Remember when Dark Labs failed to impress us?

Yeah, we don't either.

This is the pre-workout from them that has completely taken us by surprise, both by impressions and by experience.

Below, you'll find the full breakdown of the ingredients, my review, and if you should get this.

Crack OG: Quick Review

Crack OG Pre-Workout stands apart from its predecessors with a robust and euphoric blend that consistently delivers a surprising surge of energy.

It's crafted for those who seek an intense, focused, and exhilarating training session.

Dark Labs And the Evolution Of Crack Pre-Workout Line-Up

Dark Labs has carved out a reputation for creating some of the most potent pre-workouts on the market.

Their original Crack formula set a high bar with the inclusion of DMAA, a powerful stimulant known for its intense energy-boosting properties.

However, with an evolving reputation and a commitment to innovation, Dark Labs has reformulated its star product.

The new Crack OG Pre-Workout swaps DMAA for DMHA, another potent stimulant.

Check out the older version of Crack Pre-Workout with DMAA, which you can find here.

Review: Fasting And Training With Crack OG Pre-Workout

Embracing a fasting-focused lifestyle and skipping breakfast is a routine for me, and adding a new pre-workout to this mix is always welcomed. 

The Crack OG Pre-Workout, with its unique formulation, was a fantastic experience.

Timing and Initial Effects: I took the pre-workout an hour before hitting the gym, in line with my usual fasted state.

The immediate energy boost was unmistakable and set a positive tone for the workout.

Energy Quality: This pre-workout delivered a different kind of energy.

It wasn't a jarring jolt but a gradual and warm buildup, which seemed to complement my body's fasted state and enhance my mental clarity rather than just my physical stamina.

Confidence in Manufacturer: Dark Labs has a reputation for producing robust, high-stimulant pre-workouts, and my confidence in their products was well-founded.

The Crack OG Pre-Workout lived up to the expectations set by their previous offerings.

Unique Experience: The sensation was euphoric, providing a sense of urgency that was motivating rather than overwhelming.

It felt like a bespoke concoction for someone who trains without prior food intake.

Physical Response During Workout: Notably, the workout session was intense.

I noticed an increased sweat output, which I took as a sign of its effectiveness.

Duration of Effects: The effects were long-lasting.

Well past the two-hour workout mark, I felt energized enough to keep going, which is a rare fasting experience.

Post-Workout Reflection: Reflecting on the workout, I felt a profound sense of accomplishment.

The pre-workout was the perfect companion to my fasting, providing a sustained, "buzzy" energy that was refreshing and enjoyable.

And it suppressed my appetite, literally all day.

Overall Assessment: The Crack OG Pre-Workout is a strong competitor in the pre-workout landscape, especially for those who prefer to train on an empty stomach.

It's a pre-workout that I would not only use again but also recommend to others who follow a similar fasting regimen and seek that extra performance boost.

Crack OG Ingredients Overview

Before we dissect the formula, let's get a bird's-eye view of what's inside Crack OG Pre-Workout.

This isn't your average blend; it's a carefully curated cocktail of compounds aimed at maximizing blood flow, enhancing endurance, and delivering a sustained energy release that could keep you powered for hours.

From the hefty dose of L-Citrulline for pump to the inclusion of DMHA for that cognitive kick, each ingredient is there for a reason—to help you crush your workouts.

L-Citrulline (8g)

When it comes to pre-workout ingredients, L-Citrulline is a titan.

The kidneys convert this powerhouse amino acid into L-arginine and nitric oxide, key players in heart and blood vessel health.

It's not just about the pump—though that's a significant benefit—it's about delivering a surge of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your muscles when they're under siege from a heavy lifting session.

• Maximizing Muscle Endurance: With 8000mg of L-Citrulline, you're not just getting an average dose; you're getting a potent amount that's been shown to delay the onset of muscle fatigue. This means you can push harder for longer, squeezing out those extra reps that make all the difference.
• Scientific Spotlight: A comprehensive review highlights L-Citrulline's role in enhancing sports performance and cardiovascular health, underscoring its importance in a pre-workout formula.

Beta-Alanine (3.2g)

Beta-Alanine is that ingredient that tingles, a sensation that signals it's time to get down to business.

But beyond the tingling sensation, it's a critical component for buffering lactic acid buildup, delaying muscle fatigue, and increasing muscle endurance.

At 3200mg per serving, you get a clinically significant dose that can help you power through those high-intensity training sessions.

