Creatine. It’s a staple in The Supplement Coach arsenal, renowned for its ability to boost strength, power, and endurance. But with so many creatine options on the market, is Redcon1 Tango Creatine the right fit for you? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep to dissect this “ultra-loaded” formula and see if it lives up to the hype.
Gym Professionals, We Got You Covered
Let’s face it, supplement reviews can be a dime a dozen. We, the team at The Supplement Coach, are industry veterans – personal trainers, registered dietitians, and seasoned weightlifting coaches. We cut through the marketing jargon to deliver unbiased reviews based on a clear criteria: price, formulation, taste, mixability, side effects, third-party testing, customer service, and user experiences.
Redcon1 Tango Creatine: A First Look
Redcon1, inspired by the military’s “Readiness Condition” motto, aims to equip athletes for peak performance. Their pre-workout, Total War, and protein powder, MRE, are well-known, but Tango’s creatine blend has piqued the interest of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Each serving packs a punch with 6.75 grams of creatine – a blend of creatine monohydrate, CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and Creatine Magnapower™. Betaine, taurine, and L-ornithine further enrich the formula. While Tango boasts enticing flavors compared to bland creatine powders, here are some crucial points to consider before you buy.
Before You Buy: A Heads Up
Redcon1’s website currently offers just two flavors, a stark contrast to the initial seven. Exploring other retailers might reveal more variety. However, a bigger concern is the lack of clear information regarding third-party testing for banned substances. This is a critical factor for competitive athletes.
Is Redcon1 Tango Creatine Worth the Squeeze?
At $1.33 per serving, Tango falls on the pricier side compared to most creatine supplements, which typically average around $0.80 per serving. However, the “ultra-loaded” formula might justify the extra cost for some.
Who Should Consider Redcon1 Tango Creatine?
- Flavor Fanatics: If you dread the chalky taste of unflavored creatine, Tango’s variety is a welcome change.
- Creatine Powerhouses: Individuals requiring a higher creatine intake might benefit from this concentrated blend.
- Performance Seekers: The additional ingredients like taurine and betaine aim to enhance workout performance and recovery.
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Budget-Conscious Gym Goers: If you’re on a tight budget, other high-quality creatine options are available at a fraction of the cost.
- Competitive Athletes Requiring Third-Party Verification: The lack of confirmed third-party testing for banned substances might be a dealbreaker.
- Supplement Minimalists: If you prefer a clean ingredient list, the presence of artificial sweeteners and additives might be a turn-off.
Price Per Serving: A Budget Breakdown
A 30-serving container retails for $39.99, translating to $1.33 per serving (pre-tax). While unique, Tango’s price tag surpasses other equally effective creatine powders available for as low as $0.50 per serving. This earns Tango a 2 out of 5 stars for value.
Formulation: Cracking the Code on the Ingredients
Tango’s unique formulation steals the show, warranting a solid 5 out of 5 stars. Here’s a breakdown of the key players:
- Creatine Trio (6.75 grams):
- Creatine Monohydrate (5 grams): The OG creatine, proven to increase strength, power, and endurance. Bonus points for potentially reducing injury risk and promoting recovery.
- CON-CRET Creatine HCl (1 gram): A patented form of creatine hydrochloride, boasting increased solubility and absorption.
- Creatine Magnapower™ (750 milligrams): This patented magnesium creatine chelate promises enhanced ATP production, improved performance, and muscle growth.
- Powerhouse Extras:
- Betaine Anhydrous (2.5 grams): Betaine promotes muscle endurance, power, and strength while aiding weight loss and muscle gain goals. It might even boost creatine’s bioavailability.
- Taurine (1 gram): This warrior might reduce muscle damage and enhance recovery. Emerging evidence suggests taurine stimulates protein synthesis and regulates muscle-building processes.
- L-ornithine (1 gram): An amino acid derived from arginine, a creatine precursor, L-ornithine might delay fatigue by lowering ammonia levels during exercise.
Hold Your Horses: A Word on Effectiveness
While Tango boasts superior muscle-building and recovery, a 2022 critical review suggests creatine monohydrate remains the “gold standard.” The jury’s still out on the effectiveness of “novel forms” like creatine HCl and Magnapower. More importantly, Tango’s hefty creatine dose (almost 7 grams) surpasses the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s (ISSN) recommendation of 3 to 5 grams daily.
Transparency Matters: A Look at the Other Ingredients
Tango also includes:
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid (for tartness)
- Malic acid (another sour buddy)
- Silicon dioxide (anti-clumping agent)
- Calcium silicate (another anti-clumping friend)
- Sucralose and Acesulfame potassium (sweeteners)
- Beetroot powder (for that natural color pop)
These ingredients enhance the mixability, texture, flavor, and sweetness of Tango.
Taste and Solubility: A Match Made in Supplement Heaven
Our in-house tester, Anthony, devoured the Strawberry Kiwi flavor and declared, “It tastes exactly like it says and isn’t overly sweet. The kiwi actually comes through nicely!” For its deliciousness, Tango gets a resounding 5 out of 5 for taste.
Tango nearly aced the mixability test, scoring a 4.5 out of 5. Anthony noted, “Mixes pretty easily, but I’ve found lumps from time to time.” A minor inconvenience, but worth mentioning.
Side Effects: Not Always Smooth Sailing
Anthony reported no negative side effects and even said he felt “stronger, with near-instant results.” However, while creatine side effects are usually mild and temporary, some might experience bloating, water retention, and weight gain.
Third-Party Testing: The Cloud of Uncertainty
Redcon1 prides itself on transparency, but Tango’s packaging and website lack any proof of third-party testing for banned substances. This omission results in a disappointing 2 out of 5 rating in this category.
The Verdict: A Final Judgement on Redcon1 Tango Creatine
Redcon1 Tango Creatine boasts a multi-ingredient formula featuring three creatine sources and additional performance boosters. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
- Supercharged Creatine: Packs 6.75 grams per serving, exceeding daily recommendations but potentially beneficial for some.
- Flavorful Edge: A welcome change from unflavored creatine for those with sensitive taste buds.
- Performance Enhancers: Betaine, taurine, and L-ornithine aim to elevate your workout and recovery.
- Transparency Wobble: Clear labeling but missing crucial third-party testing information.
- Pricey Punch: Costs more than other creatine powders, but the unique formula might justify the expense for some.
So, should you add Tango to your supplement stack?
Ultimately, the decision depends on your budget, creatine needs, and taste preferences. If you’re a flavor-conscious seeking a potentially high-impact creatine blend, Tango might be worth a try. But, if you’re a budget-conscious athlete requiring third-party verification, other creatine options might be a better fit.
Remember: Consult your healthcare provider before adding any new supplements to your regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
We hope this in-depth review of Redcon1 Tango Creatine has equipped you to make an informed decision. Now get out there and conquer those gains!
