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 Kill Switch Pre-Workout Review: The Truth About This Hardcore Formula

Kill Switch Pre-Workout Review: The Truth About This Hardcore Formula

Community Ratings:

4.2
By Nader QudimatPre-Workout Expert (10+ Years)
Updated January 14, 2025

Kill Switch Pre-Workout Review: The Truth About This Hardcore Formula

Community Ratings:

4.2
By Nader Qudimat, Pre-Workout Expert (10+ Years)
Updated January 14, 2025

We test and review fitness products based on an independent, multi-point methodology. If you use our links to purchase something, we may earn a commission. 

What if one scoop could change your workouts?

Kill Switch Pre-Workout by Death Row Formulations promises exactly that.

Known for its mysterious "special sauce" effect, it’s been compared to legendary pre-workouts like Craze and Excelsior.

But does it live up to the hype?

In this review, we’ll dive deep into its ingredients, effects, and real user experiences.

Spoiler: It’s not for everyone.

But What Makes It Different?

Kill Switch isn’t your average pre-workout.

It falls into the rare and mysterious "special sauce" category—pre-workouts with effects that seem to go beyond the label.

Comparisons to legendary pre-workouts like Excelsior are common, but Kill Switch carves its own path with smooth energy, appetite suppression, and effortless breathing.

Still, skepticism is warranted.

What’s really in this "special sauce"?

What Makes Kill Switch Pre-Workout Different?

Kill Switch stands apart from the crowd of pre-workouts.

If you've tried mainstream options, you’ll notice that Kill Switch takes a sharp detour from conventional energy formulas.

Key Ingredients and Their Effects

Let’s break it down:

  • DMAA (1,3-Dimethylamylamine): A powerful stimulant that boosts energy, focus, and mood.

  • Caffeine (300 mg): Provides a quick energy kick, but it’s on the higher end of the spectrum.

  • Other Stimulants: Hordenine and N-phenethyl dimethylamine work synergistically to enhance the effects.

The combination is designed for experienced users who need long-lasting energy and focus.

But here’s the catch:

The proprietary blend leaves room for speculation.

Are there undisclosed ingredients?

We don’t know—and that’s a red flag for some.

High-Stim Formula
Kill Switch Pre-Workout by Death Row Formulations

Kill Switch by Death Row Formulations

Kill Switch is a DMAA-based pre-workout designed for experienced users seeking unmatched energy and focus. With 115 mg DMAA, 300 mg caffeine, and other potent stimulants, it delivers long-lasting energy, razor-sharp focus, and appetite suppression, making it ideal for intense and extended workouts.

Rating:
Check It Out

How Kill Switch Feels During A Workout

Kill Switch doesn’t hit you all at once.

The energy builds smoothly, like a wave cresting during your warm-up.

By the time you’re into your first set, you’re locked in.

Focus: Distractions fade away.

You’re in the zone, and nothing else matters.

Breathing: Heavy lifts feel lighter.

You recover faster between sets, pushing harder without gasping for air.

Appetite Suppression: Hunger disappears.

It’s perfect for fasted workouts or cutting phases.

But it’s not all sunshine.

Some users report inconsistent energy or a lack of pump.

And if you’re sensitive to stimulants, this might feel overwhelming.

Kill Switch isn’t for casual users, but it’s not just about workouts either.

  • Appetite suppression keeps you feeling light and in control.
  • Mood elevation helps maintain productivity long after the gym.

Comparison to Other Pre-Workouts

How does Kill Switch stack up?

Kill Switch vs. Craze:

  • Both deliver euphoric focus, but Kill Switch has a smoother build-up.

Kill Switch vs. Excelsior:

  • Excelsior is more intense, but Kill Switch avoids the nausea some users report.

Kill Switch vs. Mainstream Pre-Workouts:

  • If you’re used to C4 or Pre-Jym, Kill Switch will feel like a massive upgrade.

