Ok everyone, today we are going to look at the Pre-Kaged Elite from Kaged Muscle.
I bought this heavy-duty pre-workout and tested it out for myself. In this review, I will tell you how it tastes, mixes ingredients, my workout experience, and more.
If there is anything you want to know about Pre-Kaged Elite, it will likely be covered in this review. Let’s get started.
Kaged Muscle makes two different pre-workout supplements. Pre-Kaged and Pre-Kaged Elite. Pre-Kaged Elite is geared more toward the hardcore lifter looking to build muscle and wants something stronger than your average pre-workout supplement.
It comes with more ingredients, more potent doses, and the price tag is a little higher as well. Is it worth it? Continue reading and find out.
Who is Kaged Muscle?
Kaged Muscle is a sports nutrition company founded by Kris Gethin, a renowned fitness expert, and professional bodybuilder. Kaged Muscle specializes in producing high-quality dietary supplements designed to support athletic performance, muscle building, and overall fitness.
The company is known for its commitment to transparency, using scientifically backed ingredients, and avoiding proprietary blends in its products.
I have used and tested many of their products and they are generally some of the best out there.
Overview of Pre-Kaged Elite
Pre-Kaged Elite excels in many areas, such as ingredient selection, dosing, and completeness being its primary strengths. Kaged Muscle demonstrates an exceptional commitment by consistently opting for patented versions of ingredients whenever they are accessible.
This strategic choice not only enhances the credibility of the potential benefits associated with the individual ingredients but also bolsters the overall quality and effectiveness of the product.
This bad boy is made to be your all-in-one pre-workout supplement. It is made to build muscle like a creatine supplement would and also give you a serious energy boost along with muscle pumps and increased focus.
The dosing of the ingredients is quite generous as you would expect with a more hardcore pre-workout supplement.
It’s also naturally flavored, gluten-free and non-GMO.
Sounds great, but let’s take a look at the ingredients and then see how it worked.
Here is where the rubber meets the road. If the ingredients aren’t any good, then the supplement will fail. With a name like Pre-Kaged Elite, you would expect it to be good, though, And it is.
L-Cirtulline – 10,000 mg
L-citrulline, commonly known as citrulline, is an amino acid frequently present in pre-workout supplements, known for its vasodilating properties (1). Translation: This ingredient gives you serious muscle pumps and veins.
Each scoop provides a massive dosage of 10,000mg of citrulline. In comparison, supplements considered to have “high doses” typically range between 5,000mg and 8,000mg, while standard dosages often hover around 2,500mg. This dosage is one of the highest I have seen in a pre-workout.
Beta Alanine – 3200 mg
Beta-Alanine is another ingredient you will find in most pre-workout supplements. This is the ingredient that provides that tingly feeling. It does more than just that, though. Beta-Alanine has also been shown to delay the onset of neuromuscular fatigue in men and women during intense exercise.[2] It has also been shown to increase overall muscle strength and improved muscle endurance and total work done[3] [4]
Betaine Anhydrous – 2500 mg
Betaine, a well-known compound present in beetroots, possesses various potential benefits for both mental and physical performance. In every scoop of Pre-Kaged Elite, you can expect to receive an average dose of 2,500mg of betaine anhydrous in the specialized BetaPower™ form. Betaine has several potential effects, including the possibility of acting as an antidepressant, which could contribute to enhancing your motivation for exercising at the gym. Additionally, betaine may have the ability to enhance power output and assist in improving body composition.
Creatine – 5000 mg
Creatine is the best muscle and strength-building supplement you can buy (legally). This pre-workout features 5 total grams of creatine which is great, most pre-workout supplements use 3mg or less.
The typical dosage of creatine is typically around 5,000mg, varying based on the specific type used. In the case of Pre-Kaged Elite, it includes 3,000mg of creatine monohydrate and 2,000mg of creatine nitrate. The inclusion of different types is aimed at potentially enhancing the bioavailability and absorption of creatine monohydrate while also offering the same benefits as monohydrate alone.(5)
L-Tyrosine – 2500 mg
L-tyrosine is an amino acid that can help improve focus and energy. Studies have shown that tyrosine can also help to improve stress levels in addition to focusing while under mental and physical stress.(6) The 2500 mg dose in Pre-Kaged Elite is about average for a pre-workout supplement.
