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Find the best pre-workout supplements reviewed for their potency and value. Pre workouts are highlighted for their strength, inclusion of special ingredients, and overall value. If you're tired of wasting money on ineffective pre workouts, check out our recommended pre workouts below.
For the latest pre workout reviews, please see the posts below.
Brain Blitz pre workout is a nootropic and pre workout hybrid supplement designed to help increase focus and energy in the gym. It is known for having a combined 325 mg of caffeine, 600 mg of Alpha GPC, 100 mg of English Walnut Extract (DMHA), and 30 mg of Noopept. It is manufactured by Phase 1 Nutrition (P1N).
[Read more…]
Defiant Unleashed is a hardcore DMHA pre workout supplement manufactured by Muscle Force. It notably contains 200 mg of DMHA, 250 mg of Eria Jarensis, and 100 mg of Octopamine. [Read more…]
Taking a quick break from reviewing pre workouts, this is a review of a supplement focused on gamers instead of athletes. G Fuel is probably the biggest gaming supplement company out there right now, so I figured I’d check out their flagship product: the G Fuel Energy Formula. [Read more…]
As part of the 2021 crackdown on DMAA by the FDA, 1’3 Volt is no longer being made.
Check out other DMAA pre workouts or my list of the strongest pre workouts.
1’3 Volt pre workout is a brand new pre workout supplement from Static Labz. It notably contains 100 mg of DMAA, 6.4 grams of beta alanine, 400 mg of caffeine, and 30 mg of noopept. This is twice the typical amount of beta alanine found in pre workouts.
[Read more…]
Crack Purple, the flagship stunner from Dark Labs, is back and still hitting hard. Boasting 240 mg of DMHA, 500 mg of caffeine, and 300 mg of eria jarensis, Crack Purple delivers long lasting energy, euphoria, and intensity. Only for experienced users!
Code: LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Instead, check out our top strongest pre-workouts or best DMAA pre-workouts.
You may also enjoy Crack Reloaded, a higher energy, more intense version of the original Crack.
Crack Reloaded is the newest version of Crack from Dark Labs. It does not contain DMAA or DMHA, but it still has a label brimming with stims + pump enhancers.
I mean, it has 425 mg of caffeine!
If you like aggression and energy, you'll love Crack Reloaded.
Discount Codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
CRACK pre workout is a DMAA pre-workout released in 2019 by Polish supplement company Dark Labs. Crack drew attention with the bold inclusion of 120 mg of DMAA on its ingredient label. This dosage is significantly higher than what is typically included in DMAA pre workouts (typically 60 mg to 75 mg).
In May 2022, Dark Labs released a new product called Crack Reloaded, which does not include DMAA or DMHA.
What makes Crack pre workout doubly interesting is its impressive portfolio of pump ingredients. Based on the label alone, this may be the rare pre workout that delivers on energy and pumps.
[Read more…]If you’re looking for the strongest pre-workout supplements, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are Lift Vault, we’ve reviewed 100+ pre-workout supplements to give you the best possible recommendations.
When it comes to hardcore pre-workouts, we don’t censor our recommendations.
These are the pre-workout supplements you won’t find on other lists.
Don’t believe us? Go check the other lists – go on, we’ll wait.
If you’re in a rush, here are our five strongest pre-workouts at the moment.
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Best All-Around High Stim
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Top Alpha Yo Bomb
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Top Dark Labs Pre
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2026 Newest Hitter
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4.7
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4.5
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4.4
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4.4
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
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Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
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Caffeine:
420 mg
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Caffeine:
403 mg
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Caffeine:
550 mg
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Caffeine:
387 mg
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Looking for a hardcore pre-workout with some exotic stims?
We have dedicated lists of the best DMAA pre-workouts and DMHA pre-workouts.
Do you want 600 mg of caffeine to the face?
We’ve got a pre-workout for that! Enjoy Assassin by Apollon Nutrition.
What about a pre-workout with a euphoric head buzz?
Check out Maniaco by Dark Labs.
Or maybe you just want something strong, but without any banned ingredients?
For that, you need El Jefe Pre-Workout.
The point is that we’ve tried just about everything. If it’s on this list, it’s great. Period.
Whether you want high stim energy, intense focus and euphoria, or simply hardcore intensity and aggression in the gym, we have something for you.
As any grizzled pre-workout veteran will attest, strong pre-workouts have their own unique effects that aren’t fully captured on the ingredient label.
This round-up is for the stim junkies, the true pre-workout connoisseurs.
Our lineup is sourced using data from Label Rater, which aggregates real user feedback from Reddit to see which pre-workouts stim junkies actually rate the highest.
[Read more…]
Pre Phase KO has been discontinued as of summer 2021. In it’s place, Phase 1 Nutrition is releasing two different pre workouts: Stimmed Up and Pre Phase.
Stimmed Up is Phase 1 Nutrition’s new high-stim pre workout. You can read our Stimmed Up Pre-Workout review now.
[Read more…]Irate is still available from Muscle Players.
Check out other DMAA pre workout or just buy your own DMAA powder and add it to any pre workout.
Irate pre workout is a high-stimulant pre workout created by Juggernaut Nutrition. Irate is known for its inclusion of DMAA and caffeine citrate, two relatively uncommon pre workout ingredients.
[Read more…]Broken Arrow Elite pre workout is the updated version of Broken Arrow from Repp Sports. The most notable change in the “elite” version of Broken Arrow is the removal of DMHA from the formula, which was replaced with a 150 mg proprietary blend.
Keep reading to see my personal experience with this pre workout, a breakdown of the ingredient label, and my overall impression of Broken Arrow Elite pre workout. [Read more…]
Updated for 2026!
