Not long ago, I heard about a pre-workout called Dark Energy that got banned in the USA because of its potential harmful ingredients.
Checking the data, I came across claims that Dark Labs Crack pre-workout is a disguised Dark Energy, so I decided to investigate.
As a certified personal trainer, I did an intensive study with my team and examined this Crack formula to explore its effectiveness, benefits, and potential side effects.
We gathered one experienced gym fanatic and two novices to help us get a hands-on approach to support our one-month evaluation of this product.
Here is our Crack Pre-workout review.
What is Dark Labs Crack Pre-workout?
Crack Pre-workout is a formula developed by Polish supplement company Dark Labs in 2019.
From 2019 to 2022 it went through some modification regarding their highlighted ingredient DMAA, probably because of FDA regulations.
Regardless of the modifications, our tests indicate that this product blocks noradrenaline's reuptake, which may lead to more energy and mood elevation and focus.
The company also states it brings numerous benefits:
- Increase Muscularity and Definition
- More Speed, Power, and Endurance
- High Energy and Motivation
- Insane Muscle Pumps
- Explosive Strength and Pumps
- Laser Focus
Dark Labs Crack Benefits
We made a practical approach to check these claims and used Dark Labs pre-workout (Dark berry flavor) but only three times a week, knowing it's high in stimulants. We took one scoop in the first week and two scoops in the second week.
This is what our Crack pre-workout review revealed.
Energy Boost
We noticed that the powder didn't completely dissolve and left small sediments after mixing it with water.
After drinking it, we waited for approximately fifteen minutes, and then Beta-alanine kicked in with tingling sensations.
After some twenty minutes, the energy starts to lift, drives you throughout the workout, and lasts for roughly three hours. Two of my inexperienced clients didn't like that feeling, and it was a bit strange and scary for them.
I also noticed that no PRs were broken, and it gave me a noticeable energy crush with a strange mood afterward.
Mental Focus
It gave us a good concentration on the session and muscle-mind connection, which led to better muscle contractions.
However, I can't say it gave me tunnel vision as written on the product's label.
The Dark Labs Crack solidly improves mental focus and gives good mood elevation, even though one client recorded mood switches feeling 'happy and angry at the same time,' while the other one said he got a euphoric feeling.
Muscle Pumps
The Dark Labs Crack pre-workout provides a valid vascular pump that two clients noted as 'painful pumps.'
However, the pump feeling was not as impressive as the energy boost since it provides, in our opinion, a usual muscle pump expected from serious formulas.
Key Ingredients
Before testing this product, we had our two nutritionists look at crack pre workout ingredients and doses to check their scientific background.
- Geranium Extract - Contains potent central nervous system stimulant DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine), an amphetamine derivative. According to one of the articles found on the WebMD website, it's known for increasing the concentrations of neurotransmitters dopamine and epinephrine, leading to improved focus, euphoria, and energy boost [1]. A dosage of 120 grams per serving may be too much for some, as most pumping pre-workouts have about 75 grams tops.
- Citrulline Malate - A pump ingredient helping boost nitric oxide production, widen blood vessels and increase blood flow [2]. Its benefits can aid in muscle tissue oxygen uptake leading to better endurance [3]. This ingredient is in excellent dosage as it contains optimal 8 grams [4].
- Caffeine Anhydrous - Another potent stimulant almost mandatory in every pre-workout review. A study found in the British Journal of Sports Medicine supports the claim that caffeine anhydrous is a cognition booster and enhancer of athletic performance and concentration [5]. This formula contains 400 mg of caffeine; the clinical dosage FDA cited as safe [6].
Except for these ingredients, it also contains some aimed at providing a massive pump (Beet root powder, Arginine silicate, VASO6, Agmatine sulfate) and others to regulate mood (Sceletium tortuosum extract and Choline bitartrate).
It also has Grains of paradise extract as a non-stimulant fat burner and the typical daily dose of Beta-alanine for power output.
