Read The ARMD – CONTRABAND Pre Workout Review
Introducing one of Australia’s best kept pre workout secrets! Contraband is an absolute pre workout powerhouse with a hard hitting surge of energy that doesn’t know how to quit! This creation was invented in western Sydney in 2021 with a new formula & new look early in 2023. Let’s take a deeper look into what makes Contraband so good! armd contraband pre workout review.
KEY POINTS
- LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2021
- RE FORMULATED EARLY 2023
- 400MG CAFFEINE PER 2 SCOOP SERVE
- 40/20 SERVE PRE WORKOUT
- LONG LASTING ENERGY
- LONG LASTING PUMPS
- AUSTRALIAN MADE + OWNED BRAND
CONTRABAND FORMULA AND DOSAGE
Going off the new formula (because that’s available now), it is actually almost identical to the original but with the addition of L-Citrulline to provide users with a pump that it didn’t before. Contraband is also now in a 40/20 serve tub which is in the strict TGA guideline rulings. Some may prefer a single scoop – 30 serve pre workout but the 40/20 split is actually more beneficial to most. This allows beginners to assess their tolerance before going heavier on caffeine.
40/20 serve tubs also allow for more ingredients to be added compared to a huge single scoop. So you aren’t actually losing out or spending more compared to the old days which is still a common misconception to Australian pre workout users. armd contraband pre workout review.
CONTRABAND INGREDIENTS
You can find the full panel on the Contraband product page HERE.
Let’s cover a few of the stand out ingredients and break them up into their specific roles (Per 2 Scoop Dose):
Energy: Caffeine Anhydrous (400mg), English Walnut (200mg), Zynamite (150mg), Thecrine (150mg),
Pumps & Vasodilation: L-Citrulline Malate (3000mg), L-Norvaline (100mg) Agmatine Sulphate (500mg).
Nootropics/Focus: Alpha GPC (150mg).
Power/Performance: Beta Alanine (2500mg), Betaine Anhydrous (1500mg).
RESULTS/EFFECTS
As you can see, Contraband is a stimulant junkies wet dream. A huuuge amount of caffeine along with high dosages of other CNS activators along different pathways. Thanks to the Teacrine, these effects will last well and truely long after your workout has ended so no fear of crashing mid workout. With additions of beta alanine & betaine anhydrous you will get a moderate boost of endurance and power. Now with so much stimulants, the pump will not be as ideal no matter what ARMD have thrown in, however the new formula does include some Citrulline Malate & L-Norvaline which will at least give you some nitric oxide production and prolong that effect which is still good to see!
SIDE EFFECTS
As the case with all high stim pre workouts, your energy levels peak within a 30-60min window. You may experience the ‘jittery’ feeling throughout your training if you are not an experienced user but again this is dependent on your caffeine tolerance. Personally, we felt absolutely none of these effects but it is not uncommon for inexperienced pre workout users & that is why half a scoop is recommended for beginners at least to begin with.
We would recommend most users to steer clear from taking Contraband roughly 6 hours prior to bedtime due to the high level of caffeine but also because of the teacrine. It may keep you from crashing mid workout but it will also keep you awake for hours after consuming. armd contraband pre workout review.
FLAVOURS
Contraband is currently available in 3 flavours at the time of this review, they are:
Columbian Passion Powder (Passionfruit), Sour Gummies (Sour Gummy Bears), Strawberry Jelly Uppers (Strawberry).
So far we have only tried the Strawberry Jelly Uppers. Now this flavour started off incredible but personally left a strange aftertaste. Columbian Passion Powder is by far the best seller but personally, we’re not a fan of Passionfruit.
This leads us to remind everyone that flavouring is a very individualistic preference. Just because we may love or hate a flavour doesn’t mean that it is the same with you or anyone else.
WHEN/HOW TO TAKE
We recommend taking 1-2 scoops of Contraband pre workout 15-20min prior to training. Otherwise just 1 scoop to asses tolerance for beginners or those who are easily effected by caffeine & stimulants.
Remember not to forget about the prolonged effects of caffeine & teacrine so try to avoid taking at least 6 hours prior to bedtime. Possibly more if you are sensitive to stimulants. armd contraband pre workout review.
FINAL WORDS / RATING
While this pre workout lacks a high level of pump & focus ingredients, the sole purpose of this pre workout is KICK YOUR ASS with energy and not let up for hours. So it’s safe to say that it is designed for those looking to lift some serious weight in workouts without the fear of falling flat before your workout has ended. All-in-all we give the ARMD Contraband Pre Workout the following rating:
