MuscleTech Stacked Pre: Calibrated for Peak Workout Energy, Focus, & Power

MuscleTech has built a reputation for innovation in the pre-workout space, first pioneering paraxanthine with EuphoriQ for those seeking smooth, clean energy. Now they're delivering the other side of the spectrum with Stacked Pre -- a high-intensity, caffeine-powered pre-workout designed for serious lifters who want maximum energy, razor-sharp focus, and peak performance.

MuscleTech Stacked Pre brings maximum intensity with 300mg caffeine, breakthrough HydroNOx™ citrulline that delivers 2.9x better results than standard L-citrulline, plus yohimbe extract. For serious lifters who want raw power and peak performance.

Stacked Pre isn't about playing it safe. With 300mg of total caffeine (including some sustained-release), yohimbe extract, and the breakthrough HydroNOx™ citrulline hydrochloride that delivers 2.9x the results of standard L-citrulline, this formula is calibrated for athletes who demand everything from their pre-workout experience.

MuscleTech Stacked Pre: Delivering A New Pump Experience

Stacked Pre is the first product we've seen to include next-generation pump matrix featuring HydroNOx™, which is said to outperform higher doses of standard L-citrulline at just a 2g dose. Combined with betaine nitrate and performance-enhancing ingredients like NNB Nutrition's GeniusPure™ alpha-GPC, extended release caffeine in VitaShure, and Senactiv, this isn't just another pre-workout, it's the next step in high-performance training.

Whether you're pushing through plateau-breaking sessions, tackling high-volume training blocks, or simply prefer the intense energy kick of caffeine over paraxanthine's smooth delivery, Stacked Pre provides the powerhouse sensory experience that serious lifters crave.

Let's check PricePlow for deals on Stacked Pre, and sign up for MuscleTech alerts to stay informed about new products and promotions:

MuscleTech Stacked Pre Ingredients

Each 15-gram serving of Stacked Pre provides a comprehensive blend of performance-enhancing ingredients organized into three targeted matrices:

Endurance & Performance Matrix

This comprehensive blend delivers well-studied endurance enhancers and performance amplifiers designed to help you push through demanding training sessions and delay the onset of fatigue.

• Beta-alanine - 3,200mg

  Beta-alanine serves as the rate-limiting precursor for carnosine synthesis, making it a cornerstone ingredient for high-intensity training support.^[1] When you supplement with beta-alanine, you're directly increasing muscle carnosine concentrations -- and carnosine acts as an intracellular pH buffer, helping neutralize the hydrogen ions that accumulate during intense exercise and contribute to that familiar burning sensation.

  Research demonstrates that beta-alanine supplementation significantly augments muscle carnosine concentrations, with chronic supplementation protocols showing increases of up to 64% after four weeks.^[1] This enhanced buffering capacity translates to actual performance benefits, with studies showing beta-alanine improves high-intensity exercise performance lasting over 60 seconds, with the most pronounced effects in exercises lasting 1-4 minutes (where lactic acid accumulation becomes a limiting factor).^[1]

  Perfect for pre-workouts

  The 3,200mg dose in Stacked Pre brings a substantial acute dose that can cover your overall beta-alanine intake. While research shows the greatest benefits come from chronic loading protocols using divided doses over several weeks, studies have explored the effects of single doses in this range that have played out well, too.^[2] This makes the inclusion of 3,200mg beta-alanine an excellent addition to the comprehensive pre-workout formula for athletes seeking to maximize their high-intensity training capacity.

  The only commonly reported "side effect" is paraesthesia -- a harmless tingling sensation typically experienced in the face, neck, and hands that's dose-dependent and generally subsides within 60-90 minutes.^[1] This sensation poses no safety concerns and some athletes even report it enhances their workout readiness.^[3]

• Betaine anhydrous - 2,500mg

  Betaine (also known as trimethylglycine) operates through two primary mechanisms that make it a standout ingredient for high-intensity training:^[4]

  1. serving as an organic osmolyte to maintain cellular hydration and
  2. acting as a methyl-group donor to support critical biochemical processes.

