Crack Barbarian, another potent pre-workout from Dark Labs, stands out as one of the stronger variants in the Crack series.
Dark Labs' hardcore branding is evident in this product, reinforcing their reputation for high-intensity supplements.
Having tried numerous Crack versions, I rank Barbarian as one of Dark Labs' most potent offerings.
However, its high energy level doesn't automatically make it superior.
It's incredibly energizing, but slightly less so than Crack Undead, which I found to be just too strong.
You can read my review of Crack Undead here.
Remember to save with the discount code FITFREK
Crack Barbarian is another version of Crack, coming from Dark Labs.
This company is based in Poland, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.
Whether it's a pre-workout with DMAA, or without, they cater to those who want the strongest possible experience with a pre-workout.
In this article, we'll cover my review on Crack Barbarian, the ingredients and how it compares to the other Dark Labs pre-workouts.
Believe you've gone through the highest stim of pre-workouts?
Well, meet Crack Barbarian.
This pre-workout isn't just a journey, it's a wild ride.
Crack Barbarian features both DMHA and DMBA, stimulants that are no strangers to me.
I've got them in abundance, so I'm pretty familiar with their effects.
Interestingly, it's a notch above Crack Undead in terms of delivering powerful energy without being too overwhelming.
But here's the kicker, the stimulant jolt delivered by Crack Barbarian is in a league of its own, despite being the same ingredients I've been using.
I've squared off with Crack Gold, but... this is a different league altogether.
Just 10 minutes into sipping Crack Barbarian, I can feel the usual energy wave washing over me.
But as I hit the 40-ish minute mark, the intensity begins to escalate, and beyond that, it's almost like a tsunami.
It doesn't hinder my workout, that much at least.
But it forces me to put in extra effort to calm my heart rate, especially after those intense compound lifts.
The focus and energy are beyond belief, but it feels like a triathlon for the heart, and I'm in a constant race to keep up with the recovery.
This one's for seriously advanced pre-workout users, and even for them, it's not to be underestimated.
I endorse it, but with a word of caution: you might want to start with half a scoop.
Believe me, the full scoop experience is akin to a heart-pounding ride.
Crack Barbarian rocks a label that is similar to Undead and maybe Primal but is much more hardcore.
While Crack Undead has more stimulants, Crack Barbarian is much closer to the sweet spot of energy and isn't as overwhelming.
Below we'll breakdown the ingredients, but below that you can see a comparison between all the Crack pre-workouts from Dark Labs.
Citrulline is an amino acid that is often used in pre-workout supplements for its potential to improve vasodilation and performance.
It's converted into another amino acid, arginine, in the body, which is then used to produce nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a vasodilator, meaning it helps to widen blood vessels, improving blood flow to muscles during exercise.
A study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that citrulline supplementation could improve oxygen usage during high-intensity exercise, potentially leading to improved endurance.
Beta-alanine is another amino acid commonly found in pre-workout supplements.
It is used by the body to produce carnosine, a molecule that helps buffer acid in muscles during high-intensity exercise.
You may feel tingles from this ingredient, but it's totally harmless.
Research published in the International Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that beta-alanine supplementation can increase carnosine concentrations in muscles, potentially improving performance in high-intensity exercises lasting 1-4 minutes.
Agmatine sulfate is a compound derived from the amino acid arginine, and it's often used in pre-workout supplements to enhance performance.
It's believed to help regulate nitric oxide synthesis, which can improve blood flow to muscles during exercise.
While there is less research on agmatine sulfate compared to other ingredients, a study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that it may have potential benefits for strength and power output.
Alpha GPC (Alpha-glycerophosphocholine) is a compound that can increase levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that plays a important role in muscle contractions and general cognitive function.
A study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that Alpha GPC supplementation could enhance power output in resistance-trained men.
N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine is a form of the amino acid tyrosine. It's often used in pre-workout supplements due to its role in the production of neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which can affect mood, focus, and motivation.
While research on N-Acetyl L-Tyrosine's effects on exercise performance is limited, a study in the Journal of Dietary Supplements suggests that it may help improve cognitive performance under stress, which could potentially benefit high-intensity workouts.
Huperzine A is a compound extracted from the herbs of the Huperziceae family.
