Is Crack Pre Workout Safe to Use? (Review And Comparisons)

March 13, 2023 Talib Ahmad Supplement Expert 772 Views

Pre workout supplements are popular among fitness enthusiasts globally to take workouts to the next level. While pre workout supplements can be beneficial, it is important to consider the safety of the ingredients before use. In this blog, we will take a comprehensive look at the ingredients in Crack Pre Workout to examine the supplement’s benefits, the safety of the ingredients, potential risks and side effects, and find similar products.

*Please note this review is of the Crack Pre Workout formula currently available in March 2023.

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What Is Crack Pre Workout?

Crack Pre Workout is a dietary supplement produced by Dark Labs. Dark Labs is a supplement company known for producing hardcore and potent supplements designed for extreme stimulant users; one of their top-selling pre workouts is Crack Pre Workout. However, some products from Dark Labs are not available in the US. This is because multiple formulas use ingredients currently banned by the US FDA, such as DMAA or 2-Amino-4-Methylpentane HCl, as listed in the ingredients. (1) For more information on what happened to DMAA, check out our guide on DMHA.

Is Crack Pre Workout Available in the US?

No, this version of Crack Pre Workout and the other versions are currently unavailable in the US (according to the Dark Lab). According to the company’s website, the only version of Crack Pre Workout available to the US is Dark Labs Crack Gold Limited Edition.

Crack Pre Workout Ingredients:

In this section, we briefly discuss each ingredient featured in Crack Pre Workout and their dosages, and what role they can play in your gym hits. But before we dive into the ingredients, let’s get through the basics.

Crack Pre Workout features a one-two-scoop formula, meaning you can start with one scoop or less to assess your tolerance easily. Then if you feel you need a bigger kick, you can adjust accordingly. A single tub of Crack Pre Workout for one scoop provides 40 scoops featuring ~8 grams of active ingredients per scoop. This pre workout is currently listed for $69.90, bringing us to about $1.75 per serving. Compared to other pre workouts available, Crack Pre Workout is definitely more expensive. But at the end of the day, what’s on the inside matters most.

Crack Pre Workout features a total of 11 ingredients, including the following:

Citrulline Malate
Beta Alanine
Agmatine Sulfate
Arginine Nitrate
Beet Root Powder
L-Norvaline
Choline Bitartrate
Caffeine Anhydrous
Geranium Extract (stem and leaves)
Sceletium Tortuosum Extract
Grains of Paradise

Citrulline Malate:

Our first ingredient is Citrulline Malate, at around 4 grams per scoop. Citrulline Malate is a combination of the amino acid L-Citrulline and malic acid. It helps to increase blood flow, reduce muscle fatigue and soreness, and improve aerobic and anaerobic performance. Generally, research on L-citrulline uses dosages between 3-6 grams. But, taking more than 6 grams may help promote muscle oxygen content. In this pre workout, you may have sufficient dosage from one scoop. (2,3,4,5)

Beta Alanine:

Next, there are about 1.5 grams of Beta Alanine. Beta-alanine is an amino acid that helps to increase endurance by buffering lactic acid in the muscles, reducing fatigue, and allowing for longer and more intense workouts. The clinical dose range for Beta Alanine is 2-5 grams, so to truly feel the benefits of this ingredient, you may want to push for two scoops or add a non-stim pre workout to your mix. (6)

Agmatine Sulfate:

Following Beta Alanine, we have about 750 milligrams of Agmatine Sulfate. Agmatine sulfate is a byproduct of the amino acid arginine. It can help to improve blood flow, increase muscle pumps, and reduce muscle fatigue. This makes agmatine sulfate a popular pump-inducing ingredient, but further research is necessary. (7,8) Agmatine Sulfate is typically dosed between 500 to 1,000 milligrams for exercise performance. So a dose of 750 milligrams, as seen in Crack Pre Workout, meets the standard dosing, which may also contribute to the potential clumping effect.†

Arginine Nitrate:

Like Agmatine Sulfate, our next ingredient, Arginine Nitrate, may also help promote blood flow and pump. This ingredient is featured at 500 milligrams per scoop and combines the amino acid arginine and nitrate. The standard pre workout dose for arginine is 3–6 grams, but adding the nitrates may improve this ingredient’s absorption rate. Meaning you may not need as much to feel the effects. (9) Unfortunately, there is no standard Arginine Nitrate dosage.†

