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Home » Supplement Reviews » Pre Workout Reviews » Best Hardcore Pre Workout

10 Strongest Pre Workout Supplements for Stim Heads (2024)

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By Kyle Risley
Last updated January 5, 2024


As an affiliate of various sites, including Amazon Associates, I may earn a commission on qualifying purchases via links in this post at no extra cost to you. See Full Disclosure

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.

2024 Favorite
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
Best Crack Version
Crack Primal Pre Workout
Long-Lasting Energy
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
Old Skool DMAA
Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
Crack Primal Pre Workout - Dark Labs
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research
5.0
4.1
4.5
4.1
Pros:
  • 100 mg DMAA
  • 200 mg DMHA
  • Euphoria + Energy
Pros:
  • 250 mg DMHA
  • Stims + Euphoria
  • Demolish your workouts
Pros:
  • 10/10 energy
  • No DMAA or DMHA
  • No crash
Pros:
  • 100 mg DMAA
  • 30 full servings
  • Energy powerhouse
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LV10 = 10% off Dark Labs
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Supps Central
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Supp Kingz
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Read Review
Shop Dark Labs
Shop Supps Central
Shop My Supp Plug
2024 Favorite
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
5.0
Pros:
  • 100 mg DMAA
  • 200 mg DMHA
  • Euphoria + Energy
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Read Review
Best Crack Version
Crack Primal Pre Workout
Crack Primal Pre Workout - Dark Labs
4.1
Pros:
  • 250 mg DMHA
  • Stims + Euphoria
  • Demolish your workouts
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LV10 = 10% off Dark Labs
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Dark Labs
Long-Lasting Energy
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
4.5
Pros:
  • 10/10 energy
  • No DMAA or DMHA
  • No crash
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Supps Central
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Supps Central
Old Skool DMAA
Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research
Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research
4.1
Pros:
  • 100 mg DMAA
  • 30 full servings
  • Energy powerhouse
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel, LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Supp Kingz
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop My Supp Plug

Here are the top three new pre-workouts that stim junkies are enjoying!

Newest Crack Version - DMHA!
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
Hardcore Pre-Workout
El Jefe Pre-Workout
Euphoric DMHA Buzz
Flame Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
El Jefe Pre-Workout
FLAME Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
4.5
4.5
4.8
DMHA:
300 mg
DMHA:
n/a
DMHA:
300 mg
Caffeine:
550 mg
Caffeine:
425 mg
Caffeine:
350 mg
Servings:
20
Servings:
20
Servings:
25
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Extremis Cartel
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Shop Extremis Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Newest Crack Version - DMHA!
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
4.5
DMHA:
300 mg
Caffeine:
550 mg
Servings:
20
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel
Hardcore Pre-Workout
El Jefe Pre-Workout
El Jefe Pre-Workout
4.5
DMHA:
n/a
Caffeine:
425 mg
Servings:
20
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Extremis Cartel
Shop Extremis Cartel
Euphoric DMHA Buzz
Flame Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
FLAME Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
4.8
DMHA:
300 mg
Caffeine:
350 mg
Servings:
25
Discount code:
LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel
Shop Nutri Cartel

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 Hooligan.

What about a pre-workout with a euphoric head buzz?

Check out Wild Fire Pre-Workout or Flame Pre-Workout.

Or maybe you just want something strong, but without any banned ingredients?

For that, you need Kaged Elite Pre-Workout or Bulk Black 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.

This list is updated monthly to ensure you’re getting the latest and strongest pre-workouts available.

Here is the full list of the strongest pre-workout supplements available and their effects.

Table of Contents

  • 1 The Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements for 2024
    • 1.1 Wild Fire Pre-Workout (Euphoria and Long-Lasting Energy)
    • 1.2 Crack Primal Pre-Workout (Warning!)
    • 1.3 Venom Pre-Workout (Under the Radar DMAA)
    • 1.4 Assassin Pre-Workout (Most Intense Pre Workout)
    • 1.5 Crack OG Pre-Workout (Energy + Pumps)
    • 1.6 Pre-Kaged Elite – Kaged
    • 1.7 Flame Pre-Workout
    • 1.8 Hooligan Pre Workout (Long Lasting Energy)
    • 1.9 Crack Reloaded Pre-Workout
    • 1.10 El Jefe Pre Workout (Energy + Mood Elevation)
  • 2 Ingredients Found in the Strongest Pre Workout Supplements
    • 2.1 Caffeine Anhydrous
    • 2.2 Di-Caffeine Malate
    • 2.3 DMAA
    • 2.4 DMHA
    • 2.5 Eria Jarensis
    • 2.6 L-Tyrosine
  • 3 A “Strong Pre Workout” Is Not Always Optimal
  • 4 Closing Thoughts
  • 5 Pre Workouts That Didn’t Make the Cut
  • 6 How to Make Any Pre Workout “Hardcore”
  • 7 Frequently Asked Questions

