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Ryan Bucki, ISSA-CFT

Sparta Nutrition Kraken Black Review: Not the OG, But Still Decent

Kraken Black full review[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

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[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Sparta Nutrition Kraken Black” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Once upon a time there was this brand called Sparta Nutrition that made our #1 rated pre-workout Kraken (featuring DMAA). Unfortunately, due to government regulations, they had to pull it from the marketplace. They have sense released a new version that is still good, just not quite as impactful as the OG. Kraken Black was supposed to be their “throwback” to the OG.

Sadly, Kraken Black is not close to the OG in terms of effectiveness. It is not a bad pre-workout, but it just isn’t as good as promised. It still is a stim based pre-workout that provides some energy but lacks on pump and strength outputs. Focus comes with the stims but in today’s pre-workout environment we look for more.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/MPR1CAVE7AM” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”medium_depth” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

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[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

[thrive_leads id=’4207′] [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Sparta Nutrition Kraken Black on five categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the different ingredients used in the pre-workout, what their intention is and how effectively dosed are each ingredient.

We then look at effectiveness. An effective pre-workout will use high quality, proven ingredients, at clinically backed dosages.  This is generally an extension of the profile section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.

Then we move into the taste of the different flavors we’ve tried. We grade each flavor separately and average the scores for their overall taste rating. We were able to test out the following flavors: Rainbow Candy.

Mixability refers to how well the powder mixes in 12oz of water. We use the shaker bottle test. This would be your typical Blender Bottle with the spiral chrome ball.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness, taste and mixability in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of pre-workout products on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(7/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Sparta Nutrition is a great brand, with plenty of great products featuring great ingredients. Kraken Black does feature a couple unique ingredients, but nothing too over-the-top.

We start with 4g of L-Citrulline. The clinical dosage of pure L-Citrulline is 3-5g so we are sufficiently dosed. Citrulline is going to help blood flow and ultimately help to provide a pump. We do couple Citrulline with 2g of HydroMax. HydroMax is a stable form of Glycerol that essentially turns your muscles into a sponge. The combination of Citrulline and HydroMax is supposed to provide a decent pump.

We get the clinical dosage of Beta-Alanine at 3.2g. This is for strength output and endurance. This also can provide that “tingly” feeling people either love or hate. Sadly, this is really the only “strength” ingredient included in this formula.

This is where the stim junkies like this formula. We get 350mg of Caffeine. By now you should know what Caffeine does. They also include 300mg of Phenylethylamine HCL (PEA), a good dosage. This is known as the “happy hormone.” The problem with Phenylethylamine is the half-life is 5-10 minutes when consumed orally. This means that they ingredient is 50% effective at only 10 minutes. It doesn’t last throughout the lift.

Higenamine and Hordenine are both used and dosed at 50mg. These are two stimulates used in fat burners that provide that “stim” experience. They stimulate the central nervous system and allow your body to burn calories to be used as energy. When combined with caffeine you can get a good effect from these. The dosage of 50mg is sufficient.

Lastly, we get 25mg of Cocoa Seed Extract. This is also used in fat burning to provide more energy. There has not been sufficient studies done on humans to determine the effectiveness of this ingredient.

Overall, there isn’t anything that stands out too much in this formula. It is not bad by any means, just not special. I would love to see innovative ingredients used if this was truly to be a throwback to the OG Kraken.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][image_with_animation image_url=”6529″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(7/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]If you’re looking for a stim high, you can kind of get it with this, but it’s not nearly as effective as the OG Kraken once was. I actually prefer the reformulated Kraken to this version of Kraken Black.

You get a subtle pump with the Citrulline and HydroMax, but you may still want to supplement with additional pump products (although the stims can be counter-intuitive to them).

Strength and power are essentially non-existent. You do get your clinical dosage of Beta-Alanine, but outside of that there are no other contributing ingredients on this pillar.

The area where you get some effectiveness is energy. At 350mg of caffeine combined with stims you get a solid energy boost. This does slightly contribute to focus as anytime you have ingredients that stimulate your CNS you will get increased focus. The focus are is lacking something. PEA is OK but the half-life is so short it wears off rather quickly. The addition of Huperzine or Alpha GPC would be nice.

Overall, it is still a decent pre-workout, just not touching the OG version of Kraken which is what they say it is supposed to do.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Rainbow Candy: (6/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Rainbow Candy from Sparta Nutrition sure has changed. It is not a bad tasting pre-workout, it just doesn’t taste anything like Rainbow Candy to us. Their OG version was also Rainbow Candy, and that tasted more like Skittles than this does. It is a sweet flavor, but I woudn’t say it matches what Rainbow Candy is.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Mixability

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Mixability can vary depending on if you use one scoop (8g) vs. two scoops (16g). Because most people are going to use 2-scoops, and that’s how we rated the profile section, we will stick with 2-scoops. We mix it in your typically 6oz of water and didn’t have a lot of issues. You get some particles floating in the water, and some residue that sits on the bottom of the shaker. Overall, to be expected.

