Nightlife Supplements » Product Reviews

MAN Sports’ Swagger Product Review

admin — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:59:52 +0000

Swagger from MAN Sports is designed for confidence, concentration, and energy. “The ingredients in SWAGGER™ are designed to keep you confident, focused and full of energy so you can handle whatever life throws your way successfully and with style.” Swagger has a suggested serving size of 3 caps, and contains:
N-Acetyl-Tyrosine, Citicoline, Phenylethylamine (PEA), Caffeine Malate, DMAE, Bacopa monniri, Rhodiola Rosea, Picamilon, GeranatimTM (1,3-dimethylamylamine), Yohimbine HCl , and Vitamin B-6. Recommended use, as an adult dietary supplement: take 3 SWAGG-Caps once daily, preferably with food. Swagger normally retails in the $30-$33 range for a bottle.

In personal testing of Swagger, I mostly would take it roughly an hour before work, on an empty stomach, and sometimes with food. I know your supposed to take it with food, but sometimes the morning is such a rush, that you forget in getting ready, and running out the door. A few times I took it before going out on the town. I went through 1 entire bottle, and used it nearly every day.

I found the confidence boosting properties of Swagger to be very good. Especially when taken before going into social or work settings that would normally make me a bit anxious or nervous. This was especially true in reducing what’s termed “approach anxiety” in some circles of opening up a conversation with an attractive member of the opposite sex. The focus properties were not spectacular, but present. The effect usually wore off after a couple of hours, and wasn’t nearly as strong as some other focus specific products that have been reviewed previously.

What really didn’t impress me at all, were the energy and mood enhancement properties. The energy may have been comparable to a cup of coffee or two at most, and over a slightly longer period than the normal coffee “liftoff and crash.” Let’s just say they wont be scaring App Nut’s Black Cats in the energy department anytime soon. Swagger’s mood enhancement properties were possibly present, but not super noticeable. Some products, like Happy Pills give a very present, and noticeable boost, that puts you on a veritable Cloud 9. Your mileage may vary, but I don’t see it happening here.

Nightlife’s Verdict:2.5 stars (out of 5)
Swagger’s tag line is confidence, concentration, and energy. 1.5 out of 3 ain’t bad, but it ain’t great either. If your looking for a replacement for your morning Joe, Ritalin to help you focus, or your Prozac to make you feel better, this isn’t your product. If your looking for a pure confidence booster, Swagger may just be your ticket.

Applied Nutriceuticals Black Cats Product Review

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:00:41 +0000

Black Cats are Applied Nutriceuticals new energy product. Applied Nutriceuticals (a.k.a APP NUT) is known in the supplement industry for their “no hype, just make great products and let them speak for them selves” approach. Adding to their lines of both sports and wellness products are Black Cats. Black Cats have been designed to be “The perfect energy product,” and are designed for pre-workouts, a morning coffee replacement, and for whenever the day gets long, and your feet are tired. One serving is two caps, and contains contains a 1000mg Blend of, Natural Caffeine, Cocoa Ext (25% Theobromine),Licorice Root (26% ext), Naringin (98% ext), 1,3 Dimethylamylamine, White Willow Back (25% extract), and Bioperine (95%-98% piperine). One bottle contains 60 caps, and will retail for about $19.99-23.99 or so depending on the supplier.

When I first tried Black Cats, I popped just 1 pill at about 5:45AM, on an empty stomach. Now, I’m not as heavy a stimulant user as I once was, but waking up super early has me hating and cursing my life a few days a week. For those early mornings, coffee or energy drinks, and don’t really do what I’m fully looking for. I’ve grown mostly immune to them. Imagine my surprise,when the 1 pill lasted until about 12 pm or so, then slowly faded over about 2 hours! NEVER, do I remember just 1 pill doing something like that. Keep in mind, I spent nearly 10 years in the service industry, and once upon a time used to pop Yellow Jackets with ephedra in them almost like candy. So, lets just say, I’ve been around a myriad of stims for years.

