What We Recommend

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Uncertain about which product may be best for you? Have you tried other products in the past with less than stellar results? Don't feel bad - so have we - in fact, that's EXACTLY why we've put together a list of our recommendations (below) for proven, effective products. Those that work as advertised!

Sure, there's no question that individual results can and do vary because individual genetics vary...BUT, also keep in mind that with so many supplement manufacturers out there and with each one trying to top the others, many have (unfortunately) adopted the strategy of making outlandish claims and/or trying to use professional endorsements (doctors, athletes, etc.) to sell junk products. Sad, but true.

We have some good news for you - we're not an individual manufacturer - we're a supplement super-store offering 250+ different brands. Quite unlike an individual manufacturer trying to promote a single brand and compete against other brands, we have access to all of them! We make recommendations based exclusively on a product's merits...if one company's product is superior to another's we recommend the superior product EVERY TIME.

In addition to our own extensive in-house use/testing of various products (including a network of personal trainers and nutrition experts), we created a product review/feedback system on our site so our customers can provide us with their feedback - this way, we get even more real-world information about each product.

As you may have noticed we don't just post positive feedback - it all goes on the site - if a product gets negative feedback then it's posted just the same. Products with consistently poor feedback are removed.

While it's true that in the short-term this policy results in some lost sales, we firmly believe that we succeed to the extent we help you succeed in achieving your goals/meeting your needs - with literally tens of thousands of loyal customers (and growing!), it's clear that our approach works!

The bottom line for us is that a satisfied customer tends to reorder and recommend us to his/her friends; not surprisingly, about 80% of our customers reorder from us!

The following products are rated the 'best of the best' for each category...

► Prohormones: Overview | Product Recommendations

Yes, there are still many good (and 100% legal) prohormones on the market. But, don't be fooled by or waste your money on imposters. For instance, Vyotech's Viraloid is not much more than DHEA and Tribulus - with a lot of marketing money behind it.

Now, in the context of REAL prohormones, there's also no question that adding one to your training and supplement regimen is going to result in you packing on muscle MUCH faster. In some, prohormones may even allow for muscle growth beyond what they might otherwise achieve.

As with diet pills (see Fat Loss & Energy section), prohormones don't work by themselves. Don't expect to swallow a couple of pills and gain 10 lbs of solid muscle in a couple of weeks. But, if you train hard, eat plenty and take in adequate amounts of protein, you'll be very pleased with the results.

Also, keep in mind that these products will absolutely increase your testosterone levels, so we don't recommend them for athletes who are tested for performance enhancing drugs. Why? Because many 'steroid' drug tests aren't looking for specific steroid metabolites but rather they check your overall testosterone levels. If your levels appear too high you might test 'false positive'. False, because you're not using an illegal steroid, but positive, because of what the test is measuring - overall testosterone levels.

Also, these products are only for males 18 years of age or older. Women should NOT use them under any circumstance.

► 1. Halotest-25: Made by PowerLab Nutrition, Halotest-25 is our #1 pick in this category for producing the most muscle and strength gains. As a potent muscle and strength builder it gets high marks from customers and in-house testers and trainers alike. Gains of 10+ pounds in a month are not uncommon - some gained 15. But, do keep in mind these results were achieved with heavy weight-training and proper nutrition (adequate protein and calories). Although this product works extremely well, you still need to give your body a reason to grow (hard training) and the raw material (adequate nutrition) to do so.

Also, if you've tried Gaspari's Halodrol-50 you will be happy to learn that this product contains a highly comparable compound. NO, not Gaspari's replacement 'Halodrol Liquigels' - which is NOT Halodrol-50 by a long-shot - but the REAL, original stuff. Well, here it is - and improved!

Halotest-25 can also make a great addition to a cutting diet...

Why take a prohormone when cutting/dieting? Because it's great for helping you retain muscle during a cutting diet - with restricted calories and increased cardio it's almost impossible to not lose some muscle - unless of course you use a product such as Halotest-25. Remember, it's your muscle that's metabolically active tissue and thus contributes to your overall metabolic rate - the last thing you want to do is lose muscle during a diet - you want to lose the fat so your hard-earned muscle is more visible. Adding Halotest-25 to a cutting diet will produce noticeable results in terms of helping you retain your hard-earned muscle and contributing to improved vascularity - some users have even gained muscle during cutting diets with the help of Halotest-25!

On that point, be sure you also checkout our Case Study involving Halotest-25 stacked with other supplements to build muscle & lose fat - fast!

Find out more about Halotest-25...