See video for demonstration of mixability.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

Value

(7.5/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Had they priced Kraken Black at $40 for 20-servings I would have told you it is lacking a lot of value. However, it is priced at $35 for 20-servings which makes it more attractive from a consumer stand-point. There are a lot of bad PWOs on the market that retail for the mid-$30s. This is not a bad PWO. The price tag is about right on something of this nature.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_custom_heading text=”Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”|||” el_id=”table”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left”][tab title=”40-SERVINGS” id=”1509114502646-00fc8-496c” tab_id=”1510512996012-3″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509130110995{padding-top: 12px !important;padding-bottom: 12px !important;padding-left: 15px !important;background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-tag” color=”Accent-Color”]FITNESS INFORMANT’S EXCLUSIVE “SPARTA NUTRITION KRAKEN BLACK” DEALS[/text-with-icon][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]Suppz Logo[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/4″ column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]

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MuscleTech CellTech Next Gen Review

CellTech Next Gen Full Review

CellTech Next Gen is still a creatine based post-workout powder featuring a new ingredient called CinDura and a carb blend. They tout a 4:1:1 BCAA inclusions but it’s nothing to get excited about since the amounts are too low. Overall, this is a step in the right direction, but still just a more expensive creatine version. If CinDura studies continue to be done by 3rd parties and proven effective than this could be a really solid staple product.

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Episode 13: Stack3d & PricePlow

Episode 13: Stack3d & PricePlow

Shane Smith from Stack3d and Mike Roberto from PricePlow stop by the podcast and discuss how their three supplement centric platforms are similar and how they are different. They discuss their beginnings, the best supplements of all time, the worst supplements of all time and who they think takes home the brand of the year award in 2018. This is a MUST listen for sports nutrition fans.

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Controlled Labs Gamer Up Review

Controlled Labs Gamer Up Full Review[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column centered_text=”true” column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

CLICK HERE FOR LOWEST PRICE >>
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”See Our Retailer Price Comparison Table” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center|color:%23f96566″ google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”url:%23table|||”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Overview of Controlled Labs Gamer Up” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]Sometimes, many of us lifters forget that there are other industries out there that exist. Some of them also use supplements to enhance their performance. Today, we are going to take a look at a product marketed towards gamers. The gaming industry is an absolute monster these days, and is a giant when compared to the fitness industry.

While supplements tend to target people who want to lose weight or build muscle, some are simply there to enhance your focus/alertness. Enter Gamer Up from Controlled Labs. While G-Fuel seems to dominate the market for gamers trying to up their focus while they play, most of us who have experience with supplements will know that it’s pretty much just a on-transparent nootropic with a mild dose of caffeine. Gamer Up comes at you with a fully-disclosed nootropic blend, and a great taste to boot. While it isn’t perfect as far as the profile goes, it gets many things right.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/9z1BOeGghTs” align=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” bg_color=”#2e2e2e” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”padding-5-percent” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_color_hover=”#ffffff” background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”medium_depth” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_color=”#000000″ column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][text-with-icon icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-arrow-right” color=”Accent-Color”]

Why You Should Trust Our Reviews

[/text-with-icon][fancy-ul icon_type=”font_icon” icon=”icon-ok” color=”Accent-Color” alignment=”left”]
  • EXPERT REVIEW PANEL
    Our review panel is made up of individuals with many years of experience in the sports nutrition industry, dating back to the early 2000’s. Their tenure gives them knowledge on brands, supplements, ingredients, dosages and more.
  • FULL CONTAINER REVIEWS
    Unlike the majority of “review” sites on the internet, Fitness Informant reviews every supplement on a full-container basis. What does this mean? It means that a review is not written or recorded until the last serving of that product has been finished. We’ve all had products that were great for the first couple of days, but then lost their effectiveness shortly after. We want to ensure you are getting a full review based on a full product.
  • INGREDIENT EDUCATION
    We breakdown each ingredient in our reviews to educate you on exactly what the ingredients do, and what is the proper dosage of each ingredient to effectively do what they are intended to do.
  • 100% HONEST – NO B.S. REVIEWS
    Our number #1 priority is to inform you proper supplement selection through honest reviews. The majority of “review” sites on the internet will push you to buy a certain product based on the commissions they received. Not us. We want you to purchase the highest quality supplements at the best value. We put your health and wellness first. To achieve your goals we want you to use only the best supplements that you can afford. We do this by being honest.
[/fancy-ul][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

[thrive_leads id=’4207′] [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text=”Testing Results and Ratings” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20regular%3A700%3Anormal”][vc_column_text]We reviewed Controlled Labs Gamer Up on five categories. We first start by looking at it’s ingredient profile. This portion of the review looks at the different ingredients used in the nootropic, what their intention is and how effectively dosed are each ingredient.

We then look at effectiveness. An effective pre-workout will use high quality, proven ingredients, at clinically backed dosages.  This is generally an extension of the profile section. The higher quality ingredients used at proper dosages, the more effective that product will be.

Then we move into the taste of the different flavors we’ve tried. We grade each flavor separately and average the scores for their overall taste rating. We were able to test out the following flavors: Bubble Gum.

