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soundcheck129 added a new review for Driven Sports Craze V2

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Driven Sports Craze V2 Energy	Average overall rating: 4.1

Saturday, 25 April 2015

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		4.1
Physical energy		4.5
Endurance		4.0
Pump		3.5
Vascularity		3.5
Recovery ability		4.0
Length of effects		4.0
Low development of tolerance		2.5
Focus		4.5
Alertness		4.0
Mental energy		4.5
Strength		4.0
Taste		4.0
Mixes well		5.0
Value for money		4.5
Ingredient profile		4.0

Fruit Punch

It's back - this is easily the most anticipated pre-workout in a very long time, and it is certainly worth the wait. While naysayers may have doubted the original formulation - ironically, due to its dominance - the reboot will surely silence any critics who actually try the product. To be sure, this is a different product with a different feel, but just like the original, the energy, focus, and drive are all unquestionably present and unparalleled. This version of Craze appears to have more caffeine in it than the prior iteration, which may be a concern for those sensitive to caffeine. However, this should not be a dealbreaker because it doesn't even take a full serving of the product to help you kick it into high gear.

Unlike a lot of pre-workouts that pile on the ingredients, Craze v2, like the original, keeps it pretty simple - the ingredient panel isn't a mile long with a ton of eight-syllable words. Those who are familiar with pre-workouts will find familiar ingredients, such as creatine and betaine, underscoring the straightforward and effective nature of the formula. Performance enhancers such as citrulline and L-tyrosine are also included, along with the aforementioned caffeine and green coffee bean extract.

And while the ingredients may seem simple for the most part, the synergy is truly amazing. Except for those who tried the original Craze, the effects of Craze v2 will likely seem like nothing you have ever experienced before. Even on your weak and tired days, you will find yourself dialed in within 20 to 30 minutes of drinking Craze v2, and the effects last long enough for a thorough workout. Both lifting and running benefited greatly from taking Craze v2, and it was easy to tell the difference between Craze days and non-Craze days.

Craze v2 mixes up very smoothly, with no chunks or grittiness, and the fruit punch flavor is very tasty. Overall, this is a top-notch pre-workout and like the first Craze will be the standard-bearer in the pre-workout category for a long time to come.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Come Ready Nutrition Performance Protein Bar

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Come Ready Nutrition Performance Protein Bar Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 3.2

Saturday, 18 April 2015

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.2
Taste		3.0
Suppressed appetite		3.5
Recovery ability		4.0
Anti-catabolic		2.5
Physical energy		3.0
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.5

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel

Traveling a lot has the one advantage of always being up to speed on the latest protein bar offerings, although when you get them at airport and highway convenience store prices it's not always a great investment. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this Performance Protein Bar from Come Ready Nutrition. I was particularly surprised with how filling this bar was. With 340 calories, it isn't the most calorie-dense bar I have ever consumed, but it was still nice and filling, unlike most bars, which tend to leave you feeling a bloated kind of full. The Performance Protein Bar didn't have that effect, possibly due to its lack of sugar alcohols. Of course, if you're being picky, that does mean that it relies more on sugar for flavoring, and it does - but at 15 grams of sugar, it's nothing too outrageous. This is less than some other bars, and unlike some other bars, the amount of protein - 24 grams - actually outpaces the amount of sugar. This bar gives you a pretty solid boost of energy, as it contains 33 grams of carbohydrates. And when you factor in the sugar, this can be a good pre-workout pick-me-up in addition to being a solid snack throughout the day. The bar contains 5 grams of fiber, which is nothing ground-breaking but is nice nonetheless. This may not be the most cutting-friendly bar if you are being really strict given the 13 grams of fat, but I think the other flavors have lower levels. The bar also makes a nice gesture at overall health and wellness thanks to the smattering of vitamins and minerals it contains. The Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel is not the greatest flavor in the world but it is pretty tasty. The combination of chocolate, pretzel, and peanut butter works well and it doesn't taste artificial. It isn't overly salty but it will leave your mouth pretty dry. Otherwise, this is a solid bar.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Nature's Best Javapro RTD

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Nature's Best Javapro RTD Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.4

Thursday, 16 April 2015

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.4
Taste		2.5
Suppressed appetite		1.5
Recovery ability		2.5
Anti-catabolic		3.5
Value for money		2.0
Ingredient profile		2.5

