Scitec Pow3rd

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

POW3RD! 2.0 is a sophisticated, proprietary pre-workout support formula with 10 carefully selected active ingredients. You really cannot know what it could do for you until you try it! We have a “DualCreatine” blend at a dose that is scientifically proven to increase performance in successive bursts of short-term, high-intensity exercise like weight training and interval cardio. AKG, Alpha-Ketoglutarate is an integral component of the Krebs-cycle, which is an energy generating cycle in the body. L-Arginine is a conditionally essential amino acid and a precursor of Nitric Oxide (NO). Arginine supplementation is a general practice among athletes, bodybuilders. And we’re sure the other ingredients will also be to your liking! 

The complex POW3RD! 2.0 formula provides the following benefits:
- contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
- contributes to normal amino acid synthesis
- contributes to the normal function of the immune system
- contributes to normal blood formation
- contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism
- contributes to normal psychological function
- has a role in the process of cell division

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 7 g
Amount per serving		RDA%*		Amount per serving		RDA%*
Total Carbohydrates	0 g	†		Proprietary “POW3RD!” matrix	4390 mg	†
Sugars	0 g	†		“DualCreatine” blend: Micronized Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Citrate
Folic Acid	30 mcg	15%		“Sp3cial blend”: L-Arginine HCl, Beta-Alanine, Caffeine (200 mg), Acetyl L-Carnitine HCl, Rhodiola Rosea extract, AKG (Alpha-Ketoglutarate Calcium), Maltodextrin

Unfortunately we aren’t given an exact breakdown of what amounts of each ingredient is included. All the usual pre-workout suspects are in there though creatine, l-arginine, beta-alainine, caffeine (duh) and maltodextrin.

So there is not a lot new in there but if it works then there doesn’t need to be.

Taste

I had the Power Pear flavour and it was great, much better than most preworkouts out there. It tasted a bit like pear drops that had been melted down.

I wish I had the Arousing Apple flavour I could have made some great "increased blood flow" jokes. Oh well. Next time.  

Side Effect

None

Price

£19.79 for 50 servings.

Results

Honestly who doesn’t love a good preworkout? I’ll hold me hand up and say that I love them and I love Pow3rd! It has everything you need from a great one. You get a good energy rush about 20 minutes after you’ve taken it and it last for about 50 minutes. The pump isn’t sleeve tearing but it is solid, you seem to get a pump no matter whether you train in the low rep or high rep scheme, there is no escaping the pump. Best of all though there is no energy crash after it wears off it just nicely calms down. I did try a double serving (who doesn’t every now and then?) and to be honest it didn’t completely blow me away but it did the job I needed it to.

The value is outstanding giving you 50 servings for less than £20. The thing that seals the deal though is the taste, preworkouts don’t generally taste brilliant but this one bucks the trend and taste great. Everyone that tried it agreed as well which is very rare round here.

I can’t really think of a down side to Pow3rd. It’s an all round awesome preworkout. 9/10

You can buy Pow3rd here

Scitec Nutrition Tank

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

He’s as big as a tank! That “he” can be you with the help of MUSCLE ARMY’S TANK! Our formula is based on a 50%-50% fusion of high-quality milk proteins: our protein blend is half Whey Protein and half undenatured Micellar Casein (instead of denatured, lower quality Caseinate)! This makes TANK a more well-balanced, versatile formula. Dietary proteins are the source of nitrogen and indispensable amino acids, which the body requires for tissue growth and maintenance. TANK’s protein contributes to the maintenance and growth of muscle mass and also to the maintenance of normal bones.

TANK provides MicronTec Micronized Creatine Monohydrate that contributes to increases in performance in successive bursts of short, high-intensity exercise like weight training and all-out interval cardio.

We also added – as an extra – the popular free amino acid L-Arginine in a nice dose, which is the precursor of Nitric Oxide (NO); and fortified TANK with 200 mg Vitamin C per serving (250% RDA)! Vitamin C contributes to the normal function of the immune and nervous systems, and to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It also helps to maintain the normal function of the immune system during and after intense exercise: the beneficial effect is obtained with a daily intake of 200 mg – provided by 1 serving of TANK – in addition to the recommended daily intake of Vitamin C!