I had the opportunity to participate in an early beta test of this product in the summer of 08, and liked it a lot. That version was a balanced blend, in that it gave a solid energy boost, and a chatterbox mental up- lift feeling, that a wise guy like myself just loves.
The effect of this version is more pure energy and focus. The days I’ve taking it before work recently, I do manage do get more work done, and it’s easier for ADHD me to focus. I’ve been taking 1 pill in the morning, then another 1 about 8-9 hours later. I’m still too scared to try 2 at once. They do have a very long burn to them, rather than a quick blast then crash.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 6 Stars!!!!!! (out of 5)

The only thing that can even touch this were the early versions of Stimulant X, which are sadly no longer available. This may be the de facto best stimulant since the ephedra ban.
I really love the price of about 33 cents a cap, and the VERY long effective time. I don’t need any Starbucks, Red Bull, or anything else when I have Black Cats. I bought 1 bottle to try out, and review for this site. Be assured dear reader, that I will be buying more, and can not speak highly enough about this product. APP Nut has a tremendous winner here!

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ThermoGum Product Review

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:30:13 +0000

ThermoGum, LLC is a newly launched company, that aims to “focus on the perfect combination of convenience and effectiveness” in it’s products. ThermoGum, the product, “is a revolutionary new high-powered, fat-burning sugarless gum designed to stimulate energy, enhance focus, and amplify weight loss. ThermoGum is the next generation of energy enhancing gum…..provides clean energy, intense focus, and mood boost, but without crash……(and is) designed to aid in alertness as well as fitness goals.”
Thermogum gets it’s punch from raspberry ketones, caffeine anhydrous, Cinnamon Oil, Geranium Extract, and Black Pepper Extract. It’s sweetened with Xylitol, a sugar alternative, and thus is a sugar free gum. ThermoGum comes in 10 piece packs, and retails for roughly $5.00.

The stated directions for ThermoGum are to “start with 1 piece of ThermoGum to assess tolerance. Most users will find 1 piece sufficient.” The gum it best used preworkout, during morning or afternoons lulls, and when concentration or energy is required, such as before studying, driving, or meetings/presentations.” ThermoGum’s effects last about 2 hours, so nighttime exercisers need not worry about insomnia. The minimum suggested chewing time is 20 minutes, to get all the active ingredients into the bloodstream.

When I tried it, my impression was that the taste is much like caffeine injected gum or mints. If you have tasted such a thing before, you know what I mean. The taste is supposed to be Raspberry CinnamINFERNO, and it is cinnamon, but with a bitter tang, due to the ingredients. The Raspberry didn’t make it to the show in this batch. The taste may be off putting to some, if they are two expecting Wrigley’s, or Orbit gum. My girlfriend spat it out, but then again, she doesn’t like the taste of N.O. Xplode either, and that stuff is like Kool Aid to most. Matt Pearson, one of the principals of the company, says the newer batches are much improved in the taste department.

The stimulant effects, on the other hand, are the noteworthy aspect of the gum. The first time I tried it, I didn’t read the instructions fully, and didn’t chew for the minimum 20 minutes. I’m guesstimating I got about 15 or so in. Even so, the gum provided a pleasant stim like focus, that got me very sidetracked and lost in videography forums and blogs, when I was SUPPOSED to be working. Haaaa, guess I am ADHD after all! Well, it does count as work, because I’m learning as much as possible about videography, to best utilize the equipment I ordered, so we can do videos for this site, for YOU, our community. THERE! Tangent justified! I popped a second piece, a few hours later, and the great focus continued. I will try this out as a more long term test, as the company was generous enough to send us a bunch of trial packs, and update here with my findings. Already I can see this replacing my morning joe, as I wake up at 5:30 am several days a week.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 4 stars (out of 5)
We give the ThermoGum product a 4 stars, for being a very effective, and innovative product. Early adopters, get in on this one pronto! We did deduct a bit, for the funky taste, which I will gladly give back, if the new batches show improved taste. We will give a mini update, on the new flavor, when we get a chance to taste it. In the meantime, this is a serious utility weapon, for fighting the battle of the bulge, focus for getting stuff done, and, an economical (insert evil coffee chain empire here) replacement. It’s pretty new, and only a few places carry it at the time of writing, but it’s more than worth the hunt.

J. “All I want for Christmas is a Marshall that goes to 11”Channell

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MoodPak’s Relax Product Review

admin — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:49:51 +0000

MoodPak is a product line for Real Performance in Real Life, and features easily carried, and practical supplements for varying situations. Today we will be reviewing MoodPak’s Relax product.