Coffee Flavor

This was on clearance at GNC, and I suppose it is not incredibly difficult to understand why. Simply put, this is not an overly impressive product. Although it is convenient, I can't imagine anyone paying full price for what amounts to coffee mixed with a little less protein than you'd get in a standard scoop of any whey powder. However, this may actually be less beneficial for some people than just mixing a scoop of protein powder and coffee, as the source of protein is milk and "ultrafiltered milk," which as far as I can tell is not reduced in lactose or lactose-free like whey isolate. It may be that the combination of coffee and milk got to my stomach, but I think if they had used whey isolate instead, that would have been preferable due to the higher concentration of protein, and likely more easily digestible as well.

I can see this being a somewhat attractive option for those who are dieting or just looking for a healthy snack at work, as each can contains only 100 calories and most of those calories come from protein, as there are 16 grams of protein per can. The drink is cutting-friendly because it contains just 5 grams of carbohydrates and just 1.5 grams of fat. It is just an 8 oz. can though, so it doesn't go incredibly far, and it isn't very filling either, what with the low fat content and lack of fiber. Each can contains 70 mg of caffeine, so I would call it more of a pick-me-up than a pre-workout, unless you have a low caffeine tolerance. But given the stomach discomfort I experienced, I can't see it in that role. The flavor is okay, pretty much what you'd expect from slightly sweetened coffee with milk - nothing to write home about.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Wheaties Fuel Bar

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Wheaties Fuel Bar Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.9

Tuesday, 24 March 2015

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.9
Taste		3.0
Suppressed appetite		3.5
Recovery ability		3.5
Anti-catabolic		3.0
Endurance		3.0
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		2.5
Ingredient profile		2.5

Double Chocolate

Just when you think you've tried every protein bar, you discover a new one - but that's probably because it's gotten to the point that even cereal brands are hopping on the high-protein bandwagon. The Wheaties Fuel Bar overall is pretty mediocre, although it is better than I would have expected from General Mills, to be honest. The flavor is pretty good, none of the typical cardboard or chemical tastes that bring down protein bars. Of course, the chocolate isn't what you would call deep or rich, but it isn't bad, either. The nutritional profile is similarly pretty good but not great; each bar contains 290 calories so it is a fair meal replacement, and it does contain 20 grams of protein. The bar is fairly high in fat with 10 grams - 6 grams of saturated fat, but only contains 11 grams of sugar, which tends to be better than most protein bars. The Wheaties Fuel Bar also has a fair amount of vitamins and minerals, but just one gram of fiber. The bar is fairly filling, which is nice, and provides a solid pre-workout boost. The price isn't terrible for these, so they are worth a shot.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for MyProtein Protein Chox

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
MyProtein Protein Chox Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 3.2

Monday, 08 December 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.2
Taste		3.5
Suppressed appetite		3.0
Recovery ability		4.0
Anti-catabolic		3.0
Physical energy		3.0
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Cookies & Cream

I have been hearing good things about MyProtein for a while, so I decided to bite when they ran a Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale. I am quite happy that I did so, because these bars have a fairly good profile and a pretty great taste. While not the most revolutionary or impressive protein bars, these are a solid entry. Better as a small snack than a bulking tool, these bars boast 230 calories each, with 22 grams of protein. They may be a little bit different than what some are used to, with 15 grams of fat and no fiber; so if you're looking for Quest bars, keep moving along. These are relatively low carb, with 26 grams total, and just 5 grams of fat, so if you're not scared away by the sugar, these can be pretty easy to fit into your day, even if you're cutting. With protein coming from milk protein isolate, there should be a bit of extended-release action, and these are fairly filling despite the lower calorie content, lack of fiber and low levels of fat. The flavoring is pretty good; not overly sweet but satisfying and not supplement-tasting. Different from your average cookies and cream flavor, and that's a good thing. All in all, a good product and a good value.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Muscle Pharm Combat 100% Isolate

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Muscle Pharm Combat 100% Isolate Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.7

Thursday, 04 December 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.7
Taste		3.5
Mixes well		3.5
Suppressed appetite		2.0
Recovery ability		3.0
Anti-catabolic		2.5
Value for money		1.5

