For the longest time, I’ve put away writing the Six Star pre-workout review, mostly because I wasn’t interested in trying it out.

However, Six Star pre-workout still appears to be one of the most popular products on the market due to its incredible price tag, so I thought to myself, “It’s time.”

I bought three tubs of Six Star pre-workout, took it for three weeks, and now I’m about to present you with potentially shocking results.

Pros

  • Inexpensive
  • Safe to double-scoop
  • Beginner-friendly
  • Tastes great

Cons

  • Does not improve pumps
  • Contains artificial dyes
  • Can cause tingles
  • Proprietary blend formula

Six Star Pre-Workout Review

Six Star pre-workout is easily one of the most affordable pre-workouts on the market. Even if you take two scoops, which Six Star recommends as a serving dose, the product still comes out 50% cheaper than your average pre-workout.

Now, the issue with Six Star pre-workout is that while a two-scoop serving will energize you, every other ingredient except caffeine is still below the minimal clinically efficacious dose.

What’s worse, if you remove the ones closest to the minimal effective dose (beta-alanine, betaine, and L-arginine AKG), the formula would still be as effective, minus the tingles.

Now, this isn’t just me saying it. Everyone I consulted with, including certified fitness coaches, nutritionists, and pharmacists, agreed that Six Star pre-workout is virtually caffeine powder with some not-so-useful extras.

Six Star Pre-Workout

Six Star Pre-Workout

Ingredients

2.5

Effectiveness

4.0

Price

4.0


Overall Rating

3.5

My Ratings Explained

Now that you’ve read a brief Six Star pre-workout review let me tell you why I said what I said.

The ingredients in this one are just plain bad. Their selection is poor, their dosages are poor, and to top things off, the “Advanced Pump Complex” is a useless proprietary blend.” The only reason this one isn’t rated even lower is because 270 mg of caffeine will hit you hard.

Speaking of hitting hard, the only two ingredients that will have an effect on you are caffeine and beta-alanine, and the latter will only cause side effects. In other words, you’ll get a rather noticeable spike in energy coupled with itchy arms and neck. So, 4 out of 5 seems appropriate.

As for the price, it is appealing. Six Star pre-workout is one of the most affordable products on the market, and its Amazon price can drop as low as $15. 

That said, the price-to-value ratio of this one still isn’t good enough, but compared to what’s out there, 4 out of 5 is probably right.

Note: My ratings and further evaluations are based on two scoops of Six Star pre-workout, as that's the recommended serving dose.

Key Details

Servings Per Container

15

Price Per Serving

$1

Unit Count (Ounces)

10.24oz

Flavors

3

Calories (Per Serving)

n/a

Carbohydrates (Per Serving)

N/A

Calcium (Per Serving)

N/A

Sodium (Per Serving)

N/A

Potassium (Per Serving)

N/A

Will My Performance Increase?

I saw a boost in some aspects of my physical and mental performance, but overall, I wouldn’t call the Six Star pre-workout a good all-around performance enhancer, and I doubt you’d disagree with me.

Six Star Pre-Workout Performance Graph

To be fair to Six Star pre-workout, a near-300-milligram dose of caffeine does offer a noticeable energy boost and focus increase. In fact, my focus was great when taking Six Star pre-workout. I’d just feel in the zone for the entire session.

With endurance and strength, however, I only saw minor, borderline insignificant improvements.

Finally, while claiming to have designed “Advanced Pump Complex” to effectively boost nitric oxide production, Six Star pre-workout provided me with no pump-boosting effects whatsoever. 

However, enhancing NO production isn’t just about massive pumps. You need sufficient blood flow to your muscles to enhance endurance and strength, too. As I said, I couldn’t see any significant improvements in that area.

How Will I Feel Post-Workout?

Six Star pre-workout made me feel good post-workout. Plain and simple.

One of the benefits of supplements like Six Star pre-workout is that you will feel good even after you finish working out because caffeine’s residual effects will stay with you for the next hour or two, depending on how long you stay in the gym.

As I usually finish working out in less than 90 minutes, I could always ride the caffeine buzz for the next two hours, allowing me to squeeze in some extra work outside the gym.

Also, crashing wasn’t an issue for me, but we’ll get to that later.

