Initial Impressions of AI Sports Nutrition's RecoverPRO (Red Raspberry flavour)

What is it?



* Faster Recovery and Lean Muscle Gains
* Unique 4:1:1 BCAA Ratio

For more information on the product, please review AI Sports Nutrition :: RecoverPRO.


Smell: 7/10. Smells like raspberries, but with a hint of something else almost artificial, like the smell/taste of a raspberry flavoured ice-cream, if that makes any sense.

Taste: 10/10. Definitely tastes a lot better than it smells! Like red raspberries. There was also a hint of sweet tartness in there, like I get when eating real raspberries. Until now, Organic VitaBerry > GreenMAG > Green Apple Assault were my favourite flavours re products, but now I have a new #1 flavour of any product!

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker - although bubbles and froth were left on top of the liquid, rapidly dissolving.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water.

BCAAs are a STAPLE product in my supplement arsenal, so going to enjoy the time I have on this tub of RecoverPRO

Impressions of MusclePharm's Green Apple Assault

Assault (Green Apple flavour)

Smell: N/A. In the tub the Green Apple Assault has no smell - I got my nose as close to the powder as I could, and even with it in the scoop, you can barely catch the faintest of the most faintest hint of apple. When mixed with water there is a scent, reminding me of the chewy, Green Apple flavoured New Zealand lolly I had when I was younger (I don't like lollies and even as a child, when I ate them it was rare - when I did, I would only have Minties, sour (green and yellow) gummy bears, or the mentioned chewy green apple lolly).

Taste: 9.5/10. Green Apple is definitely my favourite of all the Assault flavours I have tried (Blue Arctic Raspberry, Raspberry Lemonade, Green Apple). Distinct taste of apple. Not the sour, tart taste of a Granny Smith apple (my definition of "green apple"), but more like a Braeburn apple (who actually has the Granny Smith as a "parent" apple). It is not sweet either, which I like (not a fan of sickly "sweet" products). I personally would have preferred a little tartness, like Green MAGnitude's Sour Apple flavour (which has the best taste of any supplement product I have ever tried), but no biggie, and MusclePharm have again shown how good their flavouring is.

Other Notes: Green Apple Assault is a pretty green colour - fittingly matching the MusclePharm green My opinion of Assault has not changed since I first used it, and the addition of the Green Apple flavour only serves to further establish it as my top [equal] favourite product ever and one of the best available, IMO. To see my comprehensive thoughts and experience with Assault, taste and smell aside, please see my Review on MusclePharm's Assault.

Review of Muscle Pharm's MuscleGel Shots (Key Lime flavour)

I've been using MuscleGel Shots for some time now. The innovation behind them is great, and since the first one, I decided to use them as a staple, and not long after that, as my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein . . . I've used all the flavours - not a fan of the Banana Cream and Cinnamon Roll flavours, but Tropical Mango and Key Lime are the best, the latter my favourite flavour! . . . When I made my first review, I did it after my first box of Tropical Mango - the rating I gave it was not even close! So here goes again . . .


What is it?

This image has been resized. Click this bar to view the full image. The original image is sized 630x418.

* Fast
* Convenient
* Complete

For more information, review Muscle Pharm :: MuscleGel Shots.


Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula and a definite staple in my supplement arsenal!

Smell: 10/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of fresh limes for the Key Lime flavour.

Taste: 10/10. The Key Lime flavour is my favourite of all the MuscleGel Shot flavours - it tastes like one is consuming the juice from fresh limes, a very refreshing and tropical flavour.

Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.

Convenience: 11/10. You don't have to mix MuscleGel Shots with water. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly (literally seconds!) or as slowly as you desire (although you want to get it down as fats as you can because they are that good).

Body Composition: N/A. Although MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, they definitely make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met. MuscleGel Shots (along with Shred Matrix and Assault) are going to play a hugely important role in my cutting cycle (the second one ever)!

Recovery: N/A. MuscleGel Shots are definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.

Overall: 11/10. I cannot say enough about MuscleGels Shots - although they are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my exclusive chosen source for protein. When I have no appetite - which until recently was a very rare occurrence - MuscleGel Shots are lifesavers and I literally LIVE on them.