MoodPak’s Relax contains a B vitamin blend, Tryptophan, Bacopa Monnieri, Theanine, Phenibut, and 5-HTP. B vitamins commonly get depleted when the body is under stress, and help support the metabolism, enhance immune and nervous system function,, and are water soluble, meaning your body needs them constantly replenished. Tryptophan, is an essential amino acid, and a precursor to serotonin, 5-htp, and melatonin, and can have anti depressant, and calming effects. Bacopa Monnieri has traditionally been used an Ayurveda, has been listed as a nootropic, and has anti-anxiety and cognitive enhancing properties. Theanine is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, may reduce physical and mental stress, increase dopamine levels, and improve mood when taken with caffeine. Phenibut is a nootropic that also crosses the blood-brain barrier, and has been shown to stimulate dopamine receptors. 5-HTP, can also cross the blood-bran barrier, is a precursor to serotonin, and has anti-depressive, and anti-anxiety effects.

When I personally tested it, I took it with a Celsius energy drink several times. I got a great, giddy, cloud 9 feeling, of mental well being. I mean, I was having a seriously good day at that point, almost regardless of whatever was going on around me. I mean, I was energetic, happy go lucky, Cheshire cat huge smile, hug every person you see, brand of HAPPY. Now, I did only get that super awesome effect when taken with Celsius, so there was some serious synergy going on. It’s a bit strange, I will readily admit, to take a product called Relax, with an energy drink. However, I’m personally a huge advocate of counterbalancing products to get a great effect. Much like the Red Bull and vodka phenomenon, other products can be combined for a best of both worlds approach. I’ve tried a TON of energy drink+ mood support product combos, and this one was right up there in my eyes.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 5 Stars(when combined with Celsius)(out of 5)
The MoodPak line tends to combine several proven ingredients, with a lot of history and research behind them, in inventive ways. MoodPak’s Relax formula does not deviate here. As a straight, relaxing product, it’s pretty good. However, the real fun starts when counterbalancing it with an energy drink of choice. Celsius Wild Berry is my choice to mix it with. If you try that combo, and actually wind up hugging your S.O.B. Boss, a policeman, an IRS agent, or a homeless guy bumming some spare change, be not surprised.

J. ”Andy Jenkins is THE man! We are not worthy!” Channell

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MoodPak Sleep Product Review

admin — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:30:41 +0000

MoodPak is a product line for Real Performance in Real Life, and features easily carried, and practical supplements for varying situations Thus far we have reviewed Bliss, and Energy. Today we will be reviewing MoodPak’s Sleep product.

MoodPak Sleep contains Valerian root, GABA, passion flower, hops, chamomile, piperine, and melatonin. Valerian has commonly been used for it’s sedative effects for many hundreds of yeas, dating back to Galen and Hippocrates, and is a traditional cure for insomnia. GABA, a.k.a. Gamma-Aminobutryic Acid, is a natural amino acid, and some people with anxiety, panic disorders, and depression may not manufacture sufficient levels of GABA . GABA may also increase HGH production. We have previously reviewed GABA in full. Passion flower is commonly used as a calming herb in folk medicine, and may also have anti-depressant properties. Chamomile is commonly made into a tea, and is known traditionally for relaxing properties. Piperine is used to increase absorption and bioavailability of the other ingredients in the blend. Melatonin is naturally occurring, and ebbs and flows regulating several circadian rhythm functions. Melatonin helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle by causing drowsiness and lowering body temperature.

In testing, Sleep produced deep, restful sleep. Didn’t see that one coming, did ya? Seriously though, Sleep didn’t provide a knock out, drowsy effect however. Taking it as instructed, it kicks in about the time you go to sleep, or shortly after. If you can’t sleep, taking these may not provide the full effect you’re looking for. The overall effect produces little to none of the groggy feeling in the morning some other sleep aids may cause, and may even allow you shorter rest.

When I personally tried it, I found I was waking up earlier, feeling fully rested. I usually need about 7 ½ hours of sleep a night. If I don’t get that, stay outta my way, ’cause something very grouchy this way comes! Several times I got about 6 hours of rest, and it felt like a full night’s deep rest. I also tried this against ZMA, and liked it slightly better. The sleep it gave was more refreshing, and a less groggy in the morning. With ZMA, I rely more on coffee in the morning to make the transition, and get things going.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 4.5 stars (out of 5)
There are a TON of sleep aids on the market right now. Some have interisting side effects(Ambien anyone?), and only a few can really be considered all natural. MoodPak’s offering in this category isin’t groundbreaking, but instead relies on solid proven ingredients, with many years of anecdotal and research evidence behind them. With 5 full servings per pack, and a roughly $8 pricepoint, it’s a solid product that merits strong consideration.