What Are The Possible Side Effects

Six Star pre-workout is safe to use if you’re a healthy adult and you take the pre-workout as you’re supposed to - so one or two scoops mixed in eight ounces of cold water.

Nonetheless, depending on your personal tolerances and health status, Six Star pre-workout could cause side effects such as:

  • Beta-Alanine Tingles: Beta-alanine can cause paresthesia or skin itching approximately 15-20 minutes upon ingestion. The itching is completely harmless and should subside in less than half an hour.
  • Anxiety, Nervousness, and Jitteriness: Depending on your stimulant tolerance, ingesting high amounts of caffeine can trigger an anxious episode coupled with various side effects, such as jitters.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Ingredients such as caffeine or betaine can cause upset stomach, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhea.
  • Cardiovascular issues: High-stim pre-workouts can lead to elevated blood pressure and heart rate.
    Beta-alanine tingles were the only side effect I experienced during the Six Star pre-workout review.

Beta-alanine tingles were the only side effect I experienced during the Six Star pre-workout review.

Six Star Pre-Workout Flavors

What Flavors Are Available And How Do They Taste?

Six Star pre-workout comes in only three different flavors:

  • Fruit Punch
  • Icy Rocket Freeze
  • Pink Lemonade

While their flavor selection isn’t the most extensive, the flavors they cooked up are top-notch. I really can’t stress enough how delicious (for a pre-workout) all three of these were.

Pink Lemonade was my favorite, although it was a bit sweeter than I expected it to be. But I must say that Fruit Punch and Icy Rocket Freeze weren't too far behind, and Icy Rocket did kind of taste like a melted popsicle.

All three flavors dissolved nicely, so you won’t have to pour more water into the glass to get the remains into your system.

On the other hand, Six Star pre-workout uses artificial food coloring, which I don't appreciate.

Is It A Fair Price?

Even at this price point, I can’t say that Six Star pre-workout is fairly priced if you value the quality of the product. It is fairly priced compared to the competition, though. 

Still, anyone with a semi-basic level of pharmacological knowledge could mimic the effects of Six Star pre-workout for about 10-12 cents per serving.

That said, you would involve eliminating most of the ingredients included in the formula, but seeing how they’re already underdosed to the point of inefficacy, that wouldn’t matter in the slightest.

Who Is It Best For?

The process of the Six Star pre-workout review made me realize that the Six Star pre-workout isn’t necessarily the best or ideal for anyone.

One could make a case that Six Star pre-workout is suitable for beginners because a single serving contains what can be considered an entry-level caffeine dose for a gym-goer, but even so, caffeine’s not the only thing that matters.

Now, if you don’t care about the pumps or efficient blood flow during your workouts and just want to feel the energy and the tingles, and those motivate you, then by all means, give Six Star pre-workout a try.

Who Is It Not Good For?

Six Star pre-workout is not good for those looking for an all-around effective pre-workout supplement that would hit all aspects of physical and mental performance.

Suppose you’re anything like me, and you want your pre-workout to contain effective doses of well-researched and scientifically backed ingredients, such as caffeine, citrulline, tyrosine, and theanine, to name a few - you should keep looking elsewhere because Six Star does not fit the bill.

On a more general note, Six Star is not good and/or recommended for:

  • People Under The Age of 18: While not necessarily unsafe, pre-workouts aren’t generally recommended for persons under the age of 18.
  • Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: Due to a lack of research on the matter, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to stay away from pre-workout supplements.
  • People With Underlying Heart Conditions: High-stim pre-workouts can lead to elevated blood pressure, heart rate, or changes in heart rhythm in people with underlying cardiovascular issues.
  • People With Anxiety or Mental Issues: Stimulants like caffeine are known to exacerbate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
  • People With Stimulant Sensitivities: Depending on personal tolerance and/or sensitivity, some individuals are at a higher risk of experiencing side effects associated with caffeine, such as jitters, nervousness, anxiety, etc.
  • People With Insomnia: Caffeine can affect your sleep by interfering with natural adenosine and cortisol cycles, leading to difficulties falling and staying asleep.

Other Online Reviews

Online Store

Star Rating

Number Of Reviews

Amazon

4.4/5

16.500+

Brand Website

4.8/5

280+

Average Online Rating

4.6/5

16.700+

Tips For Increasing Performance Using Six Star Pre-Workout

Sadly, there aren’t a lot of things you can do to increase your performance while using Six Star pre-workout.