The Strongest Pre-Workout Supplements for 2024

  1. Wild Fire Pre-Workout
  2. Crack Primal Pre-Workout
  3. Venom Pre-Workout
  4. Assassin Pre-Workout
  5. Crack Pre-Workout
  6. Pre-Kaged Elite Pre-workout
  7. Flame Pre-Workout
  8. Hooligan Pre-Workout
  9. Crack Reloaded Pre-Workout
  10. El Jefe Pre-Workout

Each of the pre workouts below is unique in their own special way. They’re all strong pre workouts, but the one that is “right” for you depends on what you’re looking for. Any of these can be used as a successful tool in your health journey.

If you’re looking to cut down on your caffeine consumption, I recommend checking our list of the best pre workouts without caffeine.

If you’re 18 or under, I recommend checking out our list of the best pre-workouts for teens.

Wild Fire Pre-Workout (Euphoria and Long-Lasting Energy)

Top Rated Pre-Workout
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
Wild Fire Pre Workout - SoCal Supps
5.0

If you are looking for the training intensity you have been missing, this is your product. Not recommended for beginners.

Discount Codes:

LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel


DMAA: 100 mg
DMHA: 200 mg
DMAE: 500 mg
Huperzine: 350 mcg
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Wild Fire Pre-Workout is another newcomer with DMAA and DMHA on its label. While we can’t confirm if this is true, it earned a five star review from us after we used it. Not only is it euphoric, but it’s also a powerful thermogenic pre-workout.

Wild Fire really dials up your focus, helping you build that mind-muscle connection during your reps. It’s long-lasting too, giving over five hours of energy and focus in our experience.

While it’s definitely not for beginners, it’s something worth checking out for experienced users.

Crack Primal Pre-Workout (Warning!)

Heart Racing!
Crack Primal Pre Workout
Crack Primal Pre Workout
4.6

Not for the faint of heart! Recommended for advanced users only. One of the strongest pre-workouts in 2024.

Discount code:

LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Supps Central

Eria Jarensis: 300 mg
DMHA: 250 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 300 mg
Caffeine Citrate: 175 mg
Shop Supps Central
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

If you like a pre-workout that really rattles your cage and gets your heart racing, then Crack Primal is for you.

I regularly take one third of a full serving because of how strong Crack Primal is. It’s no joke.

If you’re an experienced user that has grown skeptical of “hardcore” pre-workouts, Crack Primal just might ring your cherries. If not, you probably need a stim break. 😉

Venom Pre-Workout (Under the Radar DMAA)

Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research
Venom Pre-Workout - Dark Earth Research

Venom is a stim-heavy hitter featuring 100 mg of "Geranium Extract," a common synonym for DMAA.

Discount codes:

LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel

Caffeine: 350 mg
DMAA: 100 mg
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

If you haven’t heard of Venom Pre-Workout, don’t worry – you’re not alone. It’s quietly flown under the radar for several years, but quickly converts skeptics into believers once they’ve tried it.

It’s manufacturer, Dark Earth Research, doesn’t even have a website. That’s how you know it’s either gonna be amazing or terrible.

And in this case, it’s pretty amazing.

Not only is it incredibly potent, it’s usually available around $45 for 30 full servings. In 2024 it’s not unusual to pay over $70 for top-tier hardcore pre-workouts, making Venom Pre-Workout a great value buy.

Assassin Pre-Workout (Most Intense Pre Workout)

Hardcore Pre Workout Legend
Assassin Pre Workout v8
Assassin Pre Workout v8
4.4

A well-rounded, but still hardcore, pre-workout experience.

Discount codes:

LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel

Caffeine: 600 mg
DMHA: 400 mg
Di-Caffiene Malate: 200 mg
Halostachine: 100 mg
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Assassin pre workout is a powerful, rage inducing hardcore supplement from Apollon Nutrition. It is for going full beast mode. When I think of the most intense pre workouts, Assassin is the first thing that comes to my mind. This is definitely “stim junkie” approved.