  As an osmolyte, betaine helps sustain cell hydration and function during the physiological stress of intense exercise, while its methyl-donating properties may enhance creatine biosynthesis by providing methyl groups to convert guanidinoacetate to creatine using methionine.^[5]

  Research demonstrates betaine's effectiveness for strength and power development: A landmark study found that 14 days of betaine supplementation significantly improved bench press throw power, vertical jump power, and both isometric bench press and squat force in recreationally trained men.^[6] Additional research shows betaine can increase lean mass while reducing fat mass when combined with resistance training, with one study reporting increased arm lean cross-sectional area after 6 weeks of supplementation.^[7-9]

  

  The 2,500mg dose in Stacked Pre aligns with the research-backed dosing range. Studies suggest that a minimum of 2.5g may be required to effectively elevate plasma betaine levels, making this a well-calibrated inclusion for athletes seeking enhanced power output and improved body composition.^[5]

  But wait, there's more! This clinically-supported betaine dose is further complemented by additional betaine content from the 1,500mg of betaine nitrate in the pump matrix, providing even greater total betaine exposure for enhanced performance benefits.

• Taurine - 1,500mg

  Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that's highly concentrated in skeletal muscle tissue, where it plays multiple roles in supporting cellular function and exercise performance.^[10] Unlike typical amino acids that get incorporated into proteins, taurine functions as a cellular osmolyte and calcium modulator, making it valuable for high-intensity training scenarios where muscle function and recovery are critical.

  The primary mechanism driving taurine's performance benefits centers on calcium homeostasis within muscle cells. Taurine assists with calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum and helps maintain optimal calcium availability for cross-bridge formation during muscle contraction.^[10] This enhanced calcium handling translates to improved force production and muscle contraction efficiency... exactly what you want when pushing through demanding training sessions.

  Research also demonstrates that taurine functions as a potent antioxidant that helps combat exercise-induced oxidative stress. Studies show taurine supplementation significantly reduces DNA damage in white blood cells following exhaustive exercise while improving overall exercise performance metrics.^[11] This dual action of cellular protection and performance enhancement makes taurine an intelligent addition to any serious pre-workout formula.

  The 1,500mg dose in Stacked Pre falls within the research-supported range for acute performance benefits. Studies using single doses of 1-3g have shown improvements in time to exhaustion, VO2max, and maximum workload capacity in trained athletes.^[10,12] This dose also complements the additional taurine content you're receiving from the betaine nitrate in the pump matrix, providing comprehensive muscle support from multiple pathways.

• Senactiv® (Panax notoginseng root extract and Rosa roxburghii fruit extract) - 50mg

  

  Senactiv® brings cutting-edge cellular regeneration technology to Stacked Pre through its proprietary blend of Panax notoginseng root extract and Rosa roxburghii fruit extract. This patented senolytic compound works by clearing out aged, dysfunctional cells while promoting the growth of fresh, healthy cells, which is a process that can enhance both exercise performance and recovery.^[13]

  Research in trained athletes demonstrates that Senactiv supplementation significantly reduces perceived exertion during resistance exercise while enhancing inflammatory balance in skeletal muscle.^[14] The compound's ginsenoside Rg1 component has been shown to improve glycogen recovery rates and increase citrate synthase activity – a key marker of mitochondrial function.^[15]

  Additionally, studies show Senactiv can increase cycling time to exhaustion by approximately 20% while supporting the body's antioxidant defense system against exercise-induced oxidative stress.^[15] At 50mg, Stacked Pre provides the clinically-studied dose that's been shown to enhance both acute performance and cellular recovery processes.

Pump Matrix

• HydroNOx™ citrulline hydrochloride - 2,000mg

  HydroNOx™ is a hopeful next-generation approach to citrulline supplementation, utilizing the hydrochloride salt form rather than traditional L-citrulline or L-citrulline malate. This patent-pending ingredient is designed to address some of the absorption and bioavailability limitations that may have historically limited citrulline's effectiveness in pre-workout applications.

  Understanding citrulline's mechanism showcases why this matters. L-citrulline serves as a superior arginine precursor compared to direct arginine supplementation because it bypasses the extensive first-pass metabolism that degrades oral arginine.^[16] Research demonstrates that L-citrulline dose-dependently increases plasma arginine concentrations more effectively than equivalent doses of L-arginine itself, as citrulline avoids degradation by intestinal arginase enzymes.^[16]

  Once absorbed, citrulline undergoes conversion to arginine primarily in the kidneys through the citrulline-arginine cycle.^[17] This arginine then becomes available systemically for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) to convert into nitric oxide, triggering vasodilation and enhanced blood flow to working muscles.^[18]

  

  The hydrochloride salt formation theoretically offers enhanced solubility compared to standard L-citrulline. MuscleTech's testing suggests their HydroNOx™ provides superior citrulline-to-arginine conversion rates and higher peak arginine concentrations than traditional forms, though this proprietary data awaits peer-reviewed validation. The improved solubility profile could enhance intestinal absorption, as research shows that citrulline absorption efficiency influences its overall effectiveness as an arginine precursor.^[17]

  At 2,000mg, HydroNOx™ provides a substantial dose that aims to maximize nitric oxide production and pump benefits while potentially offering superior bioavailability compared to traditional citrulline supplementation approaches.