It's known for its ability to enhance cognitive function and is often used in pre-workout supplements to improve focus during workouts. However, research on its effects on athletic performance is limited.
Black Pepper Extract, also known as Bioperine, is often included in supplements for its ability to enhance the absorption of other nutrients that it's taken with.
It's believed to do this by inhibiting enzymes that metabolize certain substances, thus increasing the amount of those substances that enter the bloodstream.
A study published in the Journal of Dietary Supplements found that a supplement containing black pepper extract, among other ingredients, did not significantly alter muscular strength or cycling endurance compared to a placebo.
However, the study noted that the supplement may have had a small effect on energy expenditure, which could potentially contribute to improved performance in some contexts.
Caffeine citrate is a form of caffeine that is commonly found in some foods, drinks, and medications. It is often used in pre-workout supplements due to its potential to enhance both mental and physical performance.
Also known as Octodrine, DMHA is a central nervous stimulant. It's often used in pre-workout supplements for its potential to increase energy and focus. However, research suggests that unregulated use may have side effects, so it's important to stick to the recommended dosage.
Halostachine is a natural stimulant that is structurally similar to ephedrine, a compound known for its potent stimulant effects.
It's found in certain plants and is often used in pre-workout supplements for its potential to enhance energy and focus.
Halostachine works by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's response to stress and exercise.
This can lead to increased heart rate and blood flow, which can enhance endurance and performance during workouts.
However, it's worth noting that while halostachine is often included in pre-workout supplements, there isn't enough research on it.
Therefore, while it is often included in pre-workout supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
A review titled "Getting More Than You Paid For: Unauthorized “Natural” Substances in Herbal Food Supplements on EU Market" discusses the presence of naturally occurring alkaloids and phenylethanolamines, including halostachine, in food supplements.
It highlights the need for more research and regulation to ensure the safety and efficacy of these ingredients.
Hordenine is a natural compound often found in barley (Hordeum species) and other plants.
It's known for its stimulant effects and is often used in pre-workout and weight loss supplements.
Hordenine works by releasing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's stress response.
This can lead to increased heart rate and blood flow, which can enhance endurance and performance during workouts.
It also has potential mood-enhancing effects.
However, it's worth noting that while hordenine is often included in pre-workout supplements, there isn't enough scientific research available on this ingredient.
So while it is often included in pre-workout supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
A study titled "Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health" discusses the presence of naturally occurring alkaloids, including hordenine, in citrus fruits and their potential health benefits.
However, they weren't focused on hordenine for this study.
Let's kick things off with Beta Phenylethylamine, or PEA for short.
This is a compound that your body naturally produces, and it's got a bit of a reputation for being a mood booster.
Why is that?
Well, PEA stimulates the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that are pretty much the body's "feel good" chemicals.
So, when you take a pre-workout supplement like Crack Barbarian that contains PEA, you might notice a bit of a mood lift, along with increased focus – both of which can be pretty handy during a tough workout.
But here's the catch: PEA is metabolized pretty quickly in the body, so its effects can be short-lived.
That means you might get a quick mood and energy boost, but it might not last your entire workout.
And while PEA is known for its mood-enhancing effects, it's important to note that more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and effects.
For instance, a study published in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology noted that PEA can have mood-enhancing effects, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Next up, we have Eria Jarensis, a plant that's often used in pre-workout supplements for its high phenylethylamine content.
Like PEA, the phenylethylamines in Eria Jarensis can help to enhance mood and focus, thanks to their ability to increase dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the body.
But here's the thing: while Eria Jarensis is often used in traditional medicine for its stimulant effects, there's not a lot of scientific research out there on this specific ingredient.
So, while it's often included in pre-workout supplements, we need more research to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
Next up, we have Eria Jarensis, a plant that's often used in pre-workout supplements for its high phenylethylamine content.
Like PEA, the phenylethylamines in Eria Jarensis can help to enhance mood and focus, thanks to their ability to increase dopamine and noradrenaline levels in the body.
But here's the thing: while Eria Jarensis is often used in traditional medicine for its stimulant effects, there's not a lot of scientific research out there on this specific ingredient.
So, while it's often included in pre-workout supplements, we need more research to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
Now, let's talk about a stimulant you're probably more familiar with caffeine.
Crack Barbarian contains two forms of caffeine: caffeine anhydrous and caffeine citrate.