Mixability refers to how well the powder mixes in 12oz of water. We use the shaker bottle test. This would be your typical Blender Bottle with the spiral chrome ball.

Finally, we talk about value. Value is the combination of profile, effectiveness, taste and mixability in relation to cost. Another part of value are the competitors and other versions of nootropic products on the market.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Ingredients Profile

(8/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]To start, we have a very popular ingredient, Taurine. Here we have 2 grams of taurine, which is a solid dose. Taurine in combination with caffeine can increase alertness.

Like most nootropic products out on the market, they utilize L-Tyrosine, which is a proven to help with alertness, as well as improving memory. You get 2 grams in Gamer Up, which is more than you find in many other products.

Lion’s Mane, which is a mushroom has also been added to this. It has been gaining in popularity for its potential to increase focus, reduce anxiety and depression, and be beneficial for overall health. Here you get 500 mg, which is a fair dose.

Next up, we have Bacopa. Bacopa is one of the most underrated herbs on the market. It is used in ayurvedic medicine. Bacopa has some pretty good research proving it to be beneficial for mental cognition, as well as reducing anxiety. Most of these benefits come after long-term use, so it may be worth having a bacopa supplement to take on days you don’t use Gamer Up.

What good would an energy drink be without caffeine? Not much to note on caffeine here, as we all know the benefits of it. Here we get 125 mg, which is more than a Red Bull, and less than a Monster. The effectiveness of caffeine can really depend on the user, as we all have different tolerances.

Alpha GPC, which is a form of choline that has become very popular in recent years, especially when it comes to nootropics. Here you only get 100mg, which is on the low side. I would have no problem giving this a high rating if it were dosed at or above 600mg.

Lutein is a very popular supplement for people who want to support their eye health and prevent eye diseases. Here we have 500 mcg, which is very low.

To end this, we have Huperzine A, which is very popular in nootropic supplements. To make it simple, is prevents choline from breaking down, thus prolonging the effects of choline. Here we have a 2 mcg dose, which is also very low.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”6504″ alignment=”center” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Effectiveness

(7.5/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]As usual, this is the most important part of the review. Did Gamer Up deliver? Well it all depends on how you use it. If you’re using it to game, it will give you a nice energy boost and perhaps a nice jump in alertness. I played both Fortnite and CoD:BO4 while on this, and there there was always an increase in my performance. I’m no pro or anything like that, but I increased my K/D and W/L ratio on both everytime I took Gamer Up.

It shined for me at the most as a pre-workout. As a standalone, it’s a little better than simply drinking an energy drink, especially with the extra tyrosine and taurine. You won’t get much support as far as pump or strength aspects are concerned, but in conjunction with a stim-free pump supplement it is works very well. It’s not a stim-bomb, but unless you’re caffeine sensitivity is higher than it should be, you’ll get a nice boost throughout your workout or gaming session. With the caffeine being a bit lower, so you’re less likely to crash after the effects wear off.

For focus, I noticed perhaps a slight increase, but nothing that made me feel like I was taking something like Focus XT.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Taste

Bubblegum: (9/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Bubblegum is a very enjoyable, and unlike other supplements, masks the ingredients well without being too sweet. Controlled Labs NAILED the bubblegum flavor, and you won’t confuse it with anything else.

One thing to note is that there is a slightly chalky texture to it, but nothing that ruins it. In fact, it’s almost unnoticeable, but worth mentioning.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Mixability

(9.5/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]Gamer Up mixes very well. There is very slight foam on the top after vigorous mixing, but it is barely noticeable. There maybe a little amount of sediment floating around, which we assume is the Lion’s Mane. It isn’t noticeable however, and there is little to complain there.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][divider line_type=”Full Width Line” line_thickness=”1″ divider_color=”default”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Value

(9/10)[/vc_column_text][divider line_type=”No Line” custom_height=”20″][vc_column_text]You can find Gamer Up for as little as $22.99 for 30 servings. So about 76 cents per serving. This is fair for a product like this. With full disclosure and the solid dosage of tyrosine, this is well worth the price. It’s worth keeping around as a simple energy drink on its own, as it’s cheaper than a Monster or Red Bull.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_custom_heading text=”Available at these Fitness Informant approved retailers:” font_container=”tag:p|font_size:22px|text_align:center” google_fonts=”font_family:Lato%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:900%20bold%20regular%3A900%3Anormal” link=”|||” el_id=”table”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color=”#efefef” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”2px” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][tabbed_section style=”default” alignment=”left” spacing=”default” tab_color=”Accent-Color”][tab icon_family=”none” title=”30-SERVINGS” id=”1509114502646-00fc8-496c” tab_id=”1510512996012-3″][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”10″ bottom_padding=”10″ text_align=”left” css=”.vc_custom_1509116724210{background-color: #2e2e2e !important;}”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]  PRICE COMPARISON:[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner equal_height=”yes” content_placement=”middle” column_margin=”default” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]Amazon Logo[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” centered_text=”true” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1/4″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]

Amazon

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See Store for Price

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GO TO STORE >>
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