Pre-Workout Supplements
The Dark Labs Pre-Workout Lineup
From daily energy to maximum-stim formulas. Find the Dark Labs pre-workout built for your session.
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Crack lineup
Crack Intensity Ladder
Crack is our line of stimulant pre-workouts, ranked here from mildest to strongest.

Step 1 of 7 · 30 servings
Crack Initiation
★★★★★Be the first to reviewA smooth entry-level pre-workout for your first steps into the Crack series.

Step 2 of 7 · 30 servings
Crack Daily
★★★★★5.0 (4 reviews)Everyday energy and focus you can use session after session, with no harsh edge.

Step 3 of 7 · 20 servings · 2 scoops
Crack Reloaded
★★★★★5.0 (4 reviews)A high-stim pre-workout that hits harder than Daily, for lifters ready to step up.

Step 4 of 7 · 20 servings · 2 scoops
Crack (Purple)
★★★★★5.0 (3 reviews)A fast-acting high-stim pre-workout for heavy training days.

Step 5 of 7 · 20 servings · 2 scoops
Crack OG
★★★★★5.0 (4 reviews)Our strongest all-rounder: caffeine plus an extended stimulant matrix for long, locked-in sessions.

Step 6 of 7 · 25 servings · Limited
Crack Gold Limited Edition
★★★★★4.7 (3 reviews)A limited-edition extreme pre-workout for max-effort sessions.

Step 7 of 7 · 25 servings
Crack Barbarian
★★★★★5.0 (3 reviews)The hardest-hitting Crack we make. For experienced high-stim users only.
Shop All Pre-Workout Supplements








Crack (Purple)