Beet Root Powder:

Our next pump and endurance ingredient, Beet Root Powder, is also featured at 500 milligrams per scoop. Beet Root Powder is a natural source of nitrates, which help to increase nitric oxide production, improve blood flow, and enhance athletic performance. The dosage of Beet Root Powder is typically based on its nitrate content, with a target of around 0.1-0.2mmol/kg (6.4-12.8mg/kg). For a person weighing 150 lbs, this equates to approximately 436mg of nitrate. (10)

L-Norvaline:

Finally, our last pump and endurance ingredient is L-Norvaline, featured at 125 milligrams per scoop. L-Norvaline is an amino acid that helps to increase nitric oxide production and improve blood flow. A typical dose of L-Norvaline is around 100mg-250mg per day, so a single scoop of Crack Pre Workout may be sufficient for these effects. (11)

Choline Bitartrate:

Following L-Norvaline, we have our first focus ingredient Choline Bitartrate. This ingredient is at 250 milligrams per scoop and can help to improve focus, concentration, and cognitive function. (12) Choline bitartrate is often recommended between 500mg-3,000 milligrams, so this formula may not provide enough in a single scoop.†

Caffeine Anhydrous:

Next, we have around 200 milligrams of Caffeine Anhydrous per scoop where this form of caffeine is commonly used in pre-workout supplements to increase energy, focus, and alertness. (13)

Geranium Extract (stem and leaves):

Following Caffeine, we have Geranium Extract at 60 milligrams per scoop. Geranium Oil is actually the source of DMAA. (14) Unfortunately, seeing this in the formula doesn’t mean DMAA is present. Instead, this extract is stripped of the DMAA Alkaloids. So you’re left with a potentially similar but weaker version. Yet, the geranium extract is still a natural stimulant that helps to increase energy and focus. Unfortunately, there is no current standard dosage for Geranium Extract†

Sceletium Tortuosum Extract:

Our next ingredient is Sceletium Tortuosum extract (Kanna Extract), a natural mood enhancer that helps reduce stress and improve cognitive function. This ingredient is featured at 12.5 milligrams per scoop. But, there isn’t very much research on this ingredient for exercise performance or focus. However, studies using this ingredient typically utilize a dose of 8 milligrams and 25 milligrams. It is important to note this study tested for tolerability, not effectiveness, and indicates both dosages were well tolerated. (15,16)

Grains of Paradise:

Finally, our last ingredient in Crack Pre Workout is Grains of Paradise. Grains of paradise is a spice that helps increase thermogenesis, leading to increased calorie burning and weight loss. This ingredient is generally more popular in fat burners than pre workouts but may benefit exercise performance by improving blood flow and glucose uptake. (17,18)

How Does Crack Pre Workout Compare To The Other Versions?

As you can see from the chart below, Crack Pre Workout is the mildest of pre workouts available from Dark Labs. But, even so, some of these formulas are intense, even for stimulant junkies like us.

It’s important to understand where you fall in line with your tolerance to Caffeine to avoid negative side effects like jitteriness. For example, a cup of coffee can contain around 90-100 mg of caffeine per 8oz. The Crack Pre Workout has 200mg of caffeine per serving, so it can be compared to having 2 cups of coffee in one sitting. Whereas Crack Pre Workout Barbarian Edition has 300mg in addition to other stimulants like DMHA.

What’s Similar:

For those searching for a hardcore pre workout supplement, Dark Labs’ Cracked Pre Workout may seem like the ultimate solution. However, as it’s unavailable in many countries like the US, you may have to consider other similar pre workout supplements. In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular pre workout supplements that share similarities with Cracked Pre Workout and discuss how they compare regarding ingredients, effectiveness, and overall value.

Jack3d Pre Workout By USP Labs
Mesomorph Pre Workout By APS Nutrition
Super Pump Aggression By Gaspari Nutrition
C4 Ultimate Shred By Cellucor
Fierce Pre Workout By Panda Supps

Jack3d Pre Workout By USP Labs:

There are some notable differences when comparing the ingredients of Dark Labs’ Crack Pre Workout to Jack3d Pre Workout.