I’ve read online that some guys take three scoops before their workout, but I wouldn’t recommend you do the same. Once again, you’re essentially just maxing out on caffeine, while every other ingredient in there barely does anything for you.

My pro tip is to eat a well-rounded meal before taking Six Star pre-workouts. Get some complex carbohydrates in your system so your body has fuel to burn. Also, get some healthy fats and protein in there, and you should be set.

Just don’t eat 30 minutes before lifting. Give it at least an hour and a half so your stomach can process the food.

Six Star Pre-Workout

Six Star Pre-Workout

Ingredients

2.5

Effectiveness

4.0

Price

4.0


Overall Rating

3.5

Ingredients - Effectiveness & Amount

The information below reflects two scoops of Six Star pre-workout, as that is the recommended serving dose.

Key Ingredient

Dosage/Serving

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Caffeine per serve

270 mg

3-6 mg/kg

Effective

Citrulline per serve

<500 mg

6-8 g

Not effective

L-Tyrosine

Approx. 40 mg

500-2000 mg

Not effective

L-Theanine

0 mg

100-200 mg


Caffeine

Caffeine is a powerful stimulant and nootropic and often the cornerstone of every pre-workout powder, including Six Star.

Its effects stem from its ability to effectively block adenosine receptors by binding to them, allowing you to feel more alert and energized.

At 270 mg, Six Star pre-workout offers a clinically effective dose that should enhance performance in the gym in the following areas:

  • Strength and Power Output
  • Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity
  • Reaction Time and Mental Acuity
  • Perception of Fatigue and Endurance
  • Fat Oxidation and Metabolic Rate

Caffeine has been extensively studied for its role in aiding sports and athletic performance, and its performance-boosting effects have been duly noted in scientific literature. For example, a 2010 study led by doctor Todd A. Astorino showed that “5-mg/kg dose of caffeine improved performance, with the magnitude of performance improvement ranging from 5% to 8%”.[1]

Citrulline

Citrulline is an amino acid with a prominent role in the urea cycle. It serves as an L-arginine precursor, an amino acid known for its nitric oxide-boosting properties.

Higher levels of nitric oxide (a signaling molecule carried by hemoglobin) are responsible for enhanced vasodilation, blood flow, and muscle nutrient delivery.

With Six Star pre-workout, you will get a sub-500 milligram dose of L-citrulline (as extrapolated based on other available information), which is way below the clinically efficacious 6-8g/day dose, meaning you will be missing out on the following benefits:

  • Reduced Time to Exhaustion
  • Enhanced Vasodilation and Nutrient Delivery
  • Improved Muscle Pumps

As was the case with caffeine, citrulline’s benefits on exercise performance are backed with scientific research, with a recent 2019 study concluding that “6 g of L-citrulline 1 hour before resistive breathing significantly increased NO bioavailability”, and that “supplementation with L-citrulline (6 g/day for 7 days) increased VO2 uptake kinetics…during moderate and high-intensity exercise in recreationally active adults.”[2]

L-Tyrosine

L-tyrosine is an amino acid with the role of replenishing catecholamine levels during times of stress, such as resistance training.

It is a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, meaning it plays a meaningful role in various cognitive processes.

However, as the effective tyrosine dose appears to be anywhere from 500-2000 mg, Six Star pre-workout won’t help you enjoy any of the following, as its dose is approximately 40 mg (based on other available information):

  • Improved Cognitive Performance
  • Lowered Perception of Stress and Fatigue

While the scientific community is still actively researching tyrosine’s effects, most of them are in agreement that “tyrosine may, under operational circumstances characterized by psychosocial and physical stress, reduce the effects of stress and fatigue on cognitive task performance,” as shown by Jan Berend Deijen, Dutch neuroscientist and researcher in 1999.[3]

Stimulants

Stimulant

Included

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Theobromine

No

250-500 mg


Theacrine

No

50-300 mg


Synephrine/Bitter Orange Extract

No

10-20 mg t.i.d.


DMAE

No

100-300 mg


There are no stimulants other than caffeine in the Six Star pre-workout supplement.