- Great energy boost
- Long-lasting energy
- Improves focus
- Contains FDA-banned ingredient and high stimulant dosages
- High price
Does It Have Any Shortfalls?
Yes, Crack pre-workout has some shortfalls regarding ingredients and dosages.
According to our tests and previous experience with this product, we would like to mention Crack's highlighted ingredient - DMAA, in the form of Geranium Extract or 2-aminoisoheptane, which the FDA banned because of its potential side effects [7].
The second thing is besides a very high dosage of harmful DMAA, it contains high doses of caffeine as well, making it strong for even advanced users and stim junkies.
And we also must mention the price, which is expensive.
How it Compare to Other Pre-Workouts
To offer a comprehensive review of Dark Labs Crack, we compared it to some of the best pre-workouts for men.
Gorilla Mode
Gorilla Mode is a pre-workout supplement crafted by the well-known nootropic Gorilla Mind Rush makers.
This product boasts a comprehensive formula containing essential ingredients to help boost your athletic performance during exercise, including L-citrulline, creatine monohydrate, and betaine.
The test group recorded as much as a 5% muscle strength boost, and according to our dietitians, this is due to the creatine content.
Our team has found Gorilla Mode to be one of the best pre-workouts available in the market today, thanks to its fast-acting formula and superior mixing ability.
Compared to Dark Labs Crack, Gorilla Mode contains a more common formula for pre-workouts without any questionable or potentially harmful ingredients.
Additionally, Gorilla Mode has a higher concentration of scientifically-backed ingredients such as L-Tyrosine, which has been linked to cognitive improvement, instead of Choline bitartrate [8].
Personally, I have found that Gorilla Mode provides an ideal energy boost without causing any jitters, thanks to the 175 mg content of the supplement.
4 Gauge
This pre-workout is the result of a collaborative effort between top athletes, nutrition experts, and the manufacturer.
Unlike Crack, 4 Gauge contains natural ingredients that make it suitable for the average gymgoer and not just a stimulant addict. It has a moderate dose of caffeine, L-citrulline, and creatine monohydrate for muscle recovery and strength [9].
Our test users rave about the boosted focus and energy experienced during intense workout sessions, thanks to 4 Gauge's blend of caffeine and L-theanine.
During testing, I personally experienced a noticeable improvement in exercise capacity, and our dietitians attribute this to the 6000 mg of L-citrulline in 4 Gauge.
I also felt the combination of caffeine and the amino acid theanine seems to work particularly well for mental focus and improved endurance at the gym.
Transparent Labs
Transparent Labs Bulk is a pre-workout supplement designed to enhance muscle growth, energy levels, and endurance.
The formula includes ingredients such as L-citrulline, beta-alanine, and a substantial dose of BCAAs, which have been proven to relieve muscle soreness in athletes.
The Bulk supplement also has smart formula combinations such as taurine and BCAA to ensure faster muscle recovery [10].
Our team noticed a significant improvement in muscle recovery and soreness, especially after intense workout sessions while using PreSeries Bulk. And, unlike Dark Labs Crack, it doesn’t contain Geranium extract, reducing the risk of any side effects.
Who Should Take Crack Pre-workout?
Gym-goers that are experienced or consider themselves stim junkies with higher tolerance to heavy hitter pre-workouts could take Crack pre-workout.
Based on my experience, it will give a good pump and energy that lasts for a few hours.
However, we do think there are much safer and more balanced formulas on the market to consider instead.
Who Shouldn't Take Crack Pre-workout?
Anyone who has a low tolerance to stimulants, beginners, and people who are prone to anxiety.
If you are in this group, then it is not suitable for you, especially as a first pre-workout, because it has high doses of several stimulant ingredients.
Because of its ingredients, this Dark Labs pre-workout should be considered only if you are sure you don't have any underlying health conditions or have previous experience with similar other pre-workouts.
