Here at BWSB we’ve known about Blackstone Labs for a while. Throughout the past, we’ve questioned their overall brand value, as Blackstone products tend to lay in the legal/ethical grey area of supplement sales (1)(2). But, that same rule-bending characteristic is exactly why so many bodybuilders love Blackstone Labs without question.
As proof of concept, up until recently Blackstone’s Dust still had DMAA in it! However now, times have changed. To make up for this, Blackstone has been experimenting with DMHA and a few other compounds.
Here, we review all of Blackstone’s currently available pre workouts: Dust X, Dust V2, and how they compare to the former Dust Extreme. We’ve also researched some of these new stimulants so that you can better understand what makes DUST tick.
TL;DR Quick Dust Reviews
Dust V2 Quick Review: Dust V2 is essentially the Blackstone pre workout for those that aren’t looking for DMAA/DMHA like pre workouts. But is it loaded to the teethe with caffeine? You bet.
Dust X DMHA Quick Review: Dust X with DMHA really upped the ante from where Dust Extreme (DMAA) had left off. After DMAA became illegal once again, it was clear that Blackstone had to go on a warpath to find a comparable stimulant cocktail. Did they do it? Yes, but it’s a wild ride.
Dust Extreme Quick Review (retired): Dust Extreme is a medium-scoop high stimulant pre workout that includes DMAA. Compared to other high stimulant pre workouts, Dust Extreme feels smoother than you’d expect. But that doesn’t mean Dust is weak… Rather, it’s a clean high stimulant experience that lasts for quite some time.
Our Experience Reviewing Dust X with DMHA
While reviewing Dust Extreme, we found the overall experience to be very similar to that of APS Mesomorph, just with way more caffeine.
Like Mesomorph, the pump wasn’t all that intense, but the DMHA focus, mind-muscle connection, and general stim-sensation was quite prevalent. Comparing the two directly, we would have to say that Dust X is stronger.
The mind-muscle connection enhancement is incredibly awesome for back-days. However, for chest, shoulders, and legs – it can leave you dry and without a pump.
The first couple times taking DUST X were amazing. Though as we got acclimated to taking it, the duration of effectiveness reduced and the crash got worse.
Compared to Dust V2: Dust V2 brought on similar feels, just without the DMHA x-factor sensation. We really wish the label to Dust V2 was not proprietary.
Compared to Dust Extreme: Dust Extreme won us over for the cleaner heavy-stim feel of DMAA. DMHA is alright, just not the same thing.
BWSB Ranking Factors for DUST X (Summary for DUST V2 and Dust Extreme below)
Energy Effects – 8.5/10
The energy effects of Dust X are just like APS mesomorph, with a scoop of more overall energy. It really isn’t the same feel as the previous DMAA version… Think less power mind-muscle connection, and more caffeine euphoric energy.
Strength Effects – 8/10
The heaping dosage of stimulants will make your brain capable of sending stronger nerve impulses. Strength will be up!
Endurance Effects 7/10
While there is beta-alanine in Dust X, it’s at a suboptimal dose (2.5). Expect an endurance boost due to the stimulants, but if you work hard, it will come to an end as there is no real nutrition present to keep you going.
Crash / Aftermath Effects 6/10
With high caffeine + questionable stim products, when the crash comes it comes on hard. This crash won’t occur for several hours after consumption. However, as you become more tolerant, the crash will speed up.
Price / Value 6/10
The cheapest price we found for Dust X with DMHA is $44.99 per 25 servings. This is incredibly expensive for a product that has less than 9 grams of active ingredients per serving… Basically you are paying close to $2 per serving, and they recommend you take it every single day.
Taste 9/10
We tried the Dust X flavor Sour Gummy Bear and it was one of the best tasting pre workouts we’ve ever had. Granted, it includes sucralose and artificial flavors. Regardless, fantastic taste. If it was naturally flavored, this would be a 10/10 no question.
Similar Products
The most similar product to Dust X would be Mesomorph with DMHA.
Review Conclusion 7.4/10
Overall, if DMHA is a must for your pre workout supplement, then DUST X is one of the most hardcore options available. It really doesn’t have any performance enhancing nutrients, or muscle growth stimulating nutrients… But it does have enough caffeine and DMHA to make you punch through a door.
Compared to Dust V2: Dust X is a crazier experience, while Dust V2 is more straight-forward caffeine rush.
Compared to Dust Extreme (retired): The original Dust Extreme with DMAA was definitely superior. But Dust X will still do more for you than a standard PWO if you are all about those exotic stimulants.
Dust X DMHA Pre Workout Ingredients
Beta-alanine 2.5 grams – Promotes endurance, under-dosed as well. Trials suggest 3,200 mg is required.
Agmatine Sulfate 1 gram – Promotes nitric oxide via not fully understood pathways and is also a stimulant. Unlike l-citrulline malate and beta-alanine this ingredient is dosed strongly.
L-tyrosine 1 gram – May increase brain neurotransmission, improve mood, and reduce stress (3). A solid dose, though worth noting that the previous Dust Extreme contained the superior n-acetyl-l-tyrosine form.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol) 750 mg – A stimulant that effects choline action, dosed strongly (4).
Phenylethylamine 500 mg – Also referred to as simply “PEA”, phenylethylamine has a wide range of supplemental, industrial, and lab-based applications (5). Of interest to us, is phenylethylamines role as a central nervous system stimulant and mood booster via dopamine release (6). While this effect makes PEA very potent and effective on an acute basis, withdrawal is a very real threat, especially at higher dosages (7). The 500 mg contained in Dust X definitely qualifies as a high dosage.
Caffeine Anhydrous 350 mg – Caffeine is a fast-acting stimulant that all stimulant pre workouts contain. Dust X contains a very strong dosage equivalent to 3 ½ cups of coffee.
2-Aminoisoheptane (DMHA) 150 mg – Stimulant similar DMAA, with DMAA being similar to amphetamines. Currently, DMHA is considered to be of questionable safety (8).
Nelumbo necifera (higenamine) 75 mg – Also known as the ‘sacred lotus’ plant, Nelumbo necifera can be standardized for the compound higenamine. Higenamine may aid weight loss through the prevention of weight gain (9).
Huperzine A 300 mcg – Enhances focus, good dosage.
Who Would Benefit Most From Dust X?
Dust X is definitely meant for previous DMAA and current DMHA fanatics. Results-wise, Dust X will give you better workouts. On a body-effect level, Dust X will help you cut water-weight – but it really won’t help you swell up your muscles to support maximum growth.
With that being said, if you have an immediate need to show more definition and harden your muscles, Dust Extreme is an advantageous pre workout to take if you like heavy DMHA and caffeine.
Our Final Take On Dust X
We liked the experience of taking this pre workout a lot. The only problem was stimulant burn out, price, and DMHA side effects.
Compared to other versions of Dust: Dust Extreme was the best, Dust X is next, and Dust V2 is in third place. This is based upon sheer workout power, which is most effected by stimulants.