Alpha GPC – 300 mg
Alpha glycerophosphocholine, commonly referred to as Alpha GPC, acts as a precursor to acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter primarily associated with memory and attention. Consuming a dosage ranging from 300mg to 600mg of Alpha GPC can yield nootropic effects, potentially enhancing cognitive function, improving focus, and even enhancing muscle power output. In each serving of Pre-Kaged Elite, you will find the minimum effective dose of 300mg of alpha GPC. This can assist in directing the intense stimulant effects towards a focused energy that can be harnessed more effectively during your workout sessions.
Taurine – 2000 mg
Taurine, a vital amino acid, carries significant importance in pre-workout supplementation, particularly in conjunction with beta-alanine. It plays a crucial role, and insufficient levels of taurine can potentially lead to taurine deficiency when supplementing with beta-alanine alone.[7]
Huperzine A – 10 mg
Huperzine A is a common focus ingredient found in many pre-workout supplements, although the research regarding its effectiveness remains inconclusive. However, the dosage required for potential ergogenic effects is relatively small, so if this ingredient doesn’t seem to work for you, there isn’t a significant loss. Furthermore, no studies have reported any negative side effects thus far. It may be beneficial to include huperzine A in the supplement alongside other focus ingredients that have more established benefits rather than relying solely on huperzine A. This particular pre-workout product contains an average dose of 10mg per scoop.
Coconut Fruit Water Powder – 500mg
Coconut Fruit Water Powder is a common ingredient found in pre-workout supplements. It is derived from the water inside young coconuts and is known for its hydrating properties. Coconut water is naturally rich in electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and sodium, which are essential for maintaining proper hydration and supporting muscle function. In pre-workout supplements, Coconut Fruit Water Powder is often included to help replenish electrolytes lost during intense exercise, enhance hydration levels, and support overall performance and recovery. Additionally, it may contribute to a refreshing taste and provide a natural source of energy.
Caffeine – 388 mg
Similar to creatine, caffeine has been extensively researched, and its beneficial effects on both physical performance and cognitive function are well-documented in scientific literature. It has been shown to enhance muscle endurance, muscle strength, anaerobic power, and aerobic endurance, making it suitable for various types of exercises. In Pre-Kaged Elite, you get a hefty 388 mg dose, which is equivalent to approximately four cups of coffee. Many other pre-workout supplements typically contain half that amount. If you are sensitive to caffeine, it is advisable to exercise caution. It is recommended to start with half a scoop to assess your tolerance before adjusting the dosage accordingly.
L-Carnitine – 1500 mg
L-carnitine is a common ingredient in pre-workout supplements. It helps transport fatty acids for energy production, potentially improving endurance and fat metabolism during exercise. It may also enhance athletic performance, aid in fat loss, and provide antioxidant benefits. Translation: it helps you get shredded.
I tested out the Orange Mango flavor of Pre-Kaged Elite. The scoops are bigger than you would normally have with a pre-workout supplement, but that was to be expected since it has higher doses and more ingredients than most pre-workouts.
It mixed up very easily, it was a little on the foamy side, but that’s typical. The taste was good, definitely above average. I had no trouble at all drinking the entire serving.
There was only a small amount of tingle, less than I expected, considering the larger dose of Beta-Alanine. I’m okay with that, though. I usually find the tingly feeling annoying,
One thing that was quite noticeable was the energy boost, as expected with a 388 mg dose of caffeine. I didn’t feel any jitters with the energy boost, though, which made me pretty happy. I trained my arms and did cardio and the energy boost was pretty serious.
I should not that I took this supplement at 6 pm, thinking it was early enough and that it would wear off by midnight so I could sleep. I was wrong on that one. I was up until at least 2 am, which was not fun. You are best off using this one earlier in the day unless you feel like having a late night.
I did also notice increased muscle pumps when hitting the bicep curls. That’s always a pretty good pump exercise, but with Pre-Kaged Elite, I could feel it even more, which made me want to train even harder.
Overall I would say it was a great experience, and it delivered on everything it said it would deliver on. That said, you should learn from my mistake and take it earlier in the day if you want a good night’s sleep.
What I Like About Pre-Kaged Elite
I like that it has 5 grams of creatine per serving. Most pre-workouts will give you wimpy creatine doses that aren’t as effective. Pre-Kaged Elite gives you clinically effective doses for muscle and strength building.
I like that it doesn’t contain artificial flavoring. We have enough other things out there that are loaded with artificial ingredients. Nice to see a supplement going all-natural and having it taste good
Strong doses. Pre-Kaged does not skimp on any of the doses in this supplement. If you want s serious pre-workout, then this is a great choice.
I like the taste, it does still taste like a pre-workout and no Kool-Aid, but it is better than most pre-workouts in terms of flavor.