• The Beta-Alanine Burn: It's the burn you learn to love. This amino acid is a precursor to carnosine, which helps stabilize muscular pH levels during exercise.
• Research Reveals: Studies, like this one found in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, have consistently shown that Beta-Alanine supplementation can improve exercise performance, particularly in the 1-4 minute range.

Recommended: Why Does Pre-Workout Make Me Tingle?

Agmatine (1g)

Agmatine is a bit of an enigma.

It's derived from L-arginine through decarboxylation and is believed to act as a neurotransmitter and neuromodulator.

It's been touted for its potential to support cognitive health, but its role in a pre-workout is what we're interested in.

• Pain and Performance: One of Agmatine's most intriguing roles is in pain management. By potentially modulating the body's pain receptors, it can allow athletes to push past discomfort and extend their training capacity.
• The Science Says: While research is ongoing, the current literature, including articles like this one from Pharmacological Research, suggests Agmatine has cardiovascular benefits and could play a role in improving athletic performance.

Arginine HCL (1g)

Arginine HCL is a familiar face in the pre-workout world.

It's a form of arginine that combines the amino acid with a hydrogen chloride molecule to enhance its stability and absorption.

While it's been somewhat overshadowed by L-Citrulline in recent years, it still exists in the pantheon of pump-inducing ingredients.

• Why Arginine HCL Still Matters: It's a direct precursor to nitric oxide. While L-Citrulline might offer a more sustained increase in blood levels of arginine, the inclusion of Arginine HCL ensures a rapid onset of nitric oxide production.
• Diving Into the Data: A study published in the "Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics" found that L-arginine supplementation could improve vascular function and exercise capacity in certain populations.

L-Norvaline (150mg)

L-Norvaline is an analog of the branched-chain amino acid valine.

It enters the pre-workout scene not as a direct contributor to nitric oxide production but as an inhibitor of arginase, the enzyme that breaks down arginine.

By inhibiting arginase, L-Norvaline may help prolong the life of arginine in the system and, by extension, nitric oxide.

• The Extended Effect: The theory is that by preventing the breakdown of arginine, L-Norvaline could extend the duration of a muscle pump, potentially leading to longer-lasting benefits from your pre-workout.
• The Research Rationale: While direct studies on L-Norvaline are limited, the biochemical pathway it influences is well-established, suggesting a supportive role in enhancing the effects of other nitric oxide boosters.

Caffeine (400mg)

Caffeine needs no introduction.

It's the world's most widely consumed psychoactive substance, known for its ability to ward off fatigue and increase alertness.

• The workout boost: Caffeine can significantly improve physical strength and endurance, making it a staple in pre-workouts.
• Backing it up: Many studies support caffeine's role in enhancing athletic performance.

DMHA (300mg)

DMHA, or 2-Aminoisoheptane, is a potent stimulant that elevates Crack OG to new heights with its 300mg dosage.

This powerhouse ingredient is celebrated for its dual-action benefits: it not only amplifies energy levels but also sharpens focus and cognitive function.

Here's why DMHA stands out as a stimulant: 

• Enhances Cognitive Functions: By boosting dopamine and noradrenaline, DMHA improves alertness and focus, allowing for a more engaged and intense workout experience.
• Elevates Mood and Energy: It provides a significant uplift in mood and energy, helping you tackle workouts with unmatched vigor.
• Supports Intense Workouts: The increased mental clarity and focus from DMHA mean you can push through the toughest sessions with ease.

With DMHA, Crack OG help maximise for peak performance, making every gym session more productive and satisfying.

Eria Jarensis (400mg)

Eria Jarensis is a plant extract that provides phenylethylamine, which can enhance mood and focus.

• Why it's trending: Its mood-lifting properties can make workouts less daunting and more enjoyable.
• The evidence: While emerging as a pre-workout ingredient, more research is needed to fully understand its effects.

Caffeine Citrate & Dicaffeine Malate (150mg and 100mg)

These two forms of caffeine provide a quicker onset and a more prolonged effect than regular caffeine.

• The advantage: They can help maintain energy levels throughout your workout without the crash.
• Scientifically speaking: The combination of different caffeine types is a newer concept, with ongoing research into their synergistic effects.

Super Synephrine

Super Synephrine, precisely dosed at 30mg, stands out in the pre-workout formula for its thermogenic properties.

