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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.
In January 2022, Kaged announced a rebranding from Kaged Muscle to Kaged. Alongside this announcement, they introduced a new pre-workout: Pre-Kaged Elite.
This naturally led to the question: what is the difference between regular Pre-Kaged pre-workout and Pre-Kaged Elite?
When it comes to Pre-Kaged vs. Pre-Kaged Elite, we’ll give you a full comparison of their key differences and which one may be right for you.
[Read more…]Loaded is a pre-workout supplement from Ryse Up Supplements. Features include 4.5 g L-Citrulline, 3.5 g Beta-Alanine, 440 mg total caffeine from two different sources, and 100 mg Theobromine. Loaded by Ryse is a high-energy pre-workout.
I would easily recommend this for beginners. The energy is good enough, with sufficient focus and pumps to benefit a beginner. Paired with the licensed, well-known, and incredible flavors, a beginner would not have any trouble with this product as long as they can handle the initial 350 mg of caffeine.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Loaded pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Pumpaholic is a pure pump product supplement from Freedom Formulations. Utilizing 5 g Citrulline Malate 2:1, 1 g Agmatine Sulfate, 500 mg Beet Root Powder, and 150 mg Norvaline, Pumpaholic promises Crazy Pumps and Extreme Vascularity. Unfortunately, the pumps are lacking.
I would recommend this for someone looking to stack this with a pre-workout to get some extra pumps. However, that’s pretty much the only scenario I could see it being used, as the pumps are deficient.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Pumpaholic pure pump product, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Symbiote is a pre-workout supplement from NutriFit. Fueled by 4 g Beta-Alanine, 1 g L-Tyrosine, 400 mg Caffeine, 200 mg Eria Jarensis, 200 mg DMHA, 75 mg Hordenine, and 1 mg Alpha Yo, Symbiote is a powerful stim pre-workout.
This pre-workout had me feeling like a sparkplug.
Due to the stimulants, I would only recommend this supplement for advanced users of pre-workouts.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Symbiote pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Spartacus is a pre-workout supplement from VHi Fit. Fueled by 6 g L-Citrulline Malate, 3.2 g Beta-Alanine, 1 g L-Tyrosine, 357.5 mg of total caffeine (from 3 different sources), 200 mg Eria Jarensis, and 250 mcg Huperzine A, Spartacus provides the energy and focus required for a great workout.
I took Spartacus six times (twice before workouts and four before work). It consistently gave me the energy and focus needed to complete the workout or the shift at work.
Due to the Eria Jarensis, caffeine dosage, and levels of focus, I would only recommend this for intermediate users of pre-workouts looking to explore a higher-stim pre-workout. Since Spartacus is not overly strong, it is a good stepping stone towards higher stim pre-workouts.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Spartacus pre-workouts, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Alpha Supps Pre supplement from Alpha Supps is powered by 1 g Agmatine Sulfate, 375 mg total caffeine (from two different sources), 200 mg Eria Jarensis, 50 mg Synephrine, and 200 mcg Huperzine, Alpha Supps Pre. it provides the energy and focus needed for any circumstance without being too overpowering.
I would recommend this for intermediate pre-workout users looking to try gray-stim products without the potential for adverse side effects.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Alpha Supps Pre pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Vascular Elite Pump is a pure pump pre-workout supplement from VHi Fit. Featuring 6 g L-Citrulline, 3 g HydroPrime (™), 250 mg Sodium Nitrate, Vascular Elite Pump provides the pumps, the whole pumps, and nothing but the pumps!
I would compare Vascular Elite Pump to Cannibal Permaswole, which was another incredible pure pump formula.
I would recommend this product to anyone who wants to get extra pumps in their product. They offer a wide variety of flavors and I observed no chalky consistency. Additionally, since it doesn’t have beta-alanine, stims, or nootropics, it is easy to couple the pre-workout with other products.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Vascular Elite Pump pure pump pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
For other great pump options, visit our list of the best pump supplements.
