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Review Overview – How does Platinum Labs’ Defcon 1 work?
From Platinum Labs comes Defcon 1 2nd Strike, the pre-workout claimed to promote:
- Energy
- Pump
- Focus
- Power
But how does Defcon do this? And does it really bring the benefits it claims to?
We’ve looked closely at the ingredients behind Platinum Labs pre-workout, and we’ve been shocked by what we’ve found.
If you’re thinking of this product to improve your workout, you definitely need to read this:
Can I double scoop it?
No.
Neither ourselves, or Platinum Labs recommend double-scooping this pre-workout due to the high caffeine content.
What about the ingredients in Defcon 1 2nd Strike?
Okay, but there’s a problem.
A lot of the ingredients in Defcon 1, although well chosen in some places, are under-dosed. This massively effects the quality of the experience, and we can’t double scoop it due to the caffeine content.
Take a look at our highlights:
Beta Alanine is well-dosed and may help with endurance…
With 2000mg of BA in 2nd Strike, Beta Alanine helps buffer the acid in your muscles, improving your endurance while training.
L-Taurine could help with blood flow…
Commonly found in energy drinks, some studies show that taurine helps with blood flow, which could result in a better pump. However, the results are minimal.
Creatine will help to some extent, but it seems under-dosed in this blend…
1000mg would be just about okay, but the 750mg of Creatine in Defcon 1 is far too low.
When properly dosed creatine helps with water retention in the muscles, improving both size and strength.
And the Citrulline is definitely under-dosed…
With a poor 500mg, Citrulline will definitely not be much help here. Turned into arginine in the liver, when properly dosed Citrulline dilates blood cells and gives you an overwhelming pump.
Studies have shown you need around 5.5 – 8g for it to be truly effective though (over 10x what’s in Defcon 1)
The Choline Bitartrate helps cognition, but it’s under-dosed in this instance…
This is more a nootropic than anything else, it may enhance your focus while training. But we believe it to be pretty under-dosed.
Studies have shown you need around 1000 – 2000mg of Choline to get the full ‘mind’ effects – whereas this product only contains 250mg.
The Theobromine helps to a degree too, but the effect is minimal…
Found typically in dark chocolate. This compound has been shown to have a minor effect on improving blood flow and overall pump.
L-Tryptophan may help with mood, but it’s under-dosed again here…
Also known as 5-HTP and linked to the feel good hormone serotonin. This will help you feel better and more motivated in the gym, the only problem in this instance is the fact that it’s under-dosed.
There’s only 100mg in this product, and studies have shown the best effects happen around the 300 – 500mg mark.
And the 180mg of caffeine should be just right for a serious kick…
This is a pretty strong dose, but you should be able to handle it. Caffeine is one of the best natural stimulants for producing high energy levels, metabolism and power output.
The only problem is how the next ingredient effects it.
But the Synephrine just causes problems…
Also known as Bitter Orange Extract, Synephrine has been known to cause a range of unpleasant side effects when mixed with caffeine, or caffeinated herbs like Green Tea.
More on those in the next section.
Ingredients Bottom Line:
Overall there are a lot of good ingredients in Defcon 1, but there’s one serious problem with it: They’re under-dosed.
A lot of the ingredients in this product fall short of the mark of what studies suggest for them giving you any benefit. Making the temptation to be to double-scoop it.
However, that is the last thing you want to do, as the amount of caffeine in this product would cause serious side effects if taken in double portions.
Want to know the best ingredients you can find in a Pre-Workout? Check the link below to learn what you should be looking for and why:
– Top Pre-Workout Ingredients –
Are there any side effects?
The synephrine could definitely be an issue.
Research has shown combining caffeine (or a caffeinated nutrient) with synephrine can lead to:
- Headaches
- Light Headedness
- Raised Blood Pressure
- Increased Heart Rate
It’s best to stay away from it, in any instance.
Is there anything better out there?
Indeed.
We’ve scoured the supplement market to find the Pre-Workouts on the market that best:
- Enhance Pump
- Increase Power
- Boost Energy
- Elevate Focus
And we’ve narrowed it down to just three supplements.
Read about the best ones on the market in the link below:
– The Top 3 Pre-Workouts –
Platinum Labs Defcon 1 2nd Strike Review Conclusion
On the whole there’s a lot of good and bad when it comes to this pre-workout.
It’s good that there’s been some informed choices on what ingredients go into this supplement, however the dosing is a different matter.
A lot what goes into Defcon 1 is under-dosed, and not by a little – by a lot. In some cases 10x less than what’s required.
Add on to that the fact that this product used synephrine with a steep amount of caffeine and you’re risking experiencing side effects while training.
In our opinion it’s these features that ruin this product for us, and if you’re looking to get a serious workout, we suggest looking elsewhere. See below to view our current pre-workout of choice:
As voted by you, and tested by us - 4 Gauge is the current #1 Pre Workout on the market.
It is the best option for:
- Endurance
- Strength
- Energy
- Muscle Pumps
- Focus
And it's the best we've seen on the market - and you can read the full story in our review below:
Read the FULL official 4 Gauge Review!