• Betaine nitrate (as NO3-T®) - 1,500mg

  Betaine nitrate delivers a synergistic combination that maximizes pump benefits through dual mechanisms. While you're already receiving the power and hydration benefits of betaine (discussed above), the nitrate component unlocks an entirely different pathway for enhanced blood flow and muscle oxygenation through the nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway.^[19]

  When you consume nitrates, approximately 25% gets absorbed by your salivary glands where oral bacteria convert it to nitrite, which then circulates systemically and gets reduced to nitric oxide (NO) in your working muscles.^[20] This backup NO production pathway becomes especially active during intense exercise when muscles experience the hypoxic and acidic conditions that enhance nitrite-to-NO conversion.^[21]

  Research demonstrates that nitrate supplementation significantly reduces the oxygen cost of exercise, meaning your muscles become more efficient at generating force.^[21] Studies show nitrates can decrease muscle ATP turnover rates during both low and high-intensity exercise, essentially allowing you to maintain power output while consuming less energy.^[21] Additionally, nitrates enhance blood flow preferentially to type II muscle fibers -- exactly the fast-twitch fibers you're recruiting during intense lifting sessions.^[22]

  The 1,500mg dose provides approximately 465mg of elemental nitrate (and a bit more than an extra gram of betaine), positioning it within the research-supported range that has shown ergogenic effects in exercise lasting 5-30 minutes.^[22] Combined with the additional betaine content, this dual-mechanism approach targets both cellular hydration and vascular function for comprehensive pump enhancement.

MuscleTech Recovery Peptide 144 features PeptiStrong™ peptides that boost strength recovery by 144% and cut muscle fatigue by 47%. Plus myHMB® for anti-catabolic support and myostatin suppression. Complete your peptide stack!

Energy & Sensory Matrix

Now it's time to dial up the focus:

• L-tyrosine - 1,500mg

  L-tyrosine serves as the building block for critical neurotransmitters that directly impact your mental performance under stress. This amino acid functions as the precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine -- two catecholamines essential for maintaining focus, motivation, and cognitive function when training intensity ramps up.^[23]

  The mechanism behind tyrosine's effectiveness centers on neurotransmitter depletion reversal. During intense physical and mental stress, your brain's demand for dopamine and norepinephrine increases dramatically, potentially outpacing natural synthesis rates.^[23] When neurotransmitter levels drop, you experience decreased focus, reduced motivation, and impaired decision-making... exactly what you don't want during challenging training sessions.

  Here's where tyrosine supplementation becomes valuable: it enhances neurotransmitter synthesis specifically in actively firing neurons, meaning it kicks in precisely when your brain needs it most.^[23] Research demonstrates that tyrosine supplementation can maintain cognitive performance under various stressful conditions, including heat exposure, intense training, and high cognitive demands.^[24]

  The 1,500mg dose in Stacked Pre aligns with research-backed protocols that have shown cognitive benefits. Studies suggest plasma tyrosine levels peak 1-2 hours after consumption and remain elevated for up to 8 hours, providing sustained cognitive support throughout your workout.^[23] This dose helps ensure your mind stays sharp and focused when pushing through those plateau-breaking sessions that demand maximum mental engagement.

• GeniusPure™ alpha-glyceryl phosphoryl choline (55% Alpha-GPC) - 285mg

  

  MuscleTech Creatine Peptide 447 combines 6g total creatine (monohydrate + peptide technology) with L-tyrosine and L-theanine for muscle performance and cognitive support. A complete daily performance enhancer beyond traditional creatine.

  Alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine (Alpha-GPC) is a choline-containing compound that serves as a direct precursor to acetylcholine, one of the brain's most important neurotransmitters for cognitive function and neuromuscular performance.^[25] When consumed, Alpha-GPC is metabolized by the enzyme glycerylphosphoryl-choline diesterase in the gut, releasing free choline that crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases the brain's acetylcholine precursor pool.^[25]

  This formulation features GeniusPure from NNB Nutrition, a premium Alpha-GPC ingredient that delivers superior stability and purity compared to standard Alpha-GPC products. While traditional Alpha-GPC supplements often contain only 50% active compound, GeniusPure is available in standardizations of 55%, 70%, and 90%, offering formulators flexibility in achieving targeted dosing yet with less clumping.