Nutritional Information

Serving size: 120 g (approximately 2.5 scoops)
Amount per serving		RDA%*		Amount per serving		RDA%*
Calories	462 kcal			Protein	30 g	†
Calories from Fat	23 kcal			Sodium	55 mg	†
Total Fat	2.5 g	†		Potassium	359 mg	18%
Saturated Fat	1 g	†		Phosphorus	315 mg	45%
Total Carbohydrate	80 g	†		Calcium	351 mg	44%
Sugars	41 g	†		Vitamin C	200 mg	250%
Dietary Fiber	0 g	†		Vitamin B6	0.25 mg	18%
Extra added “TANK MATRIX”:
MicronTec Micronized Creatine Monohydrate	3000 mg	†
L-Arginine HCI	2000 mg	†
Bitter melon extract	100 mg	†

So you get a manageable 462 calorie shake that boasts 30g of protein that’s split between fast and slow digesting proteins. To really make this a gainer there’s 80g of Carbs made up of 41g of fast acting “sugars” that when taken post workout will replenish your muscles.

There extras include creatine, L-Arginine and Bitter Melon.

Taste

I had the Vanilla flavour and it was incredibly sweet but it mixed very nicely and was very smooth. I used this either post workout or between meals and it worked as a recovery shake but also it did a great job of keeping me full and satisfied between meals.

Side Effects

None

Price

£24.79 for a tub with 12 servings in.

Results

Tank is billed as a mass gainer and I think that most people will find it incredibly effective. The actual content is very good and it has a lot of good points. The protein/carbs content at 30/80g is impressive and the creatine is a nice inclusion, it’s priced reasonably and it mixes perfectly everytime but I always found myself wishing it was just slightly higher in calories maybe around the 600 mark would have been sufficient. This is of course just for my individual needs maybe 462 would fit into your daily MACROs like a dream.

In the end though the good massively overshadows the one minor gripe I had. I can’t really fault a shake for not being tailored to me. As a recovery shake Tank works great and seems to prolong your pump as well which is always appreciated. Tank keeps you feeling full but not bloated and tastes pretty good to cap it off.

I’m surprised that Scitec have chosen to only put 3000mg of Creatine in when usually they include 5000mg, you might find you need an additional creatine source to really feel the effects.

Tank has a couple of things that I would tweak but overall I think it is a great mass gainer for those who need that extra boost in calories to hit their goals. 7.5/10

You can buy Tank here

Scitec Jumbo Professional

 

Overview

Here’s what Scitec have to say:

In JUMBO PROFESSIONAL we shifted the ratio towards a higher protein percentage. While providing 52 grams of high-quality protein (more than JUMBO), the serving size is smaller: 162 grams. This obviously means that the carbohydrate and caloric yield of the formula is lower, because it’s unnecessary to take in higher amounts for those people that fall under the specific body and activity types we had in mind when designing this product.

JUMBO PROFESSIONAL is designed with whey protein. Dietary proteins are the source of nitrogen and indispensable amino acids, which the body requires for tissue growth and maintenance. Therefore, JUMBO PROFESSIONAL contributes to the growth and maintenance of muscle mass.

JUMBO PROFESSIONAL still features the “6-CARB” carbohydrate blend that includes oat flour, Palatinose and native waxy maize food starch.

The "JUMBO" extra ingredient matrix has been improved and increased in dosage! Each serving of JUMBO PROFESSIONAL provides a 6,600 mg dose of our proprietary “CREA-BOMB multi-component creatine matrix” (6 types of Creatines)! At least a 3 g daily dose of Creatine is scientifically proven to increase performance in successive burst of short-term, high intensity exercise like weight training and interval cardio (so a half-serving already provides this benefit).

We also added extra amino acids on top of the amounts coming from proteins, including essential ones.
In the “Micronutrient Support complex” you’ll find Magnesium and Vitamin C in amounts that contribute to normal protein synthesis, to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal functioning of the nervous system (neurotransmission and muscle contraction including heart muscle), to the normal function of the immune system, to normal energy-yielding metabolism, to electrolyte balance, to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage and blood vessels, to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth, and have a role in the process of cell division.