Would I use again? Yes. I have tried ALL the flavours now and have my favourites with Tropical Mango and Key Lime. MuscleGel Shots are a STAPLE for me, and my EXCLUSIVE source of supplemented protein.

Would I recommend? No hesitation - I would recommend these over protein powder, period!

Review of LG Sciences' 7-keto DHEA Topical

With their Grape flavoured BC+EAA ALREADY a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal, and having used a myriad of LG Sciences' products, I had no hesitation in asking to test the beta topical 7-keto DHEA for Eric, and thank you to Chris, who was kind enough to give me the opportunity to.


What is it? For more information, review Topical 7-Keto.

Dosage: The recommended dosage is 12 sprays once (or twice) daily, ideally post-shower - ~6 sprays is 25mg of 7-keto DHEA, so the recommended daily dosage is 50-100mg per day. I was using a lot MORE than 12 sprays, right from the start - DOUBLING the "per dose" initially, and then a little more, until I was using 100-150mg 1-2 times daily. From 15 December (i.e. the first two weeks), I used 24 (i.e. 100mg) pumps of the 7-keto DHEA topical applied post-post-training/morning shower. From 25 December (i.e. the last two weeks), I used 24-36 pumps (i.e. 100-150mg) of the 7-keto DHEA topical applied post-post-training/morning shower and 24-36 pumps (i.e. 100-150mg) pre-bed.

Smell: 10/10. The 7-keto DHEA topical smelt like alcohol - it was not strong, and the scent faded and disappeared within minutes of spraying, so no lingering smell after application or during the day, or when sweated, etc.

Feel: 10/10. A quick cool touch, like that you get when you get water sprayed on you. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not greasy or sticky after application.

Spreadability/Application: 10/10. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not a lotion, but a spray. When I was only using 100mg of the 7-keto DHEA, if I tried and spread it immediately after application to anywhere but the place where the spray hit my skin, it would NOT spread there, but with more sprays it would if I wanted to, but I had to do it fast, because the 7-keto DHEA topical was dry in mere seconds after spraying it on my skin.

Body Composition: 9/10. Pre-7-keto DHEA topical I was 118 pounds at 10% bodyfat. Currently I am 115.2 pounds at 9.8% bodyfat. Overall, I lost three pounds (although, weight is irrelevant because it fluctuates so much, and only last week I was 111 pounds) and 0.2% bodyfat. However, I am NOT going to look at the overall (which doesn't look that impressive), and instead are going to look at the first two weeks of use and last two weeks of use (and you can see the difference in the dosage used). After two weeks of use at using 100-150mg daily (one application), I had actually gone up to 123 pounds at 11% bodyfat. The last two weeks, using 200-300mg a day (two applications), I dropped back to 9.8% bodyfat (this is the BIGGEST decrease in bodyfat that I have EVER had in a single week!) - actually did this in the third week - and maintained it (weight fluctuating between 111-115 pounds). Also to note that the last two weeks I have not had much of an appetite (which caused the dramatic weight loss down to 111 pounds), but have been forcing down meals this last week. The higher dosage definitely makes a NOTICEABLE difference!

Cortisol Levels: N/A. Although I would have liked to see what my cortisol levels were like pre and post the 7-keto DHEA topical, unfortunately I did not have any bloods done. I can say however, that the last two weeks of using the higher dosage (200-300mg o a day)of the 7-keto DHEA topical have been the LEAST stressed I have felt in YEARS (even though circumstances would say that my stress should be off the charts!), which is quite something!

Sides: 9/10. The only "effect" that could possibly have occurred was that my joints started playing up. In fairness, I don't think this can be attributed to the 7-keto DHEA topical, even though it decreases cortisol, because I was also lifting heavier AND was NOT using Erase during my use of the topical (and Erase is usually what saves my joints).

Other Effects: 10/10. No water retention - in fact, the first week I started using 200-300mg of 7-keto DHEA a day, I started DRYING out, and it was especially noticeable in my upper body and midsection.

Pros: This was the most enjoyable topical I have ever used. No lingering smell. No burning sensation. Dries fast - non-sticky and non-greasy. I don't have to rub it on - just spray, and nothing went wrong with the spray nozzle. No stains left by the topical on or to get on my clothes even if I got wet or sweated. No water retention - like you get with most topicals. The bottle lasted a LONG time - and would have lasted a whole lot longer than it will if the recommended dosage was followed.

