Since Monster and Red Bull don't offer pre-workout supplements, let's try Bang!
All jokes aside, I've been planning to give the Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout a red-hot go for a while now.
After it spent almost two years on the list of supplements I want to try, I finally ordered Master Blaster VPX and started testing it.
This Bang pre-workout review by Garage Gym Pro should provide you with all the necessary facts and details.
- What Is Bang Master Blaster Pre-Workout?
- How Effective Is VPX’s Bang Pre-Workout? (My Results)
- Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout Ingredients (Per Serving)
- Who Should Take Bang Pre-Workout?
- Bang Master Blaster Is Not For Everyone (Find Out Who)
- How Does VPX Bang Pre-Workout Compare Vs Competitors?
- Bang Pre-Workout Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict
What Is Bang Master Blaster Pre-Workout?
Master Blaster VPX pre-workout belongs to the American brand Bang, which is primarily known for its energy drinks.
Bang is not just another beverage on the market, it is the third highest-selling energy drink in the United States, and that speaks volumes.
Bang is owned by Vital Pharmaceuticals, a company founded in 1993 by Jack Owoc, who is still present today as CEO.
It is one of the few companies in the supplement industry that has survived on the market for so long.
The number of Instagram followers (over 2.3 million) is another indicator of how popular Bang is.
A few years ago, they decided to join the huge pre-workout market and launch a pre-workout supplement. That's how we got this Bang Master Blaster powder.
Honestly speaking, I expected it to have a better Amazon rating. Unfortunately, 4 out of 5 stars based on around 2.5k reviews is average at best.
However, customer complaints are usually related to some other things, not performance, but more on that later.
One scoop is 26.8 grams, which is quite big for just one serving. You will find 20 servings per container.
How Effective Is VPX’s Bang Pre-Workout? (My Results)
I really liked two things about Bang Master Blaster VPX pre-workout even before I tried it - the ingredients and the credible study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.[1]
There will be a section dedicated just to ingredients, but I have to say right away that a small number of well-known substances are something that I consider the best for every type of supplement, not just for pre-workouts.
It is also rare to find studies on supplements, even those that last relatively short, like this one - 4 weeks. That's why I was so willing to test it.
Here is my experience after a month or so.
1. Flavor
Bang Master Blaster VPX pre-workout is available in 10 flavors:
Birthday Cake Bash and Frose Rose are only available on Amazon; at least, that was the case at the time of writing this review.
Chocolate is not a common flavor for pre-workout supplements, so I immediately decided it would be one of the flavors I would order.
The other two were Lemon Drop and Cotton Candy. I ordered Lemon Drop because I like citrus flavors the most and Cotton Candy because Bang energy drink with that flavor is tasty.
Chocolate is tasteful, but I wouldn't say I like the aftertaste, and I think that is the main reason why most manufacturers avoid chocolate pre-workouts.
Cotton Candy doesn't taste like the popular energy drink flavor at all, so I didn't like it. However, Lemon Drop is nice and refreshing, as expected.
As for mixing, it is fine, but not the best one.
2. Performance Increase
If you have read some of my previous reviews, you know that I often take two scoops of pre-workout powder, but not this time.
One scoop of Bang Master Blaster VPX pre-workout is enough, barring extreme training when you have to make a superhuman effort.
Since only professional bodybuilders, weightlifters, and powerlifters have such workouts, 99% of people should stick with one dose.
New gym members may start with half a scoop and then slowly increase to avoid taking massive doses right away.
I'm telling you all this because I, as an experienced gym-goer, experienced a significant performance increase after consuming just one serving.
During the first few days, I was able to do a few reps more, and later this pre-workout helped me to increase the number of sets per exercise.
I stopped taking the pre-workout for a few days to make sure it wasn't a placebo. However, it didn't take me long to realize that Bang Master Blaster VPX pre-workout really helps.
Every time I have to mention that you should not expect magical results from natural supplements because they are not PEDs.
3. Pump
Approximately 20 minutes after consuming it, you will start to feel something.
If you look in the mirror, you will see how the muscles and veins have become more visible, even before you started training.
Dilated blood vessels will lead to improved blood flow and, thus, better nutrient and oxygen delivery.
4. Focus
I sincerely admire all those who can maintain focus during the entire workout without taking a pre-workout supplement.
Just one loud exerciser or music I don't like is enough to affect my focus. So I need an effective powder to make me ignore everything else and concentrate only on weight lifting.
Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout did not disappoint. I haven’t noticed a decline in mental focus during workouts of average duration – around an hour and fifteen minutes.
