In the relentless pursuit of peak performance, gym goers often explore a vast array of supplements. Creatine, a naturally occurring substance that aids muscle function, reigns supreme. But with countless creatine options flooding the market, Redcon1 Tango Creatine boasts a “triple threat” formula. This review dissects Tango, analyzing its ingredients, effectiveness, and whether it deserves a spot in your supplement regimen.
Gym Professionals: Unbiased Insights You Can Trust
Gym Rats Supps isn’t your average supplement review site. We’re a crew of seasoned professionals – personal trainers, nutritionists, dietitians, CrossFit gurus, and weightlifting coaches – dedicated to providing unbiased, comprehensive evaluations. We dissect products using a meticulous rating system encompassing:
- Price per serving
- Formulation
- Taste
- Solubility
- Side effects
- Third-party testing
- Customer service
- Customer reviews
This Redcon1 Tango review equips you with honest insights to make informed decisions.
Redcon1 Tango Creatine: A Closer Look
Redcon1, inspired by the military term “Readiness Condition,” creates products to propel individuals towards peak performance. Their portfolio boasts best-sellers like Redcon1 Total War pre-workout and Redcon1 MRE protein. But Tango’s unique, “ultra-loaded” formula piques the interest of bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Each serving of Tango packs 6.75 grams of creatine, a blend of creatine monohydrate, CON-CRET Creatine HCl, and Creatine Magnapower™. Additionally, betaine, taurine, and L-ornithine enrich the mix. While Tango stands out from its bland, unflavored creatine counterparts, consider these crucial aspects before hitting “purchase.”
Before You Buy: Important Considerations
Redcon1’s website currently lists two flavors, a stark contrast to the initial seven. Exploring other retailers might unearth more variety. However, a critical factor for competitive athletes is missing: confirmation of third-party testing for banned substances.
Is Redcon1 Tango Creatine Worth the Investment?
At $1.33 per serving, Redcon1 Tango Creatine surpasses the budget-friendly range of most top creatine supplements, averaging around $0.80 per serving. However, the “ultra-loaded” creatine blend might justify the cost for some users.
Who Should Consider Redcon1 Tango Creatine?
- Individuals seeking flavored creatine options
- Athletes with higher creatine needs
- Those aiming to amplify the benefits of resistance training
Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?
- Budget-conscious gym rats
- Competitive athletes requiring confirmed third-party testing for banned substances
- People who prefer to avoid additives and artificial sweeteners
Price Per Serving: A Budgetary Breakdown
A 30-serving container of Tango retails for $39.99, translating to $1.33 per serving (pre-tax). While unique, Tango’s price tag eclipses other high-quality creatine powders available for as low as $0.50 per serving. This aspect earns Tango a 2 out of 5 stars for value.
Formulation: Unveiling the Ingredients
Tango’s standout feature is its 6.75 grams of creatine derived from three sources. Let’s delve deeper into the key ingredients:
- Creatine Monohydrate (5 grams): The most researched and proven form of creatine, it enhances muscular strength, power, and endurance. Additional benefits may include reduced injury risk, faster muscle recovery, and even cognitive improvements.
- CON-CRET Creatine HCl (1 gram): A patented form of creatine hydrochloride (HCl) designed for increased solubility and absorption due to its bond with hydrochloric acid.
- Creatine Magnapower (750 milligrams): Also known as magnesium creatine chelate, this patented form binds creatine to magnesium. It boasts the ability to “improve ATP production (energy), enhance performance, and promote muscle growth.”
- Betaine Anhydrous (2.5 grams): Betaine enhances muscle endurance, power, and strength while aiding weight loss and muscle gain goals. It might also improve creatine bioavailability.
- Taurine (1 gram): This amino acid may reduce muscle damage and expedite recovery. Emerging research suggests taurine stimulates protein synthesis and regulates muscle-building (anabolism) within muscle cells.
- L-ornithine (1 gram): A non-essential amino acid derived from arginine, the primary precursor for creatine. L-ornithine might delay exercise-induced fatigue by minimizing ammonia levels.
While Tango boasts superior muscle-building and recovery, a critical review and meta-analysis from 2022 crowned creatine monohydrate as the “gold standard,” raising questions about the effectiveness of “novel forms” like creatine HCl and Magnapower. More importantly, Tango’s hefty serving size, nearly 7 grams of creatine, exceeds the International Society of Sports Nutrition’s (ISSN) recommendation of 3 to 5 grams daily.
A Note on Discrepancies: Inconsistencies exist between product labels on the Redcon1 website. Betaine content varies between 2.5 grams and 1 gram, and artificial flavor listings differ. We’ve contacted Redcon1 for clarification and will update this review when more information becomes available.
Beyond the Core Ingredients: Tango also includes:
- Natural flavors
- Citric acid (for tartness)
- Malic acid (for sourness)
- Silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent)
- Calcium silicate (anti-caking agent)
- Sucralose and Acesulfame potassium (sweeteners)
- Beetroot powder (for color)
These ingredients enhance solubility, texture, flavor, sweetness, and visual appeal.
Taste and Solubility: A Winning Combination
Our reviewer, Anthony, sampled the Strawberry Kiwi flavor and declared, “It tastes exactly like the name suggests, and it’s not overly sweet. The kiwi flavor actually comes through quite nicely!” For taste, Tango triumphs with a perfect 5 out of 5 stars.
Tango nearly achieves mixing perfection, earning a stellar 4.5 out of 5 stars. Anthony noted, “It mixes pretty easily, but I’ve encountered a few lumps here and there.”
Side Effects: Not Always a Dealbreaker
Anthony reported no adverse effects and even remarked, “I felt stronger, with near-instant results.” Considering this positive feedback, Tango scores a 5 out of 5 in this category. It’s important to remember that while creatine side effects are usually mild and temporary, some individuals might experience bloating, water retention, and weight gain.
Third-Party Testing: A Missing Piece of the Puzzle
Redcon1 emphasizes transparency in labeling, but Tango’s packaging and website lack clear evidence of third-party testing, resulting in a low rating of 2 out of 5.
The Final Verdict: A Multi-Faceted Creatine Formula
Redcon1 Tango Creatine boasts a multi-ingredient formula featuring three creatine sources and additional performance-enhancing ingredients. Here’s a quick recap to guide your decision:
- Pros: Offers a whopping 6.75 grams of creatine per serving, flavored, and contains taurine, betaine, and L-ornithine for potentially better workout performance and recovery.
- Cons: Exceeds the recommended creatine intake, pricier than many effective creatine powders, and lacks third-party testing verification.
Do You Need Redcon1 Tango Creatine?
If you prioritize flavored creatine, have higher creatine needs, or seek additional performance-boosting ingredients, Tango might be worth considering. However, for budget-conscious gym-goers, competitive athletes requiring third-party testing, or those who prefer a simpler formula, alternative creatine options might be more suitable.
Remember: Always consult a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.