What I Didn’t Like About Pre-Kaged Elite
The price of this supplement is a bit on the steep side. But if you consider that it is like getting a creatine supplement and a pre-workout in one, it really isn’t that bad.
This one is more of a personal preference, but this one has a bit too much caffeine for me. If you are a hardcore lifter who loves pre-workout, you will like it, but I thought it was a bit much.
Available Flavors for Pre-Kaged Elite
I rested out the Orange-Mango, and it was pretty good. I haven’t tested any of the other flavors, but here is a complete list.
Orange Mango
Fruit Punch
Glacier Grape
Strawberry Lemonade
Caribbean Sunrise
Is Pre-Kaged Elite 3rd Party Tested?
Pre-Kaged Elite sets itself apart as a pre-workout supplement that athletes can rely on. It undergoes rigorous third-party testing, is Informed Choice certified, and is guaranteed to be free from banned substances. With Pre-Kaged Elite, athletes can train with confidence, knowing they are choosing a safe and trusted product.
Price for Pre-Kaged Elite
You can conveniently purchase Kaged Pre-Kaged Elite from the official Kaged website. Each container offers 20 servings and is priced at approximately $59.99 for a one-time purchase. However, subscribing to regular shipments brings the cost down to $53.99.
This translates to approximately $2.99 and $2.70 per serving, respectively. While the price may be slightly higher, it’s important to note that Pre-Kaged Elite combines the benefits of a creatine supplement and a pre-workout, making it a valuable investment.
How to Take Pre-Kaged Elite
While it’s recommended to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions as a general guideline, it is advisable to consume your pre-workout approximately 20 to 30 minutes prior to starting your exercise routine. This timeframe allows your body to begin absorbing the ingredients and gives your stomach some time to settle before your workout session.
Pros and Cons for Pre-Kaged Elite
Pros
Generous doses on all ingredients
Uses 5 grams of creatine for muscle building
No artificial flavoring or sweeteners
Tastes good and mixes well
3rd party tested and Informed Sports Certified
Cons
May be too much caffeine for some people
Above average in price
Conclusion for Pre-Kaged Elite by Kaged Muscle
Pre-Kaged Elite is an excellent pre-workout for hardcore lifters that want to build muscle and want a stronger pre-workout supplement. It has a solid taste and mixes well.
In my experience, it gave a really good energy boost and increased muscle pumps. The tingle was not as much as expected, but I am okay with that.
I would recommend that you take this pre-workout earlier in the day. I took it at 6 pm and was up until 2 pm.
Pricewise, it is above average, but you get strong doses of the ingredients, and it’s also like getting a pre-workout and creatine supplement in one so it makes the price more reasonable.
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Hoffman J, Ratamess N, Kang J, Mangine G, Faigenbaum A, Stout J. Effect of creatine and beta-alanine supplementation on performance and endocrine responses in strength/power athletes. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2006 Aug;16(4):430-46. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.16.4.430. PMID: 17136944.
Hoffman JR, Ratamess NA, Faigenbaum AD, Ross R, Kang J, Stout JR, Wise JA. Short-duration beta-alanine supplementation increases training volume and reduces subjective feelings of fatigue in college football players. Nutr Res. 2008 Jan;28(1):31-5. doi: 10.1016/j.nutres.2007.11.004. PMID: 19083385.
Peeling P, Binnie MJ, Goods PSR, Sim M, Burke LM. Evidence-Based Supplements for the Enhancement of Athletic Performance. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2018 Mar 1;28(2):178-187. doi: 10.1123/ijsnem.2017-0343. Epub 2018 Feb 21. PMID: 29465269.
Deijen JB, Wientjes CJ, Vullinghs HF, Cloin PA, Langefeld JJ. Tyrosine improves cognitive performance and reduces blood pressure in cadets after one week of a combat training course. Brain Res Bull. 1999 Jan 15;48(2):203-9. doi: 10.1016/s0361-9230(98)00163-4. PMID: 10230711.
Waldron, M., Patterson, S.D. & Jeffries, O. Oral taurine improves critical power and severe-intensity exercise tolerance. Amino Acids51, 1433–1441 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-019-02775-6
Ryan is a former college wrestler and lifelong fitness fanatic. He has run half marathons, done mud runs, placed in body transformation contests, coached wrestling, and now coaches girls’ soccer. Not to mention he has also tried literally hundreds of supplements over the years and has a vast and thorough supplement knowledge. He has written for Muscle & Strength, Testosterone Junkie, The Sport Review and other publications. He is also the editor-in-chief of this website and has over 25 years of experience in the fitness industry. Feel free to connect with him on his LinkedIn page below.
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