[Read more…]Carnage Non-Stim Pump is a non-stim pump product supplement from NutriFitt. Fueled by 5 g L-Citrulline, 2.5 g Betaine Anhydrous, 1.5 g Nitrosigine, 500 mg DMAE, Carnage provides the pump and mind-to-muscle connection needed for a workout.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for robust pumps with some nootropics, including beginners and advanced users.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Carnage non-stim pump pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Street Series is a pre-workout supplement from Street Supplements. Powered by 6 g Citrulline Malate, 3 g Beta-Alanine, 2 g L-Tyrosine, 200 mg DMHA, 200 mg Eria Jarnesis, 400 mg Caffeine, 70 mg Mega Synephrine, and 1 mg Alpha Yo, Street Series provides intense focus, mood elevation, energy, and thermogenic/sweating effects.
Street Series pre-workout is an extreme ride of energy, focus, and thermogenesis. It’s one of those pre-workouts that lights a fire underneath you, enabling you to get things done.
Due to the stimulants and thermogenic effects, I would only recommend this for advanced users of pre-workouts.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Street Series pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Nexus is a pre-workout supplement from Muscle Code Supps. Charged by 4 g L-Citrulline, 3.2 g Beta-Alanine, 1 g HydroPrime, 1 g L-Tyrosine, 300 mg Caffeine, 200 mg DMHA, 150 mg Eria Jarensis, 50 mg Synephrine, and 30 mg Noopept, Nexus is a wonderful pre-workout that provides the energy, focus, and pumps.
Having just tried Nexus once, I experienced phenomenal pumps, energy, focus, and a post-workout “head-buzz.”
Due to the stimulants (DMHA and Eria Jarensis), I only recommend Nexus for advanced users of pre-workouts.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for Nexus pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]We’ve all heard stories of banned or illegal pre-workout supplements.
Craze, Jack3d, Dark Energy, Ultimate Orange, the list goes on…
Some of these supplements go away entirely, while others come back in a watered-down version, a shadow of their former selves.
The culprit is usually, but not always, DMAA or DMHA.
When the FDA finds out that a pre-workout contains these banned stimulants, it usually doesn’t take too long for that product to be discontinued.
The funny thing is that you can still buy DMAA and DMHA online.
On top of that, a few pre-workouts that contain DMAA or DMHA are still available.
Here are some of the most popular DMAA pre-workouts and DMHA pre-workouts.
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Euphoric DMHA Buzz
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100 mg of DMAA
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Your Personal DMAA Stash
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Type:
Pre-Workout
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Type:
Pre-Workout
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Type:
Single Ingredient
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DMAA:
0 mg
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DMAA:
100 mg
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DMAA:
100 mg
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DMHA:
200 mg
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DMHA:
0 mg
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DMHA:
0 mg
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Caffeine:
350 mg
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Caffeine:
350 mg
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Caffeine:
0 mg
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Pros:
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Pros:
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Pros:
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We’ll provide the full lowdown so you can decide if you want to pick these illegal ingredients before they get banned.
The best bang for your buck is to pick up your own bag of DMAA and/or DMHA. This way you can add it to whatever pre-workout you want.
To do that, you’ll want to go to Bulk Stimulants. As their name suggests, they have DMAA and DMHA available for purchase.
Each bag of DMAA contains about 200 servings (50 mg per serving) and each bag of DMHA contains about 100 servings (100 mg per serving). Either way, it’s way cheaper than buying pre-mixed pre-workout with DMAA or DMHA (but we have options for that below).
If you’re curious, you can read my review of Bulk Stimulants DMAA. In short: it’s legit.
If you decide to order from Bulk Stimulants, we strongly recommend that you invest in a scale so you can accurately measure doses.
Turn any pre-workout into a DMAA pre-workout with 10 grams of pure DMAA from Bulk Stimulants.
Get insane energy, drive, and focus.
Contains 200 servings (50 mg per serving).
Buy it once, have your own personal DMAA stash for years.
10 grams of pure DMHA powder from Bulk Stimulants.