J.“I like my JIF smooth, and my guitar amp distortion crunchy“Channell

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MoodPak’s Energy Product Review

admin — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:23:13 +0000

MoodPak is a brand new product line for “Real Performance in Real Life, ” that we introduced in the Bliss review a while back. MoodPak features a line of easily carried, and practical supplements for varying situations. Today we will be reviewing MoodPak’s Energy product.

MoodPak Energy contains a proprietary blend that contains Tyrosine, Guarana Extract, Caffeine, Green Tea Extract (98% Polyphenols), Sulbutiamine, Cocoa Extract (Contains Theobromine, Theophylline, Tyramine, Phenylethylamine), Pyroglutamic Acid, Quercetin, Epimedium (40% Icariin), Yerba Mate, Yohimbine, Wakame (Seaweed Extract), Vinpocetine, and Huperzine A.

In testing we found that Energy, when taken on an empty stomach as directed, has initial effects within 15-20 minutes, due to the rapid release capsules used for the products. The full effect kicks in within 30-45 minutes, and lasts for roughly 3 hours, depending on the user. We found that the effect was very smooth, focused, not jittery, and no crash was experienced. The effect can best be described as “an extra gear,” and is not over the top, but more subtle, and very smooth. This is a long, slow steady burn. To allow an analogy, its a supercharger, rather than a quick shot of nitrous. More experienced stimulant users may consider upping the dosage to 3 capsules to get a more pronounced effect as we found ourselves doing towards the end of the test.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 4 Stars (out of 5)
Moodpak’s Energy is perfect for those early mornings, in place of coffee, of for late nights in place of Red Bull. The blend of caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine, make for a great stimulant trifecta. The focus and long slow burn of the product, make it very versatile in our eyes. The only change we would wish for would be little more on the energy side. However, the balance between energy and focus ingredients makes for a great supplement to work, when you just HAVE to get a lot of stuff done. If your working overtime on that big project, pick up the convenient packaging of MoodPak Energy, and it just may be done on time, and under budget.Check them out in our store!

J. “You can’t close if you don’t open” Channell

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MoodPak Bliss Review

admin — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:49:20 +0000

MoodPak is a brand new product line for “Real Performance in Real Life.” MoodPak features a line of easily carried, and practical supplements for varying situations. The current offerings include MoodPak Energy, MoodPak Relax, MoodPak Focus, MoodPak Bliss, and MoodPak Sleep. We will be doing a series of reviews on this new promising line of products.

The first one up is MoodPak Bliss. Bliss contains Chocamine(feel good ingredient in chocolate), PEA(the love molecule), Caffeinerous, Theanine, Epimedium, 5-htp (modulates seratonin), Picamilon, Hordenine, and Vinpocetine. Bliss comes in a very convenient blister pack packaging, not unlike a pack of gum. The pack gives 5 servings of 2 pills, and retails at 8.99 here (insert link).

The Bliss Moodpak features rapid release capsules, and initial effects are felt within 10-15 minutes, provided they are taken on an empty stomach. Full effects are felt within roughly half an hour. Taking these on a full stomach would both blunt the full effect, and onset time of the supplement, and is not the ideal way to get the most out of the product. Bliss doesn’t give a tiring type of effect, ad some relaxation products may, but gives a noticeable “chill out” type of effect. This works great for on-demand type of situations, such as a snafu at work that was unexpected, looming deadlines, or when the kids just won’t eat their damned vegetables. A mental focus effect was also experienced. This is likely due to the hordenine, and vinpocetine in the formula. Those ingredients are also commonly found in memory support, or focus factor type supplements. The 2 pill dosing should be just right for most users. Taking just 1 pill, didn’t offer half as much effect as the 2 pill dosing in our testing.
The effects tend to last 2.5 to 3 hours, with no noticeable crash. Combining a couple of Bliss with an energy drink,( we love Celsius!) paradoxically offers an even greater mood lifting sensation.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 5 STARS (out of 5)
MoodPak Bliss offers a great 1-2 punch in both mood and focus support. The pricing also makes it attractive, as it figures to be roughly $1.50 per serving. Just 1 pack, 5 servings, can help greatly to get you through a Mon-Fri of extra long days at the office. We like it for it’s stackability with other products, including other products in the Moodpak line, such as Energy, or Relax, offers great flexibility for a variety of situations.