Both of these forms of caffeine can help to reduce feelings of fatigue, increase alertness, and improve concentration.
Caffeine citrate is much faster hitting than anhydrous.
Caffeine works by blocking the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation.
This can help you to feel more alert and focused during your workout.
Plus, research has shown that caffeine can enhance endurance performance, increase power output, and reduce perceived exertion during exercise.
For instance, a study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that caffeine ingestion could enhance cycling power output in a low or normal muscle glycogen state.
Another study titled "Red Bull energy drink and anhydrous caffeine have similar benefits for cycling time trial performance" also found similar benefits of caffeine anhydrous for cycling performance.
However, it's worth noting that individual responses to caffeine can vary, and high doses can lead to side effects such as jitteriness, increased heart rate, and trouble sleeping.
So, it's important to consider your individual tolerance when using pre-workouts with caffeine.
Halostachine is a natural stimulant that's structurally similar to ephedrine, a compound known for its potent stimulant effects.
It's found in certain plants and is often used in pre-workout supplements for its potential to enhance energy and focus.
Halostachine works by stimulating the release of norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's response to stress and exercise. This can lead to increased heart rate and blood flow, which can enhance endurance and performance during workouts.
However, it's worth noting that while halostachine is often included in pre-workout supplements, there is currently limited scientific research available on this specific ingredient.
Therefore, while it is often included in pre-workout supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
A review titled "Getting More Than You Paid For: Unauthorized “Natural” Substances in Herbal Food Supplements on EU Market" discusses the presence of naturally occurring alkaloids and phenylethanolamines, including halostachine, in food supplements. It highlights the need for more research and regulation to ensure the safety and efficacy of these products.
2-Amino-4-Methylpentane HCl, also known as 1,3-Dimethylbutylamine (DMBA), is a compound that is often used in pre-workout supplements for its stimulant effects. It's known for its ability to increase energy, improve focus, and enhance mood.
DMBA works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the body. These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of wellbeing, and can therefore help to enhance mood. They also play a role in attention and focus, which can be beneficial during intense workouts.
However, it's worth noting that while DMBA has been used in pre-workout supplements, there is currently limited scientific research available on this specific ingredient. Therefore, while it is often included in pre-workout supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
Hordenine is a natural compound often found in barley (Hordeum species) and other plants.
It's known for its stimulant effects and is often used in pre-workout and weight loss supplements.
Hordenine works primarily by releasing norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the body's stress response.
This can lead to increased heart rate and blood flow, which can enhance endurance and performance during workouts.
It also has potential mood-enhancing effects due to its interaction with the central nervous system.
It's worth noting that while hordenine is often included in pre-workout supplements, there is limited scientific research available on this specific ingredient.
So, while it is often included in pre-workout supplements, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential benefits.
A study titled "Citrus fruits as a treasure trove of active natural metabolites that potentially provide benefits for human health" discusses the presence of naturally occurring alkaloids, including hordenine, in citrus fruits and their potential health benefits.
But the specific effects of hordenine were not the focus of this study.
Naringin (25mg), a flavonoid in grapefruits, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
It can potentially reduce muscle damage and inflammation during workouts. Studies suggest it may have benefits for heart and liver health.
Alpha Yohimbine (1.75mg), also known as Rauwolscine, is a stimulant used in pre-workouts for its energy-boosting, focus-enhancing, and mood-lifting effects. It works by blocking alpha-2 adrenergic receptors, leading to increased fat-burning and energy production.
If you're sensitive to alpha-yohimbine and don't like the effects, then you can consider another pre-workout from Dark Labs, like Crack OG.
Crack Barbarian is an EU / UK release made for high urgency, strong physical type of energy, and focus.
Crack Undead, Crack Gold, Crack Primal, and Crack are all variations of the original Crack pre-workout by Dark Labs.
Each version has its unique blend of ingredients, but they all share the core goal of enhancing workout performance.
Let's compare the stimulants in these three versions to Crack Barbarian.
Crack Undead has many of the same ingredients as Crack Barbarian, including citrulline, beta-alanine, agmatine sulfate, alpha GPC, and N-acetyl L-tyrosine.
