USE
I took this product as a creatine supplement. As directed, I took 2 scoops in the morning and 2 scoops after I worked out for the first five days. For the rest of the container (20 more days), I took 2 scoops after my workout. My goal was to help increase my strength and size.
EFFECTIVENESS
6/10
This is actually a higher score than I thought I would give this product because there were many cons (which I will discuss). But, I have to admit that by the end of the container, I did notice some improvements in my strength and physique. But I think I would have experienced those same gains had I taken another creatine product and just added some carbs and BCAAs. I will say that it is more effective than taking nothing though so it has to get some marks for that.
MIXABILITY
7/10
It mixed decently. There was a bit of residue and there was definitely a syrupy texture to it—not bad overall, though (but you know there’s a problem when mixability gets the highest score in a supplement review).
TASTE/DRINKABILITY
3/10
I had the orange flavor. It tasted like a really sugary and syrupy version of McDonald’s orange soda. I actually used to like their orange soda so I guess it gets a few marks for taste! The drinkability is where the problem is. Like I said it was really syrupy and that did not make it fun to drink, especially in the loading phase when you need to take it before breakfast first thing in the morning. And it made me feel so bloated that I could barely eat anything after that. It felt like someone just poured a bottle of syrup into my stomach. I tried having many different types of breakfasts (toast, bagel, eggs, protein shake/fruit smoothie) but I could barely get anything else in me. I had to wait at least an hour or two and I felt like I was rushing to get all my calories in each day. I thought it might be different after I worked out but the same thing happened—I’d have to wait at least an hour before I could get anything else in me. It had plenty of carbs, which is good after exercise; but during that post-workout window, you NEED to be getting more protein in you than just the amino acids in this product. This product made it hard to do that.
SIDE EFFECTS
Definitely caused bloating—worse than any other creatine product I’ve ever taken. I’ve even had thick, low-quality weight-gainers that were packed with fillers that sat in my stomach better than this product did. As mentioned, this made it very difficult to eat anything for awhile—you need to eat plenty of quality calories to put on lean muscle so if you’re taking something that’s impeding your ability to do so, you’re in trouble. So yes I experienced side effects—both direct and indirect ones.
VALUE
3/10
As with all MuscleTech products I’ve ever taken—or at least seen on the shelf—it is ridiculously overpriced. I got the 6.6lb container for $60 and it only lasted just over three weeks. Now, let me say that I have no problem coughing over extra money if I’m buying a great product—in my eyes, those types of purchases are worth it. But I have definitely taken creatine supplements for MUCH less that were just as, if not more, effective than Cell-Tech. It does have many other ingredients in it like dextrose and BCAAs. But you could buy these products separately, take them with your creatine, and STILL get more bang for your buck. I gave it a few marks because it is better than taking nothing (probably anyways!) so you’re not getting completely ripped off. But the bottom line is this product is far too overpriced.
COMPARED TO OTHER PRODUCTS
Not your best bet! There are many other products that I would recommend taking before this one. Actually, I’d recommend any other creatine product before this one! There are just too many cons with this product. Try Purple K, Con-Cret, or even just plain creatine monohydrate—you’ll save money and get similar results especially if you take it with some of the other ingredients in Cell-Tech (again, I think you’ll still get more bang for your buck doing it this way).
OVERALL
3/10
I was really disappointed with this product. I tried a few more MuscleTech products (I think I was probably a victim of hyped marketing) and did not like those either. I really think you are better to go with another creatine product. Just make sure you’re taking your creatine with carbs, as studies suggest this is more effective than taking creatine on its own. Personally, I’ve tried a few different combinations and found that I get the best results when I mix my creatine with some sort of carb drink (e.g., I prefer Vitargo, but even just waxy maize or Gatorade is good) as well as BCAAs (Xtend is my favorite). If you want to give Cell-Tech a try, go ahead and hopefully for your sake (and money) you experience better results than I did—but, personally, this would be one of the last products I would recommend.
| Pros: |
Cons: |
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- Too Expensive
- Bloated Stomach
- Stomach Pains With Morning Loading Dose
- Upset Stomach
- Taste
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