which bcaa powder is good?

[Maxwell1995]

I've only ever tried X-Tend, but it was pretty good. The blue raspberry was a little acidic tasting, but that could be normal due to the BCAAs. Not sure why, but maybe. I could probably drink it for the fun of it if I wanted to. Not bad.

[AllGenetix]

CoreABC is the best tasting I have ever come across, as well as the new red raspberry RecoverPro.

The term "best" is pretty subjective. Some people like a brand for taste, some people like it for price, some factor in both. I think AIs new Recover Pro is very solid, Xtend is a great product, CoreABC is great, i'm hooked on BC+EAA (and not because i get it free), and Intrafuse isn't bad when you can find it on sale.

oh lawdy
xtend
CoreABC (delicious!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!one)
Recoverpro red rasp


All great, buy them, drink them, enjoy them

Core ABC has a great non-artificially sweetened and flavored White Cherry, Lemonade and our most popular White Passion Peach!

[Swe16]

why do you need bcaas bro do you not get enough from food and protein shakes ?

[Irish Iron]

Someone likes using real science vs bro science

Interesting...just so we're clear, you really just said that AI (along with many other brands) use bro science?

A theory (albeit a theory from a genius) is not fact, please don't pass it off as one.

Also, please don't pretend that leucine is worthless and price is the only reason for a greater than a 2:1:1 ratio...you actually think all the other companies that dose leucine higher have never had mTOR in mind when working out a ratio?

[mike929]

Black Cherry Bomb is da bomb... But I still prefer Groovy Grape. And it's finally here at BB.com... http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/univ/atomic-7.html

Well, at least two of the flavas and one of the sizes anyways...

^^^ this..i have Atomic 7 grape

[mike929]

why do you need bcaas bro do you not get enough from food and protein shakes ?

OP could be doing IF and if totally fasted prior to workout BCAA ingestion is a recommendation

[Mike McCandless]

lol someone doesn't like seeing recover pro listed so many times in this thread

Interesting...just so we're clear, you really just said that AI (along with many other brands) use bro science?

A theory (albeit a theory from a genius) is not fact, please don't pass it off as one.

Also, please don't pretend that leucine is worthless and price is the only reason for a greater than a 2:1:1 ratio...you actually think all the other companies that dose leucine higher have never had mTOR in mind when working out a ratio?

2:1:1 ratio is proven in studies. I'm sure the reps from these various companies will be eager to post their research showing the 4:1:1 variation is either superior or at least equal to the research proven 2:1:1.

BCAA's are expensive, we all know this. When discussing which product to choose, two big factors are usually addressed, price and flavor. We can throw flavor out as it is subjective, however price isn't. When companies see how expensive it was to make a 2:1:1 formula, they realized they needed to find a way to cut cost. At the time, Leucine was the cheapest of the 3 amino's. With consumers under the impression that lecuine does all the work, it made marketing sense to release a 4:1:1 formula. It played to what consumers thought and allowed them to be priced under other 2:1:1 formula's.

That will start to change as Leucine has doubled in the past 6 months. Between now and the end of the year, every BCAA formula will see an adjustment in price. Those with the 4:1:1 formula will see the biggest increases. That's just the fact of the situation.

Is there a link these companies have posted to the research validating the 4:1:1 ratio? Otherwise, I tend to side with doctors who give reasons why these type of formula's weren't used in research in the past. If I had a formula that was unique to everyone else's, I know I'd be spending the money to prove my point was right to gain market share.

[Irish Iron]

2:1:1 ratio is proven in studies. I'm sure the reps from these various companies will be eager to post their research showing the 4:1:1 variation is either superior or at least equal to the research proven 2:1:1.

BCAA's are expensive, we all know this. When discussing which product to choose, two big factors are usually addressed, price and flavor. We can throw flavor out as it is subjective, however price isn't. When companies see how expensive it was to make a 2:1:1 formula, they realized they needed to find a way to cut cost. At the time, Leucine was the cheapest of the 3 amino's. With consumers under the impression that lecuine does all the work, it made marketing sense to release a 4:1:1 formula. It played to what consumers thought and allowed them to be priced under other 2:1:1 formula's.