Other pre-workouts reviewed:
Other Users Testimonials
To gain more information about this Dark Labs pre-workout, we took a look at Youtube comments.
"Tried this stuff for the first time yesterday 2.5 scoops felt insanely euphoric for 4 hours but felt like shit the rest of the day, it felt a little bit like mdma"
- Pyro snol, YoutubeUser
"hey!!!! Awesome honest review. This pre is really smooth to me with incredible focus. I do agree it is inconsistent !! Sometimes it hits really hard and sometimes just right! Let's go!!"
- Garage Gym Homie, Youtube User
"I do agree with the people saying this one is inconsistent. Sometimes I feel great, sometimes I feel ill, and some of the times, I'll get post workout rage. It's strange."
- Jackob M, Youtube User
FAQs
How Long Does the Crack Pre-Workout Take to Kick-In?
It takes about 30 minutes for the pre-workout to kick in at its full potential. Firstly you will probably feel itching from Beta-alanine, and 10 to 20 minutes later, the other ingredients will reach full lift-off.
What are Crack Pre-workout Side Effects?
The Crack pre-workout side effects may include rapid heartbeat, increased blood flow pressure, and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. These potential side effects can arise from high stimulant ingredient doses, mostly DMAA. If you're sensitive to stimulants, ask your physician whether you can take this pre-workout in lower doses instead.
How Does 2-Aminoisoheptane in Dark Labs Crack Affect Norepinephrine Levels and Workout Performance?
2-Aminoisoheptane, a key ingredient in Dark Labs Crack, is known to increase norepinephrine levels, a hormone that enhances focus and energy. This increase leads to improved neural connections and muscle performance, making workouts more effective and intense.
How Does Dark Labs Crack Compare to Other High-Stimulant Pre-workouts in the Market?
Dark Labs Crack stands out for its potent formula, particularly due to the inclusion of 2-Aminoisoheptane, which is less common in other pre-workouts. This makes it particularly effective for those seeking a strong and intense pre-workout experience, differentiating it from other high-stimulant options.
Is There a Risk of Developing Tolerance to Dark Labs Crack With Long-Term Use?
With continuous use of high-stimulant pre-workouts like Dark Labs Crack, there is a potential for the body to develop tolerance, leading to diminished effects over time. It's recommended to cycle the use of such supplements to prevent tolerance and maintain their effectiveness.
What Are the Benefits of Sceletium Tortuosum Extract and Grains of Paradise in Dark Labs Crack?
Sceletium Tortuosum extract is included for its mood-enhancing and cognitive benefits, potentially improving focus and mental clarity during workouts. Grains of Paradise, on the other hand, are known for their metabolism-boosting properties, which can aid in fat loss and energy expenditure.
What Can Users Expect in Terms of Flavor and Mixability When Using Dark Labs Crack?
Users of Dark Labs Crack can expect a variety of flavor options designed to be palatable and easy to drink, with a focus on ensuring good mixability to avoid clumps or residue. The flavor profiles are crafted to appeal to a wide range of tastes, enhancing the overall pre-workout experience.
Our Verdict on Dark Labs Crack Pre-workout Supplement
After evaluating the data we collected for this Dark Labs Crack pre-workout review, we concluded this product is not something we can recommend to our readers, as we are always skeptical about products that have barely legal ingredients like DMAA.
What we usually recommend to most of our clients is Gorilla Mode, which is a pre-workout with a good dose of caffeine as the only stimulant ingredient and a much more well-balanced formula.
It's our favorite pre-workout because it has the right dosage of scientifically proven ingredients and gives us consistent results: improved cardiovascular capacity, great pumping, and a positive mood.
We Recommend This Instead
Gorilla Mode
Rated With Total Shape's Scoring System
- Contains nitric oxide for insane pumps
- Many positive comments about good endurance and energy boost
- High dose of caffeine may help with mental focus and fat burning
- Tastes good
- Get 10% off using code: TOTALSHAPE
- Does not list calorie count
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