Assassin v8 Pre-Workout Review

The always popular and heavily dosed Assassin pre-workout is back for version 8. There has always been debate on the best version, so let’s see how v8 can compare. 

Everything version 7 was, version 8 does better with higher dosages and even more stimulants. This does contain less caffeine, although not by much (50 mg).

Overall, my recommendation for this product is for individuals who are willing to endure the high energy and any side effects along for the ride! I feel this is one of the most well-rounded pre-workouts I have reviewed this year of 2023!

Thank you, Jake with Nutricartel, for sending this full product for review! 

Where to Buy Assassin v8 Pre-Workout

You can buy Assassin v8 by Apollon Nutrition from the following retailers:

• Nutri Cartel
  • LIFTVAULT = 15% off
• Supps Central
  • LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off

Experience

A slight amount of energy emerged right out of the gate around a 1 out of 10. Energy increased to a level of three after 15 minutes, as my sinuses seemed to open. Around 20 minutes, I started to feel the beta-alanine tingles, starting directly on my ears and left eyebrow before transitioning around my forehead. Thirty minutes in, my entire face is tingling intensely, making me rub and itch, looking like an addict. The more regularly you use beta-alanine, the less you may feel tingling sensations. I have taken a break from stimulants most recently, for two weeks, to reduce my caffeine tolerance and supplement usage. 

Around 45 minutes, the high energy coupled with a mind-clearing focus decreased to a 6/10. The tingles were therapeutic, providing capillary vasodilation and increasing mobility. Aches and pains from previous workouts were decreased by the increased perfusion. At 55 minutes, there was another energy increase, giving strong trembling sensations, possibly from the eria and yohimbine/alpha yo. The intensity increase compelled me to hit the weights more aggressively. 

My heart rate spiked with the increased training intensity, and with a full, one-scoop serving, I had to refrain from pushing too much. It wasn’t an issue at the ½ and ¾ servings, but this is a highly dosed, stimulant-based product. Preferably, the ½ – ¾ dosage was a bit more tolerable for my needs, as with most Assassin versions, which adds to the number of servings you can keep returning to. I still have version 5/7 in my freezer for later use, but six is all gone. Hours of energy, especially at the ¾ – 1 full serving. I had long, endurance-based training while running this product just because it wouldn’t let me quit. 

Strength, endurance, energy, intensity, focus, thermogenic, increased muscle contractions, PP tingles along with nasal drainage (possible real DMHA known effect markers), DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), and pump were all delivered by this product, making it one of the best overall performance based products I’ve reviewed this year. The tingles lasted about an hour and 10 minutes for each use, driving the intensity. The increased vasodilation also increased my range of motion for my workouts.

Side Effects

Bowel clearing effects are significant and happened each time at varied dosages even though I had gone before the gym. Uusually VasoDrive-AP (not included in this product) causes this most often for me, but now I’m typing this part of the review from the stall.  

Flavor

I was sent “Ice Pop” for review, and in very Apollon fashion, the flavor was not that great. I think this is one particular reason why TJ claims flavor doesn’t matter, yet he doesn’t review flavors on video like the Review Bros. Some people are just trying to sell you something, but I will tell you the truth. I have only truly enjoyed one Apollon product flavor, but this isn’t it. Initially, the flavor is a decent ice pop, and then it falls very flat on its face with all the bitterness from the stimulants. I don’t understand why Apollon keeps producing disgusting-tasting products, yet small companies can provide us with excellent flavors. Let’s make waves to them and tell them we want more for the cost their products impose.

Since the mixability is not all that great, with there being so many ingredients, the last of the drink is extremely bitter. I understand some people don’t care what it tastes like, but I like it to taste better for the cost of the product. The suggested amount of water is 8-10 ounces per scoop, and I did my best to tolerate it most, around 12 ounces with the full serving dose, as it does get chalky.