Chocolate Swirl

While Muscle Pharm started its foray into protein with the highly touted time-released benefits of the blended protein Combat Powder, the brand now has a new isolate for those looking to get the most protein out of every scoop. While it is nothing groundbreaking, the 100% isolate from Muscle Pharm is pretty good for an isolate, although unlike Combat Powder the isolate is not as attractive price-wise compared to its peers. As the name suggests, it is pure whey protein isolate, and it will be a draw for dieters because it has the slimmest nutritional profile you can get - 100 calories per scoop, with 24 grams of protein, no fat, and no carbohydrates. It is sugar free, with "natural and artificial flavors" providing the sweetness. The flavor is good, not really a dark chocolate flavor, more of a milk chocolate, but solid. No chemical taste, which is always a plus. The powder mixes very quickly and very well, which makes sense for an isolate. I did not experience any stomach discomfort or any gastrointestinal issues, and I would imagine this is pretty low lactose. If you are looking for a good isolate, this seems like as good a choice as any, though you may be able to find one at a more attractive price point.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for NuGo NuGo Stronger

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
NuGo NuGo Stronger Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 3.4

Sunday, 12 October 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.4
Taste		4.0
Suppressed appetite		4.0
Recovery ability		4.0
Anti-catabolic		3.5
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Caramel Pretzel

It's not often that protein bars are memorable, but I was very impressed with this NuGo Stronger bar. Considering the company seems geared more towards all-around health rather than just muscle gaining, you might thin their protein bar would be a little neglected. Definitely not the case. A solid profile, with 25 grams of protein and 290 calories, along with a fairly extended-release protein blend with whey, milk protein, and rice protein. Just 9 grams of sugar and 12 grams of fiber, so this is a surprisingly filling bar and not terrible for you, either. It also contains no malitol, is gluten-free and contains no GMO ingredients, so it feels like a pretty solid choice all around. There's also no soy ingredients, which is a nice change of pace from most bars. Last but certainly not least - the taste was very impressive, definitely a standout bar. Great pretzel crunch with the sweet and salty caramel flavor, along with rich chocolate. This is one of those protein bars that feels and tastes like a candy bar but won't ruin your progress. Definitely worth checking out. Even if you don't feel the need for a gluten-free and non-GMO product, this is worth the money.

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9 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for NuGo NuGo Organic

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
NuGo NuGo Organic Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.8

Friday, 03 October 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.8
Taste		4.0
Suppressed appetite		2.5
Recovery ability		2.5
Physical energy		3.0
Value for money		2.5
Ingredient profile		2.0

Double Dark Chocolate

Not all protein bars are created equally, and while this NuGo Organic bar provides some positive aspects, it doesn't really measure up in the long run. First of all, it only offers 10 grams of protein per 200 calorie bar, so it is behind in that respect. It does offer some favorable characteristics, as it is organic and vegan, so to the extent you are concerned with those things, it is probably a rare find. Additionally, it is made with real dark chocolate, so you can count on a legitimate rich and sweet flavor rather than the typical chemical flavoring of most protein bars. The flavor is much better than other protein bars, so that is a plus but the bar also contains 15 grams of sugar, so it had better taste good. Each bar contains just 2 grams of fiber, and as a result it isn't very filling. An additional aspect that may not be favorable for some people is the fact that the protein comes from soy rather than whey, which seems more common in bars. There are some vitamins and minerals - nothing mind-blowing - but not too shabby nonetheless.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for AllMax Nutrition HemaNOvol

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
AllMax Nutrition HemaNOvol Muscle & Strength	Average overall rating: 4.2

Wednesday, 24 September 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.1
Strength		3.0
Physical energy		2.0
Recovery ability		3.0
Pump		4.0
Taste		4.0
Mixes well		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Dragon Fruit