Nutritional Information

Serving size : 162 g (approximately 3 1/3 scoops)
Amount per serving		RDA%*
Calories	682			"6-CARB"MATRIX 84 g †
Calories from Fat	54 kcal			Oat Flour, Maltodextrin, Palatinose™ (isomaltulose: low glycemic index carbohydrate), Dextrose, Fructose, Waxy maize starch
Total Fat	6 g	†		"JUMBO" EXTRA INGREDIENT MATRIX 12,225 mg †
Saturated Fat	1.6 g	†		- Proprietary CREA-BOMB multi-component creatine matrix (6,600 mg)
Cholesterol	132 mg	†		Creatine Monohydrate, MicronTec Micronized Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Citrate, Creatine Phosphate, Kre-Alkalyn® pH-buffered Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Pyruvate
Sodium	113 mg	†		- JUMBO AMINO SELECT matrix (3,450 mg)
Potassium	373 mg	19%		Taurine, L-Glutamine, L-Alanine, Beta-Alanine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Lysine HCl,L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
Total Carbohydrate	80 g	†		- BCAA XPRESS 100% pure essential amino acid complex (1,000 mg)
Sugars	29 g	†		L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine
Dietary Fiber	1 g	†		- HEMO-NO matrix (860 mg)
Protein	52 g	†		L-Arginine Base, L-Ornithine HCl, Alpha-Ketoglutarate Calcium
Vitamin C	80 mg	100%		- Micronutrient Support complex (310 mg)
Magnesium	56 mg	15%		Magnesium Carbonate, Ascorbic Acid, Alpha Lipoic Acid
				- BioPerine® (5 mg)

So after measuring out a rather annoying 3.3 scoops you get a fantastic protein shake full of what your body needs. 52g of protein is immense and along with 80g of carbs made up of both fast acting sugars and slower digesting carbs you’ll be kept full and your muscles will be pumped.

Along with the basic protein and carbs mixture you get Scitec’s Crea-Bomb (a great product in its own right) included, BCAA’s, Glutamine and everything else you could possibly need making this a monstrous all-in-one.

Taste

I had the chocolate flavour and to be honest I wasn’t overly keen on it. It had some mixing issues always leaving just a little bit of grit at the bottom of a shaker. With a blender it was fine though.

Side Effects

None

Price

£25.49 for a 1.62kg tub with 10 servings in.

Results

This a mass gainer so it is only here to serve one purpose to add size. You’ll be pleased to know that it does that and so much more. This is more than your standard gainer.

Let’s get the basics out the way. Jumbo Pro will assist you in adding size to your frame if you are on a bulking diet and train for size. 52g of protein combined with that sugar spike is more than enough to kick your muscles into gear when you take a serving post workout. I would recommend taking this post workout as the fast acting carbs and protein mix will set to work immediately repairing and growing your muscles. Which brings me onto point 2. Jumbo Pro is excellent as a recovery drink, you won’t become a victim to DOMS when you’re on this. Your pumps will last for longer and your muscles will have that rock hard full look.

The only downside is the price, all gainers are expensive though, Jumbo Pro more or less in line with most other gainers on the market.

All the extras included just serve to amplify your results making this a no brainer. If you are bulking then you need give Jumbo Pro a try. You won’t be disappointed.  9.5/10

You can buy Jumbo Pro here

Monkey Nutrition APE

Overview

Here’s what Monkey Nutrition have to say:

Your evolution from average Joe to all round beast starts here!!

Monkey APE is a potent fusion of natural testosterone boosters and nutrients essential to hormone synthesis and regulation. The matrix and support systems within APE are designed to boost growth, development and libido, whilst inhibiting aromatisation and preventing the biosynthesis of estrogen.

Increased testosterone levels encourage the growth and development of muscle tissues, assist fat loss, improve immune function and are key to maintaining positive sexual health and energy levels.