Boosters

Booster

Included

Clinically Effective Dose

Effectiveness

Beta-Alanine

Yes, 3 g

3.2-6.4 g/day

Conditionally effective

L-Arginine AKG

Yes, 2.2 g

3-6 g

Not effective

Nitrosigine

No

1.5 g


Agmatine

No

1.6-6.4 mg/kg


5-HTP

No

300-500 mg


Alpha-GPC

No

300–600 mg


Huperzine A

No

50-200 mcg


Choline Bitartrate

Yes, approx. 200 mg

500-3000 mg

Highly unlikely

Creatine

No

3-5 g/day


Taurine

Yes, Unknown

1-10 g

Highly unlikely

Piperine

No

5-10 mg


Carnitine

No

500-2000 mg


Betaine

Yes, 2.5 g

3-6 g

Unlikely

Yohimbine

No

0.2mg/kg


Alpha-Yohimbine/Rauwolscine

No

0.2mg/kg


Six Star Pre-Workout Supplement Facts

As you can see, the remaining ingredients in the Six Star pre-workout are not the most effective bunch out there, but still, it’s worth knowing why each of these is used in a pre-workout formula.

Beta-Alanine

What it is: Non-essential amino acid - a precursor for carnosine synthesis.

Why it's used: Enhances endurance and reduces muscle fatigue.

Betaine

What it is: Amino acid and a metabolite of choline.

Why it's used: Potential to increase strength and power.

Taurine

What it is: Conditionally essential amino acid.

Why it's used: Potentially enhances endurance and strength and reduces DOMS.

L-Arginine AKG (Arginine Alpha-Ketoglutarate)

What it is: Mixture of L-arginine and alpha-ketoglutarate.

Why it's used: (Ineffectively) Improves blood flow and exercise performance.[4]

Choline Bitartrate

What it is: A salt form of choline with approx. 40% choline content.

Why it's used: Supports cognitive function.[5]

How I Felt When I Took Six Star Pre-Workout

Here’s a recap of how I felt while performing the Six Star pre-workout review.

Within 15 Minutes

The first 15 minutes after taking the Six Star pre-workout was when the beta-alanine tingles would kick in, and the energy would start to ramp up.

Granted, I couldn’t really focus on the energy because the tingles were quite distracting, but I would definitely feel more energized once the itching wore off.

But once that was done, I’d feel pretty eager and motivated to lift and move some heavy weights around. My head would be clear, I wouldn’t be scatterbrained or erratic, so I could easily enter my workouts.

Within 60 Minutes

Sixty minutes in, my workout would be in full swing. I’d be on my third exercise, and I would still go strong.

Unfortunately, I’d be less swole than usual because Six Star wouldn’t do anything for my pumps, but truth be told, that wouldn’t discourage me from lifting.

One thing I would notice is that while I was energized and eager, my endurance would drop off a bit near the end. I would still manage to get my reps in, but compared to some other products I’ve used, it felt like I had to struggle more than I usually would, so I definitely couldn’t add a few extra reps near the end.

After 6+ Hours

Thankfully, the aftermath of Six Star pre-workout didn’t include any crashing or feeling drained.

Since I usually hit the gym around 3 p.m., the caffeine would clear out of my system well by 9 p.m., and I’d just feel like I usually do on my off days.

Seeing how my bedtime isn’t until midnight, I prefer to spend these evening hours with my better half, talking, playing games, or watching movies or shows, and since there were no crashes, I’d enjoy all of those activities.

And, of course, it goes without saying - Six Star pre-workout didn’t affect my ability to fall or stay asleep. It probably would have if I had taken it closer to bedtime - but I didn't.

How Does It Compare To Other Pre-Workouts?

To fully round out the Six Star pre-workout review, I wanted to compare it to two other budget-friendly pre-workouts - C4 Original and REDCON1 Total War pre-workout.

Six Star Vs C4 Original Pre-Workout

C4 Original is the most popular pre-workout in the world, and it has been for quite some time. Now, for the sake of this argument, we have to compare them serving-for-serving, and in that case - Six Star comes out on top.

In a head-to-head comparison, C4 seemingly beats the Six Star by offering an additional 30mg of caffeine (which is honestly negligible), as well as creatine nitrate and citrulline malate, but considering both are ineffectively dosed and won’t make much of a difference, the reason I give the edge to Six Star is purely based on price-per-serving.