Cons: The only issue I had was that I used so much re sprays daily. I got the best results when I was using 200-300mg of 7-keto DHEA daily, which was 8-12 times MORE than was recommended.

Overall: 9.7/10. Once I was using 200-300mg of 7-keto a day, my body composition started to change dramatically, and I made the BIGGEST DEcrease in body composition over a 7-day period, with of a loss of 1.2% bodyfat in my third week of use. The last week (i.e. the fourth week), I cut my training back from 2-3 hours a day to only 60-90 minutes a day, started eating again (even though I had to force the food down), and traveling, and maintained 9.8% bodyfat!

Would I use again? Definitely! This product seems like it was literally "made for me" - a perpetually highly stressed individual, the 7-keto DHEA topical is perfect for me, and I actually want to make this a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal!

Would I recommend? Absolutely! No hesitation

Initial Impressions of Muscle Pharm's Assault (Blue Arctic Raspberry flavour)

ASSAULT (Blue Arctic Raspberry)


Smell: In the tub the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault smells like bubblegum. When mixed with water, it has a slightly sweeter scent, but still like bubblegum.

Taste: The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault tasted like a Bubble-O-Bill ice-cream (something we have in New Zealand - bubblegum flavoured ice-cream with a bubblegum nose). The taste could also be likened to the flavour of the Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Solubility: The The Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault mixed well on shaking, even for only a few seconds, with no residue.

Texture: Like flavoured water/Mixed Berry Powerade ZERO.

Energy: The last few days I have not had much energy at all, forcing training as opposed to doing it because I wanted to be doing it. Today, I had a steady flow of energy, which was nice - training session was also not as long as what some of them have been lately, though - although just as intense, if not MORE.

Mental Focus: My mind rarely turns off, so thinking about multiple things at once, albeit still concentrated on training.

Pumps: My set/rep ranges were not so conducive to pumps today, but I had a little.

Vascularity: Vascularity during cardio was great, but it started hiding as I continued with my resistance training, only my forearms and deltoids veins showing through.

Endurance: Definitely had this.

Strength: I was lifting heavier deliberately for most exercises, and was surprised on a couple that I was actually able to move a weight I have not used in quite some time. Close-Grip Pull-Ups suffered, though - although there was only a minute rest between sets, and usually I use ~3 minutes for this exercise (and only this one).

Training Intensity: High - I was even able to keep it high during my post-weights cardio.

Recovery: My body is not sore, and I felt better AFTER training than I did before, which says something, especially considering my legs were not like jello after post-weights cardio.

Nutrient Repartitioner: Since I have no appetite at the moment and only had a liquid meal post-training (bad, I know), I can't comment on this factor..

Other Effects: No Beta-Alanine tingles experienced . . . A lot of sweating during pre-weights cardio (although, as I mentioned in my last post, this could have been a mixture of a fever and Assault . . .

Other Comments: Although I have an almost full tub of CreaPure, I have deliberately not used creatine (experimented a couple of times last year to see how my performance differed with and without creatine, and any other effects it might have on my body) since 14 December 2010, so it's been ~3 weeks without it, and also coincidentally the period of time that it takes one's muscle creatine threshold levels to return to baseline. Therefore, today was my first day back using a product containing creatine (and also one of the rare times when I do not dose creatine pre AND post-training), and, as I stated last year, I definitely notice the different when I am and not using creatine . . . Also note that I am not even using the BARE essentials of BC+EAA, Organic Vitaberry, and Muscle Gels re supplements right now (almost a first for me, but my body does need a small break from everything), so no stimulants or anything . . . I will give a more comprehensive review of the Blue Arctic Raspberry Assault when I have finished what I have . . .

Initial Impressions: 7-keto DHEA Topical

7-keto DHEA Topical


Smell - N/A: The 7-keto DHEA topical smelt like alcohol - it was not strong, and the scent faded and disappeared within minutes of spraying.

Feel - 10/10: A quick cool touch, like that you get when you get water sprayed on you. The 7-keto DHEA topical is not greasy or sticky after application.

