Chaos and Pain have always been a hardcore company. 

Just when you think they can't take things any further, they've done the unthinkable. 

Cannibal Ferox Amped is the most potent DMHA pre-workout we've seen to date. 

Our review can be found here.

This is a strong DMHA pre-workout that has fantastic mood elevation, high energy, and great pumps but without making you feel like you're on the edge of a heart attack. 

The list of stimulants in here is hardcore and they are fully dosed for a stim-junkie to enjoy. You can find the ingredient breakdown of AMPeD Ferox here.

Ferox Amped also has non-stimulant energy enhancers that are interesting like Zynamite, which is an ingredient that is made to increase physical and mental energy without being a stimulant. 

Along with fat-burning ingredients, there's just a strong list of ingredients in here and it has the most DMHA at 400mg along with 500mg eria jarensis so motivation and mood will be peaked here. 

Struggling to find a pre-workout that really fires you up?

Meet Wild Fire by SoCal Supplements.

This isn't your average pre-workout.

It's a high-octane formula that's too strong, even for advanced users like myself (Check out my Wild Fire review here).

What makes Wild Fire stand out?

It's the synergy of its ingredients.

From the euphoric rush of DMAA and DMHA to the steady energy from caffeine, it's a ride you won't forget.

But is it as intense as other pre-workouts?

Not quite, but its clean, high-energy feel is something to be reckoned with.

It doesn't even feel like your typical DMAA pre-workout, it's a very clean feeling experience.

But let's be real, it's not all sunshine and rainbows.

There are doubts about the presence of DMAA in Wild Fire, despite what the label might lead you to believe.

And the taste? It tastes good. 

So, is Wild Fire worth it?

It's a solid choice if you're after a high-energy, focus-enhancing experience.

But remember, it's not for beginners.

Even for advanced users, Wild Fire packs a serious punch.

In the end, the best pre-workout is the one that fits your needs and lifestyle.

And if you're ready to take your workouts to the next level, Wild Fire might just be the fuel you need. 

Use discount code FITFREK to save on your purchase.

Hooligan is another pre-workout from Apollon Nutrition on this list. 

It's the little cousin of Assassin but it doesn't have exotic stimulants and contains the most effective ergogenic aids. 

This means you'll be getting intense pumps while providing energy that will last almost all day. 

Expect yourself to outlast everyone else in the gym with this, because endurance is crazy good too. 

It also has a decent mix of nootropics and stimulants. 

Hooligan is literally packed with the most effective ingredients to have in a pre-workout without overdoing it with anything. 

There are also a few types of caffeine to help reduce crashes and help enhance energy through different levels. 

Hooligan does hit hard, and you'll find our review here. 

To recap, here are the strongest pre-workouts...

This is what we think is the best of the best:

• Excelsior
• Assassin v7
• Wrecked Extreme
• Herolean 
• Crack Gold Edition
• Crack (original and LTD)

These are all pre-workouts that have above-average amounts of energy, and most of them are monstrous when it comes to dosages.

There are also quite a few pre-workouts that didn't make the cut. But if you're looking for pre-workouts for sustainable, daily use, then check out this list. 

A strong pre-workout isn't always ideal.

Bodybuilders will often go for a stim-free pre-workout so they can work out for hours without the dreaded crash or blood constriction of stimulants.

The roller coaster of energy is not worth the withdrawals…

If you're looking for pre-workouts for teens, then check out this list.

So this here is a serious matter.

Most people will happily go day to day and survive their hectic and stressful lives with stress-inducing stimulants.

Those stress-inducing stimulants will have your heart pumping harder than ever, your stress levels will be higher and you'd certainly be sleep deprived.

Now for us bodybuilders, our lives are already full of stress already and though training has us feeling happy, we're not allowing our bodies to get full REM sleep cycles.

So when it comes to cycling supplements, you should most certainly be cycling pre-workouts (with stimulants).

If you're not already taking your basic supplements like ZMA and creatine, then you might not be making the most out of these pre-workouts.

Magnesium can potentiate the effects of caffeine (and other drugs) it's an NMDA antagonist.

