Over the years there have been a number of different C4’s produced by Cellucor. Our first taste dates all the way back to around 2012 when the brand actually took out 1,3 dimethylamylamine or DMAA. Back then the pre-workout market wasn’t nearly as saturated as it is now, making C4 not look too bad compared to the competition. Fast forward a few years and a lot has changed. Not only have Cellucor reformulated their energizing supplement but they also now have five different versions. We figured 2015 would be as good a time as any to give C4 another go and see if Cellucor have kept up with their competitors. It’s taken us about two weeks, but with an almost empty 30 serving tub we bring you our Cellucor C4 review.
While you can’t always judge a book by its cover, or in this case a supplement by its formula. You can get a pretty good about how well a product will be whether it’s going to set some records, get you pumped, bounce you off the walls or give you the classic tunnel vision effect. Looking at the G4 Series C4 Extreme, Cellucor have kept things pretty simple. They haven’t introduced anything to really compete with those also offering pump, or included much to add any kind of focus. As mentioned though, you can’t or at least we don’t judge a book entirely on its cover. If a brand takes the time to put together a supplement, we owe it to them to try the product instead of guessing based on the ingredients.
Like all good pre-workouts Cellucor’s C4 starts out with an energy kick, adding a bit of brightness to your day. The supplement brings on a nice wake up call which is exactly what you need on your way to the gym. It is during this time that the beta-alanine pins and needles kicks in and is a lot more uncomfortable than usual. We’ve found even at the same doses in products the side effect does vary, with it being quite strong in C4. The effect does of course subside once you get into your workout where you can then make good use of the energy. As you move through your training, rep to rep, set to set, and exercise to exercise. Cellucor C4’s wake up will prove to be quite useful encouraging a speedy session and powering your body from one moment to the next. The effect is like an uplifting type of energy, bordering on mood enhancement. The supplement offers a very feel good sensation that doesn’t really die out until after you’ve left the gym. Cellucor have included TeaCor theacrine in the G4 Series C4, although compared to others we’ve had with the ingredient in it we can’t say the energy is anywhere near as long lasting.
The unfortunate catch with this review is that the story ends there. The bright uplifting energetic effect is all the product really has going for it. Not only is this a little disappointing when you’re taking the pre-workout thinking it will be on par with the competition, but it is extremely surprising. Having just energy without that intensity, pump or even focus, leaves you with a very empty workout. On almost every occasion a pre-workout will offer energy and intensity. The energy fuels your body through the session and the intensity ensures you’re lifting strong, you don’t die out, and your muscles are 100% ready before every set. Without that intensity the experience is quite surreal. Imagine having the energy to lift heavy and hard, then after each set not having that edge or drive to go back and hit the next set twice as intense. It’s obviously not something you would naturally want, but after using so many pre-workouts and seeing energy go hand in hand with a solid dose of intensity. You really miss that side of a pre-workout and only realize how important it is when it’s gone.
Cellucor C4 does feel a bit like an energy drink, where the idea is that it just wakes you up and keeps you going for the day. It’s not something you would want to train with, especially if you’ve had any of the more complete competitors out there. While it does lack that intensity or performance factor that usually sees the energy of the supplement amplified. C4 also drastically falls behind due to it not offering much of a pump or attempt at enhancing focus. We won’t say the two, usually common effects are completely non-existent, however they are almost at a level where you may not notice them. The pump makes the argument that it may be C4 filling you up or your own effort in trying to destroy your muscles. Either way you look at it, the effect is at a level you could easily create on your own. As for the focus, the same thing could be said. There is a touch of it, although only when you really look for it. Even then it’s so weak you won’t be able to tell if it’s a pinch of focus or an uplifting reaction from the energy.
Cellucor C4 review final words
As much as we had hoped to be blown away like we were all those years ago by the post-DMAA C4. It seems like a lot of veteran companies, Cellucor haven’t been able to keep up with the competition. With all the pre-workouts we’ve had since 2012, it would be impossible to do a direct comparison of our first experience with the G4 Series C4. What we do know for sure though is that the latest version of the product doesn’t really offer much outside of its uplifting energy and barely noticeable drive. The brand have clearly maintained their packaging standards, keeping with the custom bottle and chrome finish. The looks unfortunately don’t reflect the quality of the supplement, in fact in the case of Cellucor’s C4 we’d say it’s almost the complete opposite.