5. Energy
We all feel low on energy from time to time. There are many reasons why this is so.
Malnutrition, poor night's sleep, everyday stress, and lack of motivation are just some of the many potential reasons.
If you've been eating fast food for days or slept only a few hours last night, there is no legal substance that will give you enough energy for a successful workout.
However, if you need just a little energy boost, then I definitely recommend this pre-workout.
If your gym bag isn't packed yet, and you just took a scoop, you'd better hurry, because you'll soon feel a burst of energy and desire to grab the barbell right away.
Learn More - Pre-Workout Vs Energy Drinks (Which Is Better?)
6. Side Effects
Some people are very sensitive to caffeine. They can expect this product to make them jittery for the first 15 minutes, but that feeling will subside quickly.
Others will not feel any adverse effects of caffeine.
When you check nutrition facts, you will see that amount of beta-alanine in Bang Pre-workout Master is average, so the beta-alanine itch is hardly noticeable.
I didn't have bloating and nausea, the two most troublesome side effects of dietary supplements.
Learn More - What Causes Pre-Workout Itch?
7. Post-Workout
If a product causes a crash, you should avoid it, in my opinion. My energy levels were normal, and I had no trouble doing other things, so there was no crash with this one.
I'm not sure how this pre-workout drink impacts sleep because I didn't take it after 6 PM. I didn't want to risk 350mg of caffeine ruining my night's sleep!
Learn More - How Does Pre-Workout Impact Your Sleep?
8. Cost & Availability
Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout is available on Amazon and the official website. I couldn’t find it on any independent website.
Some flavors cost the same on both websites, and a few are cheaper on the official website, so check before buying.
It is not cheap. One serving costs almost $2.
Pros
Cons
Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout Ingredients (Per Serving)
Since Bang Master Blaster Pre-Workout consists of eight well-researched key ingredients, analyzing the components and doses was a breeze.
BCAA (7,500 Mg)
Leucine, isoleucine, and valine are branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and they are essential amino acids.
Personally, BCAAs are one of my favorite supplements.
They reduce muscle soreness, help build lean muscle mass by improving muscle protein synthesis, and decrease muscle fatigue during exercise.[2]
It is of utmost importance to consume enough proteins, including whey protein, to maximize the effect of BCAAs.
The amount of leucine, isoleucine, and valine in Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout is similar to when you buy a separate BCAAs supplement, which is the optimal dose.
The ratio is 2:1:1, and that is considered the best ratio for BCAAs.
Learn More - BCAA Vs Pre-Workout (How They Differ?)
Citrulline Malate (4000 Mg) & L- Citrulline (1407 Mg)
L-citrulline is the non-essential amino acid that improves nitric oxide levels. As a vasodilator, nitric oxide expands blood vessels, boosts blood flow, and gives you muscle pumps.
Citrulline malate is the combination of l-citrulline and malic acid. Malic acid is added to l-citrulline for absorption and bioavailability.
Together, citrulline malate and l-citrulline boost your athletic performance and help you build muscle.
Both doses are a little smaller than recommended, but together they will provide you with everything you expect from citrulline.
Creatine Monohydrate (5000 Mg)
There is probably no other supplement such as creatine monohydrate, whose benefits have been proven beyond doubt.[3]
Usually, the dose of creatine in pre-workouts is insufficient, so you have to take creatine supplementation additionally.
This time, that's not the case because one scoop of Bang pre-workout will give you 5 grams of creatine, which is the recommended dose.
Improved strength, muscle volume, and quicker recovery are just some of the benefits.[4]
Betaine Anhydrous (2,500 Mg)
There is a similarity between betaine anhydrous and creatine monohydrate. Although they are two different substances, both improve strength and power and stimulate water-based pumps.
Unlike creatine supplementation, the effect of betaine anhydrous on workout performance and muscle growth has yet to be scientifically proven.
Betaine anhydrous is also important for hydration because it balances the level of fluids in cells.
The effect on hydration is better understood because betaine is an osmolyte.
Beta-Alanine (2,400 Mg)
Beta-alanine is a non-essential amino acid, and it is one of the most popular ingredients in pre-workout supplements.
It reduces acid build-up and thus improves performance, has a positive effect on muscle soreness during training, and offers great benefits for delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).[5]
Beta-alanine is especially useful for high-intensity training as the lactic acid build-up is very quick during such activities. Of course, it also depends on a person's fitness level.