Normally I am not really a fan of the non-stim pre-workouts; if I'm going to take something before I work out, it better give me a boatload of energy. However, now that my schedule requires a lot of evening workouts, going non-stim seemed like a good idea. I could not be more pleased with the H:Vol. The main draw of these kinds of products is the pump factor, and AllMax is not messing around with this one - great pumps, visibly larger muscles and insane vascularity. If you're looking to turn heads at the gym, or for a couple of hours afterward, then H:Vol will treat you well. In addition to that, H:Vol seems to offer some solid endurance and recovery benefits as well. The profile is solid and filled with performance-enhancing ingredients, with taurine, Citrulline Malate, valine, agmatine, and more. The flavor is also out of this world - not sure that I have ever actually had a dragon fruit in real life, but if they are this delicious, than I may have to seek one out. Whether you love non-stim pre-workouts or have never tried one before, H:Vol is an excellent addition to your supplement stack.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Market Pantry Nutrition Bar

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Market Pantry Nutrition Bar Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.7

Thursday, 18 September 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.7
Taste		3.0
Suppressed appetite		2.5
Recovery ability		2.5
Anti-catabolic		2.5
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		3.5
Ingredient profile		2.5

Chocolate Mint flavor

Well, it was only a matter of time before a store like Target got involved in the supplement game. The big box store didn't go straight for the hardcore stuff, but instead opted to begin with an obvious Balance Bar ripoff that doesn't have too much protein to scare off the general consumer but can still be a good choice for lifting enthusiasts. These aren't quite Met-RX Big 100s, as they contain just 210 calories and are thus unsuitable for bulking, unless you pop them like Skittles. The bar contains a decent 14 grams of protein - a bit more than two eggs' worth, if you're counting - but also contains 14 grams of sugar, so that's not ideal. For the health conscious, the bar contains 3 grams of fiber, which explains why it's overly filling. Each bar contains 7 grams of fat, with 4.5 grams of saturated fat. These bars are clearly intended to be more of general health supplements, as each bar contains a broad range of vitamins and minerals, including 100 percent of the daily recommended value of vitamins C and E, 35 percent of the recommended daily value of vitamin A and 25 percent of the recommended amounts of calcium and iron. Not a terrible choice, particularly given the price, but you can do better.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Gatorade Recover Whey Protein Bar

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Gatorade Recover Whey Protein Bar Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.5

Saturday, 23 August 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.1
Taste		2.5
Suppressed appetite		3.0
Recovery ability		2.5
Anti-catabolic		1.5
Immune system enhancer		0.5
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		2.5
Ingredient profile		1.5

I was surprised to see such a protein-focused product from a company like Gatorade, since even most of their efforts at branching out beyond carb-heavy products tend to be geared mostly toward endurance with little muscle gain focus. However, the Recovery series whey protein bar has 20 grams of protein (though not all from high-quality sources - the two main sources are whey protein concentrate and modified corn starch). Of course, to the rest of the mass-gaining world, 20 grams isn't that much, particularly for a bar that weighs in at 340 to 360 calories, depending on the flavor. As a result, this is not really going to be a great option for cutting, but perhaps it was intended as a bulking bar. If so, the people at Gatorade seem to be adhering to the doctrine of dirty bulking, as you'll get up to 31 grams of sugar per bar. Then again, Gatorade is straight sugar, so perhaps we should be thankful.

Interestingly, despite the fact that they have been embraced for their antioxidant qualities, the bar does not have any beta-carotene, vitamin E, or vitamin C. In fact, unlike many protein bars, this bar doesn't have much at all in the way of vitamins and minerals, so it is not a great overall health/comprehensive meal replacement bar either. While protein is promoted as the star of this bar, it also has 42 grams of carbohydrates and 12 grams of fat (including 9 grams of saturated fat). Those aren't really flexible macro breakdowns for a lot of people, but after a hard workout or sports it can be suitable.

Tastewise, the Chocolate Chip is your best option. It has a rich chocolate flavor that doesn't taste too much like protein bar cardboard or like chemicals. The Chocolate Caramel is a little to sweet and very dry, while the Cookies and Cream just misses the mark.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Premier Protein Vanilla Shake

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Premier Protein Vanilla Shake Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 3.1

Monday, 09 June 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.1
Taste		3.0
Suppressed appetite		2.5
Recovery ability		3.5
Anti-catabolic		3.5
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		4.0