Dose/Scoop Size

The serving size is 26 grams at a full scoop serving, a large offering compared to many products. The serving amount is flat below the scooper handle, but the scooper may change as the manufacturing does. I suggest using a food scale to prevent unwanted effects from high-stimulant ingredients like those contained here. I always shake my products when receiving them and every so often if they’ve been sitting on the shelf. This can cause aeration in the powder, affecting measurements, which is something to be mindful of.

I used many dosing strategies with this review, at ½ ¾ and full scoop. Apollon put this as a 40/20 serving tub, the market standard for many pre-workouts. 

Ingredients

As anyone can see, this fully loaded product takes a large scooper to get the maximum serving size. Below is the breakdown for the full scoop formulation, which I believe is the intended use. You most certainly could scoop this at 0.75 of a scoop and get more than enough ingredients for clinical and efficient dosing. There isn’t much left to be desired, as this product is very well formulated. But the many stimulants means it isn’t for the faint of heart. 

Sodium – 200 mg

Sodium is the most critical electrolyte since it is readily lost through sweating. Sodium dosage depends on which source you look at, but all electrolyte products contain various amounts ranging from 50 mg to 1g (as seen in LMNT). The proper dosage depends on your unique needs, diet, exercise, and nutrition, which is affected by previous medical history (i.e., hypertension). This is a good dosage in the medium range, as I enjoy adding sodium to my pre-workouts when I am not reviewing them. However, sodium affects the taste and isn’t desired by all users.

L-Citrulline – 6 g

L-citrulline is one of the most common pre-workout ingredients. Extensive evidence supports its ability to increase nitric oxide production, power output, pumps, blood flow, and endurance. It is typical for this ingredient to contain malic acid mixed in a 2:1 ratio per the clinical studies if disclosed. Malic acid has some benefits similar to beta-alanine, and these ingredients aren’t in a chemical bond. Some products may list malic acid as a separate ingredient. 

You want four to six grams of pure l-citrulline for proper clinical dosage. If the ratio on the label is 2:1, a 6-gram dose would contain close to 3.96 grams. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Some critical points are amino acid precursors, enhanced nitric oxide production, improved endurance, reduced muscle fatigue, cardiovascular health, and erectile dysfunction.

Beta-Alanine – 4 g

Beta-alanine has been shown to support muscular endurance and act as a lactic acid buffer. Depending on the source of this ingredient, you may feel the paresthesias tingling effect. This feeling is often desirable in the sports community, as it makes you feel the intensity after ingestion. This may be negated by diet and intake of beta-alanine. 

Beta-alanine requires regular intake to be effective, akin to creatine. Daily beta-alanine supplementation of three to four grams is recommended to become effective, with a three to five-week loading period. This is in the standard clinical dose range, although a bit higher. When you consume beta-alanine, it combines with another amino acid called histidine to form carnosine. 

Carnosine is found in high muscle concentrations and is a buffer against lactic acid buildup during intense exercise. This buffering effect can delay the onset of muscle fatigue and improve exercise capacity. By increasing carnosine levels in muscles, beta-alanine helps reduce the accumulation of hydrogen ions, contributing to muscle acidity and fatigue. This allows athletes to perform at a high intensity slightly longer before experiencing fatigue.

Typical dietary sources do not abundantly contain it, so it’s challenging to obtain the required amounts solely through diet. However, it is naturally present in small quantities of animal products like meat and fish. 

Taurine – 3 g

Taurine is a common ingredient with many positive effects, such as enhanced physical performance, improved DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), improved blood pressure via higher cardiac output, possible reduction of cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increased uptake of glycogen to mitochondria for energy utilization (Examine). 

Taurine supplementation might block beta-alanine uptake as they are antagonistic, which wouldn’t be an issue if used aside from pre-workout. It is not commonly known that beta-alanine/carnosine is a taurine-depleting antagonist (Examine). A three-gram taurine dose is excellent and above the standard dosing (one to six grams daily in studies). 