Firstly, Jack3d Pre Workout contains Creatine Monohydrate, which is not present in Crack Pre Workout. Creatine is a well-known supplement for building muscle mass and improving athletic performance, but it can cause some stomach discomfort and water retention in some individuals. Secondly, Jack3d Pre Workout contains Yohimbe Extract and Schisandra Chinensis, which are not found in Crack Pre Workout. These ingredients have been used traditionally for improving athletic performance and increasing energy levels.†

Both pre workouts contain Beta Alanine, which is known to improve endurance by reducing fatigue during high-intensity exercise. They also both contain Caffeine Anhydrous and Geranium Extract, which can improve energy levels, focus, and overall performance during a workout. However, in Jack3D, you can go up to 405mg of Caffeine, while Crack Pre Workout has a max of 400mg. Additionally, instead of Arginine Nitrate, which is in Crack Pre Workout, Jack3D features Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate or AAKG. This is a similar ingredient that may help improve blood flow and pumps.†

Unfortunately, most of Jack3D’s formula is within a proprietary blend, so we can’t compare individual ingredients directly. However, both pre workouts are designed to improve energy, focus, and performance during workouts. Some users may prefer the higher caffeine content in Crack pre workout for a stronger energy boost, while others may prefer the addition of creatine in Jack3D for improved muscle strength and size.†

How To Take USP Lab’s Jack3D Pre Workout:

The manufacturers recommend taking 1-3 scoops with 6-12 ounces of cold water and consuming one serving daily. On exercise days, consume 30-60 minutes before resistance training.

Contents may settle. Shake the container before each use. Store in a cool, dry place to prevent clumping and discoloration. Do not exceed three scoops per day.

Jack3D Pre Workout Review By Welison: “Teve uma boa melhora na fórmula. É um bom pré treino! (There was a good improvement in the formula. It’s a good pre workout!)”

Mesomorph Pre Workout By APS Nutrition:

Like Jack3D, Crack Pre Workout and Mesomorph Pre Workout share several common ingredients. The ingredients in common include the following:

Beta Alanine
Agmatine Sulfate
Caffeine (Methylxanthine)
Geranium Extract

Then there are additional ingredients that are similar but not directly the same. For example, Crack Pre Workout contains Citrulline Malate and Arginine Nitrate, while Mesomorph contains l-Citrulline DL-Malate and AAKG.†

Mesomorph also includes Di-Creatine Malate, Creatine Nitrate, and Creatinol-O-Phosphate, which are all forms of creatine known to increase strength and power output during workouts. It also contains DMHA (2-Aminoisoheptane HCl), a potent stimulant that can increase energy levels and focus, as well as Naringin and Quebracho Blanco Extract, which are thought to enhance the absorption and efficacy of other ingredients.†

Overall, both Crack Pre Workout and Mesomorph Pre Workout have similar ingredients that can help improve energy, endurance, and strength during exercise. However, Mesomorph Pre Workout may be more effective for increasing muscle strength and power output due to the inclusion of creatine. Additionally, the combination of DMHA, Geranium Extract, and Caffeine may give Mesomorph an edge in increasing energy and focus.†

How To Take APS Nutrition’s Mesomorph Pre Workout:

The manufacturers recommend taking a half scoop for the first couple of days until tolerance has been assessed. On training days, the manufacturers recommend mixing one (1) scoop with 8-10 oz of water 30-40 minutes before exercise on an empty stomach.

Mesomorph Pre Workout Review By Fabian: “I’ve been using this product since 2016 and it never fails to provide me focus and intense pumps.”

Super Pump Aggression By Gaspari Nutrition:

Crack Pre Workout and Super Pump Aggression pre workout share several common ingredients, including Beta Alanine, Agmatine Sulfate, Choline Bitartrate, and Caffeine Anhydrous. Both pre workouts also contain ingredients that are unique to them. But some ingredients are also similar but not directly the same. This includes L-Citrulline instead of Citrulline Malate and Betaine Anhydrous instead of Beet Root Powder.†

Additionally, Super Pump Aggression contains N-Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), Theobromine, DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol Bitartrate), Black Pepper Extract, Rauwolfia Vomitoria Extract, and Huperzia Serrata Extract, which are not found in Crack Pre Workout. These ingredients have various potential benefits, including improved cognitive function, mood enhancement, and increased fat oxidation.†

Overall, both pre workouts have similar ingredients, but Super Pump Aggression may offer additional benefits for power output, endurance, and cognitive function.†

How To Take Gaspari Nutrition’s Super Pump Aggression Pre Workout:

The manufacturers recommend taking one (1) scoop with 6-8 oz of cold water 20-30 minutes before training. SuperPump Aggression should be used on training days only.