► 2. Halotren: Made by PowerLab Nutrition, Halotren is also a GREAT option for adding muscle mass quickly. It's a blended formula that combines the compound found in Halotest-25 (although at a slightly lower dosage) AND a (not banned) tren-related precursor compound! Halotren delivers substantial gains in strength and size - and quickly!

While Halotest-25 remains our number one pick when it comes to overall weight and strength gains at this point in time - largely because we've been selling Halotest-25 longer than Halotren (it's a newer product for us) and thus have more third-party customer feedback - plus, Halotest-25 is less expensive - Halotren is getting RAVE reviews and this ranking may change...

Also, everyone seems to respond a bit differently to the various prohormone compounds, so going with a blended a formula such as Halotren can make sense as you're getting to try more than one compound concurrently.

Find out more about Halotren...

► 3. Post-Cycle II : Made by PowerLab Nutrition, Post-Cycle II is NOT a prohormone but is included in this category since it handles a very important task - ensuring you keep your gains from your prohormone cycle! In short, it's the most effective post-cycle hormone replacement (PCT) formula available. If you purchase any of the above prohormones, we strongly recommend you also get a bottle of Post-Cycle II - you'll be glad you did!

Find out more about Post-Cycle II...

► Fat Loss & Energy: Overview | Product Recommendations

It should come as no surprise to you that there are A LOT of junk products in this category. While this has always been the case we noticed that the number of bogus diet products increased substantially after the FDA's "on again / off again" ephedra ban.

The bottom line? Take the advice given by the US Federal Trade Commission (responsible for prosecuting those making false claims about products): Do not believe any claim that a diet pill will help you quickly lose dramatic amounts of unwanted fat without diet and/or exercise. Sure, some products with strong diuretic ingredients cause a decent amount of 'weight loss' without diet or exercise (at first) but it's only water loss - VERY temporary and NOT fat loss, which is kind of the KEY objective here, right? Don't waste your money or time on these products.

Here's what you need to know - yes, certain products contain ingredients that are very effective in helping with fat loss. But, some dieting and/or exercise is needed if you want the best results - as quickly as possible - and most permanently.

So, where do diet pills come in - how do they even help? Well, certain products contain active ingredients that will help you lose fat in three important, distinct ways:

Certain products contain ingredients that will increase your metabolic rate - help you burn more calories - even at rest - to a meaningful degree. We estimate this to be up to 1/4-1/2 pound per week;
Certain products contain ingredients that will give you more energy - making it easier to get that exercise done AND causing more calories to be burned during exercise;
And certain products contain ingredients that will reduce/help control your appetite - a factor 70% of dieters cite as the #1 reason they failed in their dieting efforts.

BUT, keep in mind that a pound of fat has about 3,500 calories in it - no diet pill on earth (ephedrine, prescription, or otherwise) can increase your metabolic rate enough to cause you to lose even a pound of fat per week. So, while it's possible to lose a bit of fat with the right diet pills alone, the best results - the fastest and most permanent results - happen when you combine diet, exercise and certain supplements. There's a very real synergistic effect which can produce results that are significantly greater than the sum of each individual part.

In general, we estimate the results will be about double the results achieved with diet and/or exercise alone. In more specific terms, with the right diet product added to your nutrition and exercise plan, you should expect to consistently see about 1.5 lbs to 3 lbs/loss per week.

How much diet or exercise? Not much is required to see real results. You can cut back on your food intake (moderate dieting) or do some exercise (weights or cardio 2-3 times per week) - ideally both! By the way, both exercise and a bit of calorie restriction are much easier with the right diet product! So, wherever you're starting from, and assuming you're maintaining your current weight, shoot to create a calorie deficit of about 500/calories per day - again, not much. This is a comfortable reduction for most people. Keep in mind that one medium order of fries contains about 400 calories and 30 minutes of jogging will burn about 250 calories. You can find more information on calories in food here and more information on calories burned during exercise here.

Now, on to our recommendations!

► 1. Thermolean: Made by Pro-Rx Labs, Thermolean is, hands down, our top recommendation in this category. Why? Because it hits all the key points for fat loss - boosts your metabolic rate, provides you with ample amounts of energy and helps with appetite control - it's little wonder why users keep reporting great results and reordering - it really works well! Also, for those who are sensitive to strong stimulants you'll find that Thermolean really helps with fat loss but without causing any 'jitters' you might experience with other products. Finally, Thermolean secures its #1 spot because it's one of the most cost effective/affordable products in this category.

Find out more about ThermoLean...