L-Tyrosine – 3 g

L-tyrosine boosts cognitive performance in stressful environments. Pre-workouts include it as a focus ingredient and help to achieve anti-stress effects. The typical dosage range is 500 mg to 2,000 mg for exercise. 

L-tyrosine is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to several important neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. It plays a significant role in producing dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, which regulate mood, stress response, physical performance, and cognitive function.

Betaine Anhydrous – 2.5 g

Betaine is included to help increase your power output. However, research needs to be more consistent around this claim. The typical range for betaine is between 1.5 g and 5 g, but generally, 2.5 grams is on the high end for what is in the market. If you ingest 2 g of betaine nitrate, it would yield 1308 mg of betaine and 692 mg of nitrate. Since the clinical dose of betaine is 2.5g, you must consume around 3.9g of betaine nitrate to get the full benefits. Per the clinical trials, daily supplementation is required to obtain the full benefits.

Betaine anhydrous, often called “betaine,” is a naturally occurring compound in various foods, including beets, spinach, and whole grains. It is also used as a dietary supplement for different purposes. Betaine serves several bodily functions and has been studied for its potential benefits.

Key points about betaine anhydrous include physical performance, enhanced muscular strength and power, cognitive function, and liver health with antioxidant effects. Betaine is naturally present in various foods: beets, spinach, quinoa, and whole grains. Read more about nitrates and comparisons here.

Lion’s Mane Mushroom Extract (30% Polysaccharides) – 1 g

Lion’s Mane (yamabushitake) is a relatively new nootropic, with some research supporting anti-anxiety, cognition boosting, and general well-being effects.

According to Examine, only a single human study has involved lion’s mane. The individuals orally consumed one gram three times a day. While that dosage appeared effective, it is unknown if this is optimal.

This contains 1000 mg of lion’s mane, which is an efficient dosage compared to market standards, but there isn’t enough research to determine if this is an effective dose. Additional research is needed to confirm the benefits and optimal dosage of lion’s mane.

Alpha GPC 50% (Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine) – 800 mg

Alpha GPC is a cholinergic compound that is produced within the body. It is used for enhancing cognition and increasing power output. Based on several studies, Alpha GPC dosages should be between 300 and 600 mg. At 800 mg, this is above the top end of the efficient dosage range.

Some key benefits include choline source, cognitive enhancement, acetylcholine precursor, neuroprotective properties, and athletic performance. 

Combining alpha-gpc with other nootropic compounds, such as below, can enhance the cognitive effects. Common combinations include racetams (like piracetam) and other brain-boosting supplements.

Beta Phenylethlamine HCl – 750 mg

B-phenylethylamine (Beta PEA) is a neurotransmitter that inhibits uptake and efflux (i.e., removal) of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels (2008 study). It is included to increase focus and motivation.

This ingredient needs to be better understood and requires additional research. 750 mg is a higher dose than what we typically see. It is important to note that WADA bans it.

Eria Jarensis (N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine HCl) – 500 mg

Eria Jarensis is a stimulant frequently seen alongside DMHA in high-stim pre-workouts.

500 mg is a huge dosage for this ingredient; being an exotic stimulant and others found in this product, it isn’t clinically studied but isn’t currently the highest on the market. The most eria jarensis I’ve ever seen in a pre-workout is 500 mg with Flame Pre-Workout (which is fantastic).

Himalayan Pink Salt – 500 mg

Salt helps retain water, enabling you to achieve fuller muscle bellies during your workout. This can help prevent muscle spasms and allow for good contraction.

500 mg is a highly effective dosage for this ingredient; however, it is diet-dependent as not everyone will need higher amounts (for comparison, FSU Dyehard has 300 mg, and Hooligan Bare Knuckle has 250 mg).

It also contains essential electrolytes! More info can be found at Supplements in Review.

