USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic Review

Overview

USN have this to say:

USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic has been engineered by a passionate team of scientists with their focus on extreme muscle growth, strength and muscle recovery. It contains a number of bioactive nutrients that when taken as directed can support optimal muscle function, reduce fatigue, support immune function and protein metabolism.

The six-stage Anabolic Protein Matrix contains excellent sources of protein including Whey Protein Concentrate & Isolate, Micellar Casein, Milk Protein Isolate, Calcium Caseinate and High Isoflavone Soy Protein Isolate. Protein supports optimal muscle recovery and lean muscle growth through their beneficial impact on nitrogen retention.

A high-quality vitamin and mineral blend also are selected to aid efficient oxygen transported (vital for exercise performance), glycogen (the storage form of carbohydrates) metabolism (including carbohydrate storage) and the protection of cells from oxidative damage.

USN Muscle Fuel Anabolic is a convenient, tasty meal replacement shake available in a variety of flavours and perfect for any time of the day or night. 

Features

·                                 50g servings of Anabolic High Protein Matrix.

·                                 Power and recovery during high intensity exercise

·                                 Ultra-pure Immune, Fatigue and Mass support nutrients

·                                 Cell damage protection

Taste

I had the strawberry flavour and it was excellent, it was nice and thick and it mixed perfectly using just a standard hand shaker. It wasn’t gritty or lumpy it was nice and smooth, just like a McDonalds milkshake.

Serving Information

Container Size: 2000g

Serving Size: 3 scoops (150g)

Servings Per Container: 13

 

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Calories                      585kcal

Protein                        50.7g   

Carbohydrate             85.1g
Of Which Sugars        7.5g   

Fat                               3.9g
of which saturates      0.7g   

Fibre                           0.2g 

·                                 Sodium: 741 g

·                                 Potassium: 202 mg

·                                 Vitamin A (Retinol): 375 ugRE

·                                 Vitamin B1 (Thiamin): 0.5 mg

·                                 Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): 0.6 mg

·                                 Vitmain B6: 0.8 mg

·                                 Nicotinamide: 6.8 mg

·                                 Vitamin B12: 0.4 mcg

·                                 Vitamin D (Calciferol): 1.9 mcg

·                                 Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): 23 mg

·                                 Niacin: 6.8 mg

·                                 Vitamin E (Alpha-Topopherol): 3.8 mgTE

·                                 Pantothenic Acid: 1.5 mg

·                                 Folic Acid: 75 mcg

·                                 Biotin: 30 mcg

·                                 Cacium: 243 mg

·                                 Magnesium: 42 mg

·                                 Phosphorus: 460 mg

·                                 Hyperbolic Stack: 14 300 mg

o                                                        Creabolic Stack - Creatine monohydrate & Di-Creatine Malate

o                                                        mTOR Activator - BCAA’s, HMB (Beta-Hydroxy Beta-Methylbutyrate), Taurine

o                                                        Hyper Volumax - L-Glycine, Beta Alanine

o                                                        Glutacell Tri-Stack - Glutamine AKG, L-Glutamine & peptide bonded Glutamine

o                                                        Testo-Force - Avena Sativa

Ingredients

·                                 4-Stage Carb Release Formula (Long and medium chain glucose polymers, Dextrose monohydrate, Fructose), 6-Stage Anabolic Protein Matrix [Whey protein concentrate and isolate blend, Ultra purified (water filtrated) high isoflavone soy protein isolate, Calcium caseinate, Micellar casein, Milk protein isolate], Creatine monohydrate, Dicreatine malate, L-glycine, Rice starch, Cocoa powder (only in chocolate variant), cellulose gum Stabilizer, Taurine, Flavourants, Magnesium oxide, Calcium phosphate, Sucralose Non-nutritive sweetener, MCT (Medium Chain Triglyceride) oil, Avena sativa, Zymatech™ Lactazyme blend (mainly lactase), L-glutamine, Glutamine peptides, Glutamine AKG, HMB, Leucine, Valine, Isoleucine, Beta-Alanine, EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) powder, Ascorbic acid, Alpha-tocoferol acetate, Nicotinamide, Calcium pantothenate, Pyridoxine-5-phosphate, Riboflavin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Biotin, Retinol, Folic acid, Cholecalcipherol, E124 Colourant, Red beet powder (only in Strawberry variant), Cyanocobalamin

Ok that is a lot of information to take in. Here’s the cliff notes. Its fairly high calorie at 585 but it low enough so that you can control fat gains which is good. 50g is more than enough of protein to stimulate muscle growth.

It’s an all in one so you get creatine, a little of a test booster in there along with BCAA’s, HMB and Taurine. It’s a good stack all designed to help pack on slabs of muscle.

