Bucked Up Pre Workout VS Woke AF | Which Pre Workout is better for the gym? (Review)

What Is Bucked UpBucked Up IngredientsSimilar To Bucked Up | What Should You Try | Warnings And Side Effects | Disclaimer

Pre workouts can be a dime-a-dozen, so finding one that works for you can mean sorting through a lot of fails. And that’s where we come in! In this post, we’re diving into a pre workout that’s rising in popularity, Bucked Up from Das Labs! But Bucked Up isn’t the only pre workout from Das Labs. Their line of pre workouts feature products that support, focus, weight loss, high energy, and even stim-free.

What Is Bucked Up?

Bucked Up Pre Workout is what we call a good intermediate pre workout. It features a fully disclosed label with ingredients geared to promote endurance, focus, and growth.† To take things even further, there are currently 3 versions of Bucked Up; the OG, Bucked Up Stim-Free and Bucked Up Black. In which the OG and Stim-Free pre workouts are optimized for different tolerances of stimulants (Caffeine). Whereas Bucked Up Black features an identical formula to the OG with 1 additional ingredient. But, we’ll be diving into that further into the blog.

Bucked Up Ingredients:

With a total of ~9.98 grams of active ingredients per serving, Bucked Up features 30 servings per tub. As we mentioned above, there is also a stimulant-free version of this pre workout. The stim-free version features the same label just without Caffeine.

How To Take It:

Das Labs recommends mixing 1 well-rounded scoop into 6-8oz of water 15-30 minutes before physical activity. They also recommend taking no more than 1 scoop. Do not exceed 2 scoops in a 24-hours.

Stimulant Free Flavors:

• Pink Lemonade
• Orange Mango
• Strawberry Kiwi
• Grape
• Raspberry Lime

Citrulline Malate:

Our first ingredient in Bucked Up is Citrulline Malate, which is also our first pump ingredient. Citrulline is a nonessential amino acid that can increase arginine, the primary substrate for nitric oxide biosynthesis. Unlike arginine supplementation, citrulline isn’t taken up by the liver. Instead, it is transported to the kidneys and broken down to arginine. (1) Additionally, citrulline can help stimulate protein synthesis in skeletal muscle. But citrulline is most commonly known for improving vascular function through increased L-arginine bioavailability and nitric oxide synthesis, which can support reducing blood pressure. (2,3)

Beta-Alanine:

Beta-Alanine is another popular pre workout ingredient. This ingredient may assist with buffering away lactic acid, which begins to build up in our muscles when we train, causing the “burn”. With Beta-Alanine supplementation, you may delay the onset of this build-up, allowing you to continue training. (4,5)

Caffeine Anhydrous:

There is 200mg of caffeine per serving in Bucked Up, which translates to over 2 cups of coffee in one scoop. Because of this stimulant-sensitive users may experience unfavorable side effects (like jitters) if you don’t assess your tolerance. Caffeine is the only source for energy promoting properties in this formula. With Caffeine, you can expect an energy boost, enhanced focus, and you may notice some improvements to physical performance as well. (6)

AlphaSize® Alpha GPC:

Alpha GPC is our first ingredient for improving cognitive processes like memory and attention. Normally, the dosage is between 300-600mg, but in Bucked Up there is only 200mg. So whether or not you feel some enhancement of focus or mood at this dose will depend on if you have low levels of choline. (7) There would need to be more research on low doses of Alpha GPC to indicate its benefits.

Taurine:

Our next ingredient, Taurine is dosed at 100 mg, which is a pretty low dose for this ingredient (clinical dose range .5-2 grams). L-Taurine is another amino acid, like citrulline, except it is a conditionally essential amino acid. Meaning, your body can produce this amino acid, but there are times you may need to supplement it. Taurine plays a role in many bodily functions like maintaining hydration, digestion, supporting central nervous system (CNS) functions, and even may aid in regulating your immune system. (8)

For the gym, Taurine may aid in protecting muscles from cell damage and oxidative stress, while also removing waste products that lead to muscle fatigue. (9)

Himalayan Rock Salt:

Next, we have Himalayan Rock Salt, which is something we see in pre workouts but isn’t common. Sodium is a major salt in sweat, so it’s possible that including Himalayan Rock Salt may aid in rehydration. (10)

Deer Antler Velvet Extract:

Deer Antler Velvet Extract may assist with increasing testosterone levels and help increase muscle growth.† However, more research is needed on this ingredient.

AstraGin®:

AstraGin® is a compound of ingredients featuring Astragalus and Panax Notoginseng. This ingredient may assist with increasing the absorption of important nutrients and ingredients in this formula. (11) However, more research is needed on this ingredient.

ActiGin®:

Similarly, ActiGin® features a combination of Panax Notoginseng and Rosa roxburghii. This combination may assist with improving your recovery times and maximizing muscle growth†, but again more research is needed.

Bucked Up Customer Reviews:

Review By Marcus: “I’ve been using bucked up for almost a year and I love it. Rocket Pop flavor is my favorite.” Posted on 3/4/22

Review By Anthony: “One of the best pre workouts available right now. Taste is great and I feel like I’m getting great results! Super clean energy feel without being too strong.” Posted on 3/9/22

Similar To Bucked Up:

In this section, we’re going to introduce the other pre workout options available from Das Labs and compare them to Bucked Up.

