Which Pre-Workout is Best? Bulk Blood vs 5150 vs C4 vs ABE vs Crank — Honest Comparison

Bulk Blood — Pump & nitric oxide focus

Best for: maximal muscle pump and blood flow

Key formula highlights: very high L-citrulline malate (≈6,000 mg), arginine AKG (≈4,000 mg) and a pump-first approach. Also contains beta-alanine and higher-dose caffeine in the regular version.

Pros: exceptional pump ingredients, clear dosing for vasodilation.

Cons: if you want huge stim, check stimulant amount; best combined with proper hydration.

Source: BeBulk product page. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

5150 (Rich Piana / 5% Nutrition) — High stim, extreme focus

Best for: experienced users who want an extreme energy boost

Key formula highlights: multiple caffeine sources totalling ~400 mg per serving, 4,000 mg L-citrulline, 2,500 mg beta-alanine and tyrosine + choline for focus.

Pros: huge energy + focus; engineered for experienced stimulant users.

Cons: too strong for beginners; try half dose first.

Sources: 5% Nutrition / retailer listings. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

C4 (Cellucor) — Reliable classic

Best for: moderate energy and wide availability

Key formula highlights: moderate caffeine (~150–200 mg depending on variant), beta-alanine (CarnoSyn®), and creatine in some formulas — good for many lifters.

Pros: beginner friendly, predictable effects, lots of flavors.

Cons: not the highest pump or highest stim.

Source: Cellucor C4 product page. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

ABE (Applied Nutrition) — Balanced performance formula

Best for: athletes who want creatine + pump + stim in one scoop

Key formula highlights: contains citrulline, beta-alanine, caffeine and added creatine — a full-spectrum approach for power and endurance.

Pros: good all-rounder, strong ingredient lineup for most athletes.

Cons: not as spicy as high-stim products if you want an extreme kick.

Source: Applied Nutrition product pages. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Crank (ESN) — pump + botanicals

Best for: advanced lifters who like plant extracts and a warming heat

Key formula highlights: citrulline + arginine + caffeine plus special extracts (Aframomum melegueta, synephrine, capsicum) in certain editions for heat and drive.

Pros: unique sensory profile and strong pump + stimulant combo.

Cons: contains extracts that can increase heart rate — be cautious if stimulant-sensitive.

Source: ESN product pages. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}