Price

2kg will cost you between £35 and £50 which is very pricey considering you only get a 13 servings. That’s a bank busting £2.70 a serving if you get it at £35 for a tub which is the cheapest I’ve seen it!

Side Effects

Slight bloating issues.

Results

I was hoping this wouldn’t work. Damn. It does. Why is that a bad thing? Well now I have to shell out stupid amounts of money to USN to use it during bulking season. It works really well and I guess you get what you pay for. USN have manufactured a monstrous off season product here, I gained 3lbs in 2 weeks with 2.5lbs of it being muscle and the other .5lbs water. I gained 0lbs fat. All muscle no fat makes me a happy boy.

It’s such a shame that it is so expensive because it will stop people from using it and this is a product that should be used by everyone when it comes to bulking season. There should be a charity set up to help fund bodybuilders during their off season so that this product is available to all. Like a soup kitchen. A protein kitchen. That would be awesome. I think I’ve gotten slightly off track here. If this was cheaper I’m sure it would be a staple of everyone in the iron game. If money is no object to you then buy it but if the purse strings a bit tight then there are other good, cheaper options out there. 7/10

You can buy USN Muscle FuelAnabolic here

Pinnacle Supplements Enrage Review

Overview

Here's what Pinnacle have to say:

Enrage was formulated with one goal, to provide you with the ultimate pre-workout supplement. Enrage provides guaranteed results to improve performance, increase energy and provide maximum focus for every training session.

A pre-workout should provide you with energy, increased focus and prolonged performance. Enrage provides a perfect blend of ingredients all of which are proven to provide these results, with added creatine to aid recovery. If you are looking for the next step in pre-workout supplements then you have found it.

Nutritional Information

Per 10g serving
K Cals 24
Carbohydrates 4.8g
Fat 0.07g
Beta alanine 2000mg
Alpha Keto Glutarate 1400mg
Taurine 600mg
Creatine monohydrate 500mg
Caffeine 500mg
Vitamin C 100mg

Ingredients
Natural Identical Flavouring & Natural Colouring from Beta Carotene, Stabiliser (Citric Acid), Contains Natural Sweeteners: Dextrose Monohydrate & Sucralose

This has 2000mg of Beta Alanine in so be prepared to tingle when you take it. It's all fairly high doses of proven ingredients but there is nothing special or new in there but there is no filler ingredients either everything is in there for a reason. All in all its a very strong but standard line up for a preworkout

Taste

It only comes in Orange flavour at the moment and it tastes pretty good. If you use 3 scoops then you might want to increase the water slightly to compensate but apart from that no complaints at all.

Side Effects

First time I took 3 scoops I experienced some stomach cramps but after that I was fine.

Price

You can pick it up for £24.99. Which is really good value considering you get up to 50 servings in a tub.

Results

Since the results differ radically depending on how many scoops you take I think its best I split up the review a little bit:

1 Scoop - You don't get much focus or energy and the pump is there but its a little weak
2 Scoops - OK so the energy rush starts to kick in here and the pumps are awesome
3 Scoops - This is what you should be taking! The energy and focus are off the charts, you are buzzing while under the influence of Enrage. The pumps are up there with the best, this is definitely in my top 3 pump products of all time.

It's a great feeling when you are lifting with a good preworkout, the weights feel lighter, the workouts go quicker and feel like you can smash through any plateau you've come up against. More than anything this is what Enrage gives you, a feeling that you can be better when you step into the gym.

All in all its just a top notch preworkout and you should be trying it. 8.5/10

You can buy Enrage here

Pulsin Vanilla Choc Chip Bar

Overview 

Here is what Pulsin have to say about it:

A delicious, protein-packed alternative to a chocolate bar

Enriched with raw rice protein, Pulsin's Vanilla Chocolate Chip Protein Snack is designed to give you sustained energy release without the crash. Containing a generous smattering of chocolate chips as well as a healthy handful of almonds, our bars are free from nasties, contain no added sugars and are low in GI/GL.

Protein is needed to build muscle, stay healthy, repair cells and fight off infection, making these bars ideal for those recovering from illness, athletes in training, those looking to lose weight, or anyone who needs an energy lift during the day.

Nutritional Information

Per 50g Bar Energy 925kJ (225kcal) Protein 12.0g Carbohydrate of which sugars 14.5g 6.2g Fat of which saturated 13.1g 3.2g Fibre 4.6g Sodium 57mg Glycaemic Load (GL*) 3.3 Glycaemic Index (GI) 33

Ingredients

Almonds,

Rice Protein,

Agave Nectar,

Chocolate Chips (Cocoa Mass, Xylitol,

Cocoa Butter,

Sunflower Lecithin) (9%),

Chicory Fibre,

Pea Protein Isolate,

Concentrated Fruit Juice,

Rice Starch,

Xylitol,

Cacao Butter,

Vanilla Extract (2%),

Green Tea Extract.