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Ultimate Sex Shot Review

admin — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 23:49:39 +0000

The Ultimate Sex Shot had a huge launch party at Plush Nightclub in Dallas recently. They really went all out, press, photographers, choreographed dancing girls, product giveaways, and more. They truly rocked the house. The Ultimate Sex Shot is a 2 fl oz, shot that promises “better performance for sexual euphoria.“ The Ultimate Sex Shot contains L-Arginine, GABA, Yohimbe, Caffeine, Gurana seed extract, American ginsing, Catuaba Extract, Longjax extract, Mucuna Pruiens extract, Muira Puama, horny goat weed and more. The version we tested, and the one featured at the launch party was the PPS-6 version.

The flavor of the sex shot is chocolate cherry. It tastes like a melted, slightly watered down Hershey’s bar, with a touch of cherry flavor. It’s a good tasting shot, and goes down smooth. Hat’s off to the person in charge of the flavoring. Unfortunately, that’s where the accolades end. The shot did very little for our testers. In males a slight libido increase was reported, but no real benefit in sensitivity, or pleasure was noted. In females, the results were much the same.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 2 STARS (out of 5)
It’s a strong claim to be “the Ultimate Sex Shot” in this category, and the Ultimate Sex Shot doesn’t quite live up to it’s name. Reportedly, the new formula PPS-7, is supposed to be a big improvement from the version we tried. We will report on that version at a later date. In the meantime, we’d suggest trying out Steam from Nutracoastal for men, and Rose4Her for women. Those are the true Ultimate in the category that Nightlife Supplements has come across so far.

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Clear Shot by Ergopharm Review

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 18:28:44 +0000

Clear Shot by ErgoPharm comes from a company renowned for it’s innovation by Patrick Arnold. Now with Arnold recently departing the company, can they continue the innovation? Clear Shot even touts being “Clearly Different” on the label. Clear Shot is a 2 fl oz energy shot that contains a proprietary blend of Citrulline Malate, Zingerone, Caffeine, and an extract of geranium oil. The flavor we tested was the Green Tea and Lemon flavor.

At first impression, the taste was SPICY!. I’m not making this up. Guessing it has to do with the ginger extract, zingerone. The green tea and lemon flavors take a back seat to the heat, but are present. Overall, the taste wasn’t great. This is not a sipping drink, but a “pound it down” shot.

The effects kick in within 15 minutes or so, if taken on an empty stomach. We found that it gave a mental focus, open loquaciousness, steady energy, with little crash. The total effect lasted at most 2 hours, and individual mileage may vary.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 3 1/2 STARS (out of 5)
We will give credit to Ergopharm for producing something a bit different from the rest of the mainstream offerings. Many energy drink just pour on the energy, but offer little else. We like focus effect, and gift of gab it tends to enhance, in addition to steady energy. We are wishing the taste wasn’t an issue, as this really is a pretty decent energy shot. If you want some spice in your nightlife, literally, pick up a Clear Shot.

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ALRI Pornstar Review

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:20:39 +0000

The recently released sexual enhancer Pornstar from ALRI, promises to be “everything Aspire 36 wanted to be.” ALR Industries is quite well known for it’s bodybuilding products and marketing that push the envelope. If the tradition is kept, Pornstar should likewise push the bounds of current offerings. Pornstar contains Epimedium Grandiflorum extract(Horny Goat Weed), Rauwolfia Serpentia, Xanthoparmelia Scabrosa extract, Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), Maca ectract, Muira Puama, Betea Superba extract, Mucuna Pruiens extract, and Eurycoma Longifolia Extract(LongJax). The serving size is 2 pills, with 15 servings per bottle, and typically retails at about $35. At a little over $2 per serving, it is very reasonably priced, compared to many others on the market. Rize 2, for example, may be as high as $7 per serving.

In testing situations, Pornstar gave our testers good erection and pleasure enhancing effects, but didn’t do much for actual desire. The “kick-in” of the product was nearly non-existent. Other offerings on the market give a “I know I took something, and I can feel it kicking in” sensation, which may be desirable by some. Pornstar does not, unlike the aforementioned Aspire 36, give headaches, or sinus issues. However, it’s not as quite as strong as Aspire was, when it was available. Thats a more than acceptable trade off in our book, considering Pornstar is available without hunting ebay, and other sites that may still have some.

Nightlife’s Verdict: 4 STARS (out of 5)
ALR Industries has produced a solid offering in the sexual enhancement category with Pornstar. It’s not the favorite we have tested thus far though. That title goes to Steam from NutraCoastal. However, in terms of value, Pornstar is nearly unbeatable. That makes it a serious contender, and most surely worth trying. Give Pornstar a try, because, really all that can happen is you have more fun with the lights out!

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