10 Best Leg Extension Machines (2024 Updated)

Products Considered 33
Products
Considered
Hours of Research 174
Hours
of Research
Reviews Examined 37
Reviews
Examined
Experts Interviewed 7
Experts
Interviewed
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT
Published by Lisa Lorraine Taylor, BSc, CPT | Staff Writer
Last updated: February 28, 2024
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guides. By ordering products anonymously and getting a group of independent testers, we are able to get first-hand experience and provide data-driven recommendations. Learn more.

For me, leg days are some of the most motivating training days.

It might be purely psychological to write down very high-weight amounts on my training sheet. But that training data may not count for much unless you have the right equipment.

The problem with many leg extension and curl machines is that those designed for home gyms often compromise the range of motion and don’t always use heavy-duty materials.

So, we teamed up with colleagues to find the best leg extension machines with a reasonable price tag. We considered 33 products and spent 174 hours researching for a final verdict.

Here’s what we found.

The Best Leg Extension Machines

Editor's Choice
CTA of XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine
XMark Rotary
Durability
5.0
Price
4.5
Metal Sheet Gauge
11 ga
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Check Current Price
2nd Best Choice
CTA of Merax Utility Weight Bench with Leg Extension
Merax
Durability
4.7
Price
4.5
Metal Sheet Gauge
12 ga
Overall Score 4.6
4.6
Check Current Price
3rd Best Choice
CTA of Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Machine
Valor Fitness
Durability
4.2
Price
4.8
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.5
4.5
Check Current Price

Our Top Leg Extension Machines (March 2024)

1 - XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine (Best Overall & Premium)Editor's Choice

CTA of XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine
5.0
Durability
4.5
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
11 ga
Overall Score 4.8
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • 11 gauge steel with powder coat finish may make it more durable
  • Works with standard and Olympic plates for more compatibility
  • 20 adjustable press arm positions to suit different leg lengths

Cons

  • It doesn’t include a weight plate holder for storage
  • Weight capacity : 500 lbs
  • Dimensions : 48”L x 41”W x 41”H

The reason we picked this as one of our top recommendations is because it seems to be a commercial grade leg extension curl machine.

Many users like that it may allow them to better adjust the machine to their exact height and leg length to get a comfortable and optimum range of motion.

The only thing it might be missing is a weight stack to store your plates.

2 - Merax Utility Weight Bench with Leg Extension (Best Multi-Functional)

CTA of Merax Utility Weight Bench with Leg Extension
4.7
Durability
4.5
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
12 ga
Overall Score 4.6
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Suitable for arm curls and leg extensions
  • Backrest may be adjusted to 7 different positions
  • Olympic plate adapters are included

Cons

  • Some people have struggled with the assembly
  • Weight capacity : 550 lbs
  • Dimensions : 75”L x 26”W x 48”H

The Merax leg extension curl machine has a cool attachment that allows you to use it for dumbbell curls as well.

And adjusting the backrest pad to the seven different levels may be fast enough to not disrupt your workout routines.

The maximum weight capacity isn’t quite as high as commercial leg curl machines, but it should be high enough for most athletes.

We did see quite a few comments online where people seem to have struggled with the assembly process.

3 - Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Machine (Best Compact)

CTA of Valor Fitness CC-4 Leg Extension Machine
4.2
Durability
4.8
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.5
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Compact design for a smaller home gym
  • Allows adjustment to the range of motion
  • Positive comments about the padding

Cons

  • The maximum plate capacity might be a bit limited for some athletes
  • Weight capacity : 400 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 35”L x 35”W x 40”H

In my experience with the Valor Fitness leg extension machine, its compact design makes it suitable for a small home gym.

I appreciated its high adjustability, allowing for precise control over leg movement.

Additionally, the back and thigh pads provided excellent support, comfortably molding to the body.

Just be aware that the weight capacity isn’t all that high.

4 - Rogue Reflex Leg Curl/Leg Extension

CTA of Rogue Reflex Leg Curl/Leg Extension
4.4
Durability
4.5
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
11 ga
Overall Score 4.5
Click For Best Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fully adjustable leg roller pads
  • Comfortable grip handles
  • Comes with chrome plated pulleys and cable retainers
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Quite expensive
  • Weight capacity : 250 lbs
  • Dimensions : 50”L x 43”W x 73”H

This reflex leg curl and leg extension machine from Rogue is fully adjustable to accommodate your workout level. I've personally used it, and it catered to my workouts seamlessly.

It’s easily our top choice for the best leg extension machine for many reasons, but mainly because it has one of the best structural qualities with its powder-coated steel body and high-density foam pads.

With its build, it can surely last you a long time.

The price point is a bit steep, but with the Roque brand, the quality of this leg extension machine is guaranteed.

5 - Gold's Gym XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench (Best Brand-Recognized)

CTA of Gold's Gym XRS 20 Olympic Workout Bench
4.4
Durability
4.3
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.4
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Works well to train upper and lower body
  • Easily converts to using Olympic weight plates
  • The preacher pad for curls is easy to remove

Cons

  • The caps on the padding tend to come loose
  • Weight capacity : 600 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 72”L x 26”W x 22”H

This Gold’s Gym branded leg curl machine has a good maximum capacity, and there are positive comments that it has a solid build that doesn’t wobble.

We liked that the preacher pad for arm curls is easy to remove, as we did find a few products where that would require a screwdriver.

The only annoying thing about it is that the round ankle and thigh pad caps sometimes come loose.

6 - Deltech Fitness Leg Extension Machine (Best on Amazon)

CTA of Deltech Fitness Leg Extension Machine
4.3
Durability
4.2
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.3
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Positive comments that it’s a sturdy design with no wobbles
  • Seems to be higher off the ground for more flexibility in workouts
  • People like that they may adjust the settings to their leg length

Cons

  • The assembly instructions are not the easiest to follow
  • Weight capacity : 650 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 53”L x 26”W x 36”H

This leg extension machine has one of the higher maximum weight limits we found for a home gym model.

It also might be the sturdiest, even when it’s fully loaded.

I struggled to assemble it, so ensure you have a willing or unwilling volunteer to help.

7 - Body-Solid Powerline Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine (Best Versatile)

CTA of Body-Solid Powerline Leg Extension and Curl Weight Machine
4.2
Durability
4.2
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.2
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • The position of the hand grips is a good support for your workouts
  • Adjustable backrest includes a decline position
  • Easily switch between extensions and leg curls

Cons

  • Not adjustable enough for long legs
  • Weight capacity : 500 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 62”L x 25”W x 27”H

This leg curl machine stood out for us because it has multiple hand grip positions.

You may find these helpful for different body positions during a leg curl or extension exercise.

Users also like that it may allow them to switch the incline position quickly to not interrupt the sets too much.

The only thing we’re missing is a fully adjustable press arm to better accommodate different leg lengths.

8 - TDS Leg Curl Extension Unit (Best Adjustable)

CTA of TDS Leg Curl Extension Unit
4.1
Durability
4.0
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.1
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Fully adjustable backrest for curl and leg extension
  • Assembly seems to be easy enough for one person
  • Comes with an Olympic plate adapter for more compatibility

Cons

  • There are some reports it may start to wobble with heavier loads
  • Weight capacity : 600 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 67”L x 26”W x 30”H

This is another leg curl machine with a high-quality backrest.

Both the padding and adjustability seem to make training comfortably that bit easier.

It also includes an adapter to use Olympic weight plates or standard ones.

If you’re going to push the weight limits of this leg extensions and curl machine, then be aware that some users have reported that it might shake a bit.

9 - Inflight Fitness Leg Extension Machine

CTA of Inflight Fitness Leg Extension Machine
4.1
Durability
4.1
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
12 gauge
Overall Score 4.1
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Use a cable pulley system to allow for higher weight ranges
  • May provide better back support from the padding design
  • Ankle padding adjusts to your leg movement for more comfort

Cons

  • It’s quite a large piece of equipment
  • Weight capacity : 450 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 65”L x 42”W x 78”H

The final leg extension machine to make our featured list comes from a company called Inflight Fitness.

The first thing to point out is that it uses a cable system rather than simply attaching the weight plates directly to the front of the machine.

We found that this did give a smooth motion, especially for a lying leg exercise.

Just make sure you measure out your exercise space as it’s one of the larger models that might not fit in every home gym.

10 - Marcy Impex (Cheapest Option)

CTA of Marcy Impex
4.0
Durability
4.0
Price
Metal Sheet Gauge
unspecified
Overall Score 4.0
Check Current Price

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Back pad allows for incline and decline positions
  • Positive comments about the high-density foam being comfortable
  • The vinyl-covered rollers may make it easier to store away

Cons

  • Some heavier bodybuilders have said it’s a bit wobbly
  • Weight capacity : 600 lbs capacity
  • Dimensions : 65”L x 23”W x 46”H

This leg curl machine has an adjustable back pad with a good choice of positions, including a decline one.

This may make leg curls more comfortable and less straining on the lower back.

It also may work well if you don’t have much space and need to move it out of the way using the wheels when you’re finished.

We just noticed that there are a few online comments that it may get a bit wobbly when you get close to the weight limit.

How We Tested the Best Leg Extension Machines

  • Collaborated with fitness professionals: Utilized their expertise to assess the effectiveness and quality of the leg extension machines.
  • Focused on various features: Examined aspects like weight capacity, adjustability, comfort, and range of motion.
  • Personal testing and observation: Noted the ease of setup, stability during use, and the overall workout experience.
  • Assessed specific benefits for targeted exercises: Looked at products that offered benefits for leg strengthening, muscle isolation, and versatility in exercises.
  • Monitored real-world impacts: Tracked improvements in leg strength, muscle tone, and overall physical health among users of the leg extension machines.
  • Evaluated user feedback: Incorporated user reviews and feedback to gauge overall satisfaction and effectiveness of the leg extension machines.

Best Leg Extension Machine Buyer’s Guide

Credit card and laptop

Here are the four areas you should pay the closest attention to when making your buying choice.

1. Weight Capacity

Best Leg Extension Machines Weight Capacity

You need to be careful here since you might end up buying a leg extension machine that would break because you overloaded it.

These machines generally display a capacity of the weights and the user. Just because it has a limit of 500 lbs doesn’t mean you could pile on that amount in plates.

If you’re a bodybuilder looking for maximum capacity, then you’ll probably need to look at commercial types of machines. These often have sturdier materials and could withstand repeated usage even when it's close to the maximum weight.

2. Adjustment Settings

The first thing you want to check is for an adjustable leg part of the machine. The better this can be fine-tuned, the more comfortable the machine will feel, especially under heavy loads.

But you also need to check for adjustments on the seat and the backrest. You really want to prioritize a model that you’ll be able to bring into a decline position, as this may be more suitable for leg curls [1].

“Leg extensions involve straightening your leg from a bent-knee position against a resistance while seated. The first motion, knee extension, is the concentric motion, also called the muscle-shortening motion. During this phase, the four quad muscles contract and pull on the lower leg to straighten it. As these same muscles also slightly rotate your leg externally, your toes will point slightly outward.”

- Mike Samuels, Writer for AZCentral.com

3. Dimensions

Best Leg Extension Machines Dimension

Some leg extension curl machines can be pretty bulky.

And when they aren’t easy to store away, then you need to make sure that it fits your gym space.

We’ve listed out all the measurements above, so make sure you look at those carefully.

It’s happened to me before that I’ve spent 5 hours with some assembly “fun,” only to realize that it won’t fit.

4. Smooth Motion

Many athletes just look for a full range of motion. And while that is important, you have to make sure that the machine doesn’t have a jittery effect.

When you don’t have a smooth motion, you could be reducing the effectiveness of building up some mass in your quadriceps and hamstrings [2].

Related Articles:

Proper Leg Extension Machine Usage

When using a leg extension machine, follow these five usage suggestions to improve your performance and have a safe training session:

  1. Positioning: Ensure you're seated with your back flat against the pad, aligning your knees with the machine's pivot point.
  2. Ankle Placement: Secure your ankles behind the padded bar, making sure it rests just above your shoes, not directly on the ankle bone.
  3. Engage Core: Before initiating the movement, tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your spine and prevent undue strain on your lower back.
  4. Smooth Motion: Lift the weight using a controlled motion, avoiding jerky or rapid movements that can lead to injury.
  5. Avoid Hyperextension: As you extend your legs, ensure you don't lock out your knees completely. Stop just before full extension to keep tension on the muscles and protect your joints.

FAQs

Is a Leg Extension Machine Bad for Knees?

No, a leg extension machine isn’t bad for knees. However, it may become a problem if you load it up too heavy or if you have some prior injury that could make the joint weaker than average.

Should You Go Heavy on Leg Extensions?

No, you shouldn’t go heavy on leg extensions. The design of these machines may put a lot of pressure on your joints and ligaments, which may cause injuries. Squats might be a better option if you need to work out with heavier weights.

What Is The Best Leg Extension Machine?

One of the best leg extension machines we all agreed on is the Rogue Reflex Leg Extension machine.

It has a good total capacity for the user and weight stack, and you’ll find that there’s no wobbling effect.

We also found the adjustments very helpful to specify exactly how far you want your legs to move.

Order yours today and let us know how well it works for your workout routines.

Our #1 Recommendation

XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine (Best Overall & Premium)

CTA of XMark Rotary Leg Extension and Curl Machine
Durability
5.0
Price
4.5
Metal Sheet Gauge
11 ga
Overall Score 4.8
4.8
Pros
  • 11 gauge steel with powder coat finish may make it more durable
  • Works with standard and Olympic plates for more compatibility
  • 20 adjustable press arm positions to suit different leg lengths
Cons
  • It doesn’t include a weight plate holder for storage
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About The Author

Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Christiana Mikesch, CPT
Senior Coach
Learn more about our editorial policy

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