All right, this is going to be my unboxing and review of the Shogun Sports Adjustable Metal Slant Board, which I purchased from Amazon on January 12th. It’s now January 20th, and while I’ve had it for a bit, this is the first chance I’ve had to get to the unboxing.
As usual, I’ve already sliced open the tape—because let’s be real, watching someone remove tape from a box isn’t exactly riveting content. Let’s get straight into it.
First Impressions and Packaging
The packaging is sturdy and the product feels hefty—definitely heavier than the previous slant board I owned. I like that there was attention to detail in the wrapping. One of the metal feet poked through the foam, so I’m glad they took time to protect it well.
The Shogun Sports Adjustable Metal Slant Board measures 14.5 x 14.5 inches and features a non-slip surface. According to the specs on Amazon, it weighs 11.6 lbs—doesn’t sound like much, but it definitely feels more substantial in hand.
Key Features and Adjustability
This slant board comes with four height settings, which makes it quite versatile. One thing I really like is how sturdy the adjustment arm feels. Some slant boards I’ve used in the past had flimsier arms that broke easily, even if they technically held my weight. This one feels different—solid, like it’s built to last.
Amazon lists the weight capacity at 204.11 kg (449.98 lbs). That’s just shy of 450, which is important info for anyone planning to do heavy standing calf raises. Personally, I weigh 220 lbs and like to use a safety squat bar, so I’ll definitely need to be mindful of how much weight I’m stacking on during these movements.
Slip Resistance and Real-World Testing
Now for my quick test. The surface of the Shogun Sports Adjustable Metal Slant Board isn’t quite as slip-resistant as some other calf stretchers or slant boards I’ve used.
Barefoot, it was okay on the lower settings. But as the incline increased, I started to slide—regardless of whether my toes faced the top or bottom of the slant. My barefoot lifting shoes (great for deadlifting) were the worst performers for grip. The zero shoes did better and allowed me to do weighted cyclist squats on the second-highest setting without sliding.
So, for anyone training barefoot or with minimal footwear—especially with added weight—you’ll want to ensure you’re wearing something with solid traction.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Very sturdy and stable—11.6 lbs of solid construction
- Folds down completely for easy storage
- Adjustable to four angles for versatility
- Compact footprint, perfect for home gyms
- High weight capacity (nearly 450 lbs)
Cons:
- Slip resistance could be better
- Not ideal for all barefoot training styles at steeper angles
As someone who trains solo in a home gym, the stability of the unit really matters. Once I was fully on it, the board didn’t budge or feel unsafe. That’s a big upgrade from my previous setup.
Practical Use and Storage Benefits
For calf stretches, I used the board next to a power rack for support. Holding on allowed me to get a great stretch without worrying about slipping. Still, I’m considering adding a non-skid surface to enhance grip—because if I solve that issue, this becomes my ideal tool for both squats and stretching.
The fact that this board is adjustable and foldable is huge. Unlike wooden boards that come in fixed heights and require multiple pieces for variety, this one tucks away neatly and saves space—exactly what you want in a home gym.
If you’re interested in picking up the Shogun Sports Adjustable Metal Slant Board, I’ll include the Amazon link in the video description.
Final Thoughts
For now, I’m giving this slant board a solid rating for durability and build quality—but slightly docking points for surface grip. If you plan to use it with supportive footwear or next to a rack, it’s an excellent addition to your training.
If I improve the traction, this could easily be my go-to for calf work and squats with elevated heels. I’ll keep testing it and update you if that changes.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this review. I’ve got another video linked below with a full leg workout using this slant board—check it out next!