I'm not sure why it seems so difficult to find good RTDs, since this is a pretty broad product category and one that seems quite popular, so you'd think companies would have a big incentive to make high-quality products. However, it seems that a fair amount of RTD shakes taste bad or provide a nutritional profile that doesn’t seem ideal for those interested in fitness, typically due to high sugar content. The Premier Protein Vanilla Shake bucks this trend, with a pretty impressive, milkshake-like flavor and a nutritional profile that is appropriate even for those who are dieting. With 160 calories per shake, this isn’t the most filling choice ever, but it is good for a quick snack between meals or for a quick boost before or after a workout. This RTD is perfect for those who don’t want to have to bring along loose protein powder or a blender bottle to the gym, as it provides a nutritional profile similar to the average whey shake, with 30 grams of protein, 4 grams of carbohydrates and 3 grams of fat. This streamlined profile is likely to be popular for those looking to pursue the difficult (or impossible, depending on who you ask) task of gaining muscle while losing fat. Despite being low in carbohydrates, the shack still includes 2 grams of fiber, and the protein blend is preferable to plain whey powder, with milk protein and calcium caseinate for a more filling and extended release effect. Additionally, the shake contains an impressive array of vitamins and minerals, making it a great all-around snack.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX FIT Crunch Bars

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Chef Robert Irvine FortiFX FIT Crunch Bars Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.9

Saturday, 31 May 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.9
Taste		4.0
Suppressed appetite		3.0
Recovery ability		3.0
Anti-catabolic		3.0
Physical energy		2.5
Value for money		2.0
Ingredient profile		2.5

Cookies and Cream

As an avid fan of the Food Network, I naturally had to buy a couple of these when I saw the mid-roadtrip. While Chef Irvine is definitely the most jacked chef on the network, I still found this to be an odd bit of merchandising (though I guess it makes more sense than Giada promoting a protein bar). Anyway, a quick look at the nutrition information gave me a sense of deja vu, since these are very close to Supreme Bars in their macro breakdown - high in fat (16 grams) and protein (30 grams), relatively low in carbohydrates (27 grams), low in sugar but high in sugar alcohols, and 380 calories per bar. Not the greatest breakdown, but not terrible either so you can definitely do worse. The protein is a blend, with MPC, whey, and soy, so it is fairly time-released, and better than a fair amount of other protein bars.

Another similarity to Supreme Bars - the taste. I didn't have a Supreme Bar handy, but I wouldn't be surprised if this bar and those tasted identical. The Cookies and Cream flavor was very good, definitely one of the bet protein bars on the market and worth the high fat and calorie content even for those cutting. Very dessert-like in flavor, with an Oreo-inspired taste. The bars are fairly filling so they are good for holding you over between meals, though they can be a bit pricey.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for ErgoGenix ErgoBlast

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
ErgoGenix ErgoBlast Energy	Average overall rating: 3.3

Saturday, 24 May 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.3
Physical energy		3.5
Endurance		4.0
Pump		2.0
Thermogenic effect		3.0
Vascularity		2.5
Length of effects		3.0
Focus		3.0
Alertness		3.5
Mental energy		3.5
Taste		4.0
Mixes well		4.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Pineapple Mango

Standing out in the world of pre-workout and energy supplements is a tough task, simply because there are so many products in existence and many of them tend to rely on the same primary ingredients, typically caffeine. However, ErgoBlast does manage to distinguish itself as a notable offering by providing a huge boost of energy and focus that sneaks up on you but sticks around for a considerable length of time. Unlike many high-energy pre-workouts (this one has 300 mg of caffeine per serving), ErgoBlast does not give you the jitters, which is nice, although it does tend to increase your body temperature, which is understandable. This is also far from a one-dimensional energy product, as it provides endurance and great focus, so I could see it being useful not just for working out but for getting through a tough day of work or studying as well. The flavor is quite delicious, very refreshing and smooth, with no chemical taste. This is definitely a solid formula and an effective product. Although ErgoBlast does have agmatine sulfate, I didn't really experience any of the large pumps I would have expected from that ingredient inclusion, but perhaps that is just me. I did have solid strength and great vascularity, though, so no complaints in that department.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Spider Energy Lighter Spider

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
Spider Energy Lighter Spider Energy	Average overall rating: 2.5

Monday, 19 May 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.5
Physical energy		2.0
Endurance		2.0
Thermogenic effect		3.5
Recovery ability		2.5
Length of effects		3.0
Focus		2.5
Alertness		2.5
Mental energy		2.5
Taste		3.0
Value for money		2.5
Ingredient profile		2.0

