Almost every review we post on our YouTube channel asks for our opinion on accessories from the German brand BigZone. And although we always try to accommodate your wishes, due to the huge amount of supplements, some supplements simply took precedence.
But we finally got around to this manufacturer as well and the first one we took a look at was Blood Storm, a pre-workout supplement from this brand. And how satisfied were we? That's what you'll find out in this review.
Content of the review
At the beginning it remains to add that this pre-workout supplement is completely free of stimulantsand therefore you can take it even if you train late in the evening.
A supercharged formula with a minor downside
As is typical for our reviews, we'll focus on the ingredients first. That's what we found interesting about Blood Storm. It contains very interesting and effective ingredients that many competing manufacturers avoid. Specifically in the ingredients you will find:
- L-citrulline, which is one of the best and most effective supplements for improving blood circulation during workouts. In addition, in Blood Storm it accounts for up to 50% of the entire supplement, because in a 20g hardcore dose there is a whopping 10g of it.
- L-Arginine HCl is, in my opinion, a somewhat unnecessary ingredient because nowadays everything isit is widely known that citrulline is much more effective, which was the subject of one of our earlier articles.
- L-betaine HCl, which contributes to normal homocysteine metabolism, improves nutrient utilization and aids in overall protein metabolism.
- L-Ornithine HCl, which very effectively helps release anabolic hormones and improves protein synthesis.
- Beetroot extract, which is one of the best possible products to improve blood flow and veining during training.
- Resveratrol, which is still a rather controversial substance, but it is attributed with good antioxidant effects as well as a possible positive effect on a number of diseases.
- L-norvaline, which is an amino acid that maximizes NO production. However, due to its price, it is very often substituted by other raw materials and althoughin the USA this substance is quite common, it is used by a minimum of manufacturers here.
- Piperine, which improves the absorption of other substances by up to 3000%.
As far as the composition is concerned, apart from the slightly excess arginine, I miss beta alanine in this product, which, thanks to the tingling effect, endsetin and burning of the ears (although this is absolutely a side effect) has for me a positive effect on the psychological mood for training. Otherwise, I have nothing to complain about, especially good ingredients are norvaline and beetroot extract, which are not exactly common ingredients, but they have their justification.
An intense flavour that may not suit everyone.
As the title of this paragraph suggests, the taste of the Blood Storm pre-workout was very intense. I tried the raspberry flavour and some acidity was noticeable even when using 400ml of water, the upper limit recommended by the manufacturer. And I have to say that in terms of taste it is a much better choice than, for example Serious Prewhich is also completely free of stimulants.
The raspberries are really noticeable from the supplement and despite the not very realistic colour they don't look artificial. I have to admit that after a long time, a supplement is also a taste experience for me, which I definitely recommend.
Very easy to prepare even without a shaker
If there's one thing to highlight about Blood Storm, it's the seamless solubility. I used roughly 400ml of water in preparation and poured a full scoop of Blood Storm into the jar with it. Then all I had to do was stir it a few times with a spoon and the pre-workout dissolved without any problems.
It is also necessary to add that unlike most other pre-workout supplements I have tried, Blood Storm did not tend to re-sediment at the bottom. Preparation is therefore extremely easy, which you'll appreciate especially when you don't want to carry a shaker to the gym.
An effect that lacks something to make it perfect
Most people tend to nonsensically judge the effects of pre-workouts by how much they "kick in." Stimulants are responsible for this, of course, but their use is relatively counterproductive (if only because they are vasoconstrictive and therefore paradoxically restrict blood flow to the muscle). If you choose a pre-workout without stimulants, this effect is completely eliminated. And it is no different with Blood Storm. Thanks to an incredible 10g of citrulline in a hardcore dose, you'll experience a truly massive blood flow, and beetroot extract will make you so veiny, you won't be surprised.
But what I really missed in the product was beta alanine. Not only because it is a truly functional supplement, but mostly because of the pleasant tingling and burning sensation in my ears. After drinking this supplement, I felt roughly as if I had drunk a glass of plain water. Of course, everything changed with the first time I grabbed a dumbbell. But it doesn't change the fact that maybe the burning ears mentally gave me a slight boost and I felt better immediately. If Blood Storm contained beta alanine, there is nothing to complain about.
Unfortunately, the really high price tag puts most exercisers off
If you want to stick to the normal dosage that the manufacturer specifies, one dose will cost you a rather pleasant . But if you want to use the "Hardcore dose," i.e. 20g, the pre-workout will cost you double that, which is considerably worse. is the price for which Agrezz, the winner of our testing of the best pre-workouts with stimulants. But the vast majority of competing supplements are significantly cheaper and yet have the same, if not better, effect.
Final evaluation
My overall impression of this pre-workout is very mixed. On the one hand, of course, I very much appreciate the absence of stimulants, which is really key for me latelyI also like the fact that this supplement really improves, for example, blood flow or veining in training.
On the other hand, I miss the beta alanine mentioned several times, which, besides being really effective in many ways also helps mentally when you feel that proverbial burning in your ears. To sum it up, Blood Storm is a very good choice in my opinion, especially if you canipay for a Hardcore dose, however, it's still not as good as my favorite Serious Pre.
What about you? Do you have any experience with this supplement? Feel free to share them in the comments, where you can also direct any questions.