Nutritional Information

Serving Size 1 Packet (4 capsules / 2 tablets / 2 softgels)

Amount Per Serving

TESTOSTERONE SUPPORT:

Vitamin D-3

(cholecalciferol) 1500 IU    

Niacin 20 mg    

Zinc (oxide) 15 mg    

Copper (oxide) 2 mg     1

TESTOSTERONE AMPLIFICATION MATRIX:

Fenugreek Seed  (50% extract) 600 mg    

Tribulus Terrestris (22% / 45% extract) 1100 mg    

Maca Powder 100 mg     

Tongkat Ali Powder 50 mg    

Horny Goat Weed Extract

(providing 10% icariin) 50 mg    

Panax Ginseng Root

(10% extract) 50 mg    

Caffeine (anhydrous) 50 mg    

ESTROGEN INHIBITOR MATRIX:

Acai Fruit (4:1 extract) 300 mg    

Goji Berry (40% extract) 300 mg    

Hawaiian Noni (4:1 extract) 300 mg    

Mangosteen (5% extract) 250 mg    

Pomegranate (40% extract) 250 mg    

trans-Resveratrol (50% extract) 20 mg    

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACID  MATRIX:

Organic Coconut Oil 1000 mg    

Fish Oil 1,000 mg     

Typically Providing:

EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) 400 mg    

DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) 300 mg   

ESTROGEN INHIBITOR SUPPORT BLEND 20 mg    

Consisting of: Raspberry Fruit Powder,

Wild Black Cherry Fruit Powder, Blueberry

Fruit Powder, Elderberry Extract

(5% flavonoids), Grape Skin Extract

(30% polyphenols).

You’ll be forgiven for skim reading that! That’s an awful lot to pack into one product, I guess that’s why they need 6 capsules to fit it all in.

The normal T-Booster ingredients are in here (zinc, copper, niacin, Vit D-3, Tribulus Terrestris etc) but there will be a few bits in here you might not have come across before:

Maca Powder - supports the adrenal glands & the thyroid to produce hormones in proper dosages determined by the physical needs of an individual.

Tongkat Ali Powder – known testosterone booster

The Estrogen Inhibitor Matrix will serve to amplify the results you’ll see and also potentially realign your hormone levels.

Taste

None of the tablets have an unpleasant taste.

Side Effects

None

Price

£27.99 for a months supply.

Results

It can be quite hard to judge the effectiveness of a product like this but there are some key things to look out for; strength gains, fat loss around the midsection, raised libido and more energy. My strength did increase across the board by the end of the trial, I was noticeably leaner around the lower abs and my energy was off the charts. People always want to know about mass gain, this isn’t a steroid or a prohormone so you won’t see colossal size gains but you will notice that your muscles look harder and fuller. You will likely gain a few pounds but it won’t be substantially more than you would without APE. The main benefits are strength and a permanent increase in energy.

You have to take 6 capsules a day, they are all nicely separated out into individual packets and none of the tablets are hard to swallow although one of them is quite large. The tablets don’t have a taste and they never repeated on me. I didn’t have any nasty side effects that I know a lot of people are worried about with products like this. I didn’t feel particularly aggressive, no acne or any of the other silly side effects that are claimed to be associated with T-Boosters.

It’s priced at £27.99 which is similar to comparable products on the market.

It’s a solid product and is an excellent option for anyone wanting an edge in the gym. 9/10

You can buy Monkey Nutrition APE here

Multipower 50% Protein Bars

Overview

Here’s what Multipower have to say:

50% protein, fat-reduced and low in sugars this bar is ideal as a post-exercise snack to aid recovery and muscle building. The optimum ratio of protein, carbs and fat also make it suitable as a healthy snack in between meals.

Nutritional Information

Nutrition Information per	50 g
Energy	173 kcal
Protein	25 g
Carbohydrate	12 g
of which Sugars	0,8 g
of witch Polyols	10,5 g
Fat	4,3 g
of which saturated fatty acids	2,6 g
Dietary Fibre	1,6 g
Sodium	0,108 g

Looks like a good breakdown with a decent protein serving. 25g is good for a shake let alone a protein bar. The carbs and fat content is kept in check which makes this a good choice for any time of year or day.

Taste

I had the chocolate cream and it tastes absolutely fine but it does have a slightly strange smell, nothing off putting but not something you’d expect.

Side Effects

None

Price

£37.99 for 24 bars.

Results

Oh I do love a good protein bar. You get a good protein hit with 25g and you still have manageable carbs and fat so it can be slotted into most diets to either stave off cravings or hit you hit macros. All protein bars have 2 functions 1) help you get protein and 2) help you keep away from unhealthy treats. This bar delivers on both fronts.

The bar tastes great and is sweet enough to help you curb the sugar cravings and works excellently as a treat, whilst I had these I never even thought about reaching for a Snickers. It is fairly filling as well and kept me satisfied between meals.