We will be covering:

• Bucked Up Black VS Bucked Up
• Woke AF VS Bucked Up
• BAMF VS Bucked Up
• Bumped Up VS Bucked Up
• LFG Burn VS Bucked Up

Bucked Up Black:

As we mentioned above, Bucked Up Black is identical to the original formula with just one addition, Humic/Fulvic Mineral Blend Extract. Fulvic acid is also featured in Psychotic Pre Workout under the name OxyGold®. This ingredient can assist with increasing the bioavailability of other ingredients. (12)

How To Take It:

Das Labs recommends mixing 1 scoop into 6-8 oz of water 15-30 minutes before your workout.

Bucked Up Black Customer Review:

Review By Kelly: “This has been one of my favourites for ages. No crash, no extreme jitters, ability for full workout focus. Have tried a few others but alway come back to the bucked up products!” Posted on 8/4/21

Woke AF:

Our next pre workout comparison is Woke AF VS Bucked Up. Woke AF is Das Lab’s high-stim pre workout, featuring a very similar formula as Bucked Up with 3 changes. First, there is 133mg more caffeine in Woke AF compared to Bucked Up, (333mg total). Additionally, Woke AF features 2 different ingredients, Dendrobium and Synephrine HCl.

Similar to Bucked Up, there is a second version of Woke AF feature Fulvic Acid, Woke AF Black.

Dendrobium:

Dendrobium is another stimulant that was previously expected to replace DMAA. This ingredient features phenylethylamine (PEA) alkaloids which can contribute to more euphoric energy. This is often compared to a “runner’s high” effect.† Unfortunately, there isn’t enough research on this stimulant to compare it with DMAA or other strong stimulants.

Synephrine HCl:

The next ingredient, Synephrine, is also a stimulant. But, unlike Dendrobium, it’s much more common and popular in other products like fat burners. Synephrine (Bitter Orange Extract or Citrus Aurantium) can assist with promoting energy and may play in cognitive enhancement (13).

How To Take It:

Das Labs recommends mixing 1 scoop of Woke AF into 6-9oz of water 15-30 minutes before physical activity. Due to its potency, we recommend taking no more than 1 scoop.

Woke AF Customer Review:

Review By N/A: “I was able to get it at a discount using coupons, and the bang for your buck (get it) is amazing. I got sour gummy bear and it is phenomenal. I could drink it just for the flavor. But, the pump this gave me was amazing. Felt like all my muscles were going to pop, and I saw veins I had never seen before. Plus, I didn’t even feel a crash. Best pre-workout ever, and I’m going to stay with WOKE AF for as long as I can.” Posted on5/3/21

BAMF:

Next, we have BAMF Pre Workout, another high-stimulant pre workout from Das Labs. Compared to Bucked Up, there is again 133mg more caffeine in BAMF and it also features 2 other ingredients. But in BAMF those ingredients are Hordenine and Huperzine A, also common in fat burners. And as you might guess, BAMF Black is the same formula as BAMF, but with Fulvic Acid.

Hordenine:

Hordenine is similar in chemical structure to Synephrine. Because of this, they may work similarly by promoting energy, mood, and even thermogenesis. (14)

Huperzine A:

Huperzine A is considered a natural antidepressant, but it is also may be beneficial for improving focus. Additionally, it may help increase the level of acetylcholine, which could would synergistically with Alpha GPC. This may result in boosting mental alertness, focus, and concentration (15).

How To Take It:

Das Labs recommends mixing 1 scoop of BAMF into 6-8oz of water 15-30 minutes before physical activity. Due to its potency, we recommend taking no more than 1 scoop.

BAMF Customer Review:

Review By Lisa: “I have tried so many “nootropic” pre workouts. I almost gave up on trying a good blend, but then I found BAMF. immediately felt the difference. I was more energized and alert. The best part, it lasted for hours. I don’t have to search anymore! p.s. Blue raspberry is great!!” Posted on8/7/19

Bumped Up:

The =next pre workout, Bumped Up, is almost completely different from Bucked Up. For starters, it features a much smaller ingredient list with only 6 ingredients for a total of ~11 grams per scoop. Of these ingredients, there are only three shared with Bucked Up. But none of the dosages are the same:

• Beta Alaine: 2 grams compared to 3.2 grams
• Taurine: 1 gram compared to 100mg
• Caffeine: 100mg compared to 200mg

L-Citrulline VS Citrulline Malate:

At the top of the label, Bumped Up features L-Citrulline instead of Citrulline Malate. The only difference between these ingredients is the addition of malic acid. Traditionally, malic acid is used as a preservative in packaged foods. But as a supplement, can improve stamina and reduce pain and inflammation induced by high-intensity training. (16) But more research is needed to define which ingredient is better.

L-Arginine HCl:

Like Citrulline, Arginine can assist with boosting nitric oxide, while promoting blood flow and better pumps (17). However, Arginine is not as bioavailable as Citrulline. So the addition of hydrochloride salt (HCl) may improve the absorption. †

L-Glutamine:

The final different ingredient in Bumped Up is L-Glutamine. This ingredient may help improve recovery and reduce soreness (18).

How To Take It:

Das Labs recommends mixing 1 scoop of Bumped Up into 6-8oz of water 15-30 minutes before  physical activity.

Bumped Up Customer Review:

Review By Liz: “Love this pre-workout! I used it while..