That will start to change as Leucine has doubled in the past 6 months. Between now and the end of the year, every BCAA formula will see an adjustment in price. Those with the 4:1:1 formula will see the biggest increases. That's just the fact of the situation.

Is there a link these companies have posted to the research validating the 4:1:1 ratio? Otherwise, I tend to side with doctors who give reasons why these type of formula's weren't used in research in the past. If I had a formula that was unique to everyone else's, I know I'd be spending the money to prove my point was right to gain market share.

You just typed out 4 paragraphs literally addressing nothing I had said...

And quit referencing the Scivation study, the results of that are laughable at best. They're BCAA's and will yield BCAA results, don't forget that

[Mike McCandless]

I actually addressed your questions. Take emotions out of it and you'll see this. I never referenced the Scivation study. I'm talking about the 50+ studies on BCAA's that exist in journals, that use a 2:1:1 ratio. If the 4:1:1 ratio were superior, don't you think the leading researchers in amino acid metabolism would have a bunch of studies backing that up? If you're asking me who I trust more, a bunch of Dr's with little financial motivation or companies who's main purpose it is to make a profit, I'll go with the Dr's.

As stated, if I had a formula that I claimed to be superior to an already research proven ratio (2:1:1), I'd fund a study to prove my point. To my knowledge, no company in this industry has funded any study on a 4:1:1 ratio showing it to be superior in anyway to 2:1:1. However, we do have PHD's who put forth information as to why a 2:1:1 is preferred and why it was used in studies for the past 2+ decades.

[mommyof5boys]

I've only ever tried X-Tend, but it was pretty good. The blue raspberry was a little acidic tasting, but that could be normal due to the BCAAs. Not sure why, but maybe. I could probably drink it for the fun of it if I wanted to. Not bad.

this is the flavor that i would have liked to try...

thanks everyone

[Irish Iron]

I actually addressed your questions. Take emotions out of it and you'll see this. I never referenced the Scivation study. I'm talking about the 50+ studies on BCAA's that exist in journals, that use a 2:1:1 ratio. If the 4:1:1 ratio were superior, don't you think the leading researchers in amino acid metabolism would have a bunch of studies backing that up? If you're asking me who I trust more, a bunch of Dr's with little financial motivation or companies who's main purpose it is to make a profit, I'll go with the Dr's.

As stated, if I had a formula that I claimed to be superior to an already research proven ratio (2:1:1), I'd fund a study to prove my point. To my knowledge, no company in this industry has funded any study on a 4:1:1 ratio showing it to be superior in anyway to 2:1:1. However, we do have PHD's who put forth information as to why a 2:1:1 is preferred and why it was used in studies for the past 2+ decades.

Lettuce be reality, you're the one who got emotional when you saw multiple Recover Pro nominations and attacked the formula saying AI uses "bro science", along with many other companies that use a higher dose of leucine. I do however applaud you for not trying to pass off the theory of leucine depleting the other aminos as fact after your first attack on the formula.

Regardless of what you would like to think (or would like the consumer to think), a higher leucine content is anything but useless...I would like to think a CEO of a large successful company would A) have enough class not to toss a great company like AI under the "bro science bus" and B) understand that people who want a higher dose of leucine are doing so to illicit an mTOR activation.

I have absolutely nothing against a 2:1:1 ratio as I have used it numerous times but I also know that leucine supplementation is very valuable, including using it via a BCAA product with a higher than 2:1:1 ratio

[mommyof5boys]

i was wondering are all bcaa's and amino acids ok for women?

[U.S.M.C. TANKER]

tbh, out of all the bcaa I've tried, Power shock and Xtend works the best.

[Irish Iron]

i was wondering are all bcaa's and amino acids ok for women?

nothin to worry about

[BNR]

fav. would probably be recoverpro and xtend

[Mike McCandless]

Still waiting on any research that shows 4:1:1 to be more effective or even similar to 2:1:1.