Theobromine – 500 mg

Theobromine is a “caffeine light” stimulant ingredient found in chocolate, some tea plants, and the kola nut. 

Some anecdotal evidence suggests that theobromine can affect mood elevation, focus, and stimulation. Most doses range from 100 to 400 mg, leaving this on the high end. It is a bitter alkaloid compound naturally found in various plants, most notably in cocoa beans used to make chocolate products. On average, a 50 g piece of dark chocolate could contain 378 mg of theobromine. It is a chemical relative of caffeine and is classified as a xanthine alkaloid. 

It is known for its stimulant effects, although its impact is generally milder than caffeine. It stimulates the central nervous system and has diuretic effects, which means it can increase urine production. It also relaxes smooth muscles, which can lead to bronchodilation and relaxation of blood vessels.

Theobromine has been studied for its potential health benefits. Some research suggests that it positively affects cardiovascular health by improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. It has also been explored for its potential role in cognitive function and mood enhancement.

Caffeine Anhydrous – 450 mg

Caffeine Anhydrous is the standard form of caffeine, known for increasing energy, alertness, and motivation, reducing the perception of fatigue, and improving concentration and mood. It is a powdered form of caffeine commonly used as a supplement and in various products, including energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and over-the-counter medications. “Anhydrous” means without water, so caffeine anhydrous is essentially dehydrated caffeine, typically a white, odorless, and bitter-tasting powder. 

The caffeine content varies for each product. 350-450 is the typical dosage for sports supplements, 200-300 is the range for fat burners, and some products may contain other forms or stimulants. Caffeine works by blocking the action of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleepiness. This increases the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, which contribute to heightened alertness. 

Less is more, as your dependency will lead to diminishing returns as you increase your intake. The overall combination of many factors, such as sleep, when you take caffeine, diet, and nutrition, affect how much you will need. Recent attention on caffeine consumption within 90 minutes of waking has been given by Dr. Andrew Hubberman, who said it causes the delay of clearing of adenosine. Ingestion of caffeine upon waking will likely produce a mid-day crash, according to his research, so plan your consumption accordingly.

Juglans Regia Extract (DMHA) – 400 mg

This is the “natural” form of DMHA, a stimulant similar to DMAA, which boosts energy, focus,  performance enhancers, thermogenic (fat-burning) aids, and mood. DMHA shares similar effects as DMAA but requires a larger dosage. This made it a popular pre-workout ingredient for replacing DMAA in DMHA pre-workout supplements.

It comes in many different forms: juglans regia extract, English walnut extract, 2-aminoisoheptane, kigelia africana, octodrine, 2-amino-5-methylhexane, 2-amino-6-methylheptane, 6-amino-2-methylheptane, 2-isooctyl amine, 2-heptylamine, 6-methyl-, 2-metil-6-amino-eptano, amidrine, vaporpac, 1,5-DMHA, and 1,5-dimethylhexylamine. Read about the comparison of DMAA vs. DMHA here.

This product’s dosage is 400 mg, which is double the industry standard but varies based on the product. However, just because it says something on the label doesn’t necessarily mean you will always “feel” it due to different sourcing purities. Try lightly if you are not used to hardcore supplements like this.

DiCaffeine Malate – 200 mg

Di-caffeine malate is the extended-release version of caffeine, which usually slowly releases and adds to energy/focus later in the workout, delaying or preventing a crash depending on the formulation of stimulants in the pre-workout. Typically, 75% caffeine anhydrous and 25% malic acid, meaning 200 mg, would yield 150 mg of actual caffeine. In total, assassin v8 contains 600 mg of caffeine. 

Halostachine – 100 mg

Halostachine or n-methylphenylethanolamine is an alkaloid with a very similar structure to ephedrine. It is also a phenylethylamine (PEA) metabolite, a compound found in cocoa beans known for its “feel-good effects.” Halostachine acts as a beta-adrenergic receptor agonist similar to ephedrine and DMAA but has a tone-down potency. 