So it’s a healthy snack rather than a protein bar.

Side Effects

None

Taste

This tastes really, really nice. With these around you have no need for chocolate bars to be in the house. It’s quite soft when you bite into it but it was never melted or crushed, even after being in a locker all day.

Price

£25.76 for a box of 18. So they are similar to most protein bars on the market.

Results

This isn’t supposed to be used a protein bar but rather a healthier alternative to a chocolate bar. It’s a little energy boost when you’re too busy to have a proper meal, it’s a nice treat when you’re watching TV in the evening.

I think they would be great to have in the house for when the cravings kick in. When you have no alternative but to cheat you reach for one of these and snack away relatively guilt free. I know I’m keeping a few to hand. 8/10

You can buy Pulsin bars here

Pulsin Maple & Whey Crisp

Overview

Here is what Pulsin have to say about it:

Pulsin's Maple Whey Protein Bars are packed full of natural protein power and have been carefully designed to give you optimum nutrition and sustained energy release.

Enriched with whey and pea protein isolates and full of flavour, Pulsin's Maple Whey Crisp Protein Snack contains 15 grams of high-grade, easily absorbable protein and makes the perfect post-exercise snack or meal replacement.

Nutritional Information

Per 50g Bar Energy 886kJ (225kcal) Protein 15.0g Carbohydrate of which sugars 16.7g 9.1g Fat of which saturated 8.5g 1.9g Fibre 3.9g Sodium 57mg Glycaemic Load (GL*) 5.9 Glycaemic Index (GI) 39

Ingredients

Peanuts (23%),

Brown Rice Malt,

Whey Protein Crisps (Whey Protein Isolate, Rice Flour, Soya Lecithin),

Whey Protein Isolate,

Chicory Fibre,

Pea Protein Isolate,

Natural Maple Syrup (7%),

Cacao Butter,

Concentrated Fruit Juice,

Rice Starch,

Rice Protein,

Carob,

Sea Salt,

Green Tea Extract

15g of Protein is quite low for a gym oriented protein bar. It’s a nice boost and stick better for you then eating a snickers but I would have like to have seen it almost doubled to make it a proper post workout snack.

Side Effects

None

Taste

I found it quite solid and powdery. It had a nice flavour though. Since it’s fairly hard there were no issues with it melting or crumbling in my gym bag though.

Price

£25.76 for a box of 18. So they are similar to most protein bars on the market.

Results

The problem this bar has is that it is too low on protein to be a post workout bar. It gives a nice little boost and I found myself using it primarily in the evenings to stop myself from snacking unhealthily. I think that’s were this product should be aimed, stopping the evening munches. It actually went very well with a cup of coffee after dinner.

So if you want a dedicated post workout bar then you’re best of looking else where but if you want a nice healthy snack with a bit of a protein boost then Pulsin have made a great option. 6/10

You can buy Pulsin bars here

Pulsin Maple & Peanut Protein Bars

Overview

Here is what Pulsin have to say about it:

Whether you need a pre-exercise energy boost or pick me up or are looking to balance your sugar levels and kick sugar cravings, our Maple & Peanut Protein Bars provide you with a nutritionally balanced, high-protein blast of sustained energy.

Blended with cold-pressed cacao butter for a smooth great taste, our Maple & Peanut Protein Bar contains 12g of high-grade protein (from peanuts, rice protein and pea protein) - an essential nutrient for a healthy body and a strong immune system.

Nutritional Information

	Per 50g Bar
Energy	935kJ (225kcal)
Protein	12.2g
Carbohydrate of which sugars	16.4g 10g
Fat of which saturated	11.1g 2.5g
Fibre	4.2g
Sodium	92mg
Glycaemic Load (GL*)	4
Glycaemic Index (GI)	33

Ingredients

Peanuts (35%),

Brown Rice Malt,

Pea Protein Isolate,

Chicory Fibre,

Cacao Butter,

Rice Protein,

Natural Maple Syrup (7%),

Concentrated Fruit Juice,

Rice Starch,

Carob,

Sea Salt,

Green Tea Extract.

I would like to know what that 12.2g of protein is made up from eg whats is from the peanuts, pea protein, rice protein etc. 12.2g of Protein is also on the low side when compared to other protein bars.

It’s a good healthy line up though.