Those who are in great shape will clear lactic acid faster. However, everyone has a lactate threshold, which is why the help of substances like beta-alanine is needed.
Caffeine Anhydrous (350 Mg)
Numerous studies have shown how beneficial caffeine is for most people.
It is a source of short-duration energy that boosts mental focus, muscular endurance, fat loss, power, and stamina.
High caffeine content is common in fat burners as well since it can stimulate both your metabolism and your body's ability to burn fat.
These are all reasons why coffee is part of the daily routine of a huge number of people and why caffeine is part of almost every pre-workout supplement.
The dose in this one is quite high, so take into account how much caffeine you have consumed during the day if you also consume a few coffees and energy drinks, not just Master Blaster VPX.
If you consume huge doses of caffeine for extended periods, you risk a rapid heartbeat at rest.
Create L-Leucine (250 Mg)
The only questionable ingredient is Bang Super Creatine (creatyl-L-leucine).
I don't mean in terms of safety, but effectiveness.[6] It is a fairly new ingredient that is obtained by binding creatine to L-leucine.
Personally, I'm not a big fan of new versions of creatine, but let's wait and see if Super Creatine is actually good or not to improve endurance during intense exercise routines.
Still, there is no true scientific breakthrough on this topic.
Who Should Take Bang Pre-Workout?
Bang Master Blaster VPX Pre-Workout is equally good for beginners, intermediate, and advanced exercisers when taken at the optimal dose.
All healthy individuals can consume it without risk. I don't see any danger in taking it on a regular basis because the formula is transparent and safe.
If you are not sure whether this product may interfere with the medications you take or your health condition, consult a healthcare provider before you start taking it.
Learn More - Is Pre-Workout Safe For Teens?
Bang Master Blaster Is Not For Everyone (Find Out Who)
Pre-workout supplements should be avoided by children under the age of 18, pregnant women, nursing mothers, persons with chronic conditions, patients with high blood pressure, and those who are allergic to some of the ingredients, among others.
If there is a contraindication, stay away from it, or it can do more harm than good.
Learn More - Can Pre-Workout Cause Kidney Stones?
How Does VPX Bang Pre-Workout Compare Vs Competitors?
With so many pre-workout supplements on the market, let's examine how Bang stacks up against the competition.
Bang Master Blaster VPX Vs C4 Pre-Workout
It's hard to compare Bang Master Blaster VPX and C4 Pre-Workout because they are so different.
A propriety blend makes most of the C4, and it contains creatine nitrate instead of monohydrate. The pump is not a strong side of C4.
If we look at the price per serving, C4 is cheaper, but one dose of C4 will certainly not be enough for intermediate and advanced exercisers.
All in all, I would go with Bang Master Blaster pre-workout, but different needs and preferences must be taken into account too.
Related Article - Cellucor C4 Pre-Workout Review
Bang Master Blaster VPX Vs 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
4 Gauge is one of the few pre-workouts free of beta-alanine. Some will like it, and some won't.
A high dose of citrulline malate guarantees muscle pumps, and 150 mg of caffeine is ideal for all those who are sensitive to caffeine.
Coconut water powder is good for hydration, but different flavors are not available, just one.
In general, it is not as potent as Bang pre-workout, but it will help you perform well in the gym.
Related Article - 4 Gauge Pre-Workout Review
Bang Pre-Workout Frequently Asked Questions
It is best to drink Bang Master Blaster pre-workout 30 to 40 minutes before the workout dissolved in 12 oz of water.
Bang pre-workout needs at least 20 minutes to fully kick in.
It lasts at least an hour, probably more, depending on your metabolism.
Learn More - How Long Does Pre-Workout Last In Your System?
No, on the contrary, Bang Master Blaster pre-workout is great for aiding in weight loss.
Learn More - Can Pre-Workout Make You Gain Weight?
You can use Bang energy drink as a pre-workout since it contains a few useful ingredients, such as caffeine, but don’t expect the same results as with Bang pre-workout powder.
Final Verdict
Every product has advantages and disadvantages, and Bang Master Blaster pre-workout is no different.
Key ingredients and doses are the main reasons I recommend this pre-workout to my clients and everyone reading this Bang Master Blaster review, but the caffeine content may bother some.
I hope that this review offered you answers to all the questions you had regarding the Bang’s pre-workout formula.
we recommend this instead!
References:
1. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-019-0310-y#Sec23
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4241904/
3. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z
4. https://www.webmd.com/men/creatine
5. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
6. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/3/701
Last Updated on August 21, 2023