I take Assassin on my heaviest lifting days, which usually means squats or deadlifts. Even taking 3/4 scoop fills me with an all-encompassing feeling of energy, focus, and purpose. These things blend together to form an overall aggression and desire to rip into heavy weights.

Could you take this for a bodybuilding style pump workout? Sure – absolutely.

Could you take it and go for a long run? Yes.

But what I really want to do when I take Assassin is hit a PR squat. That is it’s time to shine. It is built for RPE 10 sets.

I’m not going to break down the ingredient label line by line (I do that in my full Assassin pre workout review), but I’ll note a few highlights.

In each serving of Assassin, you’ll get the following ingredients:

  • 500 mg caffeine anhydrous + 133 mg dicaffeine malate = 600 mg caffeine
  • 300 mg Eria Jarensis
  • 1,500 mg L-Tyrosine
  • 300 mg Theacrine
  • 3.5 Beta Alanine

One of the reason I love Apollon Nutrition products is that they rarely skimp on ingredient dosages. If they include an ingredient, you can expect it to be fully dosed. They don’t believe in including ingredients just so they can slap it on the label for marketing purposes.

Crack OG Pre-Workout (Energy + Pumps)

Still Slaps Crazy Hard!
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs
Crack OG Pre-Workout – Dark Labs

Dark Labs 2024 formula for Crack Pre-Workout.

It no longer contains DMAA, but still contains ultra-pure 2-aminoisoheptane (DMHA) and 550 mg of caffeine from three different sources.

Still a top hitter for those seeking the best hardcore pre-workout.

Servings: 20
DMHA: 300 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 400 mg
Caffeine Citrate: 150 mg
Di-Caffeine Malate: 100 mg
Alpha Yohimbine: 1.5 mg
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Crack OG is Dark Labs’ replacement of its original Crack Pre-Workout, which is no longer being manufactured.

But don’t worry, Crack OG retains all of the original Crack’s best features. Some even prefer the new version.

Strong dose of sketchy stimulants? Check!

Crack OG has a whopping 300 mg of DMHA.

Tons of caffeine? Check!

Each serving of Crack OG has 550 mg of caffeine.

Powerful blend of pump ingredients? Check!

Crack OG combines 8 grams of pure L-citrulline with 1 gram of agmatine sulfate and 1 gram of L-arginine. While the stimulants are clearly the star of the show here, the pumps aren’t bad either.

All in all, Crack OG is more than a worthy replacement to carry on the legacy of the original Crack Pre-Workout.

Pre-Kaged Elite – Kaged

Strong + Clean
Pre Kaged Elite Pre Workout - Kaged
Pre Kaged Elite Pre Workout - Kaged
4.4

If you want a strong, overloaded label without any banned or sketchy ingredients, Pre Kaged Elite is what you're looking for.

Sporting a massive 35 gram scoop, Pre Kaged Elite packs more active ingredients into each serving than any other pre workout I've reviewed. Every base is truly covered in this premium supplement.

Caffeine: 388 mg
L-Tyrosine: 2,500 mg
L-Citrulline: 10,000 mg
Shop Kaged Take Kaged Supplement Quiz
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Pre-Kaged Elite is one of the best pre-workouts without any illicit stimulants on this list. It’s another entry in the “overloaded ingredient label” pre-workout category, joining the likes of Hooligan and Ryse Godzilla.

Pre-Kaged Elite is an effective alternative to Hooligan, which contains a hefty 600 mg dose of caffeine per serving. Most of the time that’s just too much caffeine, leading people to take a half or 3/4 serving, which cuts down on the doses of the pump ingredients.

Because Pre-Kaged Elite contains a more manageable 400 mg dose of caffeine, taking a full serving is less daunting task. This lets you enjoy the full serving of pump ingredients, which are worth calling out.

In a full serving of Pre-Kaged Elite there is 8,000 mg of l-citrulline, 2,500 mg of betaine anhydrous, and 500 mg of coconut fruit water powder for pumps, power, and hydration. And that’s really just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the full ingredient list.

Not to mention that it’s also one of the best tasting pre-workouts on this list. I highly recommend the strawberry lemonade flavor!

Flame Pre-Workout

Euphoric DMHA Buzz
Flame Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
Flame Pre Workout v3 - Dark Labs
4.8

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.

V3 is closer to how V1 felt, more euphoric, less "heart pounding" than V2.