However, both Six Star and C4 Original are mediocre products, and I wouldn’t recommend either. 

Six Star

  • Caffeine - 270 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 3000 mg
  • L-Arginine AKG - 2200 mg

C4 Original (Double dose)

  • Caffeine - 300 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 32000 mg
  • Citrulline Malate - 2000 mg

Six Star Vs Total War Pre-Workout

REDCON1 Total War pre-workout is what I deem to be a really solid, budget-friendly product.

In comparison to Six Star, it will grant you an additional 50 mg of caffeine, 6 grams of citrulline malate (at a 2:1 ratio), and an extra 200 mg of beta-alanine, along with some other things.

To seal things off - there isn’t a better pre-workout supplement than Total War at this price point.

Objectively, Total War pre-workout is significantly better than Six Star.

Recommended

Total War

  • Caffeine - 320 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 3200 mg
  • Citrulline Malate - 6000 mg

Six Star

  • Caffeine - 270 mg
  • Beta-alanine - 3000 mg
  • L-Arginine AKG - 2200 mg

What We Have Taken Into Consideration For Giving You A Final Verdict

My Expertise In Supplements

I have always been a bookworm and a gym rat, so naturally, I’ve developed a “healthy obsession” with supplements as the years went by.

Initially, I just wanted to create a superb supplement stack so I could progress faster. Still, I soon realized that the amount of misinformation and bro-science in the community was just too overwhelming.

So, over the last ten years, I’ve become a self-taught supplement expert, combining my personal experience with my extensive knowledge of pharmacology, chemistry, nutrition, and a healthy dose of critical thinking.

Through it all, I’ve read and examined thousands of studies on every compound imaginable, and just to round it all up, I became a certificated sports nutritionist.

Reviewing Other Products

While learning and reading up on different products and supplements, I realized that most of the stuff you can read online is either vague and surface-level, factually incorrect, or just intentionally wrong for the sake of sales.

Honestly, that made me angry.

So, I decided to put my skills and knowledge to good use and help everyone make informed decisions that would benefit their lives. I don’t ever want you to spend your hard-earned money on worthless supplements with no scientific backing and get discouraged and give up training.

So, if you’re ever in need of a genuine, research-backed, and experience-assisted review of any dietary supplement - I’m your guy.

Six Star Pre-Workout Common Questions

What is the Six Star pre-workout correct dosage?

Six Star recommends you gauge your tolerance with a single scoop of Six Star pre-workout and work your way up to a recommended double-scoop dose.

How long does this pre-workout last?

Six Star pre-workout will last around 2.5-3 hours, with its effects dropping after approximately 90 minutes.

How many calories is this pre-workout?

The Six Star ingredient label does not disclose the total calories in a single serving. Still, based on other available information, Six Star pre-workout serving should contain 10 calories per serving.

Is Six Star pre-workout gluten-free?

Six Star pre-workout is processed in a facility that deals with wheat, so it is possible that Six Star is not gluten-free.

Is Six Star pre-workout Explosion safe?

Yes, Six Star pre-workout Explosion is safe if you are a healthy adult adhering to dosing recommendations.

Does Six Star sell pre-workout pills?

Yes, Six Star sells NO Fury caffeine-free pre-workout pills. One serving contains 3000mg of “Nitric Oxide Matrix” proprietary blend based on L-arginine, proven ineffective at aiding sports performance.

Final Verdict

To summarize my Six Star pre-workout review, I’ll just say this - Six Star pre-workout works, but it is simply not good enough. Its shortcomings are masked with a hefty caffeine dose and beta-alanine side effects.

Therefore, I’d much rather you try something with a better, much more well-rounded formula with clinically efficacious ingredients that would enhance every scope of your athletic performance.

we recommend this instead!

Cellucor C4 Ultimate Pre Workout

Ingredients

4.7

Effectiveness

4.8

Price

4.5


Overall Rating

4.7

References: 

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20421833/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8537281/
3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10230711/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3489573/
5. https://examine.com/supplements/choline/#dosage-information

Miloš Lepotic

Miloš Lepotic

Meet Miloš, a certified sports nutritionist and self-taught supplement expert whose pharmacological background and nearly a decade of gym experience make him the perfect guide for optimizing your health and athletic performance through supplement reviews and practical advice rooted in factual, science-backed information.