Spider Energy is not a company with which I was familiar prior to seeing its products on the shelf at the grocery store, but when I saw the 99-cent price tag, I was sold (particularly with Monster moving up to $2.39 around here). Despite the somewhat sketchy, fly-by-night look and feel of the can desin, I got two to try in a fitness and non-fitness (driving) context. Despite having 240 mg of caffeine per can, I found this didn't really offer any noticeable boost of energy beyond what you would get from the typical 160 mg/16 oz. enery drinks, so that was a little surprising and disappointing. However, there was a pronounced thermogenic effect, which I was not expecting. The energy that I did get was pretty long lasting, and it was a decent lift in energy, nothing overwhelming but also not unnoticeable. I found this to be good both for fitness and for driving, particularly thanks to the focus and alertness it provided - time seemed to move quickly because I was in the zone. This sugar-free product had a decent flavor with a prominent taste of orange and maybe some other citrus, so it was pleasant to drink. The ingredient profile is fairly typical but not bad, with taurine, caffeine, ginseng, green tea extract and more. Comparable to other energy drinks but with a lower price, this probably isn't something I'd go out of my way for, but I wouldn't avoid it in the future either.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for AllMax Nutrition Razor8 Blast Powder - New Formula

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
AllMax Nutrition Razor8 Blast Powder - New Formula Energy	Average overall rating: 3.5

Monday, 19 May 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		3.5
Physical energy		4.0
Endurance		4.0
Pump		2.0
Thermogenic effect		3.5
Vascularity		3.0
Recovery ability		3.5
Length of effects		4.0
Focus		4.0
Alertness		4.0
Mental energy		4.0
Strength		3.0
Taste		3.5
Mixes well		4.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Key Lime Cherry

Razor8 was one of the original products to capitalize on the 1,3-dimethylamylamine craze, and much like other products that combined that ingredient with caffeine, it provided a significant, long-lasting energy boost. However, that ingredient quickly fell out of favor and companies were forced to reformulate. This latest iteration of Razor8 Blast Powder features new flavors and a tweaked ingredient profile, with a reduced dose of caffeine, a seemingly less prominent yohimbine effect, and solid doses of agmatine, creatine, and other ingredients to provide pumps. The energy from this new version is understandably less pronounced but it is still impressive, and feels less out-of-control than other high-caffeine products. The energy is smooth and non-jittery, with no crash on the back end. The thermogenic effect is less pronounced than with the original, which is probably a good thing. The pumps seem improved from the original Razor8, as that was one area the previous versions fell short. Focus and mental energy get a big boost, which is where Razor8 seems to separate itself from other pre-workouts. Razor8 mixes pretty well, and the new Key Lime Cherry flavor is great, definitely better than the two original flavors. Solid ingredient profile and effects, this is a pretty good pre-workout overall.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Standard Process SP Complete

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Standard Process SP Complete Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.7

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.7
Taste		1.0
Mixes well		3.0
Suppressed appetite		2.5
Recovery ability		2.5
Anti-catabolic		2.5
Immune system enhancer		3.5
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.5

As this is a major concern for most people when considering purchasing a protein powder, I'll get this out of the way right now - this does not taste good, at all. I'm not really sure if it's supposed to be flavored, and if so, what it is supposed to taste like, but I cannot imagine that it is intended to taste like this. Either way, I still think this is a solid product, which says more about the rest of its attributes than the taste. This isn't the highest protein product, with 10 grams per 90-calorie serving, but with the servings so low in calories, you can easily double or triple up. Each serving contains 2 grams of fiber, as this is more of a general health product than a protein supplement. The protein comes from whey and rice, which is an interesting combo but far from the worst I've ever seen. The major draw comes from the extras - flaxseed for omega-3 fats, a large number of antioxidants and ingredients for healthy liver and gastrointestinal system function. Thanks to the vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient content, this is a pretty well-rounded supplement that is fairly filling and offers a solid bang for your buck in terms of overall health.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for EAS Lean 15 Protein Powder

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EAS Lean 15 Protein Powder Meal Replacement & Protein	Average overall rating: 2.7