Spreadability - N/A: The 7-keto DHEA topical is not a lotion, but a spray. Even if I try and spread it immediately after application to anywhere but the place where the spray hit my skin, it does NOT spread there - see "Drying" comments below.

Drying - 10/10: The 7-keto DHEA topical was dry in mere seconds after spraying it on my skin.

Other Notes: I actually used 24 pumps instead of 12 to make sure that I covered all the areas I wanted to properly - especially since it does not spread. I am going to have to attempt and make 12 sprays cover everything for future usage. Definitely interested in seeing how this 7-keto DHEA topical works.

Review of LG Sciences' Reformulated Watermelon-Kiwi BC+ EAA

I have NEVER stopped using BC+EAA since I used my FIRST tub of them in July 2009. I've used ALL the flavours, and are now trying the refolumlated versions of each flavour . . .


What is it?



* Increases Muscle Growth
* Prevents Tear Down
* Tastes Great
* High Ratio BCAA
* Hydrolyzed Amino Acids For Recovery

For more information on the product, please review LG Sciences: BC+EAA

Taste: 9.5/10. Definitely NOT a watermelon-kiwi flavour - even though there was a hint of watermelon re scent. Instead, exactly like it smells, but better. Like rock melon. Fruit flavours are always awesome when they TASTE like they smell. It was NOT sweet - like the original Watermelon-Kiwi flavour, which to me tasted like cordial and I did not like it. I now have a NEW favourite flavour re BC+EAA and it is the new Watermelon-Kiwi flavour!

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker - although bubbles and froth were left on top of the liquid, rapidly dissolving.

Texture: 10/10.Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Overall: 10/10. BC+EAA is a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal, and has been ever since I first used a tub last year. BC+EAA have become more important than ever to me, now that my body no longer handles protein powder at all - causing nausea and other upsets, no matter what brand or type of protein used - and so I no longer use it, sticking instead to food, BC+EAA, and Muscle Gels.

Would I use again? Definitely. BC+EAA is probably the most important product in my supplement arsenal!

Would I recommend? Yes.

Review of Primordial Performance's Organic VitaBerry

My first tub of Organic VitaBerry gone, and I can barely wait for my new one to get here!!!


What is it?



* 100% Organic Freeze-Dried Six-Berry blend
* Low Sugar : Maximum Phyto-Nutrients
* No Artificial Sweeteners or Flavors
* Makes bulk supplement powders taste like tropical punch

For the product write-up, please see Primordial Performance: Organic VitaBerry.


Smell: 10/10. Like Heaven: A fusion of raspberry, cranberry, and strawberry. It's a bit like MaliBobu - I could smell it all day! Absolute perfection!

Taste: 10/10. Exactly like it smells. Seriously the BEST tasting supplement product I have ever tried - and I've used quite a few products that have tasted great.

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water. The surprise was the berry seeds that were scattered throughout the solution - made me feel like I was drinking a drink of berries that I'd put in the blender! Added that extra touch that made me like, mmmm.

Mixing with Bulk Powders: 10/10. Organic VitaBerry goes with anything. When I first started using it, I mixed it with my EndoAmp Max, and it overtook the taste of the latter, making it nice. I still dose it with my BC+EAA, and it mingles with the Watermelon-Kiwi flavour of the latter to give a fresh, fruity/berry flavour. Definitely very versatile and can be mixed with anything.

Overall: 10/10. I loved Organic VitaBerry from the FIRST dose. Not only is it the BEST tasting supplement product that I have ever used, but it also provides many antioxidant and heath benefits. I never want this to leave my cupboard!

Would I use again? Yes. Organic VitaBerry is now a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal.

Would I recommend? Yes. Absolutely! If you haven't already tried Organic VitaBerry, you're missing out!

Initial Impressions: BC+EAA (reformulated Watermelon-Kiwi Flavour)

BC+EAA (reformulated Watermelon-Kiwi Flavour)

Smell: 9/10. Like rock melon, with a faint hint of watermelon. Love the smell of fruit.

Taste: 9.5/10. Defnitely NOT a watermelon-kiwi flavour - even though there was a hint of watermelon re scent. Instead, exactly like it smells, but better. Like rock melon. Fruit flavours are always awesome when they TASTE like they smell. It was NOT sweet - like the original Watermelon-Kiwi flavour, which to me tasted like cordial and I did not like it. I now have a NEW favourite flavour re BC+EAA and it is the new Watermelon-Kiwi flavour!