DMHA pre-workout is a pre-workout supplement that includes the stimulant DMHA. DMHA is also known as English Walnut Extract, Octodrine, 2-aminoisoheptane, 2-amino-5-methylheptane, 2-amino-6, and Juglans Regia Extract.
DMHA grew in popularity as DMAA faced increasing scrutiny in many countries and DMAA pre workouts became more difficult to find.
[Read more…]BAMF Pre Workout is a nootropic pre workout designed to increase energy and focus for the toughest workouts. It includes some unique ingredients, such as Alpha GPC, hordenine, ActiGin, and deer antler velvet extract, to set itself apart from other other high-stimulant pre workouts. It is manufactured by Das Labs under the Bucked Up brand.
[Read more…]Apollon Nutrition Overtime is a nootropic nutritional supplement designed to increase energy, focus, and productivity. It is different from a pre-workout in that it does not contain any ingredients designed to increase blood flow or strength – its only goal is energy, motivation, and productivity.
[Read more…]Hooligan pre workout is a pre workout supplement known for its high caffeine content and long lasting energy. It contains 600 mg of caffeine in addition to 7 grams of L-Citrulline and 300 mg of Alpha GPC.
It is manufactured by Apollon Nutrition, the same folks who made the truly insane Assassin Pre Workout, is another excellent pre workout that is worth checking out.
Hooligan is the strongest pre workout without banned substances, bar none. Hooligan is brimming with pump, energy, and focus ingredients to keep you going all day long.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Read on the learn more about the newest version of Hooligan and my experience with it.
[Read more…]It’s becoming increasingly difficult to find good DMAA pre-workout supplements these days, but it’s still possible! In fact, DMAA is having a bit of comeback in 2026 and several great pre-workouts still contain the ingredient.
Here are some of the best DMAA pre-workouts that you can still buy today. Get ’em while they last!
[Read more…]Excelsior is quite hard to find these days and is usually out of stock.
Instead, check out our strongest pre workouts or the best DMHA pre workouts.
Excelsior pre workout is a nutritional supplement manufactured by Imperial Nutrition. It is known for having a 5.3 gram proprietary blend that is mysteriously powerful. It has been compared to legendary pre workout supplements of the past like Craze and Jack3d.
Excelsior is a high stim pre workout with incredibly unique effects. When it is gone, I guarantee it will be talked about for years to come.
Many reviews have commented on the relatively short label, the small scoop size (a measly 5.3 grams vs. Assassin’s 16.8 grams, comparison below), and then the insane stimulant effects.
Intrigued, I picked up a tub. And in a way, it a delivered, but the results were not at all what I was expecting.
[Read more…]September 2022 Update:
Dark Energy ain’t coming back. If you see tubs floating around on the Internet, they’re most likely fake.
But don’t despair.
There are a ton of amazing stim junkie pre-workouts still available. Honestly, I like them even more than Dark Energy.
The best around right now, without question, is Crack Gold. It has DMAA and DMHA, just like Dark Energy did.
One of Dark Labs' all-time most popular pre-workouts, Crack Gold blends 250 mg of well-sourced DMHA with a monster 300 mg of eria jarensis and 50 mg halostachine for a unique, euphoric intensity.
We keep a list of the strongest pre-workouts updated constantly.
If you want to add your own DMAA or DMHA powder to any pre-workout, check out Bulk Stimulants.
See you in the gym!
November 2021 Update:
I’m leaving this up for historical purposes, but this turned out to be bunk.
Dark Energy pre-workout may be returning soon.
There are rumors circulating that Dark Energy may be under new ownership and returning in November 2021.
Here’s a picture of the new label:
I tried a sample of the “new” Dark Energy and it is absolutely not the same as the original. I do not recommend wasting your money on it.
If you’re looking for the next best thing to Dark Energy, I recommend Crack Pre-Workout from Dark Labs.
Crack Purple, the flagship stunner from Dark Labs, is back and still hitting hard. Boasting 240 mg of DMHA, 500 mg of caffeine, and 300 mg of eria jarensis, Crack Purple delivers long lasting energy, euphoria, and intensity. Only for experienced users!
Code: LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Here are some Dark Energy alternatives to consider:
Dark Energy pre workout is a controversial pre workout supplement known for containing DMAA and DMHA. These ingredients are stimulants and prohibited for sale as a dietary supplement by the FDA. As a result, Dark Energy is marketed as a “research product” by its manufacturer, Magnitude Life Sciences.
[Read more…]Legion Pulse pre workout is a pre workout supplement known for its simple but strong ingredient profile. Its ingredients include 350 mg of caffeine anhydrous, 8 grams of L-Citrulline Malate, and 300 mg of Alpha GPC among others. Pulse Pre Workout is popular as a “daily driver” pre workout that can be taken every day without significant side effects.
Legion Pulse is one of the best clinically-dosed, banned substance free pre workouts available today and a personal favorite of mine. [Read more…]
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!
[Read more…]This is a review of my personal experience using Man Sports Game Day pre workout.
To learn more about the best pre workouts, check out my analysis of over 300 different pre workouts.
Overall, I am really impressed with Man Sports’ Game Day pre workout. I’ve used it on several occasions and [Read more…]
Not seeing the gains in the gym that you should have by now? Perhaps you’re just in a slump and need something new to help you feel bigger in the gym? Then you should consider using a pump pre-workout!
A pump supplement with the right blend of ingredients can be a major game-changer in the gym – especially mentally. Nothing feels better than crushing an intense workout and having the ultimate “pump” to show for it.
[Read more…]