These are the most important ingredients in strong pre-workouts that support mood, motivation, and energy. 

Caffeine

Caffeine is one of the most proven and researched stimulants in pre-workouts.

It's a common ingredient and it's the driving force behind any pre-workout that isn't stim-free.

Caffeine is an energy booster and it can also enhance focus, alertness, and even fat loss. [1, 2]

Research has also found caffeine to increase metabolism and suppress appetite. [3]

Any dose from 40 to 300mg can improve mental function, while doses higher than 200mg will enhance physical function. [4]

Typically research recommends anywhere from 5mg to 6mg per kg of body weight can increase performance.

That's about 380mg of caffeine for someone who weighs 165 lbs. [5]

The normal form of caffeine is quick to digest but there are also other forms that vary in speed.

Caffeine citrate is supposed to be faster acting than regular caffeine, while caffeine malate is the slowest digesting.

Typically pre-workouts will have multiple forms of caffeine to ensure a steady flow of fast and slow-digesting energy.

DMAA

We have an entire guide on DMAA here.

This is a stimulant that's supposed to be banned but it's still widely available on the market.

As of 2021, Dark Energy and Static Labz are completely discontinued as it's rumored that they've been raided by the FDA.

DMAA is known as 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, and it's an extract of geranium.

It's a stimulant that's commonly used in strong pre-workouts.

It's been promoted and marketed as a fat-burning ingredient but the energy effects are where this stimulant shines.

How it works exactly is unknown but it's understood that it imitates adrenaline and can increase dopamine production. [6]

DMHA

DMHA is known as 2-aminoisoheptane and it belongs to a class of aliphatic amines.

Sometimes it's labeled as plain DMHA, but there are really 2 forms of this stimulant and that's 2-amino-5-methylheptane and 2-amino-6-methylheptane.

The euphoric form leans more on the side of 2-amino-5 while 2-amino-6-methylheptane is provides aggressive energy.

This is still a fairly new stimulant but the accepted dose is anywhere from 100-150mg, while some pre-workouts go as high as 200-300mg.

Eria Jarensis

Eria jarensis is a PEA-based ingredient that's standardized to the constituent n-phenethyl dimethylamine (n-methyl-pea)

It functions as a potent neuromodulator and it provides some nice smooth but strong euphoria.

Doses can vary from 150 to 200mg but some pre-workouts have gone as high as 500mg.

Again there isn't enough research to state a safe dosage.

Tyrosine

Tyrosine is a precursor to the most important neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine) [7]

It can alleviate stress and help you handle stressful situations better. [8, 9] 

This ingredient is important to have for maximum energy which is why it's often used alongside caffeine since caffeine can release these neurotransmitters and tyrosine can help produce them. [10]

What's The Best Replacement For Craze? 

We've found a pre-workout that just may replace Craze.

You can see it here.

After years of searching and going through many pre-workouts…

None of them ever came close, not even Driven Sport's latest Frenzy (and forget about Craze V2)

Craze was the only pre-workout that could produce that awesome tunnel focus along with strong euphoria, although there were more than likely to be banned substances in it.

So you'd like to have some of that tunnel focus again, which is possible, though the euphoria aka “feel good energy” may not be there.

Check out the list for the best alternative for Craze.

It definitely has something that's not listed on the profile. 

Pre-Workouts We Don't Recommend:

Our least favorite (the worst you can get), is 4 Gauge (laughable dosages) and Yeah Buddy (sorry Ronnie, but this is just caffeine with everything else being under-dosed). 

Ronnie's Yeah Buddy is better than 4 Gauge, but it still could use a few major tweaks, and it would probably be better the better choice compared to a cup of coffee.

You're better off making your own pre workout than buying those.  

Should You Cycle Stimulants?

Most certainly yes.

Remember the first time you took your first pre-workout?

Maybe it barely had stimulants, but it certainly had you jumping from one set to the next with barely any rest.

And after months and months of sipping on pwo's, you've got yourself asking…

“Why isn't it working as well as it did the first time? Should I be switching pre-workouts?”