[dex26]

Powershock grape or lime is the best tasting one i've tried. Much better than any flavor of xtend IN MY OPINION.

Mixes great and tastes like koolaid.

[dex26]

why do you need bcaas bro do you not get enough from food and protein shakes ?

Most people do. But it's been proven it's also best to take in bcaa's while training.

I doubt you will be eating while you train or maybe you do..who knows.

[mommyof5boys]

is muscle tech nitro amino good?this one is considered to have a mega dose but i don't know anything about bcaa's and amino acids...so kind of looking for guidance from the people that have been taking this kind of supplements...

i am considering xtend,power shock and the one i mentioned above...has anyone tried this one yet?

might be a dumb question but is bcaa's the same as amino acids?reason i am asking is when i search for bcaa's amino acids always comes up as well...

[OneSwoleBro]

RecoverPRO, Xtend, Purple Wraath. Top 3 imo, no particular order.

[dex26]

is muscle tech nitro amino good?this one is considered to have a mega dose but i don't know anything about bcaa's and amino acids...so kind of looking for guidance from the people that have been taking this kind of supplements...

i am considering xtend,power shock and the one i mentioned above...has anyone tried this one yet?

might be a dumb question but is bcaa's the same as amino acids?reason i am asking is when i search for bcaa's amino acids always comes up as well...

Yes amino acids is the same thing as bcaa's. It's called branched chain amino acids. There are many amino acids out there. Some people don't use much and some that are essential.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision. Everyone is going to have their own opinion as to which is better. Sometimes it is just personal preference.

Sorry i can't answer your question about muscle tech's version. Never tried it. Once i find a product i love, i usually stick with it.

I've tried purple wrath and many flavors of xtend. Then i met a bodybuilder at my local gym. He told me about power shock. So i tried it and never looked back. Best tasting supplement i've ever tried and i've tried MANY.

[Irish Iron]

Lettuce be reality, you're the one who got emotional when you saw multiple Recover Pro nominations and attacked the formula saying AI uses "bro science", along with many other companies that use a higher dose of leucine. I do however applaud you for not trying to pass off the theory of leucine depleting the other aminos as fact after your first attack on the formula.

Regardless of what you would like to think (or would like the consumer to think), a higher leucine content is anything but useless...I would like to think a CEO of a large successful company would A) have enough class not to toss a great company like AI under the "bro science bus" and B) understand that people who want a higher dose of leucine are doing so to illicit an mTOR activation.

I have absolutely nothing against a 2:1:1 ratio as I have used it numerous times but I also know that leucine supplementation is very valuable, including using it via a BCAA product with a higher than 2:1:1 ratio

Still waiting on any research that shows 4:1:1 to be more effective or even similar to 2:1:1.

Firstly, lmao @ that being your response. I retract my previous statement of hoping you understand leucine's role in mTOR activation...it is clear that you do not.

You want research? A simple pubmed search using the keywords leucine and mTOR yielded 239 articles...take your pick, get back to me, and please explain how a BCAA blend with higher leucine content is not a novel approach.

Fact: BCAA supplementation can be very beneficial and it most certainly does NOT have to be a 2:1:1 ratio.

I also find great humor in the fact that you think you are above the rules of this forum and have the right to talk trash (to make it worse, you have no reason to as your argument holds no water) about other companies not using the same amino ratio as Xtend just because you are butt-hurt.

[Younglifter16]

ALLMAX Aminocore. Ajipure instantized aminos. 1000g tub for $50, which has 111 servings, so more cost effective than some of the other big names out there. Mixes easy, no nasty foam.

Fruit Punch and Tropical Caribean Cooler (tastes like pina colada!)
http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/all/amino-core.html

this. Has been my new BCAA product for awhile now.