Discount codes:

LIFTVAULT = 15% off Nutri Cartel

LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off Supps Central

Caffeine Anhydrous: 300 mg
DMHA: 200 mg
Caffeine Citrate: 100 mg (50 mg yield)
Shop Nutri Cartel Shop Supps Central
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Flame Pre-Workout is one of the best pre-workouts from Dark Labs. It’s most unique feature is that it does not contain any pump pre-workout ingredients. Instead, it only contains powerful stimulants like DMHA and eria jarensis. So while it’s not going to help you get a pump, it’ll keep you in the gym for hours at a time.

The formula has gone a few iterations over the years, with the most recent (v3) being released in 2023. This one goes back to the original feel of Flame, giving hours of feel-good energy and buzz.

Flame is absolutely not a beginner pre-workout. Unless you have been taking pre-workout for several years I recommend you stay way from this one. Only experienced users should partake in this one.

Hooligan Pre Workout (Long Lasting Energy)

Strongest Pre Workout (No Banned Substances)
Hooligan Pre Workout v6 - Apollon Nutrition
Hooligan Pre Workout v6 - Apollon Nutrition
4.9

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

L-Citrulline: 8,000 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 450 mg
Di-Caffeine Malate: 200 mg (150 mg yield)
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Hooligan pre workout is the second supplement from Apollon Nutrition on this list.

Like its sister, Assassin, Hooligan really earns the designation of a fully dosed pre workout and is truly one of the strongest hardcore pre workout supplements. This label is a bit simpler and includes fewer stimulants, but it is no less serious – it’s just different.

In fact, both products are included on my list of the best pre workout supplements.

Hooligan is excellent for folks looking for an intense pre workout that delivers long lasting energy and skin ripping pumps. If you’re seeking endurance, then be sure to check out Hooligan.

A few highlights from the Hooligan ingredient label, per serving:

  • 450 mg caffeine anhydrous + 150 mg dicaffeine malate = 600 mg caffeine
  • 300 mg Alpha GPC
  • 200 mg Theobromine
  • 3,000 mg Betaine Anhydrous

When it comes to pre-workout ingredients, Hooligan checks every single box.

Of course you’re getting 6 grams of L-Citrulline for pumps and blood flow and 3.2 grams of Beta Alanine for power output (and tingles).

Hooligan is overflowing with powerful ingredients to fuel even the most grueling workouts. In terms of feeling, Hooligan is predominantly an energy-focused pre workout, with the normal feelings of mood elevation and motivation associated with caffeine. It doesn’t make you feel crazy or aggressive, but it’ll help you do that last set (and then some).

The 133 mg of di-caffeine malate (yielding an effective dose of 100 mg of caffeine) is an “extended release” version of caffeine, which helps negate any negative “crash” effects resulting from the strong 600 mg dose of caffeine anhydrous.

But don’t let the caffeine content scare you aware. The 1,500 mg of tyrosine helps smooth out your experience as well and reduce any negative side effects from the hefty caffeine dosage. You also, of course, don’t have to take a full scoop. I usually don’t!

Overall, Hooligan is very thoughtfully crafted supplement; they didn’t just throw a bunch of stimulant ingredients in a tub and call it a day.

Crack Reloaded Pre-Workout

Newest Crack Version
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
Crack Reloaded Pre Workout - Dark Labs
4.5

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 500 mg of caffeine!

If you like aggression and energy, you'll love Crack Reloaded.

Discount Codes:

LIFTVAULT = 15% off at Nutri Cartel

LIFTVAULT15 = 15% off at Supps Central

Eria Jarensis: 500 mg
Caffeine Anhydrous: 350 mg
Di-Caffeine Malate: 100 mg
Caffeine Citrate: 150 mg
Shop Nutri Cartel Shop Supps Central
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

Crack Reloaded was the first Dark Labs pre-workout to not contain illicit pre-workout ingredients like DMHA or DMAA. As a result, some people were afraid it wouldn’t be worth using.

Boy were they wrong.

Crack Reloaded contains a whopping 500 mg of caffeine in a full serving, making it one of the most caffeinated pre-workouts on this list (right behind Hooligan and Assassin).

I actually prefer Crack Reloaded, as I don’t want to be ingesting DMAA and DMHA most of the time. Crack Reloaded gives me a massive jolt of long-lasting energy without needing to take any grey-area stimulants.

El Jefe Pre Workout (Energy + Mood Elevation)

Hardcore Pre-Workout
El Jefe Pre-Workout
El Jefe Pre-Workout
4.8

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

L-Citrulline: 8,000 mg
ThinFen: 200 mg
Halostachine: 150 mg
Infinergy: 100 mg
Shop Nutri Cartel
Lift Vault earns a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

El Jefe from ACS Supplements is a DMHA (Juglans Regia Extract) propriety blend pre workout designed for the stim junkies.