An easy and cost effective way to add energy + euphoria to any pre workout. Your own DMHA stash!
You can also find a review of the DMAA from Bulk Stimulants from the Review Bros. This is from March 2022.
Here are some of the most popular pre-workouts that contain banned pre-workout ingredients.
Get ’em while they last!
Final Call Pre-Workout contains DMAA, a banned stimulant that remains popular amongst hardcore supplement users.
Final Call by BS Supplements is a hyper focus, mood-elevating, energy-increasing supplement that delivered wonderfully.
Final Call definitely hits hard but also delivers focus, a good mood, and energy.
Discount code:
LV15 = 15% off at Muscle Factory
Crack Pre-Workout contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMAA.
This is the most popular DMAA pre workout at the moment.
4/6/23 Update: Limited Stock Available.
A stim junkie favorite with 120 mg of DMAA and a fully-loaded pump formula.
One of the most in-demand pre-workouts from 2020 to 2023.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off My Supp Plug
Herolean Fat Burner contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMAA and DMHA.
It’s one of the strongest fat burners available from Dark Labs and is a potent DMAA fat burner.
A rare combination of DMAA and DMHA makes Herolean one of the most powerful fat burner thermogenic pre-workouts available on the market.
Warning: Strong alpha yohimbine effects.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Supps Central
Ripper Fat Burner contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMAA. It’s another popular DMAA fat burner.
Back in Stock 9/24! Act fast before it's gone.
Get ready to sweat with this thermogenic DMAA fat burner from the legendary Dark Labs (makers of Crack and Flame).
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Muscle Players
Flame Pre-Workout contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMHA.
It’s one of the most euphoric DMHA pre workouts currently available.
Restocked in August 2022!
Hard-hitting, "happy" DMHA experience. This one will make the stim junkies soar.
All stims, no pumps, but if you want energy, focus, and euphoria then Flame is the answer.
One of my personal favorites.
El Jefe Pre-Workout contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMHA.
It’s been one of the strongest pre-workouts available for several years now.
El Jefe is a powerful pre-workout that delivers euphoric energy and long lasting focus.
One of my personal favorite pre-workouts! Get the peach rings flavor if you can.
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel
Decim8 Pre-Workout contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMHA.
DECIM8 Pre-Workout delivers long-lasting focus and energy with a great post-workout buzz. If you like mood elevation and focus in your pre-workout, then DECIM8 is definitely worth a try.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off at My Supp Plug
Zeus Pre-Workout contains the illegal pre-workout stimulant DMHA.
June 2023 Update: Back in Stock!
A heavy DMHA hitter.
For those looking for a strong smack of energy for the most intense training sessions.
The real deal.
Discount codes:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
LIFTVAULT = 15% off My Supp Plug
It is rarely illegal to buy or possess pre-workout supplements that contain specific ingredients.
Instead, it is illegal to sell them.
Here’s a list of the legal status of DMAA in various countries.
The FDA has limited resources when it comes to busting up companies that are selling pre-workouts with illegal ingredients. It is a never-ending game of cat and mouse.
Usually, companies that sell supplements with banned ingredients do not stick around for very long. They either reformulate their product (e.g. Mesomorph, Craze, Jack3D) or disappear entirely (e.g. Dark Energy).
Are you an athlete looking to step up your training game BIG time?
The right pre-workout supplement will have you running faster, lifting heavier, pushing further, feeling less fatigued, and absolutely smashing your goals.
But not all pre-workouts are created equal, and there’s a very fine line between good pre-workouts and great pre-workouts.
Besides the host of benefits you can reap from taking pre-workout, it is possible to find an awesome pre-workout supplement that’s 100% compliant with tested sports federations, like WADA and NCAA (no positive drug test!).
[Read more…]If you really want the best of both worlds, a pre-workout supplement with creatine will take you far in boosting your athletic performance and destroying your fitness goals – faster than ever before!
But, it seems to be a common problem that many creatine pre-workouts don’t contain nearly enough creatine (or other effective ingredients) to actually produce results.