  Research has shown that Alpha-GPC supplementation can enhance acetylcholine release in brain regions critical for learning and memory, including the hippocampus and cerebral cortex.^[25] At higher doses, Alpha-GPC has been shown to acutely support concentration and cognitive performance in healthy individuals, with benefits appearing within 60 minutes of supplementation.^[26] This rapid onset makes Alpha-GPC particularly valuable for pre-workout and nootropic applications where immediate cognitive enhancement is desired.

  Beyond cognitive benefits, Alpha-GPC may also support physical performance through its role in optimizing neuromuscular function and acetylcholine availability at the neuromuscular junction.

• Caffeine anhydrous - 250mg (of 300mg total caffeine content)

  Caffeine anhydrous serves as the primary energy driver in Stacked Pre, delivering fast-acting stimulation that targets your central nervous system through adenosine receptor antagonism.^[27] When caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in your brain, it blocks adenosine's normally inhibitory effects, leading to increased release of key neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine.^[27] This neurochemical cascade translates directly into enhanced alertness, improved focus, and reduced perception of effort during training.

  

  Each 3-capsule serving of MuscleTech Peptide 185 has 2 grams of dileucine!

  Research demonstrates that caffeine's performance benefits extend across multiple training modalities. Studies show that doses between 3-6mg/kg body weight can improve endurance performance by up to 24% over placebo, with elite runners and cyclists experiencing significantly extended time to exhaustion.^[28] For strength training, caffeine has been shown to enhance both maximal strength and muscular endurance in resistance-trained individuals.^[28]

  The 250mg dose provides a substantial acute stimulus that falls within the research-supported range for performance enhancement, delivering the intense energy and mental clarity needed for high-intensity training sessions without requiring precise body weight calculations. Combined with the additional 50mg from VitaShure® sustained-release caffeine later in the formula, Stacked Pre delivers a total of 300mg caffeine for maximum energy impact.

  Ultimately, this will all hit a bit harder than the 300mg paraxanthine in MuscleTech's EuphoriQ pre-workout.

• Choline bitartrate - 195mg

  Choline bitartrate provides an additional pathway for acetylcholine synthesis that complements the alpha-GPC already included in Stacked Pre's formula. While alpha-GPC excels at crossing the blood-brain barrier for cognitive enhancement, choline bitartrate offers excellent cost-efficiency, bioavailability, and stability as a choline precursor that supports both central and peripheral nervous system function.^[29]

  The bitartrate salt form provides superior dosing compared to some other choline forms, since choline bitartrate contains 41.1% choline by molecular weight.^[30] This means the 195mg dose delivers approximately 80mg of elemental choline that rapidly elevates plasma choline levels, with research demonstrating that choline uptake peaks approximately 30 minutes after ingestion and brain acetylcholine levels increase significantly within 40 minutes.^[30]

  

  Studies demonstrate that choline bitartrate supplementation improves visuomotor performance and enhances the coordination of hand and arm movements, supporting the type of motor control precision needed during technical lifting movements.^[30] This enhanced neuromuscular coordination can translate to better mind-muscle connection and movement quality during challenging lifts.

  Combined with Alpha-GPC, this dual-choline approach ensures comprehensive acetylcholine support from multiple pathways, maximizing cognitive focus and neuromuscular coordination when intensity peaks.

• VitaShure® slow-dispersing caffeine (yielding 50mg caffeine) - 83mg

  VitaShure® is another approach to caffeine delivery through microencapsulation technology that extends energy release well beyond the initial caffeine anhydrous hit. This innovative system encapsulates caffeine within protective matrices that control its release rate, creating a sustained energy curve that helps maintain focus and alertness throughout extended training sessions.

  The microencapsulation process protects the caffeine from immediate dissolution, allowing for gradual release over several hours rather than the rapid absorption typical of standard caffeine forms. This technology addresses one of the primary limitations of traditional pre-workout caffeine -- the sharp energy peak followed by an equally sharp decline that can leave athletes feeling depleted mid-workout.

  By combining 250mg of immediate-release caffeine anhydrous with 50mg from VitaShure's sustained-release system, Stacked Pre delivers a total of 300mg caffeine in a carefully orchestrated energy profile. The initial anhydrous caffeine provides the intense energy kick needed for workout initiation, while VitaShure maintains that energy level as you progress through demanding training sessions, creating a more consistent and prolonged performance experience with less crash.