I don’t usually like supplements that use a proprietary blend because I think transparency is important, especially when it comes to stuff you’re putting into your body, but it’s hard to argue with the effects.

From what I can tell from the ingredient list, El Jefe contains DMHA, two types of caffeine, eria jarensis, hordenine hcl, and alpha yohimbine, most notably.

El Jefe hits really nicely, providing smooth mood enhancement and a solid energy boost. It finds a sweet spot between stimmed out pre workouts that have negative side effects and ordinary daily driver pre workouts. 

I feel great when I take El Jefe, mostly happy and productive, and don’t have a wicked crash afterward. It also works pretty well at a half dose (1 scoop) for days when you don’t need to go full tilt. 

Even though its a proprietary blend, I’d definitely recommend El Jefe for those looking for a “happy pre workout” that doesn’t totally burn you out.

Ingredients Found in the Strongest Pre Workout Supplements

Here are a few ingredients that you’ll want to pay attention to when buying a hardcore pre workout.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine anhydrous is the classic form of the caffeine known for energy, motivation, and focus.

I usually look for supplements that has between 400 mg and 500 mg of caffeine in them, though some, like Hooligan or Assassin, have 600 mg of caffeine (when counting both caffeine anhydrous and dicaffeine malate, discussed below).

Caffeine is included on our list of the best pre-workout ingredients.

Di-Caffeine Malate

Di-caffeine malate is the extended release version of caffeine. I like to see this ingredient included in pre workout because it helps the pre workout last longer and it helps smooth out “crash” effects that can occur from high doses of caffeine anhydrous.

100 mg to 133 mg of dicaffeine malate is a good amount to look for.

Tip: Dicaffeine malate yields 75% caffeine, so if you see 100 mg of dicaffeine malate on the label, that means it is equivalent to 75 mg of caffeine. The other 25% is malic acid.

DMAA

DMAA is a stimulant that provides energy, focus, and euphoric feelings by increasing the concentration of dopamine and epinephrine. DMAA made a comeback in 2019 after disappearing from the pre workout scene for a few years. There are now several different pre workouts with DMAA.

Honestly, the amount of DMAA on an ingredients label is usually pretty unreliable, which is why it is so important to read pre workout reviews to understand what the true effects are.

DMHA

DMHA is also a stimulant that behaves in a fashion similar to DMAA: energy, euphoria, focus, etc. It grew in popularity over the last several years as many pre workout manufacturers shied away from using DMAA, creating DMHA pre workout supplements instead.

DMHA is frequently included in dosages ranging from 100 mg to 200 mg.

It can also be labeled as juglans regia extract, 2-aminoisoheptane, octodrine, 1,5-dimethylhexylamine, and 2-amino-6-methylheptane. 

Eria Jarensis

Eria Jarensis is a stimulant that is becoming a popular alternative to DMAA or DMHA. Sometimes you’ll see those ingredients combined, like with Pre Phase. It increases levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the user and can enhance mood, increase motivation, and dial in concentration.

A solid dose of Eria Jarensis usually ranges between 150 mg and 250 mg, with 200 mg being quite common.

L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that increases the synthesis of dopamine and helps improve concentration and memory during stressful situations. It can help balance the effects of high caffeine doses by “smoothing out” some of the jittery effects. Since the strongest pre workouts often contain a lot of stimulants, it is important to balance them out with L-Tyrosine.

I like to see at least 500 mg of L-Tyrosine in a pre workout, with the top-tier

ones usually including between 1,000 mg and 1,500 mg.

While other ingredients like L-Citrulline and Beta Alanine are important, most high quality workout supplements will get these right.

A “Strong Pre Workout” Is Not Always Optimal

I, like many people, assumed for a while that what I needed for my workouts was the most powerful pre workout. This turned out to be a false assumption.

If you’re relatively new to pre workout, check out my list of the recommended pre workout supplements for beginners. I include pre workouts with over 300 mg of caffeine on that list, so you might be surprised by my definition of beginner. 😉

It’s always a good idea to save your strongest supplements for special occasions, not every training session. I take these kinds of pre workouts about once a week, maybe twice a week at most.

My favorite pre workouts for regular, daily usage are Lean Pre-Workout and Kaged Pre-Workout. If you are new to taking pre workout, I’d recommend checking those out first. That way you’re not needlessly increasing your caffeine tolerance, exposing yourself to potent stimulants, and potentially building unhealthy habits.

