Every now and then we get a supplement in for review that’s not available in the US. Sometimes it’s because the brand doesn’t have a presence here, or more commonly the product is an international version. We bring all this up today as we recently got in a supplement that is exactly that, an international version. The slightly different formula is USP Labs’ Australian edition of Jack3d, which over the past few weeks we’ve been putting to the test to bring you today’s full review.
Two of the effects we expected the Australian Jack3d to deliver well on were energy and focus. Not only because they’re two things USP almost always comes through on in pre-workouts, but also because the supplement’s ingredients leaned more towards the pair. After pushing the product to limit at its maximum of three servings, it seems we were right in expecting solid amounts of energy and focus as that is exactly what the AU Jack3d has.
Smooth rush of long-lasting energy
Like all good pre-workouts Jack3d’s energy and focus starts kicking in somewhere between 10 to 20 minutes after taking it. It’s not an immediate hit, more like a smooth rush that continues to get stronger as you start and progress through your workout. The rush does peak roughly 10 minutes in, although at the intensity you’ll be lifting, time will likely be the last thing on your mind.
The energy isn’t on a level as high as we’ve seen, however as mentioned in the past there is a point where more energy and stimulation just becomes uncomfortable. We feel Jack3d sits a few steps down from that, giving you enough energy to pick you up from any state or enough to elevate your game if you’re already in the mood. What makes the energy even more special is that it doesn’t really end.
While Jack3d’s energy does peak at about 10 minutes in, only going downhill from there, that downhill is quite a long and slow one. If you’re a 45 to 60 minute workout person the supplement will have no problem fueling you right through to the end, and even have you finishing on a fairly strong high. As for when the energy actually starts to wear off. After that 45 to 60 minute workout you can expect to keep feeling relatively energized for about another 30 to 60 minutes, then from there it slowly fades away.
Enough focus to get you in the zone
As mentioned Jack3d does deliver both energy and focus, with the focus not entirely on the same level as the energy, but still very noticeable. The focus does indeed kick in around the same time as the energy, although it is a bit hard to notice at times as the energy can overshadow it. The moment we feel the mind clearing effect is at its best is around the time the energy peaks, about 10 to 20 minutes in.
The combination of energy and focus has you feeling ready for more reps than you know you’re capable of, and focused enough to think of nothing else. The one catch with the focus though is that not only is it a little weaker than the energy, but it also doesn’t last as long or at least stay at its best for as long. Basically when you reach the end of your workout don’t be surprised if it is just the energy that remains. There were occasions for us where the focus did stay for a good half a workout, however it wasn’t at a consistent level worth looking forward to.
Missing pump and performance
While the AU Jack3d does come through well with energy and a bit less with focus, there are two areas it doesn’t really touch on at all. As far as pump and performance go, the product doesn’t exactly offer much. It is mostly an energy driven experience, meaning when it comes to intense major muscle days or strength workouts. The supplement doesn’t quite refuel you or have you lifting as well as more performance based pre-workouts such as Jim Stoppani’s Pre Jym or Muscle Elements’ PreCre.
Much like the lack of performance in Jack3d, there also isn’t a lot of pump to it. Its high energy and focus can help create a good pump depending on your workout, but there was never a moment for us where we felt the product was amplifying the pump in any way.
Competitive pre with almost everything you need
Overall USP’s Australian edition of Jack3d is a fairly competitive pre-workout. While it does quickly fall behind a number of others in the category as it doesn’t cover the likes of pump, and the focus could be a bit better. Its combination of energy and complimenting focus do make it an above average supplement.
We definitely wouldn’t be surprised if anyone down under had this as a favorite of theirs, as its two effects essentially give you everything you need to do a quality workout. Also if you need to add pump there are of course plenty of dedicated pump products out there that you can simply stack it with.