Well, you can sit back and relax, because I’ve compiled a list of the very best pre-workout supplements with creatine to suit all of your needs – so you don’t have to.
[Read more…]Darkshred is a fat burner supplement from Alpha Neon. Darkshred will give you the energy, focus, thermogenic, and diuretic effects for a strong cardio session after a cheat meal. It has an impressively loaded label listing 1.5 g Carnitine-Tartrate, 700 mg Dandelion Extract, 500 mg Horsetail Extract, 500 mg Cordyceps, 394 mg total caffeine (from anhydrous and guarana seed), 200 mg White Willow Bark, 200 mg Forkshiil Root Extract, 50 mg Grains of Paradise,
I would only recommend Darkshred for advanced users of pre-workouts or fat burners due to the intense thermogenic effects and energy.
I tried Darkshred three separate times, once with a pump product for a lifting day and twice for fasted cardio. Every time, the thermogenic and diuretic effects were strong along with the energy.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the Darkshred fat burner, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]DECIM8 is a pre-workout supplement from ELEV8 Supps. It contains 2 g L-Tyrosine, 600 mg Alpha GPC, 300 mg Theobromine, 325 mg total caffeine from three different sources, 200 mg DMHA, 200 mg Eria Jarensis, 100 mg Neurofactor, and 30 mg Noopept. DECIM8 provides the focus and energy needed for a long workout.
I would only recommend this product for advanced pre-workout users due to the included stims and for “stim-junkies” who want a great pre-workout without having to go too strong.
Read on for additional details of my experience, the best prices for the DECIM8 pre-workout, and a breakdown of its ingredient label.
[Read more…]Whether you’re an avid runner, swimmer, cyclist, or just someone who regularly trains cardio, a solid pre-workout supplement can take your performance to the NEXT LEVEL. (And no, pre-workouts aren’t just made for bodybuilders and powerlifters.)
Ready to maximize your training with boundless energy, immense focus, and endurance like never before?
In this guide, you’ll find the best pre-workout supplements for cardio, how to choose the right one for you, and why these sports supplements can help you to reach your fitness goals faster.
[Read more…]Crack Reloaded is a high-stim pre-workout supplement from Dark Labs. Dark Labs is most known for creating Crack Pre-Workout, Flame Pre-Workout, Ripper Fat Burner, and Herolean Fat Burner, which all feature either DMAA or DMHA.
Crack Reloaded, notably, does not contain DMAA or DMHA.
The question on everyone’s mind is: does it still slap?
[Read more…]Ultra Pre Xtreme is a high-stim pre-workout supplement made by Darkside. Boasting 425 mg of caffeine from two sources, 300 mg of eria jarensis, and 60 mg of hordenine, Ultra Pre Xtreme delivers a surprisingly smooth blend of energy, focus, and euphoria.
I strongly recommend this for anyone who wants to take a break from DMAA pre-workouts and DMHA pre-workouts while still experiencing a strong pre-workout. I’ll definitely be finishing my tub.
[Read more…]For a lot of fitness enthusiasts and gym rats, 400 mg of caffeine is the “big leagues” when it comes to pre-workout supplements.
And while that doesn’t mean 400 mg of caffeine is right for everyone, if you’ve been using pre-workouts for a few years and you’re looking for something stronger, the supplements on this list are absolutely worth a look.
We’ll cover pre-workouts with and without illicit stimulants, so if you’re a tested athlete or just conscious about what you put in your body, we recommend trying Pre-Kaged Elite or Loco. You could also check out our list of the best pre workouts for tested athletes.
[Read more…]If you train in MMA, you’ll definitely agree that combat sports are amongst the most rigorous activities out there – and they certainly can be tough on your body and energy levels!
Want to maximize your MMA training sessions by having more energy and mental focus to perform at your best?
For mixed martial arts specifically, a solid pre-workout supplement might be just what you need to go from a good MMA fighter to an elite MMA fighter.
[Read more…]