6g Citrulline, 200mg Caffeine, Full-Disclosure Performance Formula
This is a straight-up pre-workout with everything listed out, moderate stims, and a focus on big pumps, better endurance for tough sets, and clean energy without overdoing the caffeine. The setup is simple and smart: lead with a solid 6,000mg of citrulline malate for pumps, add beta-alanine for repeat efforts, throw in 200mg caffeine for that kick, and back it up with focus boosters, absorption helpers, hydration support, and performance extras instead of junk fillers.
The star here is 6,000mg citrulline malate. That's the dose where you actually feel the pump during your workout. Citrulline boosts arginine levels better than taking arginine straight, which ramps up nitric oxide for better blood flow, nutrient delivery, and that full, lasting muscle pump that weak formulas miss. You'll notice muscles feeling denser and more vascular on those high-rep sets.
Beta-alanine comes in at 2,000mg. Studies show the best results at 3,200-6,400mg daily, where it helps build carnosine in muscles to fight off the acid buildup during intense training. That means less burn in efforts from one to ten minutes. At 2g, it's helpful but not the max dose, so it's solid for regular use, but if you want full carnosine benefits, you might add more beta-alanine daily.
Energy hits from 200mg caffeine anhydrous, a good middle-ground amount for most people who train. It boosts alertness, reaction time, motivation, and makes the workout feel easier without
Key Highlights
- 6,000mg Citrulline Malate — this dose really delivers on pumps. It boosts arginine and nitric oxide, improving blood flow so your muscles feel fuller and more dialed in during volume work.
- 200mg Caffeine Anhydrous — solid moderate energy boost, not too weak and not over-the-top. It ramps up alertness, drive, and readiness without pushing most folks into that jittery zone you get with 300mg+.
- 2,000mg Beta-Alanine — helps with endurance by loading carnosine and buffering acid in muscles. Best research is at 3.2-6.4g daily, so this is a good start but not maxed out — perfect if you train often or add extra.
- 200mg AlphaSize® Alpha-GPC — premium choline for better focus and muscle connection. It supports acetylcholine, which helps with concentration, reactions, and feeling locked in during lifts.
- 100mcg Vitamin B12 as Methylcobalamin — the active form, not some cheap version. It's great for energy metabolism, especially if your levels are low, adding a nice touch to the mix.
- 25mg AstraGin® — branded blend to help your gut absorb aminos and nutrients better. Pairs well with stuff like citrulline to make the formula hit harder, though 50mg is the usual go-to dose.
- 25mg ActiGin complex — boosts performance and recovery with botanicals that improve energy handling in cells. It's not a huge dose, but it adds a cool edge beyond basic stims and pumps.
- 50mg Deer Antler Velvet Extract — traditional pick for performance and recovery. Gives this Bucked Up formula its unique vibe, standing out from plain caffeine-citrulline setups.
Who Is This For?
- Lifters chasing hypertrophy who rate a pre by how pumped muscles feel under weight, not just the stim kick. 6,000mg citrulline malate nails blood flow and visible pumps in volume sessions.
- Intermediate gym rats wanting a moderate pre they can hit regularly without getting wired or wiped. 200mg caffeine brings real energy, AlphaSize® adds clean focus that feels steady.
- Athletes doing high-intensity repeats, circuits, sleds, or blocks where burn limits you. Beta-alanine buffers acid via carnosine, best with steady use and maybe extra dosing.
- Folks who dig transparent labels and want to see every dose. No blends here — compare it to studies or other pres easy.
- Users dialing back from heavy stims but still needing support. Gives enough caffeine to feel on, leans on citrulline, alpha-GPC for the rest without stim overload.
- Morning or afternoon trainers needing energy and focus without caffeine wrecking meals or sleep. 200mg fits your day better than 300-400mg options.
How to Use
Take one serving 20-30 minutes pre-training. That gives caffeine a fast start, while citrulline and AlphaSize® get in before heavy stuff. New to pres or stim-sensitive? Half-scoop first to test. Mix in 10-16oz cold water via shaker for best taste; more water smooths it, less intensifies. Empty stomach speeds it up, but a light meal an hour before can ease if stims hit hard. Don't stack with other high-caffeine stuff unless you're tracking total — this is already 200mg. Stacks great with creatine monohydrate since it lacks a full creatine dose and they work different ways. No strict cycling needed, but tolerance can creep, so some folks take low-stim breaks. Keep it sealed cool and dry for freshness.
What to Expect
Minutes 0-10: right after mixing, it's mostly just knowing it's in you — no big rush yet. Minutes 10-20: caffeine brings alertness and that ready mindset, maybe some beta-alanine tingles if you're sensitive. Minutes 20-40: prime time to start lifting, with 200mg caffeine fully on, AlphaSize® sharpening focus, and 6g citrulline building pumps as you load up. Minutes 40-90: energy holds steady without a harsh peak, keeping you going strong. Days 1-7: you feel the quick hits on energy, focus, pump; beta-alanine is loading. Weeks 2-4: consistent use ramps up carnosine, so you handle burn better in repeated efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much caffeine is in Bucked Up Comp Ankle Straps per serving?
This formula provides 200mg of caffeine anhydrous per serving. That puts it in the moderate-stim range: enough for clear workout energy and focus, but not as aggressive as the 300-400mg stimulant-heavy pre-workouts on the market.
Is 6,000mg citrulline malate enough to notice a pump?
Yes. 6g citrulline malate is a meaningful pre-workout dose and is one of the strongest parts of the formula. It supports nitric oxide production and vasodilation, which is why users can expect better blood flow, fuller muscles, and a more pronounced training pump than with underdosed 3g-style formulas.
Is the beta-alanine dose fully clinical?
Not by the strict research standard. Beta-alanine is included at 2,000mg, while the most established daily clinical range is 3,200-6,400mg. It still contributes, especially with consistent use, but users seeking textbook carnosine loading would benefit from additional daily beta-alanine.
What does AlphaSize® do in this formula?
AlphaSize® is a branded alpha-GPC ingredient used for focus and neuromuscular support. It supplies choline, which helps the body produce acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in attention, coordination, and muscle contraction quality during training.
Will this product make me tingle?
Possibly. The tingling sensation comes from beta-alanine, and some users feel it even at 2,000mg while others barely notice it. The sensation is harmless and does not determine whether the formula is working.
Can I stack this with creatine?
Yes, and that is one of the best stacks for this formula. This pre-workout does not include a full clinical creatine monohydrate dose, so adding 3-5g creatine daily complements the citrulline and beta-alanine by supporting phosphocreatine regeneration and high-output performance.
Is AstraGin® fully dosed here?
AstraGin® is included at 25mg. It is a quality branded absorption ingredient, but the commonly referenced showcase dose is 50mg, so this is a supportive rather than maximal inclusion.
How long before training should I take it?
Take it about 20-30 minutes pre-workout. That window gives the caffeine time to elevate alertness and gives the pump and focus ingredients time to be active by the time your working sets begin.
Is this a good beginner pre-workout?
For many beginners, yes, because 200mg caffeine is substantial but not extreme. The safest approach is to start with half a serving, especially if you do not regularly use caffeine or pre-workouts.
How does this compare with high-stim pre-workouts?
This is more balanced and more sustainable than many high-stim options. Instead of relying on oversized caffeine doses, it emphasizes 6g citrulline malate for pumps, 200mg caffeine for energy, alpha-GPC for focus, and supportive performance ingredients for a more rounded session.