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.7
Taste		2.0
Mixes well		3.0
Suppressed appetite		2.5
Recovery ability		3.5
Anti-catabolic		2.0
Value for money		3.0
Ingredient profile		3.0

Chocolate Fudge

While this tub was given to me by a friend, I don't know that I would get it myself, as it is pretty mediocre and costs about the same price as other products that are much better. The most glaring issue is the taste - while chocolate fudge is a flavor that has been done nearly to death by every company on the market, EAS really misses the mark. It's hard to pin down exactly what's wrong with this, as the flavor is so far off - there's a bit of chemical taste, and it's not really underflavored, it just doesn't taste like chocolate at all. Additionally, the profile is hit or miss; on the plus side, each serving contains only 1.5 grams of fat and 100 calories, which is great for cutting. Unfortunately, each serving of the powder contains only 15 grams of protein, with 11 grams of carbohydrates. Back on the plus side, there are 5 grams of fiber per serving, and this isn't just whey, the powder contains casein and soy isolate as well. Also, Lean 15 contains some vitamins and prebiotics as well, which is a unique addition. Although Lean 15 does have some positives, it is sold in smaller tubs so the price per serving tends to be higher than most other products, which really holds the product back since it is less than amazing.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for VegasFuel VegasFuel Sugar Free

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VegasFuel VegasFuel Sugar Free Energy	Average overall rating: 1.9

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		1.9
Physical energy		2.0
Endurance		1.5
Recovery ability		1.5
Length of effects		2.0
Focus		2.0
Alertness		2.0
Mental energy		2.0
Taste		3.0
Value for money		1.5
Ingredient profile		1.5

Apparently attempting to be the new Red Bull in Red Bull-Vodkas, this energy drink bills itself as an "experience" and alludes to Vegas probably only to call to mind wild all-nighters. With that said, you'll probably need some other fuel as well, since this energy drink doesn't pack much of a punch. That's a bit surprising considering that its ingredient profile is similar to most other energy drinks although perhaps with a touch less caffeine - 142 mg per 16 oz. can compared to about 160 mg in other drinks. However, the drink also contains taurine, ginseng, guarana and high levels of B vitamins, so it shouldn't only be just the caffeine carrying the burden. This provides an uptick in focus, though nothing overly impressive, and the mental energy aspect definitely overshadows any physical energy improvements, of which there seems to be little. Probably the best aspects of this drink are the low price - about half the cost of every other energy drink on the shelf (though perhaps you get what you pay for in this sense), and the flavor, which is a pleasant kind of fruit punch -- not your typical juice box fruit punch but something a little more bold and flavorful, not at all watered down as you might expect from a sugar-free flavor.

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10 years ago

soundcheck129 added a new review for Monster Energy Rehab Protean + Energy

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Monster Energy Rehab Protean + Energy Energy	Average overall rating: 2.5

Friday, 28 March 2014

Written by soundcheck129 - #1 reviewer - View all my reviews


Overall rating		2.5
Physical energy		3.0
Thermogenic effect		3.0
Recovery ability		2.5
Length of effects		2.5
Focus		2.5
Alertness		3.0
Mental energy		2.5
Strength		2.0
Taste		2.0
Value for money		2.0
Ingredient profile		2.0

Rehab Protean is a truly unique offering, and as such it's really difficult to assess its quality, since it seems like it could be different things to different people. The nutritional profile makes it clear that Monster was trying to combine a protein shake with an energy drink, but I'm not sure how necessary this product really is, as the idea of heavy caffeine plus protein was enough to make my stomach turn. However, I decided I had to try it. The result is a strong "meh," as this provides less of what Monster does best along with less protein than you'd get in the average shake. While Rehab Protean does offer 170 mg of caffeine per can, it comes along with 15 grams of protein, which blunts the energizing effect. This is a pretty low-carb offering, with 10 grams in the entire can (8 grams of sugar), and offers other fairly standard Monster fare such as B vitamins, taurine, tea extracts, carnitine, quercetin. This doesn't really feel like a high-performance beverage, although it does provide energy. They don't seem particularly suited for athletics other than the protein, and one scoop of protein powder plus a caffeine pill or coffee would be cheaper. The taste is bland, like an overly watered down protein shake mixed with low-carb Monster (which may be the case), and the result is not unpleasant but also not enjoyable.

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10 years ago

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