Feature Kill Switch Craze Excelsior Mainstream Pre-Workouts
Energy Build Smooth, steady Fast, intense Erratic Mild
Focus Euphoric, sharp Legendary Good, inconsistent Moderate
Appetite Control Suppressed, clean Moderate Extreme, nausea None
Breathing Effortless Decent Average Not enhanced
Crash Minimal Noticeable Harsh None

Real User Experiences With Kill Switch

Here’s what real users are saying:

Positive Feedback:

  • "The energy is smooth and lasts for hours."

  • "I felt like I could lift forever—no crashes, no jitters."

  • "Appetite suppression is a game-changer for my fasted workouts."

Negative Feedback:

  • "The energy was underwhelming for heavy lifts."

  • "No pump at all—just energy and focus."

  • "It’s too intense for beginners."

One user summed it up perfectly:

"It’s great if you want endurance and focus, but don’t expect a pump or euphoria."

Aspect Positive Reviews Negative Reviews
Energy Smooth build-up, long-lasting, no crash. "Felt light during warmups and crushed PRs." Underwhelming for heavy lifts. "Barely passed an hour of lifting, lacked motivation."
Focus "Tunnel vision, zoned in completely." Users compare it to Craze for sharp mental clarity. "No significant focus or mental tricks. Felt normal, nothing extraordinary."
Appetite Suppression "Suppressed hunger for 8+ hours, ideal for fasted workouts." Some users felt appetite suppression was too strong, impacting recovery meals.
Mood "Elevated mood without jitteriness. Great endurance and well-being during workouts." "Mood elevation claims are exaggerated. No noticeable euphoria."
Pump N/A for stim-based performance. Some users reported unexpected chest pump during legs. "No pump ingredients felt. Doesn't cater to pump-seekers."
Taste "Passable with light flavors like Bloody Rainbow. Sweet, but not bitter." "Artificially sweet, almost nauseating for some flavors."

Quotes from Reddit users highlight the mixed experiences:

  • "This is more focus and performance-based than euphoria-based. I’d use it for endurance workouts or long gym sessions."
  • "The hype is real if you’re looking for smooth energy and appetite suppression, but don’t expect massive pumps."
  • "Does not deserve a Dark Labs premium price but fits the mid-tier pre-workout price point well."

While Kill Switch doesn’t replace legends like Craze for everyone, it has carved out its place as a reliable option for focused endurance and appetite control.

Final Verdict: Is Kill Switch Worth the Hype?

Kill Switch has undeniably made an impact in the pre-workout world, praised for its smooth energy, focus, and appetite suppression.

It’s a strong contender for experienced gym-goers looking to enhance endurance and zone into their workouts.

  • Best For: High-volume sessions, fasted workouts, or cutting phases.
  • Not Ideal For: Pump-seekers or those expecting overwhelming euphoria.

While some users compare it to legendary pre-workouts like Craze, others feel it doesn’t fully live up to the hype.

The lack of pump ingredients and varying energy impact means it may not suit everyone.

However, if endurance and focus are your priorities, Kill Switch delivers solid results at a reasonable price.

Should You Try Kill Switch?

If you’re an experienced lifter seeking long-lasting energy and focus without harsh crashes, Kill Switch is worth considering.

But for beginners or those prioritizing pumps or euphoria, there are other options that might fit better.

High-Stim Formula
Kill Switch Pre-Workout by Death Row Formulations

Kill Switch by Death Row Formulations

Kill Switch is a DMAA-based pre-workout designed for experienced users seeking unmatched energy and focus. With 115 mg DMAA, 300 mg caffeine, and other potent stimulants, it delivers long-lasting energy, razor-sharp focus, and appetite suppression, making it ideal for intense and extended workouts.

Rating:
Check It Out

Reviews

4.2
4.2 out of 5 stars (based on 5 reviews)
Excellent20%
Very good80%
Average0%
Poor0%
Terrible0%

Latest Reviews

Performance: 4.6 ★★★★✬
Energy: 4.6 ★★★★✬
Focus: 4.6 ★★★★✬
Pump: 2.8 ★★✬☆☆
Mood Elevation: 4.2 ★★★★☆
Flavor: 5 ★★★★★

Kill Switch - Is it the excelsior killer or all hype?

