Stim Daddy
Stim Daddy is a 1-scoop or 2-scoop style pre-workout, meaning you can tailor your dose based on your workout intensity. I’d say this is one of the better options if you prefer that flexibility. A single scoop gives enough caffeine to power through most sessions, along with key ingredients that support performance and endurance.
However, if you double scoop, you're getting about 400mg of caffeine—ideal for PR days or those high-intensity lifts. That said, I wouldn’t recommend double scooping every day. I got this pre for $20, and at that price, it’s definitely worth it. I wouldn’t go over $30–$35, though. If you’re looking for a strong, reliable pre-workout and you’ve already built some gym experience, this is a solid option to level up.
Total War
Total War is what I think most people should reach for after trying C4—or even just skip C4 altogether. It’s budget-friendly (especially when it’s on sale), and it gives you clean energy without feeling jittery or sick, which happens with a lot of cheaper high-stim formulas. It’s not the best-tasting thing out there—black pepper extract kinda ruins that—but personally, I care more about how it performs than how it tastes. That said, if you’re the type to toss something out because you can’t drink it, this might not be for you. Price-wise, if you see it for $20, grab it. Over $30? I’d start looking at better options. And for parents—if your kid’s getting into the gym and begging for pre, you definitely don’t have to go crazy with something super intense. But if you’re open to letting them try something moderate and safe, I’d recommend starting here.
CBUM Thavage
When I first got Thavage, I expected it to blast me through the roof with caffeine and have me bouncing off the walls. But it actually delivered a much smoother, more controlled kind of energy—and honestly, that was a nice surprise.
Still, for the price, I feel like there are better options out there, including Ryse’s own alternatives. I like the brand, and I respect what CBUM’s trying to do, but I wouldn’t say this is the best bang for your buck unless you’re specifically a fan of him or the Ryse brand.
CBUM Essential
There’s a common saying: “This is all you really need,” and in this case, it's actually true. The name “Essential” undersells it. For the price, this is a great everyday pre. I’ve bought it multiple times—once at $20 for a 60-serving tub and twice at $30 for 30 servings. It's not just for daily use; I’d even recommend it for beginners on heavy lifting days. If you haven’t tried this one yet, definitely give it a shot.
Podium Pre-Workout
Purchased but not yet tested—review to come.
Ryse Godzilla
This one didn’t do much for me. For the price, I expected more. It didn’t feel much different than an average pre-workout, so I wouldn’t repurchase or recommend it based on my experience.
Bucked Up BAMF (Currently Using)
I bought BAMF (anime flavor)during one of their 40% off sales and I love it as a daily driver. It has just enough caffeine to give a noticeable boost and includes pump ingredients that deliver actual muscle definition. I’ll break down the ingredients soon, but overall this is a reliable daily pre-workout—especially if you can get it on sale.
Jocko Pre-Workout
Purchased but not yet tested—review to follow.
Edge of Insanity
Another proprietary blend, but this one hits hard. However the downside of stomach pain and a headache would not make me recommend this pre-workout to you.
Psychotic Labs (Gold Line, Hellboy, Original)
I’ve tried most of the Psychotic line, including Gold, Hellboy, and their standard formula. While I normally avoid proprietary blends (because you can’t be sure what’s in them), I’ll admit these hit hard. The high caffeine content combined with noticeable beta-alanine tingles made for intense sessions. For some reason, this pre always made me sweat more than usual. The downside? The crash. These don’t last well on extended 2+ hour lifts—you’ll start to feel like you’re just going through the motions toward the end. That said, they run solid sales often. If you’ve never tried a proprietary blend and want something high-stim, Psychotic Labs is a decent place to start.
C4
C4 gets a lot of hate—and honestly, most of it is deserved. But hear me out: the concept is solid. It was the first pre-workout I ever used, and it got me hyped back then. At that stage, I didn’t need heavy stimulants. If C4 were branded as a beginner-friendly, low-stim pre with transparent (albeit underdosed) ingredients at a lower price, I’d respect it more. But in its current form, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone. You’d be better off drinking an energy drink before your workout. Parents—this isn’t a good compromise if your kid is begging for pre. It’s not strong enough to satisfy them, and you’ll just end up wasting money.
Wrecked (Huge Supplements)
One of my all-time favorites—when you ignore the price. This pre doesn’t force you to sacrifice performance in one area for another. The pump ingredients work well; your muscles feel tight and full, not just vascular. Would I recommend it? Yes—but only if it’s on sale. I got mine during a 4th of July promo. As a full-price daily pre, it’s too expensive. But for those days when nothing else is hitting, this one might be worth picking up.
Homemade Pre-Workout
There are plenty of reasons to make your own pre, and here are a few that matter most to me:
Stim control: I work out at night sometimes and don’t want 300–400mg of caffeine keeping me up. I mix non-stim ingredients separately and take caffeine pills as needed.
Customization: If beta-alanine makes you itch or feel weird, you can leave it out. Want more L-citrulline? Add it in.
Cost: You can build a fully dosed pre-workout for a fraction of the price year-round—no sales needed.
Now, for the downsides: homemade mixes can be grainy and hard to drink, the flavor may be unpleasant, and accuracy is crucial. Without a precise scale, you could easily misdose and put yourself at risk. If you can manage those issues, I would do it.
Bucked Up Mother Bucker
Same story as Ryse Godzilla. On paper, this pre sounds incredible—designed for the biggest stim junkies. In reality, it did almost nothing for me. I dropped $60 expecting a beast-mode session and was left sitting there questioning my life choices. I love the idea behind this pre, but the execution just didn’t match the hype. Their other products are far better and more worth your money.
Gorilla Mind V1
I haven’t had this pre in a few years, but I loved it when I did. Picked it up during a sale and was blown away. No hard crash, great pump, and a clean energy boost. This is what I expected Thavage to feel like. The guy behind this formula is smart, and I appreciate how he explains each ingredient and its dosing. If you can afford it or find it on sale, it’s worth trying.