However, there are differences in the stimulant blend:
Crack Gold also has nearly the same ingredients as Crack Barbarian, including citrulline malate, beta-alanine, agmatine, alpha GPC, N-acetyl-L-tyrosine, and black pepper extract.
Here are the similarites:
Differences:
Crack OG has a different ingredient profile compared to Crack Barbarian. While they share some ingredients like citrulline malate, beta-alanine, and agmatine, Crack OG includes ingredients like arginine nitrate, beetroot powder, and L-Norvaline.
Here are the similarities and differences between the blends:
Similarities:
Differences:
Crack Primal is a little different but shares similarities as well:
Similarities:
Differences:
How should I take Crack Barbarian?
Crack Barbarian should be taken 20-30 minutes before your workout. It's recommended to start with half a scoop to assess tolerance before moving up to a full scoop.
Can I take Crack Barbarian on non-training days?
While you can take Crack Barbarian on non-training days, it's generally not necessary. The product is designed to enhance workout performance, so taking it on rest days won't provide much benefit.
Is Crack Barbarian suitable for beginners?
Due to its high stimulant content, Crack Barbarian may not be suitable for those new to pre-workout supplements. Beginners might want to start with a lower-stimulant product to assess their tolerance.
Can I stack Crack Barbarian with other supplements?
Yes, Crack Barbarian can be stacked with other supplements like protein powders or BCAAs. However, due to its high caffeine content, it's not recommended to stack it with other stimulant-based supplements.
Are there any side effects of Crack Barbarian?
Some users have reported side effects like jitters, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. If you experience any adverse effects, it's recommended to stop using the product and consult with a healthcare professional.
What are the potential side effects of Crack Barbarian?
Like any pre-workout supplement, Crack Barbarian can have potential side effects, especially due to its high stimulant content. These may include jitters, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. It's always recommended to start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen. source
How does Crack Barbarian compare to other Dark Labs pre-workouts?
Crack Barbarian is one of several hardcore pre-workouts offered by Dark Labs. It's known for its potent blend of stimulants and performance-enhancing ingredients. Other Dark Labs pre-workouts, such as Crack Undead and Crack Primal, have slightly different ingredient profiles and may offer different benefits or effects. The best choice depends on your individual needs and preferences.
What makes Crack Barbarian unique?
Crack Barbarian stands out for its potent blend of stimulants, including caffeine anhydrous, caffeine citrate, DMHA, and eria jarensis. It also includes a range of other ingredients that can enhance workout performance, such as citrulline, beta-alanine, and agmatine. Dark Labs provides clear information about the dosages of all ingredients in Crack Barbarian, allowing users to know exactly what they're consuming.
Can I take Crack Barbarian if I'm sensitive to stimulants?
If you're sensitive to stimulants, you might want to be cautious with Crack Barbarian. It contains a potent blend of stimulants that could lead to side effects like jitters, increased heart rate, and difficulty sleeping. Always start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.
Does Crack Barbarian give a euphoric feeling like other Dark Labs pre-workouts?
A little bit. Flame V3 is better known for this. However, the intensity of the euphoria can vary between individuals and depends on factors like tolerance to stimulants.
Crack Barbarian by Dark Labs is a high-octane pre-workout supplement designed for those who crave intensity in their workouts.
It's seriously strong.
With a potent blend of stimulants, including caffeine anhydrous, caffeine citrate, DMHA, and eria jarensis, it's engineered to deliver a significant energy boost, razor-sharp focus, and enhanced endurance.
But it's not just about the stimulants.
Crack Barbarian also has some ergogenic aids, with compounds like citrulline, beta-alanine, and agmatine.
These ingredients are backed by scientific research, suggesting potential benefits for athletic performance.
However, this pre-workout isn't for everyone.
Its high stimulant content might be too intense for those sensitive to stimulants or new to pre-workout supplements.
And while it's packed with a variety of ingredients, it lacks certain compounds found in other pre-workouts, like creatine or BCAAs.
So, should you get Crack Barbarian?
If you're an experienced pre-workout user looking for a potent formula to take your workouts to the next level, Crack Barbarian could be a great fit.
It's a powerhouse supplement that doesn't hold back on intensity.
But if you're new to pre-workouts or prefer a milder formula, you might want to explore other options.
Remember, the best pre-workout is the one that aligns with your individual needs, preferences, and fitness goals.
Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement.
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