Super Pump Aggression Pre Workout Review By Enrico: “Concentrazione e pompaggio estremo, ottimo prodotto (Extreme concentration and pumping, great product)”

C4 Ultimate Shred By Cellucor:

Crack Pre Workout and C4 Ultimate Shred have several ingredients in common, including Citrulline Malate, Beta Alanine, Sceletium Tortuosum Extract, and Caffeine Anhydrous. Then there are additional ingredients that are similar but not directly the same. For example, Crack Pre Workout contains Arginine Nitrate and Choline Bitartrate, while C4 Ultimate Shred contains Nitrosigine® and Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha GPC).†

However, C4 Ultimate Shred contains unique ingredients such as N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine, DygloFit (Dichrostachys glomerata) Extract, Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens) Extract, Capsimax Cayenne Extract, Oligonol Lychee fruit, Green tea Extracts, Theacrine (as TeaCrine), Gingever® Ginger Root Extract, Rauwolfia Vomitoria Extract, and Huperzine A Extract.†

N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, which can help improve cognitive function, mood, and focus. DygloFit fruit extract, Velvet Bean seed extract, Capsimax Cayenne fruit extract, Oligonol Lychee fruit, and Green tea extracts are all compounds that can help increase metabolism and burn fat. Theacrine is a compound that can support enhanced energy and focus without the crash commonly associated with caffeine. While Gingever® Ginger Root Extract may help enhance digestion and reduce inflammation. Whereas Rauwolfia Vomitoria Extract is a natural stimulant that enhances focus and energy. Finally, Huperzine A Extract is a compound that helps improve cognitive function and memory.†

Overall, Crack Pre Workout and C4 Ultimate Shred can both be effective pre workouts with their unique ingredient blends. However, Crack Pre Workout may be more suitable for those seeking high caffeine content and muscle pump benefits, while C4 Ultimate Shred may be a better choice for those seeking thermogenic and cognitive benefits.†

How To Take Cellucors’ C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout:

The manufacturers recommend taking one serving (approx. one scoop) of C4 Ultimate Shred, mixed with 10-12 fl. oz. of water 20-30 minutes before training. For best results, consume daily with an effective diet and training program for eight weeks.

C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout Review By Blake: “Flavor was great. I’ve dropped 3 pounds of fat so far and abs are showing. Getting leaner. Thank you!”

Fierce Pre Workout By Panda Supps:

Crack Pre Workout and Fierce Pre Workout have several similar ingredients but also some notable differences.

The ingredients in common include the following:

Beta Alanine
Agmatine Sulfate
Caffeine Anhydrous
Grains of Paradise

But like the other pre workouts, other ingredients are similar but not directly the same. This includes the following:

L-Citrulline instead of Citrulline Malate
Betaine Anhydrous instead of Beet Root Powder
Alpha GPC instead of Choline Bitartrate

Both supplements contain ingredients that can improve endurance, increase energy, and enhance muscle pumps. But Fierce contains additional ingredients not found in Crack Pre Workout, such as L-Taurine, Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, Phosphatidylserine, Synephrine Hydrochloride, Mucuna Pruriens Extract, Gamma-Butyrobetaine Hydrochloride (GBB), and AstraGin. These ingredients may help to improve focus, reduce stress, and improve nutrient absorption.†

Overall, Crack Pre Workout and Fierce Pre Workout can be effective pre-workout supplements with similar benefits. However, the additional ingredients in Fierce make it a more well-rounded supplement for improving focus and nutrient absorption. On the other hand, the unique ingredients in Crack may provide additional benefits for blood flow and mood enhancement.†

How To Take Panda Supp’s Fierce Pre Workout:

The manufacturers recommend taking one (1) scoop with 4-8 ounces of water. Consume 15-30 minutes prior to training. Do not exceed two scoops per day.

Fierce Pre Workout Review By Karen: “Pretty awesome pre. Fits in with a vegan diet. All natural and feeling great!”

Which Should You Try:

Finally, in this section, we’re comparing each pre workout to find the best option for you and your training style.

