to use on other projects should I need some added grip.I am 6ft tall and weigh 96kg (211 lbs) and this feels very stable and comfortable when doing weighted hyper-extensions (20kg). One important thing to note, is the design of the pads that support your pelvis - there is a gap between each pad - this allows you to have room for your crotch area and not squash your valuables when training - a very good feature that's missing from a lot of the similar priced benches of this kind.Overall, an excellent purchase for £45 + £6 delivery. There are other more expensive examples on Amazon, but this one is very sturdily built, it's designed well (with regards to protecting your family jewels from being crushed) and offers great stability with a number of positions of adjustment to allow for users of different heights - it's actually better than some other models costing more.Highly recommended!

For hyperextension benches, there are the ones that are £400 and upwards like you'd find in commercial gyms.Then there are the ones under £100 that are made to be cheaper. They're cheaper because they use less metal, and a bit less padding. And they don't have springs to quickly adjust height, rather you have to unscrew and screw in the bolt that does the adjustment.This Hardcastle brand is the best in this class.First - it's large enough to be stable, with forked feet. There are other models that are too short or are foldable. With those models my centre of gravity ended up being beyond the edge and I tipped over.With this model I can do hyperextensions with a barbell on my shoulders and it stays stable. (I'm 5'10'' for reference.)Unlike big commercial ones, It's a tiny bit wobbly, but not enough to affect a workout. The ankle padding is good. The thigh padding isn't generous, but it's adequate.This doesn't come with assembly tools, which is typical of flat pack gym equipment. You'll need two spanners - one for the nut and one for the corresponding bolt - as you need to tighten from both ends at once.If you are looking for an affordable option for a home gym, which is still high quality enough for you to do serious hyperextensions without any compromises, this is the one to choose.

This comes flat packed, fairly easy to assemble, needs some spanners/ sockets. Sturdy construction, but light, only the pads are a bit noisy on changing body position. Good range of adjustment on the handles/ pads tube. Also foot heel pad has two adjustments. Good range of motion for exercise, no instability. Well worth current price tag, is very good home quality.

Good value for money, would buy it another time for that price

Sturdy , easy to assemble and good value for the price.

Fantastic and very sturdy piece of kit. Im 100kg and feels good to use.

Well built strong piece of equipment

It's sturdy as you like, a solid bit of kit with well constructed parts and soft but solid pads, but there are 2 key flaws:- The footplates are slippy, so it's hard to stay in position. This is easily resolved by purchasing a bit of grip tape (the silicon carbide type you get on skateboards is perfect, and cheap), cutting to size and fixing to the plates.- As a relatively big 120kg 6ft3 guy, I find the the leverage point of the machine is just a touch too far forward, without enough counterweight, so the back lifts of the ground on the upstroke for a second when doing hyperextensions and claps back down. I've solved this by plonking a 20kg Kettlebell in between the footpads.It's possible somebody shorter than 5ft10/11, or inside leg shorter than 28" might find the lowest setting still a bit to high for them, but for me, extended out 1 notch up is about right. It comes in a very straightforward kit of parts, with instructions, which you'll need a couple of spanners for (obv. not supplied), but if you've ever assembled Ikea furniture - you'll find it a breeze.