And there begins the hardcore stim user who is soon asking what's stronger than Mr. Hyde and why C4 is the worst pre out there.

Do you have Tolerance? 

Most people don't read into the labels of pre-workouts but they clearly state “do not use more than 4-6 weeks”.

They don't mean don't use “Mr. Hyde” for more than 4-6 weeks, they mean lay off the stims!

What happens when you need more than 300mg of caffeine?

It's just not sustainable…

How Should You Cycle Pre Workouts?

A simple 1 to 2 week off stimulants will have you feeling amped when you have your pre-workout again.

It takes 24 to 48 hours for the withdrawals to start, and it hits its peak at around 4 days.

So really if you only take your pre-workout 2-3 times a week, and assuming it's got moderate stimulants (less than 300mg of caffeine and less than 50mg of other stimulants generally), you should be okay for up to 8 weeks.

But if you're taking stim-heavy pre-workouts 3-4 times a week with coffee / other stimulants and haven't taken a break for more than 4 weeks, then it's truly time to take a 1-2 week break.

This really needs an article on its own as this is general advice.

The bottom line is if you want your pre-workouts to hit hard for those demanding workouts, then you need to use those pre-workouts only for those sessions.

Try using a stim-free pre-workout as that will still have strong performance-enhancing ingredients.

You can still use a bit of caffeine (50mg to 150mg) if you're truly sluggish without it.

These types of pre-workouts will always have their place in the industry.

But I can see a shift from caffeine to other stimulants.

Caffeine is overrated.

And Craze (though possibly contained a type of amphetamine) and many other pre-workouts have proved that it's possible to have a potent pre-workout without reliance on caffeine.

Check out the best pre-workouts for muscle gains if you're sick of stimmed-up pre-workouts.

Leave a comment below, and let me know what you think of these pre-workouts or if I missed any…

Remember to take basic supplements like ZMA and creatine to make the most out of these.

Can I Stack Pre Workouts?

You can stack any pre-workout with any stimulant-free (no caffeine) nitric oxide supplement (See our nitric oxide buying guide).

Are These Pre Workouts Optimal?

Yes and no. 

The strongest pre-workout isn't always optimal. 

Studies have shown 300mg of caffeine is the best dose for performance, but there's little research on exotic stimulants that are mixed together like these. 

How much you can handle should be assessed by taking half or less of the recommended servings. 

More is not always better. 

Advanced bodybuilders may avoid these heavy stimulant pre-workouts.

They'd opt for non-stimulant pre workouts as they won't constrict blood flow as much as these hard-hitting pre-workouts. 

Imagine trying to do 350lb squats with your heart already pounding from taking a heavy cocktail of stimulants?

So…

Unless you want to lay in bed for many days in a row feeling drained as a peach that is out of its season, don't abuse these pre-workouts.

You don't want to be a slave for stimulants. 

My advice: don't use them more than 3 times (4 max) a week or don't take them for longer than 6-8 weeks without taking 2-3 weeks off them. 

Get another pre-workout with none to moderate stimulants like Transparent Labs Bulk or any pre-workout with less than 300mg caffeine.

Because once you go off these hard hitters, you'll feel so drained and tired that you'll feel completely useless on the days that you don't take these. 

You won't even be able to do basic functions, let alone workouts. 

Limit your caffeine sources.

You don't want to have your usual cup of coffee when you take a pre-workout. 

What About Pre Workouts For Women?

If you're wondering where our “best pre-workouts for women” are, well you're already looking at the right list.

There's no such thing as a pre-workout for women.

Would Starbucks label a cup of coffee for women/men?

If you can handle 300mg caffeine along with DMAA and/or other stimulants (check out our DMAA top 10 lists here) and then you're fine with any of these pre-workouts.

You should always assess your tolerance with less than half a scoop before you take a full serving of any pre-workout.

You may even benefit from just taking half servings throughout the entire bottle.

So ladies, forget the color of the bottle, don't fall for the pink labels and flashy marketing.

Just get anything that you can handle, and test it out with half a serving or even less.

What is a pre-workout supplement?

