Is the Ntaifitness aeroEX-6003 Leg Press Hack Squat Machine Worth It for My Home Gym?

Is the Ntaifitness aeroEX-6003 Leg Press Hack Squat Machine Worth It for My Home Gym?

Hey r/homegym, I’ve been lurking here for a while, and I know a lot of you are always on the hunt for solid gear that doesn’t break the bank or take up your entire garage. I’ve been using the

Ntaifitness aeroEX-6003 Leg Press Hack Squat Machine[
[//b] for about three months now, and since I couldn’t find many real-world reviews before buying,

I figured I’d share my take. If you’re wondering whether this budget-friendly combo machine is legit for your home gym, here’s the deal.

I’m not gonna lie, setting up a home gym on a budget is stressful. You’re scrolling through endless options, trying to figure out if a piece of equipment is a steal or just cheap junk. I was in that exact spot a few months ago, torn between dropping a grand on a leg press or just sticking to my trusty barbell squats.

Space is tight in my garage, and I didn’t want to commit to something that’d turn into a glorified coat rack.

The [b]Ntaifitness aeroEX-6003 caught my eye because it’s a leg press and hack squat combo for under $900. But I was skeptical—can a budget machine really handle serious leg days? Here’s what I’ve learned.

First off, this thing is a beast in terms of size and weight. It’s about 7.5 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 4.5 feet tall, and it weighs a hefty 540 lbs. It’s not something you’re moving around once it’s set up, so make sure you’ve got a dedicated spot.

I’ve got a smallish garage gym, and it fits, but it’s definitely a presence. If you’re working with a tiny space, measure twice before you buy.

The frame is powder-coated steel, and it feels sturdy as hell. I’ve loaded it up with 600 lbs so far, and it doesn’t wobble or creak, which was a big relief. The website claims it can handle 1000 lbs, but I’m not there yet—maybe one day!

Assembly was… an adventure. Took me and a buddy about four hours, and I’m pretty handy with tools. The instructions are decent, with clear pictures, but there’s a lot of bolts to tighten, and some parts are heavy.

If you’re not into DIY, you might want to rope in a friend or pay for setup. Once it’s together, though, it’s rock solid. No loose parts or sketchy vibes, which I was worried about given the price.

Using it is where things get interesting. Switching between leg press and hack squat is easy—just adjust the backrest and footplate.

The footplate has a good range, from 15 to 65 degrees, so you can hit quads, glutes, or hamstrings depending on your stance. The linear bearings make the motion smooth, no sticking or grinding, even with heavier loads.

There’s also a built-in calf block, which is a nice bonus for calf raises without needing extra gear. I’ve been throwing in some calf work at the end of my leg sessions, and it’s held up fine so far.

Safety-wise, it’s got solid stoppers and handles, so I feel confident training alone. I’m 5’10”, and the setup works well for me, but the backrest is a bit short.

When I’m doing hack squats with heavier weight, my head sometimes hangs off the edge, which isn’t ideal. If you’re taller, like 6’2” or more, you might find it uncomfortable.

My wife, who’s 5’3”, says it’s fine for her but needs a small cushion for leg presses to feel right. The shoulder pads are okay, but they’re not as plush as some high-end machines. After a long session, I notice a bit of discomfort, but nothing deal-breaking.

One thing I really like is how versatile it is for the price. You’re getting two machines in one, plus the calf block, and it’s way cheaper than something like the ForceUSA Ultimate, which runs closer to $2000.

I looked at Titan Fitness too, but their leg press had mixed reviews, and I didn’t want to gamble. The aeroEX-6003 feels like a solid middle ground—affordable but not flimsy. The weight storage horns are a nice touch, keeping my plates organize

Awesome write-up on the Ntaifitness aeroEX-6003! I’ve been eyeballing this thing for my basement gym, so your review is super helpful.

Gotta say, I’m pretty stoked to hear it’s holding up with 600 lbs—that’s way more than I’m pushing right now, but good to know it’s got room to grow. The price is what’s got me hooked; I’ve been saving up, but dropping $2k on a ForceUSA just ain’t in the cards.

I’m 6’1”, so your point about the backrest being short has me a little worried. Did you find any workarounds, like adding a cushion or something? Also, how’s the footprint in your garage? My space is tight, and I’m already squeezing in a power rack and some dumbbells. Oh, and that calf block sounds dope—do you use it a lot, or is it more of a nice-to-have?

Thanks for sharing, man, this is exactly the kind of real talk I needed before pulling the trigger!

hanks for the detailed breakdown! I’ve been on the fence about getting a leg press/hack squat combo, and the aeroEX-6003’s price is hard to ignore.

I’m coming from a gym with commercial gear, so I’m a bit spoiled with cushy padding and smooth adjustments.

Your point about the backrest and pop pins being a bit clunky makes me wonder if I’d miss that high-end feel. Have you noticed the padding breaking down at all after a few months, or is it still holding strong?

Also, I’m curious about the assembly—four hours sounds intense! Were there any tricky parts, or was it just a lot of bolts? I’m not the handiest guy, so I’m debating if I’d need to pay someone to set it up.

Appreciate you taking the time to post this—there’s barely anything out there on this machine, so this helps a ton.

Anyone else got one of these in their setup?