January 26, 2025

I do not have many complaints about kill switch. It was a fantastic experience overall, with the biggest highlights being the focus and mood elevation. However, I do not believe this pre-workout is anywhere near the level of the legends that are excelsior and dark energy, so any of those claims are all for hype. That being said, the best comparison I could make for kill switch is that it is similar to Wildfire by SoCal Supplements, as both of these pwo's were great when it came to mood elevation. I also appreciate that it is 30 servings, and since you are able to find this product for around $50 at different stores, that is very solid value for money. The pumps were nothing special, but lets be honest, if you are taking a crazy a** stim junkie pre workout like this, you probably shouldn't be expecting crazy pumps (unless it's apollon nutrition). Lastly, I'll talk about the least important part, the flavor. I had the sour candy blood bath flavor, and it was solid; no complaints from me.

retailerNutricartel
Side EffectsThe only possible side effects would be if you take this in the evening, it will most likely disturb sleep.
Workout TypeBodybuilding
expirydate11/26
Batch Number31124
Avatar for 7Fabian7
7Fabian7
assigned_usersReview of 7Fabian7

Squat days have become much lighter! First try was just for cardio

January 7, 2025

I purchased Killswitch as soon as I could. I was very excited to try this hyped up pre workout. Me and my girlfriend drive up to the gym and keep in mind this was a rest day, and I was extremely fatigued already.

I drank this on the way to the gym and felt this unique energy creeping up on me.. quickly. When I got to the gym, my intention was to simply walk on treadmill, I just was so excited I didn’t want to wait to take it. I was doing fill on SPRINTS and I’m not one for running in general.

This preworkout is now in my current rotation. This morning I woke up at 5 am, took 1.5 scoops and was banging out 4 sets of 10 on squats like it was nothing. Everything else feels significantly lighter as well.

I don’t feel overstimulated, but I feel very in tune with the weights and they feel much lighter. I highly recommend.

retailerMuscleFactorySC
Side EffectsI wish it lasted longer!
Workout TypeStrength
expirydate11/2026
Batch Number00031124
Avatar for JBench91
JBench91

This one is a hitter

December 30, 2024

Lot 0041124 exp 11/26

I added this info first because the consensus has been that it’s probably batch dependent but I think reviews vary based on individual. This is one of those that may just not hit you or be what you’re looking for, or it may smack you with a driving force to crush goals in the gym!

For me, it hits! First time I took it, I was expecting an excelsior like experience where it builds up so i took it about 30 minutes before hitting the gym but I felt the effects onset by 15. One thing that stood out was the clear sinuses as I had been fighting off a sinus infection, my sinuses were clear. This was just a bonus for me. Everything that came after was entirely performance based. I made it through my workout with my workout partner who also took the pre with me to see results.

He surmised that the secret ingredient within this was like an albuterol/clenbuterol type performance enhancement. My experience with that is nonexistent so I assume this to be accurate based on his experience. We worked out and barely said a word to each other, it was just down to business like we were on the clock putting in work to feed our families.

Good stuff, very potent, clean energy, and definitely can be used on a day when I am planning two workouts. All you need is a caffeinated beverage to refresh your experience and it’s back to being game on.

What it’s missing? I didn’t get much of a euphoria feeling that I’ve seen other reviewers talking about, it was certainly no nonsense, but I didn’t get a headbuzz like I would off DMHA… which i was hoping for something in that regard. What’s practical in this sense is the versatility. I doubt there’s any real DMAA in this product like the label claims. My experience with DMAA is absolutely not like this! So I wanted to put a little more depth to this particular review because of all the controversy. For me it hits, it has great laser focus with clean energy making you feel like a primed machine ready for labor. For me it was missing the euphoria that I’m accustomed to by other varying high stim pre workouts. This one also lasts all day for me which I was eluding to earlier by saying you could plan two workouts in a day off one early morning scoop. This is also where it gets tricky because my workout partner said his effects were gone by two hours after working out, whereas I felt mine last until 6pm (I dosed at 4:30 am).

The scoop size weighed out to be like 7.5g to 8g but I rounded it out to 8.0g to be safe that we were both getting the same size scoop. Two people, same product, different results. This is why I think it’s depending on the person as opposed to the batch.