Pre-workout supplements are designed to help you maximize your time in the gym and attack those weight racks! Some of the benefits you might experience are improved endurance, increased energy, better focus, and decreased muscle breakdown during your workout.

When should I take my pre-workout supplement?

For optimal results, it's generally recommended to take your pre-workout supplement 15-30 minutes before your workout. This allows the ingredients enough time to kick in.

Are pre-workout supplements safe?

Yes, pre-workout supplements are generally safe for most people. However, these pre-workouts listed here are super potent because not only do they have caffeine but they also have other stimulants as well.

Can I take a pre-workout supplement on an empty stomach?

While it's not dangerous to take pre-workout on an empty stomach, it can cause nausea in some people. If you have a sensitive stomach, try eating a small snack before taking your supplement.

Do I need to cycle off pre-workout supplements?

Yes, it's a good idea to cycle off pre-workout supplements every 6-8 weeks. This helps prevent your body from building up a tolerance to the ingredients, ensuring you get the maximum benefits.

Can I take a pre-workout supplement if I workout in the evening?

Yes, but keep in mind that pre-workout supplements often contain caffeine, which can interfere with your sleep if taken too close to bedtime. If you workout in the evening, consider a caffeine-free pre-workout.

What should I look for in a pre-workout supplement?

When choosing a pre-workout supplement, look for ingredients that support your specific fitness goals. For example, if you're looking to build muscle, choose a pre-workout with ingredients like BCAAs and creatine. If you're looking for endurance, look for ingredients like beta-alanine and citrulline.

Are all pre-workout supplements the same?

No, not all pre-workout supplements are the same. They can vary greatly in terms of ingredients and effects. Some are designed to increase energy, while others are focused on boosting performance or building muscle.

Can I use a pre-workout supplement for cardio workouts?

Yes, pre-workout supplements can be beneficial for any type of workout, not just weightlifting. They can help increase your energy and endurance, which can be particularly helpful for long cardio sessions.

Are there any side effects of pre-workout supplements?

Some people may experience side effects like jitteriness, increased heart rate, or upset stomach from pre-workout supplements, particularly those high in caffeine. Always start with a lower dose to assess your tolerance.

What Pre-Workout Has The Highest Caffeine?

So far, Hooligan has the highest at 650mg, and it doesn't have any exotic stimulants or banned (or not approved for WADA) substances. 

What's The Best Pre Workout for Bodybuilders?

Bodybuilders typically need something for muscle building and motivation. 

Something like Hooligan would be great but Wrecked and Bulk are also good choices. 

What's The Best Pre Workout for Powerlifters?

Hooligan again would be great for powerlifters but another great choice would be Wrecked Extreme.

Which pre-workouts have been banned?

A few years back, the FDA banned Jack3d. 

Then came the ban wave on DMAA around 2017, with the FDA mostly targeting Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals and Blackstone Labs.

Now in 2021, Dark Energy and Static Labz have been raided and DMAA may be in danger. 

More DMAA products may go off the market in 2021.

Why is Caffeine Always the Primary Stimulant?

Caffeine promotes wakefulness and improves performance like no other stimulant as it's been proven time and time again for its usefulness. 

This is why it's combined with other stimulants. 

Can I take pre-workout on a full stomach?

No, we recommend waiting at least 1-2 hours after eating (depending on the meal size) before taking a pre-workout.

The ingredients are best absorbed on an empty stomach.

Can I use The Strongest Pre Workouts For Cardio?

Yes, but it wouldn't be optimal. You don't want your heart racing 100 beats per minute before you even start your cardio session. 

So taking a quarter scoop or a regular pre-workout with just caffeine would be better. 

What Are The Strongest Muscle Builders?

However, if you're looking for something hardcore, check out these lists:

• Prohormones
• Laxogenin
• SARMs
• Muscle Building Stacks

We don't recommend using these hardcore muscle builders if you're a beginner, or if you're under 22 years old. 

These types of pre workouts are more than enough to give you an advantage for gains with a properly designed program. 

We're not saying these will 100% work for you. But these are just buying guides with recommendations.

Even creatine, a well-researched supplement, doesn't work for some people.