Muscle growth is a relentless pursuit for fitness enthusiasts. Supplements like creatine can become a trusted weapon in this battle. But with countless options available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. This review dives deep into Redcon1 Tango Creatine, a “triple creatine” formula promising enhanced performance and recovery.
Gym Professionals: Unbiased Insights for Informed Decisions
We at Supplement Review Bros are a team of seasoned professionals – trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, and coaches – dedicated to providing unbiased reviews. We meticulously evaluate supplements based on key factors like:
- Price per serving
- Formulation (ingredients and quality)
- Taste and mixability
- Side effects
- Third-party testing (ensuring banned substance-free products for competitive athletes)
- Customer service and reviews
This Redcon1 Tango review will equip you, the gym professional, with the knowledge to confidently guide your clients.
Redcon1 Tango Creatine: A Closer Look
Inspired by military readiness, Redcon1 formulates products to optimize performance. Their best-sellers, like Total War pre-workout and MRE protein, showcase this commitment. Tango’s “ultra-loaded” formula boasts a unique blend of creatine and performance boosters, making it a hot topic among bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.
Each serving packs 6.75 grams of creatine from three sources (monohydrate, CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and Creatine Magnapower™). Additionally, betaine, taurine, and L-ornithine enrich the mix. While Tango stands out for its flavored options compared to typical creatine powders, keep these points in mind before recommending it to your clients:
Before You Buy: Considerations for Gym Professionals
- Limited Flavor Variety: Redcon1’s website currently lists only two flavors (down from seven). Exploring other retailers might offer more options.
- Unconfirmed Third-Party Testing: For competitive athletes, the lack of visible proof of third-party testing on the packaging or website might be a concern.
Is Redcon1 Tango Creatine Worth It? A Cost-Benefit Analysis
At $1.33 per serving, Tango is pricier than leading creatine supplements, which typically average around $0.80 per serving. However, the “ultra-loaded” creatine formula might justify the extra cost for some clients.
Here’s a breakdown to guide your recommendation:
Great for:
- Clients seeking flavored creatine options.
- Individuals with higher creatine needs (consult a doctor for personalized recommendations).
- Clients aiming to maximize the benefits of resistance training.
Not Recommended for:
- Budget-conscious clients.
- Competitive athletes requiring confirmed third-party testing for banned substances.
- Clients who prefer to avoid artificial sweeteners and additives.
Price Per Serving: A Budgetary Breakdown
A 30-serving container of Tango costs $39.99, translating to $1.33 per serving (pre-tax). Compared to high-quality creatine powders available for as low as $0.50 per serving, Tango’s price earns a 2 out of 5 stars.
Formulation: Decoding the Ingredients
We rated Tango’s formulation a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and considerations for informed recommendations:
- Triple Creatine Blend (6.75 grams):
- Creatine Monohydrate (5 grams): The most researched and proven form of creatine for enhancing strength, power, endurance, and recovery.
- CON-CRET Creatine HCl (1 gram): A patented form with increased solubility and absorption, but research remains inconclusive on its effectiveness compared to monohydrate.
- Creatine Magnapower (750 milligrams): This magnesium creatine chelate claims to improve energy production and muscle growth, but a 2022 review suggests creatine monohydrate remains the “gold standard.”
- Other Performance Enhancers:
- Betaine Anhydrous (2.5 grams): May enhance muscle endurance, power, and strength while aiding weight loss and muscle gain goals. It might also improve creatine bioavailability.
- Taurine (1 gram): May reduce muscle damage and support protein synthesis.
- L-ornithine (1 gram): This non-essential amino acid might delay exercise-induced fatigue by reducing ammonia levels.
It’s important to note:
- The 6.75-gram creatine dose exceeds the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s (ISSN) recommendation of 3 to 5 grams daily. Consult a doctor for personalized creatine dosage recommendations.
- Discrepancies exist in the product information on the Redcon1 website regarding betaine amount (listed as both 2.5 grams and 1 gram). We contacted Redcon1 for clarification and will update this review upon receiving a response.
Taste and Solubility: A Sensory Experience
Our reviewer, Anthony, tried the Strawberry Kiwi flavor and reported, “It tastes exactly like what it says and isn’t overly sweet. The kiwi actually comes through pretty nicely.” This delightful taste experience earns Tango a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Mixability-wise, Tango nearly achieves perfection, scoring a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Anthony notes, “Mixes pretty easily, but I’ve found lumps from time to time.”
Side Effects: Individual Responses
Anthony reported no negative side effects and even mentioned feeling “stronger, with near-instant results.” While individual responses vary, creatine side effects are generally mild and temporary, potentially including bloating, water retention, and weight gain. For a complete picture, advise clients to consult a doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
Third-Party Testing: A Crucial Consideration (2 out of 5 stars)
Redcon1 emphasizes transparency in labeling, but Tango’s packaging and website lack visible proof of third-party testing for banned substances. This is a critical factor for competitive athletes who need to ensure their supplements are free of contaminants.
Final Verdict: A Well-Formulated, Yet Pricey Option
Redcon1 Tango Creatine boasts a multi-ingredient formula featuring three creatine sources and additional performance aids. Here’s a summary to guide your client recommendations:
- Offers a high creatine dose (6.75 grams), exceeding the recommended daily intake. Consult a doctor for personalized dosage recommendations.
- Features a unique blend with potential benefits, but research on some ingredients is inconclusive.
- Flavored and formulated with additional performance enhancers like taurine, betaine, and L-ornithine.
- Pricier than other effective creatine supplements.
- Lacks third-party testing verification, which might be a concern for competitive athletes.
Overall, Redcon1 Tango Creatine is a well-formulated supplement with a unique creatine blend. However, its higher price point and lack of confirmed third-party testing may deter some clients. Consider these factors and your client’s individual needs when making supplement recommendations.
Additional Tips for Gym Professionals:
- Always stay updated on the latest research regarding creatine and other supplements.
- Encourage clients to maintain a well-rounded diet and exercise program for optimal results.
- Emphasize the importance of consulting a doctor before starting any new supplements, especially if they have pre-existing health conditions.
By providing informed guidance, you can empower your clients to make the best choices on their fitness journey.