• Yohimbe extract (bark) - 10mg

  Also added to the new EuphoriQ V2 formula, yohimbe extract brings the final piece to Stacked Pre's energy matrix through its unique ability to enhance stimulant effects and improve exercise performance. Derived from the bark of the Pausinystalia yohimbe tree, this extract contains multiple active alkaloids, with yohimbine serving as the primary bioactive compound that functions as a selective α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist.^[31]

  

  Yohimbine boosts fat loss, performance, and sexual health. Used right, it enhances workouts and overall wellness. MuscleTech's EuphoriQ V2 offers a safe, low-dose option to experience its benefits.

  By blocking these receptors, yohimbe effectively removes a brake on your sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased norepinephrine release and heightened catecholamine activity.^[32] This translates to enhanced power output, improved work capacity, and better fatigue resistance during repeated high-intensity efforts - exactly what you need during demanding training sessions.^[32]

  The 10mg dose provides a precise amount that complements rather than overwhelms the caffeine content, creating a synergistic stimulant experience that enhances both mental focus and physical performance. Yohimbe's rapid absorption profile means you'll feel its effects quickly, with peak blood concentrations occurring within 30-45 minutes.^[33]

  To learn more about this fascinating compound and its mechanisms of action, check out our comprehensive guide: Yohimbe: The Ultimate Guide to Nature's Potent Stimulant.

• Huperzine A (as Huperzia serrata) - 10mcg

  Huperzine A is a naturally-derived alkaloid extracted from the Chinese club moss Huperzia serrata that functions as a potent and selective acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, making it a standout nootropic addition to high-intensity pre-workout formulas.^[34] By inhibiting the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, huperzine A increases cholinergic neurotransmission in the brain, enhancing focus, memory formation, and cognitive processing during demanding training sessions.^[35]

  Research demonstrates that huperzine A significantly improves cognitive performance measures, with studies showing enhanced memory and learning abilities at doses as low as 100mcg twice daily.^[36] The compound exhibits superior selectivity for acetylcholinesterase compared to other cholinesterase inhibitors like donepezil and rivastigmine, allowing for effective cognitive enhancement with minimal side effects at appropriate doses.^[34] The 10mcg dose in Stacked Pre provides acute cognitive support that can sharpen mental clarity and enhance the mind-muscle connection during intense training.

Flavors Available

MuscleTech Stacked Pre launches with two intense flavor options designed to match its high-performance formula:

How to Use Stacked Pre

Dosage: Mix 1 scoop (15g) with 8oz of cold water and consume 30-60 minutes before your workout. Do not exceed 1 serving in a 24-hour period.

Timing: Given the 300mg total caffeine content, avoid taking Stacked Pre within 6 hours of bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.

Hydration: Ensure adequate fluid intake before, during, and after your workout, as several ingredients promote cellular hydration and performance.

Stacking with MuscleTech's Peptide Series

For maximum muscle-building and recovery support, consider stacking Stacked Pre with MuscleTech's innovative peptide line:

• Pre-workout: Stacked Pre for intense energy and performance
• Post-workout: Peptide 185 (2g dileucine) to maximize muscle protein synthesis during the critical recovery window
• Daily: Creatine Peptide 447 for enhanced ATP production and cognitive support
• Recovery: Recovery Peptide 144 to accelerate recovery and reduce muscle breakdown

This complete system addresses every aspect of the training process - from high-intensity energy and performance through muscle protein synthesis, cellular energy production, and advanced recovery support.

Conclusion: Maximum Performance, Maximum Results

MuscleTech EuphoriQ V2 is here! It still has 300mg enfinity paraxanthine, but now supports more citrulline, added betaine nitrate, and a small hit of yohimbe!

MuscleTech Stacked Pre is what we look for in safe, high-intensity pre-workout supplementation. While EuphoriQ delivers smooth, clean energy through paraxanthine, Stacked Pre provides the raw power and sensory experience that serious lifters demand from traditional caffeine-based formulas.

The breakthrough HydroNOx™ technology sets a new standard for pump ingredients, with forthcoming data showing that it delivers superior results with precision dosing rather than yesteryear's mega-dosing approaches. Combined with sustained-release caffeine, cognitive enhancers, and performance amplifiers like nitrates, this formula addresses every aspect of peak training performance.

Whether you're a competitive athlete, serious bodybuilder, or dedicated enthusiast who thrives on high-intensity energy, Stacked Pre provides the calibrated power you need to push past limits and achieve maximum results. Exactly what we expect from MuscleTech, who always seems to bring us new ingredients.