► 2. Venom HyperDrive 3.0+: Made by ALR Industries, Hyperdrive 3.0+ (formerly Venom Hyperdrive 3.0) is a close second . It's not the best known product - but please don't let that sway you since the 'big names' - such as Hydroxycut, etc. - are nothing more than that and produce mediocre results at best. But Hyperdrive 3.0+ is different. As with Thermolean, it hits all the key points for fat loss - boosts metabolic rate, helps with appetite suppression and provides you with more energy - not surprisingly it consistently produces great results too - but at $2/bottle more than Thermolean it's ranked #2.

Find out more about Venom...

► 3. 7-Keto DHEA: Made by SupplementIQ, 7-Keto warrants your serious consideration if you're 30 years of age or older. Numerous studies have shown that as we age our levels of DHEA decline - as much as 40% between age 20 and 40. 7-Keto is unique in that it's a non-hormonal DHEA derivative and it's been extensively studied and proven effective in boosting metabolic rate and thus fat loss. We like this product in particular because one bottle provides a full month of 7-Keto DHEA at 200mg/day - the exact amount used in the studies that demonstrated its effectiveness. Many other 7-Keto DHEA products are significantly under dosed - several others out there provide just 25% of the effective dose and cost more!

7-Keto DHEA can also be added to/taken along with ThermoLean or Hyperdrive 3.0+ for significantly improved results.

Find out more about 7-Keto DHEA...

► 4. Hoodia Pure: Made by SupplementIQ, Hoodia Pure is further down our list for this category since it only helps with appetite control. However, it is definitely worth consideration as its appetite suppressing effects (believed to be induced by the p-57 molecule found in the hoodia plant) are quite powerful, but again, it does NOTHING for increased energy or boosting metabolic rate. For those who wish to avoid stimulants of any kind (including caffeine - present in most diet formulas) and struggle primarily with appetite control, hoodia can certainly be a good choice.

While the Hoodia Pure product consistently receives strong feedback, as a stand-alone supplement/ingredient we've found 'hoodia' receive somewhat mixed reviews. We believe this is due to the fact that it's not currently possible for hoodia extracts to be standardized for the p-57 molecule - the 'active constituent' in hoodia causing appetite suppression. Consequently, many 'hoodia' products are very likely under dosed OR lack the p-57 molecule entirely since they are not comprised of the entire hoodia plant (some products only use hoodia root, for instance).

Keep in mind that the research done on hoodia where the p-57 molecule was discovered used an extract of the WHOLE PLANT. We recommend Hoodia Pure over other hoodia products - and believe it works - because it's sufficiently dosed and properly prepared - a single capsule contains the equivalent of 5,000mg of the WHOLE HOODIA PLANT.

Hoodia Pure can also be added to/taken along with ThermoLean, Venom or 7-Keto DHEA for improved appetite control.

Find out more about Hoodia Pure...

► 5. Stimulant X: Made by Anabolic Xtreme, Stimulant X is best for those looking for an all-day energy booster - but it's still a good choice for fat loss as it does boost metabolic rate and assist with appetite control. If you've tried Stimulant X in the past please note that the manufacturer recently changed this product's formulation - we've gotten mixed feedback from those who have used the old formula and then tried this new version. Some find it less potent than the original (and take higher doses to get the same energy boosting and fat loss effects) while others believe this new formulation is stronger than the original. Because of this, we recommend you err on the side of caution and start with just one capsule per day to see how you respond.

Find out more about Stimulant-X...

► Brain/Memory Supplements: Overview | Product Recommendations

Can a supplement really improve your memory and other cognitive functions? While this is an area that's certainly still developing, with numerous studies in process and major pharmaceutical companies pouring money into R&D, we do already have solid research that demonstrates certain compounds/supplements can indeed improve memory and overall cognitive function. Just as certain supplements can improve athletic performance so too can certain supplements improve mental performance. Here are our top picks:

► 1. Brain Supreme: Made by SupplementIQ, Brain Supreme is our top recommendation in this category. Why? Because it's formulation is very unique, complete AND backed by research. Also, our product testers found it quite effective, so, it's not surprising that we receive positive feedback from our customers - who also keep reordering - a great indicator that it really works well!

Find out more about Brain Supreme...

► 2. Acetyl-L Carnitine: Also made by SupplementIQ, Acetyl-L Carnitine (ALC) is great to take along with Brain Supreme, or as a stand-alone supplement. In addition to it's favorable and well researched effects on cognitive performance, ALC also enhances energy since it's a critical intermediary used by the body to extract energy from all macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates).

Find out more about ALC...

► Protein Powders: Overview | Product Recommendations

Protein powders are a great way to easily / conveniently add high quality protein to your diet. If your goal is to gain muscle, lose fat - or even both - you'll need adequate protein in your diet.