That being said, you need to respect its power. It is adrenergic, meaning it causes brain cells to release the neurotransmitters epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). These neurotransmitters increase energy and focus and are part of the “fight-or-flight” response.

It is classified as a sympathomimetic amine with stimulant properties. It acts on the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and bronchodilation (widening of the airways). Halostachine is structurally similar to ephedrine, a powerful and decongestant stimulant.

AstraGin – 50 mg

AstraGin is a proprietary nutraceutical ingredient composed of two natural extracts, Panax notoginseng and astragalus membranaceus. Its primary purpose is to improve the absorption of nutrients and bioactive compounds within the body. Key points include its potential to enhance nutrient uptake, potential benefits for digestive health and sports nutrition, and claims of immune support. In other words, it helps your body absorb more of the ingredients in the product, which allows the effectiveness of the ingredients. As the serving size increases, so does the need for a digestion aid. The typical dosage set by the manufacturer is 50 mg.

Noopept – 30 mg

Noopept, known as N-Phenylacetyl-L-prolyglycine ethyl ester, is a synthetic nootropic ingredient with cognitive boosting and psychostimulatory effects. The dosing for this ingredient is typically 10 to 30 mg, where 30 mg is the desired dosage. 

Noopept, also known by its generic name N-phenylacetyl-L-prolylglycine ethyl ester, is a synthetic nootropic compound. It is structurally related to the racetam class of nootropics and is known for its potential cognitive-enhancing effects. Noopept is primarily used as a cognitive enhancer and is available as a dietary supplement in some countries.

The exact mechanisms of how Noopept works have yet to be fully understood, but it is believed to modulate neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It may influence acetylcholine, glutamate, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, all of which play roles in learning and memory.

Yohimbine HCl – 3 mg

This is a popular ingredient in many supplements. It has a variety of uses and can serve as an appetite suppressant, fat burner, aphrodisiac, mood elevator, and performance and focus ingredient. Yohimbe is a tree native to central and western Africa, and the bark of the tree produces an alkaloid called yohimbine. Depending on the quality of the extract, it can be very potent, so dosing varies with different products or brands. 

This isn’t to be confused with alpha yo (rauwolfia vomitoria extract). Some individuals are more susceptible to alpha yohimbine and avoid any pre-workout with it outright. Common adverse side effects include anxiety, headaches, sweating, frequent urination, and increased blood pressure.

Alpha Yohimbine (Rauwolscine Vomitoria) – 2 mg

“Alpha yo” is a “love it or hate it” stimulant. Some individuals are susceptible to alpha yohimbine and avoid any pre-workout with it outright. Common adverse side effects include anxiety, headaches, sweating, frequent urination, and increased blood pressure.

If you are sensitive to the effects of Alpha Yo, I’d suggest starting with a smaller serving size to assess if the results are too strong for you. Dosages can range from 0.5 to 3 mg, with the ladder being very potent.

Rauwolfia vomitoria is a plant native to West and Central Africa. It is a member of the Apocynaceae family and has a long history of traditional medicinal use by indigenous peoples in the regions where it grows. The plant is also known by various names, including “African serpentwood” and “kouayang.” 

The plant contains several alkaloids, including reserpine, ajmaline, and serpentine. Reserpine, in particular, is a well-known compound found in Rauwolfia vomitoria and has been used to treat high blood pressure and certain mental disorders. The alkaloids in Rauwolfia vomitoria have been investigated for their potential antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties, among other effects.

Assassin v8 by Apollon Nutrition: 4.4 / 5

As expected, this product delivered great energy and endurance throughout my workouts. If you can get over the flavor and the potential bathroom visit during your training, this product delivers repeatedly! Although I like a high-stimulant product as much as the next junkie, the added pump ingredients potentially caused it to be an issue.

Based on my experience, it was one of the most well-rounded pre-workouts to come out in 2023.