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker - although bubbles and froth were left on top of the liquid, rapidly dissolving.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Other Notes. BC+EAA is a STAPLE in my supplement arsenal, and has been ever since I first used a tub last year. BC+EAA have become more important than ever to me, now that my body no longer handles protein powder at all - causing nausea and other upsets, no matter what brand or type of protein used - and so I no longer use it, sticking instead to food, BC+EAA, and Muscle Gels.

Initial Impressions: CreaPure

CreaPure

Smell: 10/10. CreaPure has no smell.

Taste: 10/10. CreaPure is tasteless.

Solubility: 9/10. On shaking (albeit only a few seconds) there were some faint flecks of powder left swirling in the water.

Texture: 10/10. Like water.

Other Effects: 10/10. No water retention. No bloating. No nausea. CreaPure is straight creatine monohydrate, so I didn't expect anything different.

Initial Impressions: EndoAmp Max and Organic VitaBerry

EndoAmp Max

Smell: 2/10. EndoAmp Max smells like a chemical - hard to put my finger on, but almost like nail polish or varnish.

Taste: 2/10. Nasty. Worse than it smells. As bad as Vitamin B5 powder.

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water.

Other Effects: N/A. Even though it smells and tastes like a$$, the taste will lessen as I get used to it to the point I will no longer notice it, and the product is highly beneficial and useful to me for cortisol control, so I am going to continue using it regardless.

Organic VitaBerry

Smell: 10/10. Like Heaven: A fusion of raspberry, cranberry, and strawberry. It's a bit like MaliBobu - I could smell it all day! Absolute perfection!

Taste: 10/10. Exactly like it smells. Seriously the BEST tasting supplement product I have ever tried - and I've used quite a few products that have tasted great.

Solubility: 10/10. On shaking there was no trace of the powder and no clumps or excess was left in the water or on the bottom of the shaker.

Texture: 10/10. Like fruit juice diluted with water. The surprise was the berry seeds that were scattered throughout the solution - made me feel like I was drinking a drink of berries that I'd put in the blender! Added that extra touch that made me like, mmmm.

Other Effects: N/A. But let me tell you, I am going to look FORWARD to using VitaBerry EVERY day!

Review of Muscle Pharm's MuscleGel Shots (Tropical Mango flavour)

I've wanted to try MuscleGel Shots since I first heard about them, and after buying a box, it's time to give my thoughts . . .


What is it?



* Build lean muscle
* Fuel fat loss
* Recover faster
* Fast, convenient, and complete

For the product write-up, please see Muscle Pharm FitGel Series - MuscleGel Shots.


Formula: 10/10. 22g of protein, no sugar, and no fat makes MuscleGel Shots perfect for my wants and needs. As with all of their products, Muscle Pharm has delivered another awesome formula with their MuscleGel Shots.

Smell: 8/10. On opening the MuscleGel Shot, you can't actually smell it unless you put your nose right up to it. Faint smell of mangoes.

Taste: 7/10. I have the Tropical Mango flavour. Initial taste is like a burst of fruit in your mouth, and it's not until you've had it in your mouth for a little that the mango flavour really comes through.

Texture: 10/10. Smooth and silky and slides down your throat. Looking at the gel actually reminds me of a roll-up.

Convenience: 10/10. You don't have to mix it with water. You don't have to use a huge shaker. You don't have to inconveniently lug around tubs and shakers, or bags with powder in, to make sure you get your protein when you want it. MuscleGel Shots fit anywhere and can be taken whenever and wherever you want, gone as quickly or as slowly as you desire.

Body Composition: N/A. MuscleGel Shots would not be directly responsible for any changes in body composition, but they could make fat loss or muscle gains more convenient and ensure that nutritional requirements for both are met.

Recovery: N/A. Definitely a fast and convenient product for use immediately following training, allowing for a kickstart on recovery.

Overall: 9/10. Although, MuscleGel Shots are slightly pricier than protein powder, for the ease and convenience of the product and the fact that protein powder now upsets my stomach, alongside BCAAs, they are my chosen source for protein.

Would I use again? Yes. I want to try different flavours as well.

Would I recommend? Yes.