Protein powders are also (almost without exception) a much more cost effective source of protein (gram for gram) than other 'whole food' protein options such as chicken or steak. Our recommended powders (below) come in 2lb containers - a single scoop (about 1/4 cup) will contain about 25 grams of protein and can easily be mixed with about 8oz of water.

► 1. ProLab Whey Isolate: This is a good, high quality whey protein isolate with some added ingredients - glutamine, taurine and digestive enzymes. It only comes in the basic flavors - Chocolate, Strawberry and Vanilla - we prefer the Vanilla as it's not too sweet and 1-2 scoops mixes very easily in about 8oz of water.

We like this product because the added glutamine and taurine help with improving muscle recovery and the added enzymes ensure that those with even the most sensitive stomachs will have an easy time digesting the protein. Also, this protein is a whey isolate, so it's a great choice for everyone, including those with lactose intolerance.

Find out more about ProLab Whey Isolate...

► 2. ProLab Advanced Whey: As with the above product, also by ProLab, Advanced Whey is a top quality whey protein powder, BUT it's not a whey isolate. It's a less expensive option than Whey Isolate, however, those with lactose intolerance should avoid it. But, if you're not lactose intolerant, it could be a good option for you.

Find out more about ProLab Advanced Whey...

► Creatine: Overview | Product Recommendations

We all know that creatine works - for building muscle and improving muscle endurance - but did you know that there are several forms of creatine? And that certain forms work better than others? The two forms you'll hear about most often are Creatine Monohydrate (the original/old form) and the latest and greatest - Kre-Alkalyn.

The key point to understand is that the Kre-Alkalyn form of creatine is MUCH more bio-available than the Monohydrate form. Those who have tried Creatine Monohydrate in the past and noticed limited results, stomach upset and even 'creatine bloat' will benefit tremendously from switching to Kre-Alkalyn. It provides all the benefits of Creatine Monohydrate but without any of these unpleasant effects. Also, we recommend Kre-Alkalyn for women since it's sure to provide benefits without any water retention.

If you respond well to Creatine Monohydrate and/or have not experienced any adverse effects, you may still want to give Kre-Alkalyn a try. Most people report improved results and you may also find it easier to use, since a smaller serving is required (versus Monohydrate) due to the improved bio-availability.

► 1. MusclePump: Made by Pro-Rx Labs, MusclePump is a top quality Kre-Alkalyn product and a great value! Again, unlike regular creatine you'll have NO bloating. To get the best results we recommend taking MusclePump before and after you workout.

Find out more about MusclePump...

Also, checkout our article about Creatine & Kre-Alkalyn - it'll tell you everything you'll need to know!

► General Health/Vitamins: Overview | Product Recommendations

There's just no question about it - almost without exception everyone can benefit from a multi-vitamin/multi-mineral supplement. Why? Because these types of supplements help to fill the nutrient gaps present in your daily diet.

Many products on the market today offer decent formulations of important vitamins and minerals but they always seem to leave out a couple of key ingredients and/or are under dosed for certain vitamins and minerals. We believe that part of the issue here is that some companies try to produce a single multi-vitamin/mineral formula designed to work for men and women - but it just doesn't work. Nutrient requirements for men and women vary and in making a 'one size fits all' product certain nutrients are left out, under dosed or (even worse) included which benefit one group but can harm another. One example is Iron - necessary for women, but harmful for men.

When it comes to multi-vitamin/mineral supplements, we like those made by SupplementIQ because their formulations are comprehensive, specific for men and women and are properly dosed for key nutrients.

► 1. Men's Complete: Made by SupplementIQ, Men's Complete is the most 'complete' men's multi-vitamin/mineral formula on the market that we've found. It's packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants and is a very cost effective way to ensure you provide your body with all the essential nutrients it needs - the cost is about 50 cents/day. Also, this product is iron-free which is very important since, unlike women, men don't lose iron each month. Too much iron can cause numerous health issues so it's very important to avoid taking in extra iron.

Find out more about Men's Complete...

► 2. Women's Complete: Made by SupplementIQ, Women's Complete, as with Men's Complete, is the most 'complete' women's multi-vitamin/mineral on the market we've found. In addition to providing a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants it also includes several ingredients designed specifically for women's unique needs, such as folic acid. It's also a cost effective choice at about 50 cents/day.

Find out more about Women's Complete...

More coming soon...including recommendations for protein bars, weight gainers and more!

The information on this site, including that presented on this page is provided for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advise. The information contained in this website should not be used to diagnose or treat any illness, metabolic disorder, disease or health problem. Always consult your physician or health care provider before beginning any nutrition or exercise program. Use of the supplements, advice, and information contained in this website is at the sole choice and risk of the reader. Individual results from supplement use will vary due to many factors including but not limited to genetic and environmental variances.