Not that it matters but I got watermelon flavor and it was really good with no bitter aftertaste

retailerNutricartel
Side EffectsVery long half life
Workout TypeStrength
expirydate12/26
Batch Number00041124
Avatar for Meaty Morsels
Meaty Morsels
assigned_usersReview of Meaty Morsels

Worth the Hype

December 30, 2024

Killswitch 10/26 batch

My Personal Review 📝

Experience :

I took 8 grams - slightly heaping scoop . It took me by surprise even though I didn't have much hope. Sense of urgency before workout is outstanding in a best way possible. It's not crackhead type urgency where you are shaky, jittery and have to go the gym like Crack OG, Psychotic Saw or other hardcore pres. You are motivated and excited to go to the gym, can't wait to train and crush the weights. Mood elevation was super apparent and euphoric buzz did build up before I did my warm up sets. So I knew It's a great start. Endurance is unmatched, no fatigue or any cardiovascular limitations, feeling light, floaty, focused on workout and driven af, mentally also ready to go with no rest between sets. Weights felt lighter than normal. In terms of strength output it's very close to Barbarian. PR's were done effortlessly. Post workout buzz was even stronger than mid workout. I caught myself literally sitting in locker room after shower and enjoying the highness. It's very unique buzz, better then DMHA/DMAA gives you. No side effects or whatsoever. No nausea, vasoconstriction, stimmed up feeling, no stim dick. Pupils weren't dilated.There's something different in it for sure tho , so probably I'll take it once a month only. Pumps are the weak link. I didn't add any pump formula to gauge the effect properly. Sour Candy flavor is good, felt more like a lemonade tbh. Generally it reminds me the Wildfire, in both consistently and tastewise with no bitter aftertaste.

Is it worth the hype? It's a Yes from me.

Mood elevation/Euphoria 10/10

Strength output 10/10

Focus 9/10

Pumps 6/10

Overall 9/10

retailerMuscleFactorySC
Side EffectsSlight Dry cotton mouth
Workout TypeBodybuilding
expirydate10/2026
Batch Number00030124
Avatar for Forneuss
Forneuss

Kill Switch - Cheat Codes for Energy and Endurance

December 29, 2024

Started with a full scoop. Mixed well, tasted good and was light on the stomach. Paired with Bloodbath for pumps.

Waited about 15 minutes for it to kick in before I started my warmup (light weights and standing cardio).

By the time I hit my main circuit 45 minutes in, this was in full swing. I superset lifting with standing cardio, and I had sweats the whole time.

Awesome focus with crazy energy. I had been tired all day long from work and KS just scooped me up and kept on going. Had sort of a tunnel vision bubble. Tons of focus, but I wouldn't call it euphoria.

Weights didn't necessarily seem lighter, but there seemed to be more mental energy to push through any fatigue. Required rest periods were shorter as well.

About an hour and 15 minutes into the workout, I took another half scoop to finish it out and that definitely gave me the focus to bring it home. Some chills, but nothing compared to what you get from Yohimbine. I would almost be comfortable doing a half scoop of this with a fat burner. Anything with GBB comes to mind.

Ended workout with a buzz of sorts, similar to an alpha-yo high, but more subtle. Definite appetite supression and I'll find out about how it affects sleep shortly!

There is talk of there being a "Secret sauce" in here and I definitely feel it. Up to this point I had always mixed it with other pre's, but today I let it stand on its own. Let me tell you: Energy! Energy! Energy!

I don't quite believe the label itself, but someone had suggested one of the unlisted ingredients might be an obscure analogue called Thiopropamine. Worth researching even though there's not much info.

To sum it up, this batch hit. It woke me up, took me for a ride, and didn't stop. I'm glad I bought this and will likely keep it in permanent rotation!

retailerMuscleFactorySC
Side EffectsSome cottonmouth
Workout TypeStrength
expirydate10/26
Batch Number00020124
Avatar for MisterDoff
MisterDoff
assigned_usersReview of MisterDoff

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Nader Qudimat

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience.
Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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