Jack3D Pre Workout: This pre workout is a great option for weightlifting and strength training due to its ingredients such as Creatine Monohydrate, Beta Alanine, and Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate which can help improve muscular endurance, increase power output, and promote muscle pumps.†

Mesomorph Pre Workout: This pre workout may be more suitable for high-intensity workouts such as CrossFit, sprinting, and heavy lifting due to its blend of stimulants, creatine, and endurance enhancers, which can enhance focus, energy, and overall performance.†

Super Pump Aggression Pre Workout: This pre workout is ideal for endurance training such as running, cycling, and swimming due to its ingredients like L-Citrulline, Betaine Anhydrous, and Agmatine Sulfate, which can improve blood flow, reduce fatigue and increase muscular endurance. This pre workout may also be a great option for improving focus and mood.†

C4 Ultimate Shred Pre Workout: This pre workout is ideal for goals around fat-burning and weight-loss workouts due to its ingredients, such as Capsimax Cayenne fruit extract, Green tea extracts, and Theacrine, which can enhance metabolism, reduce appetite, and promote fat oxidation.†

Fierce Pre Workout: This pre workout is suitable for a range of workouts, including weightlifting, endurance training, and HIIT, due to its well-rounded blend of ingredients, such as Beta Alanine, L-Citrulline, Caffeine Anhydrous, and Betaine Anhydrous, which can improve performance, increase energy, and reduce fatigue.†

Reviews:

One notable aspect of Dark Labs’ Crack Pre Workout is the lack of reviews available on the company’s website. Typically, when considering a new product, consumers often turn to reviews to gather information about a product’s effectiveness and potential side effects. However, in the case of Crack Pre Workout, no reviews are available on Dark Labs’ website, making it difficult for consumers to evaluate the product’s efficacy.

While the lack of reviews on the company’s website is a concern for many potential users, it is worth noting that there are reviews of Crack Pre Workout available on other websites and forums. These reviews come from individuals who have taken the product and can provide insights into their experiences. However, taking these reviews with a grain of salt is essential, as individual experiences may vary, and not all reviews may be trustworthy.

Ultimately, the absence of reviews on Dark Labs’ website is a limitation for consumers interested in trying Crack Pre Workout. However, by researching the ingredients and reading reviews from other sources, consumers can better understand what to expect from this pre workout supplement. It is always important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement or workout regimen.

Is Crack Pre Workout Safe?

While many of these ingredients are commonly found in pre workout supplements and are generally considered safe when used in appropriate doses, Crack Pre Workout features some ingredients, such as geranium extract, that have been controversial, and their safety has been questioned. It is important to note that several pre workouts from Dark Labs also may contain DMAA, which the FDA has banned in the United States due to safety concerns. Therefore, these pre workouts are not available in the US market.

Overall, the safety of a pre workout supplement depends not only on its ingredients but also on the individual taking it. Some people may be more sensitive to certain ingredients or have underlying health conditions that could make certain ingredients unsafe.

Wrapping Up!

And this marks the end of our post on Crack Pre Workout. Thank you for reading! And as always, if there was something that wasn’t clear, another question you might have, or if you have another idea for a blog, Email Us!

Are you looking for more to read? Check out some of our other blogs!

Warnings And Side Effects:

Warning for use by healthy adults only. Not recommended for persons under the age of 18. Do not use it if you are pregnant or nursing. Individuals should not consume other caffeinated products in conjunction with this product. Seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking if you have any preexisting medical condition to ensure it is safe to take this product. In case of accidental overdose, contact the poison control center immediately. Avoid alcohol and prescription stimulants while taking this product. Exceeding the recommended serving will not improve results and may cause serious adverse health effects. Discontinue use and contact a licensed healthcare professional immediately if you experience an unusually rapid heartbeat, dizziness, server headache, or shortness of breath. Keep out of the reach of children.

Disclaimer:

†Please note the intention of the information provided is for reference only. Furthermore, we are in no way providing medical advice or instruction. Instead, the information provided in this guide/blog utilizes anecdotal information and available studies/reviews. While we aim to maintain and display accurate information, we can’t guarantee it represents the latest product formulation or information. Therefore, please visit the manufacturer’s website if you have any concerns. Also, the information above does not represent our views here at Same Day Supplements. Instead, these are the manufacturers’ and users’ views and information. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration has not evaluated these statements. Finally, these products aim not to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease or illness.