Closing Thoughts

There you have it – the strongest pre workouts currently available. You can’t go wrong with any of the above, it just depends on what you’re looking for.

I tend to use Hooligan the most, followed by Assassin and El Jefe.

I stay away from Excelsior these days, but it truly is an extraordinary experience for those seeking a high stim pre workout. The choice is yours.

Pre Workouts That Didn’t Make the Cut

The pre workout supplements listed above were proven to be the strongest after extensive testing. Here are some pre workouts that were tried but did not make the final list:

  • Transparent Labs – Bulk 
  • Transparent Labs – Lean
  • Beyond Raw – Lit
  • Ronnie Coleman Signature Series – Yeah Buddy
  • Bucked Up – Woke AF
  • Pro Supps – Mr. Hyde NitroX
  • Kaged Muscle – Pre-Kaged
  • Old School Labs – Vintage Blast
  • EVLution Nutrition – ENGN
  • GAT Sport – Nitraflex
  • Man Sports – Gameday
  • Legion Athletics – Pulse
  • Ghost – Legend
  • RSP Nutrition – DyNO

How to Make Any Pre Workout “Hardcore”

If you don’t want to be ingesting a hardcore pre workout all the time, another option is to add your own DMAA or DMHA. These can be found online from vendors like Bulk Stimulants or ELV Bio.

This has the advantage of allowing you to fine tune exactly how frequently you’re taking these ingredients and adjust the dosage.

Learn more: Where to Buy DMAA Powder and DMHA Powder Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest caffeine pre workout?

The highest caffeine pre workout is Hooligan pre workout. Hooligan contains 600 mg of caffeine in total. This is sourced from 450 mg of caffeine anhydrous and 200 mg of dicaffeine malate (yielding 150 mg of caffeine).

This is actually a reduction from Hooligan v4, which had 600 mg of caffeine anhydrous and 133 mg of dicaffeine malate (yielding 100 mg of caffeine) for a total of 700 mg of caffeine.

But don’t worry, surprisingly Hooligan v5 is even stronger than v4, boasting a wider array of nootropic and focus ingredients.

What are the strongest pre workouts of 2024?

Some of the strongest pre-workout supplements in 2024 are Crack Reloaded, El Jefe, and Wild Fire.

What is the strongest pre-workout for bodybuilders?

As bodybuilders tend to have long workouts, they often benefit from pre workouts that last several hours and offer incredible pumps.

For that, Hooligan comes highly recommended.

What is the strongest pre-workout for powerlifting?

Powerlifting doesn’t really require any specific type of pre workout for successful training sessions. With that said, the personality of powerlifters tend to enjoy pre workouts that get them “in the zone” and focused on achieving technical lifting proficiency with near maximal loads.

El Jefe lends itself well to this type of use case, but really this is up to your personal preferences. Also, be mindful of whether you’re competing in a drug-tested powerlifting federation, as both of these pre workouts contain banned ingredients.

For other options, check out our list of the best supplements for powerlifting.

Which pre workouts have been banned?

This is not as straightforward as you might expect. Individual pre workouts are not really “banned,” but they can be flagged for containing pre workouts that are illegal to market or sell as a dietary supplement. This is a small difference, but I think it’s worth pointing out.

As such, a product can be reformulated to remove the infringing ingredient.

With that said, when the FDA began issuing warnings in 2013 to manufacturers that sold products containing DMAA, two products that were specifically called out were the pre workout Jack3D and the fat burner Oxy Elite Pro, both by USPlabs. Because USPlabs challenged the FDA in court, it ended with USPlabs agreeing to cease operations and liquidate.

Even still, both of those products are still available in reformulated versions, so they’re not banned, they’re just different.

Another infamous pre workout that has been reformulated and is no longer available in its “original formula” is Craze. This was another pre workout that got swept up in the DMAA crackdown circa 2015.

A more recent hardcore pre workout that is no longer available in its original formula is Mesomorph, which got reformulated in 2017.

This list is by no means exhaustive, but it is a quick history of some of the more notable pre workouts to be reformulated as a result of regulatory scrutiny.

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About Kyle Risley

Kyle Risley founded Lift Vault in 2016 to make finding great powerlifting programs easier. Since then, the site has grown to include hundreds of programs for strength, bodybuilding, Olympic weightlifting, and more. He currently lives in Massachusetts and continues to compete in powerlifting.

Filed Under: Pre Workout Reviews, Supplement Reviews




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