Crack Reloaded








Maniaco Ripped




Crack Initiation


Pre-workout 101
How to Choose the Best Pre-Workout for Your Training
There is no single best pre-workout for everyone. The right one depends on your stimulant tolerance, the time you train and what you want from the session.
How to Choose a Pre-Workout by Caffeine Tolerance
Your caffeine tolerance matters more than any label. If one coffee keeps you buzzing, start at the bottom of the intensity ladder above. If you already handle strong formulas comfortably, a high-stim pre-workout will feel right.
Our guide to high-stim pre-workouts explains how they hit and who they are built for.
When to Take Pre-Workout
Take it 15 to 30 minutes before training so it peaks during your working sets. Caffeine stays active for several hours, so stimulant formulas belong in morning and afternoon sessions.
More detail in our article on pre-workout timing.
Stim vs. Stim-Free Pre-Workout
Stim pre-workouts use caffeine and other stimulants to drive energy and focus. Stim-free (non-stim) pre-workouts work on blood flow, pump and hydration without any caffeine, so you can use them at any time of day.
See the full stim vs. non-stim comparison.
Pre-Workout for Cutting
During a diet, many lifters switch to a thermogenic pre-workout that pairs energy with heat, so they do not need a separate fat burner. Count it as your stimulant for the day and never stack it with another stim product.
Pre-Workout Capsules
Capsules give you pre-workout energy without powder or a shaker, which is handy for travel and early sessions. They work the same way as a scoop: take them shortly before training and count them toward your daily caffeine.
VYB3D is our capsule option.
How to Take Pre-Workout for the First Time
- Start with half a serving to test your tolerance.
- Mix with 8 to 12 oz of cold water.
- Drink it 15 to 30 minutes before you lift.
- One serving per day, with no extra coffee or energy drinks.
Dark Labs Pre-Workouts Compared
| Formula | Type | Caffeine | Servings | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crack Barbarian | Extreme | 475 mg | 25 | 10/10 |
| Flame | Extreme | 400 mg | 25 | 9/10 |
| Herolean | Thermo + stim | 3 caffeine forms | 25 | 9/10 |
| Maniaco Ripped | Thermo + stim | 400 mg | 25 | 9/10 |
| Crack OG | Extreme | 550 mg | 20 | 9/10 |
| Maniaco | Extreme | 400 mg | 20 | 9/10 |
| Crack Gold Limited Edition | Extreme | 400 mg | 25 | 9/10 |
| VYB3D | Capsule | — | 60 | 7/10 |
| Crack (Purple) | High stim | 500 mg | 20 | 7/10 |
| Crack Reloaded | High stim | 425 mg | 20 | 6/10 |
| Crack Daily | Moderate | 394 mg | 30 | 5/10 |
| Crack Initiation | Mild | 250 mg | 30 | 3/10 |
| Maniaco PUMP | Stim-free | 0 mg | 20 | — |
| P.I.M.P. | Stim-free | 0 mg | 20 | — |
Questions
Pre-Workout FAQ
Straight answers to what lifters ask us most before choosing a Dark Labs pre-workout.
Which pre-workout is best for beginners?
Start with Crack Initiation or Crack Daily and take half a scoop the first time. If you are sensitive to caffeine, begin with P.I.M.P., a stim-free pre-workout with no stimulants at all.
Which pre-workout can I take before an evening workout?
Choose a stim-free formula: P.I.M.P. or Maniaco PUMP. Neither contains caffeine, so they will not keep you awake. Here is more on how pre-workouts affect sleep.
Which pre-workout is best for daily training?
Crack Daily is built for it: steady energy you can use most days of the week. For heavier days, step up to Crack (Purple).
What is the strongest pre-workout Dark Labs makes?
Crack Barbarian sits at the top of our intensity ladder, followed by Crack OG and Crack Gold. They are meant only for experienced users who already handle high-stim pre-workouts well.
Can I combine a stim pre-workout with a stim-free one?
Yes. A stim-free pre-workout such as P.I.M.P. or Maniaco PUMP has no stimulants, so you can pair it with one Crack for energy plus a stronger pump. Never combine two stimulant pre-workouts.
How much caffeine is in each pre-workout?
- Crack Initiation: 250 mg
- Crack Daily: 394 mg
- Crack Reloaded: 425 mg
- Crack (Purple): 500 mg
- Crack OG: 550 mg
- Crack Gold: 400 mg
- Crack Barbarian: 475 mg
- Flame, Maniaco and Maniaco Ripped: 400 mg
- P.I.M.P. and Maniaco PUMP: no caffeine
Amounts are total caffeine per full serving. A full serving is one scoop for most formulas and two scoops for Crack Reloaded, Crack (Purple) and Crack OG. The high and extreme formulas also contain other stimulants, so compare the intensity score rather than caffeine alone.
How fast does pre-workout kick in and how long does it last?
Most people feel it 15 to 30 minutes after drinking it, and the effect usually lasts through a full training session. Take it shortly before your warm-up.
Do I need to take breaks from stimulants?
Your body adapts to caffeine over time, so the same scoop can start to feel weaker. Many lifters rotate in a few stim-free weeks to keep their stim pre-workouts effective. See why a pre-workout can stop working.
What is the difference between Maniaco and Maniaco Ripped?
Both were developed with GarageGymHomie and carry 400 mg of caffeine. Maniaco Ripped adds a thermogenic matrix for cutting phases, while the original Maniaco focuses on energy, focus and pump.
Are Dark Labs pre-workouts safe for women?
Yes, for healthy adults the same rules apply to everyone: start with half a scoop, stay within one serving per day and choose a formula that matches your caffeine tolerance. Do not use stimulant products while pregnant or nursing.
Why does pre-workout make me itchy?
The prickly, itchy feeling comes from beta-alanine. It is a known, temporary sensation that usually fades within an hour and becomes milder with regular use. Learn more about beta-alanine tingling.
Which pre-workout is best for cutting?
Maniaco Ripped and Herolean are built for cutting phases. Use one of them instead of a regular stim pre-workout, not in addition to it.
How do I know my tub is genuine?
Every order from darklabs.pro ships directly from Dark Labs in the USA, sealed and with the full label. Buying from the official store is the only way to be certain you get the original formula.
For healthy adults 18 and older. Do not exceed one serving per day or combine with other caffeine or stimulant products. Talk to a doctor before use if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or nursing. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