[mommyof5boys]

ya power shock is one that i am leaning towards...thanks for your answer on them being both the same...it clears things up

does anyone think it would be a bad idea to buy a few different containers and just switch it up day by day for flavor or is it best to stick with one and finish it first then switch...also when i switch do i need to do anything like wait a while?

also i just noticed another but again not sure it's by USPlabs modern bcaa i beleive...i guess i am just nervous to get the wrong ones as i've never gotten any before...

Yes amino acids is the same thing as bcaa's. It's called branched chain amino acids. There are many amino acids out there. Some people don't use much and some that are essential.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision. Everyone is going to have their own opinion as to which is better. Sometimes it is just personal preference.

Sorry i can't answer your question about muscle tech's version. Never tried it. Once i find a product i love, i usually stick with it.

I've tried purple wrath and many flavors of xtend. Then i met a bodybuilder at my local gym. He told me about power shock. So i tried it and never looked back. Best tasting supplement i've ever tried and i've tried MANY.

[Mr.Cooper69]

Yes leucine stimulates protein synthesis. But there is a good reason that most studies examining bcaa use a 2:1:1 ratio. You see preliminary data from dr don laymans labs (the first person to ever examine the bcaas as metabolic signals) at the university of Illinois (same lab I did my phd) shows that while leucine was responsible for initiating protein synthesis it actually caused depletion of the other 2 bcaa when taken alone or in too high of a proportion. This is because the oxidation of two molecule of leucine also requires the oxidation of one molecule each of isoleucine and valine. Hence the 2:1:1 ratio. Yes leucine alone will stimulate mps. But the increase will be transient if the other 2 bcaa are not present in sufficient amounts due to them being depleted from the mps precursor pool and essentially 'short circuiting' protein synthesis.

Regards

While this is true, and I love me some 2:1:1 BCAAs, this is really only relevant for fasted individuals or individuals with very low meal frequency. Otherwise, you can bet that the other BCAAs will be circulating during the time of ffBCAA supplementation, making the extra leucine more beneficial.

[str8flexed]

Yes leucine stimulates protein synthesis. But there is a good reason that most studies examining bcaa use a 2:1:1 ratio. You see preliminary data from dr don laymans labs (the first person to ever examine the bcaas as metabolic signals) at the university of Illinois (same lab I did my phd) shows that while leucine was responsible for initiating protein synthesis it actually caused depletion of the other 2 bcaa when taken alone or in too high of a proportion. This is because the oxidation of two molecule of leucine also requires the oxidation of one molecule each of isoleucine and valine. Hence the 2:1:1 ratio. Yes leucine alone will stimulate mps. But the increase will be transient if the other 2 bcaa are not present in sufficient amounts due to them being depleted from the mps precursor pool and essentially 'short circuiting' protein synthesis.

Regards

[xStevenx]

this. Has been my new BCAA product for awhile now.

glad you like it man!

[kingjameskjf]

I like the taste of Xtend, Recoup, RecoverPro (best tasting one to me), and N'Gage, which tastes great and mixes very well and doesn't foam up. I can't stand the aftertaste of ABC Core though.

[The Solution]

i noticed that xtend is on the top of the list but not sure about taste...

Search button at the top right corner .. type in "Xtend Reviews" you will find over 100+ threads.

Xtend the best IMO

This^^^

Xtend is good, Fusion's Agent-M I quite like too - a bit on the pricier side however.

Xtend-Watermelon and Recoverpro-lemonade are tied as the best tasting BCAA supps IMO

With the newest version of Xtend V2, in my bias opinion (see sig), I think it is the best. Instantized bcaa's so they dissolve easily. The only bonded Citrulline Malate on the market. Added electrolytes, which are needed even by bodybuilders. I suggest getting the smallest version of the various products over the next 45-60 days. You can be your own judge. If you like original gatorade formula, go with Lemon Sour. My favorite outside of that is apple and blue raz.

^^ There is just a bit of feedback for you. There is a reason its a top 10 product, winner of multiple awards to its name, and continues to get better with the release of v2 which I made a short video of to help you out:

[appleyard777]

AI Recoverpro, XF Ice