Side Effects

None

Taste

Pretty damn amazing actually, it was smooth and nutty. It didn’t have a powdery aftertaste which some protein bars do and they didn’t melt in my gym bag. I had these at breakfast, pre and post workout and before bed. I tried these at all times of the day and they always tasted great, they weren’t too sweet or too heavy. I’ve tried different bars from Pulsin and these were my favourite.

Price

£25.76 for a box of 18. So they are similar to most protein bars on the market.

Results

I think to compare these to other protein bars on the market would be doing them a disservice because they are more geared to a healthy snack that a muscle building bar. No you aren’t getting 50g of Protein per bar and they don’t have Creatine in but you are getting natural ingredients and a great tasting snack.

I really liked these bars and I would recommend you try them not as a replacement for a protein shake but as a treat with a cup of coffee to help keep you away from the Mars bars. 7/10

You can buy Pulsin bars here

Sci-MX Recover Review

Sci-MX Recover 2:1 Isolate Day Review

Overview

Here is what Sci-MX have to say about their brand new product.

Formulated to load trained muscles with essential post-workout nutrients, delivering an optimised 2:1 ratio of rapid digesting Cross-Action™ carbs: Iso-Pro™ whey isolate, plus recovery vitamins and minerals.

 

MUSCLE RECOVERY: Whey protein isolate rapidly replenishes muscle protein lost during high intensity exercise.

FATIGUE REDUCTION: Magnesium can contribute to a reduction in tiredness and fatigue after high intensity exercise.

MUSCLE GROWTH: High protein content contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

OXIDATIVE PROTECTION: Cell consituents, DNA, protein and lipids are protected from oxidation by vitamin C.

GLYCOGEN REPLACEMENT: Cross-Action™ carbohydrate system with fast release glucose and long chain glucose polymers.

IMMUNE SUPPORT: Vitamin C aids the maintenance of normal immune function during and after extreme physical activity.

Basically this formula is more geared towards recovery than muscle growth (I think the name Recover gives that away).

Taste

It only comes in Orange flavor. I must say that when you first mix it it’s really orange. It’s a bit off putting actually it looks a bit toxic. It tastes pretty good, a bit like orange squash. By the end of trial I actually quite like the uniqueness of the bright orange colour.

Content

Nutritional information	Per 100g	Per 80g Serving
Iso-Pro™ protein	30g	24g
(of which BCAAs)	3.4g	2.7g
(of which glutamine)	2.7g	2.2g
Cross-Action™ carbohydrate blend	60g	48.8g
(of which dextrose monohydrate & long chain glucose polymers)
Revitaliser™ micronutrient blend	766mg	610mg
Vitamin C	38mg	30mg (38%*)
Potassium	394mg	315mg (16%*)
Calcium	150mg	120mg (15%*)
Magnesium	81mg	65mg (17%*)
Sodium	103mg	80mg
*EC RDA = Recommended Daily Allowance

Nutritional profile	Per 100g	Per 80g Serving
Energy	1527kj/365kcal	1222kj/292kcal
Protein (on dry matter)	30g	24g
Carbohydrates (sugars)	60g (29.8g)	48.8g (23.9g)
Fat (saturates)	0.2g (0.08g)	0.1g (0.06g)
Salt	0.25g	0.2g

With 48.8g of Carbs this is not a product to use while cutting, when you’re bulking though it’s acceptable. It’s fairly low in protein with 24g but seeing as this isn’t supposed to be your main protein shake that doesn’t really matter that much. In my opinion this should only really be taken straight after a workout. The high sugar content will provide an insulin spike that will allow the protein to be driven into the muscles providing instant recovery.

Serving Size

Container Size: 1.2kg

Serving Size: 2 scoop (80 g)

Servings Per Container: 15

This seems really low but seeing as you only take it after a workout it’s not too bad. If you workout 3 times a week then it’ll last you 5 weeks but if you workout 5 times a week then you’re looking at 3 weeks. So really its value is down to personal circumstance.

Price

You can pick it up from Sci-MX for £36.99 this works out to £2.46 a serving which is very expensive. It may come down in price soon.

Side Effects

None.

Results

Well this is a rare moment. I only have good things to say. This is without a doubt the best post workout shake I’ve ever used. DOMS are a thing of the past, I experienced zero muscle soreness. This is a revolutionary product, if you can train without getting sore you can train twice in a day, you can train twice as hard, you can climb the damn stairs after leg day!  Also for those of you who are conscious of gaining a bit of fat I didn’t actually gain any during my time with Recover.

I cannot say enough good things about SCI MX Recover, you  need to test this out for yourself to see just how amazing it is. 9.5/10

You can buy Sci-MXRecover 2:1 Isolate here.