Here's a breakdown of what this ingredient brings to the table:

• Fat Oxidation: Enhances the body's ability to burn fat, especially during workouts, by increasing metabolic rate without significantly affecting heart rate or blood pressure [1].
• Energy Levels: Provides a sustainable energy boost that complements the stimulant blend in Crack OG, supporting longer and more intense training sessions.
• Appetite Control: Some evidence suggests that synephrine can help suppress appetite, which may benefit those on a calorie-restricted diet [2].
• Thermogenesis: It's known for its thermogenic effect, meaning it helps increase the body's temperature, which can lead to more calories burned throughout the day.
• Safety Profile: While it's a potent ingredient, it's generally considered safer than other stimulants like ephedrine when used at the recommended dosage [3].

Super Synephrine can be a powerful addition to any energy blend.

Noopept (30mg)

Noopept, a powerful nootropic, is included in Crack OG at a nice 30mg dose.

This ingredient is known for its cognitive-enhancing properties, which may sharpen focus and increase mental clarity during workouts.

With its inclusion, Crack OG aims to provide not just a physical boost but also a mental one, supporting a more connected and mindful training session.

Alpha Yohimbine (1.5mg)

Also known as Yohimbine, this compound is known for its fat-burning and adrenaline-boosting effects.

• Why it's included: It may help increase energy expenditure and fat loss during exercise.
• Research roundup: Studies suggest Yohimbine can aid in fat loss, but it's also known for its side effects.

Explore More from Dark Labs

Dark Labs doesn't shy away from pushing the envelope when making pre-workouts.

Crack OG is just one of their many potent offerings.

If you're curious about how it stacks up against the brand's other products, you're in for a treat.

Each supplement in their lineup is crafted to cater to different needs and preferences.

For a dive into a pre-workout that's as intense in effects, check out Crack Gold.

If you're interested in a version reloaded with an even more robust nootropic formula profile, Crack Reloaded might be what you're looking for.

For those who prefer a pre-workout that's designed to bring you back from the dead with its urgency, Crack Undead will not disappoint.

Perhaps you're after something in-between the Barbarian version and the DMAA-based Crack?

Then Crack Primal is worth exploring.

And for the warriors who want to train like barbarians, Crack Barbarian offers a formula that's as fierce as its name suggests.

Lastly, if you want to get your hands on any of these formidable pre-workouts, don't miss out on some savings with this Dark Labs discount.

Each link will take you to a detailed review that breaks down the benefits, flavors, and unique characteristics of these products, helping you make an informed decision on which pre-workout might be your next gym partner.

FAQ

How does Crack OG differ from other pre-workouts?

Crack OG stands out due to its unique blend of ingredients that aim to provide a strong, euphoric, and energetic experience. It's formulated to surprise users with its potent effects that differ from previous product versions.

Can I stack Crack OG with other supplements?

It's generally advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before stacking supplements. Crack OG is potent on its own, and combining it with other products, especially those containing stimulants, should be done with caution. You shouldn't combine it with supplements that have stimulants.

Is Crack OG suitable for beginners?

Due to its high potency, Crack OG may be overwhelming for beginners. Those new to pre-workouts might want to start with a lower-stimulant option and gradually work up to more intense formulas like Crack OG.

How should I dose Crack OG for the first time?

First-time users should start with a half serving to assess tolerance. Pay attention to how your body reacts before gradually increasing to a full serving as the manufacturer recommends.

Does Crack OG contain any banned substances?

While Crack OG does not contain DMAA, it's always best to check the specific regulations of your sport's governing body, as ingredient lists and banned substances can vary.

What should I do if I experience side effects from Crack OG?

If you experience side effects, it's important to stop using the product immediately and consult with a healthcare professional. Side effects can indicate that the product may not suit you or that the dosage is too high.

What is the stim-free pump formula offered by Dark Labs?

Dark Labs offers a stimulant-free pump formula known as Dark Labs Pimp. This product enhances blood flow and muscle pumps during workouts without using stimulants.

Bottom Line

Crack OG Pre-Workout is a formidable player in the realm of high-stimulant pre-workouts.

With its strategic blend of DMHA and other key ingredients, it offers a unique synergy that fuels long-lasting energy, focus, and endurance.

It's a product designed for the dedicated athlete who demands peak performance and is not for the faint-hearted.

While it's always wise to start with a lower dose to gauge tolerance, those who can handle the full power of Crack OG are in for an intense and rewarding workout experience.

Whether you're looking to crush your PRs or just need that extra push to get through a grueling gym session, Crack OG is a pre-workout that promises to deliver and then some.