There really is only one negative and that’s the price. I think these are probably slightly overpriced, I think £1.57(ish) is slightly too much for a protein bar. They are normally round about the £1 mark.They are slightly expensive but Multipower still have a very good product. 8/10

You can buy 50% Protein Bars here

Lean Machine Men's Clothing

Overview

Here’s a bit about Lean Machine:

LeanMachineApparel is a gym brand based in the UK who ship to Europe & Worldwide in over 70 countries. All our products are tested in house at Lean Machine Strength & Conditioning Unit which is based in South Wales.

Lean Machine Strength & Conditioning Unit is geared to people who take their fitness training seriously.

Our aim at LeanMachineApparel is to provide apparel that's affordable & usable & can be worn in or out of the gym, that motivates and inspires you & others to take you to another level.

We are a brick & mortar gym apparel brand that's socially led. We are not happy with being another gym apparel we pride ourselves by standing out.

What makes LeanMachineApparel stand out from other gym brands is that you can customise our products - from the colour of the hood to the colour of the graphics. We have around 10,000 different options to make our clothing as individual as you. Also we can personalise items for that signature touch. All items are hand-printed in house.

We had the pleasure of reviewing 4 items:

Men’s Heavy Fleece Shorts

Heavyweight short. Side pockets. Single back patch pocket. Deep rib waistband with flat cream drawcord. Soft cotton faced fabric creates ideal printing

Man or Machine T-Shirt

Seamless set-in rib knit 7/8” collar. Taped neck and shoulders. Euro fit shoulders and armholes. Twin needle sleeve and bottom hems. Quarter-turned to eliminate centre crease. Sedex approved supplier.

Mens Cool Tech Vest

15 great colours. AWDis’s own Neoteric™ textured fabric with inherent wickability. Sporting fit. Self fabric binding. Curved back hem. Printed back neck.

Man or Machine Stringer

Design

The bold “LM” that emblazons the clothing is a striking symbol which really sets the tone for Lean Machines clothing. You can customize everything from the base colour to the colour of the graphics. The “Man or Machine” graphic is a particular favourite of mine. Personally I like clothes that stand out a bit so I elected for a bright pink graphic on my black stringer and it looks great! Apart from the graphics that are printed on the shirts are mostly single colour tops (with the exception of a few camouflage options).

Comfort

No issues here at all all the items were very comfortable. The Stringer and the Cool Tech Vest were particularly comfortable, some stringers can cut into you a bit while you workout but not this one. The shorts weren’t a problem either, I’m not usually a fan of shorts and I normally opt for sweatpants but leg day just felt better in LM shorts. Although they are called heavy fleece shorts they are fairly lightweight and not too thick. They didn’t hamper movement or performance during weights or cardio. The Man or Machine T Shirt did stick to my back ever so slightly where the large graphic was but it wasn’t ever an issue.

Fit

Everything fitted perfectly. To be honest with stringers and shorts you can really go wrong here if you order the right size. The Cool Tech Vest and the T-Shirt were nice and tight across the chest without being restrictive. I would have liked the sleeves on the T-Shirt to be cut just slightly higher maybe an inch or so just to really show off the biceps.

Price

Heavy Fleece Shorts                 £12.99

Man or Machine T-Shirt           £10.00

Cool Tech Vest                         £16.00

Man or Machine Stringer          £18.00 (currently £10)

Can’t beat that! All of them are great value.

Durability

They have all been washed several times, ironed, worn to the gym numerous times and survived various sports. There are no signs of damage and none of them shrunk in the wash and the colours haven't run, I have no doubt that in a years time I’ll still be rocking my bright pink Man or Machine Stringer.

Results

To put it simply I like them a lot. There is a lot to be said about customization with your clothing especially with everyone looking identical these days like they have just come off a Primark assembly line. I love the idea that you can pick the colours of the top and the graphics. The clothes are all functional, well made, durable, comfortable and reasonably priced. What more could you want?

I have no real issues with any of them, they aren’t perfect but they are damn good.

Cool Tech Vest                        9/10

Man or Machine Stringer         8.5/10

Heavy Fleece Shorts                8.5/10

Man or Machine T-Shirt          8/10

You can buy Lean Machine Apparel here