The moment all of you hard-working motherfxckers have been waiting for...
The iconic Whiskey & Cola flavor series from Axe & Sledge Supplements is back and better than ever! New look, new formulas, same great flavor!
On Thursday, August 4th at 8pm EST, Whiskey & Cola will be available in the following products:
- The Grind - our essential amino acid and branched-chain amino acid supplement that features glutamine, ornithine, betaine anhydrous, coconut water powder, and electrolytes.
- Hydraulic - our non-stim pump focused pre-workout that features 5 patented/trademarked ingredients, including Creatine Magnapower®, CarnoSyn® Beta-Alanine, AgmaMax™, HydroMax®, and Nitrosigine®.
- Seventh Gear V2 - our high-stim pre-workout that's formulated to increase and sustain energy levels, boost focus, and enhance performance!
Whiskey & Cola will be the first flavor available in the new and improved Seventh Gear formula. The other flavors will follow suit after we sell out of our current inventory.
Keep reading to find out what improvements were made to Seventh Gear and set your alarms for one of our biggest launches of the year!
Introducing Seventh Gear V2
For those of you who aren't familiar, we offer three different pre-workout powders, including Hydraulic, a non-stim pre-workout, Ignition Switch, a moderate-stim pre-workout, and finally... Seventh Gear our highest-stim pre-workout.
Seventh Gear was formulated with just under 400 milligrams of caffeine per serving coming from a combination of fast and sustained-release sources to quickly elevate and sustain energy levels. Seventh Gear also contains a few other stimulatory compounds, including TeaCrine® to further raise energy, mood, and alertness.
Seventh Gear has always been one of our top-selling products, but with a few tweaks, we were able to make it even better!
For Seventh Gear V2 we increased the dose of the following ingredients:
- Alpha-GPC
- Choline Bitartrate
- Betaine Anhydrous
With a bump in the ingredients listed above you should notice enhanced focus, power, performance, mind-muscle connection and strength.
The other major change we made to Seventh Gear was replacing Creatine Magnapower® with the clinically studied dose of ElevATP® from FutureCeuticals.
ElevATP® is a natural combination of ancient peat and apple polyphenols clinically shown to increase levels of ATP (cellular) energy), leading to improvements in strength, power, and performance!
It's important to note that Whiskey Cola is the first flavor that's available in Seventh Gear V2. Once we sell out of the old formula for the other flavors, they will follow suit.
Also, we are planning on switching back to a 30-serving label, so if you want the full experience that Seventh Gear has to offer and you have a 60-serving tub, we recommend taking 2 scoops (~10 grams). As always, start with 1 scoop to assess tolerance.
Here's a full look at the new and improved formula, the following dosages are for two scoops (~10 grams = 30 servings).
- Beta-Alanine - 3.2 grams
- Betaine Anhydrous - 2.5 grams
- Choline Bitartrate - 500 milligrams
- Caffeine Anhydrous - 350 milligrams
- Alpha-GPC - 300 milligrams
- ElevATP® - 150 milligrams
- TeaCrine® - 100 milligrams
- Infinergy™ - 50 milligrams (yields 37.5 milligrams caffeine)
- Bioperine® - 5 milligrams
- Huperzine A - 100 micrograms
Seventh Gear V2 Ingredient Breakdown
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine, a dipeptide molecule that’s highly concentrated in skeletal muscle. Since beta-alanine can effectively increase carnosine levels, it significantly boosts muscular endurance, strength, and power.[1,2] Carnosine carries out its performance-enhancing effects by buffering metabolites, such as lactic acid, which are produced during exercise.[1,2]
An accumulation of lactic acid results in a decrease in pH levels, causing the environment in the skeletal muscle to be more acidic. This reduction in pH negatively affects several enzymes involved in energy production. Therefore, the longer the body can keep lactic acid levels at bay, the longer it can perform at a high level.
Other than boosting muscular endurance, some studies show that beta-alanine can:
- Increase lean body mass
- Enhance mental performance
- Improve recovery[1,2]
If you experience paresthesia (a pins-and-needles sensation that normally occurs in the hands, feet, and/or face) from beta-alanine, don’t be alarmed. It’s harmless and usually subsides within 30 to 45 minutes. Furthermore, the longer you use beta-alanine the less likely you’ll experience paraesthesia.
Betaine Anhydrous
Betaine anhydrous, also known as trimethylglycine, is an amino acid that’s naturally found in some foods, such as beets and spinach. Within the body, betaine serves as both an osmolyte and methyl donor.
An osmolyte is a low-molecular-weight organic compound that helps maintain an appropriate fluid balance in cells. Therefore, betaine assists with hydration and supports the structural integrity of cell membranes.[3,4]
As a methyl donor, betaine reduces levels of homocysteine, a non-proteinogenic amino acid that’s potentially detrimental to cardiovascular health. Furthermore, by donating a methyl group to homocysteine, betaine increases the production of creatine by raising levels of methionine.[3,4] Creatine improves the body’s ability to regenerate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is crucial for maintaining performance during exercise.
Studies show that supplementing with betaine anhydrous may:
- Increase strength, power output, and endurance
- Improve cardiovascular health
- Enhance lean body mass
- Promote weight loss[3.4]
Caffeine Anhydrous
Caffeine anhydrous is a dehydrated form of caffeine that provides you with fast-acting energy. It’s also one of the most researched ingredients in sports nutrition and has been proven to be a safe and effective ergogenic aid.[5]
Caffeine anhydrous primarily raises energy levels by inhibiting adenosine, a nucleoside in the brain that causes decreased neuronal activity.[5] Caffeine also prevents the breakdown of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), a secondary messenger involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats.[5] Therefore, caffeine may help facilitate weight loss.
Furthermore, caffeine has been shown to reduce pain perception and perceived effort.[5] Due to its wide range of physiological effects, caffeine significantly enhances both physical and mental performance.[5]
Choline Bitartrate
To boost mental focus and mind-to-muscle connection, Seventh Gear uses two forms of supplemental choline — choline bitartrate and alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine. Choline is an essential nutrient that’s naturally found in some foods, such as egg yolks, sunflower seeds, fish, dairy, and meat.[6]
Choline is required for the body to synthesize two phospholipids that are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of cell membranes.[6] Choline is also used for the production of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that’s important for movement, memory, learning, mood, and other bodily functions.[6]
Supplementing with choline can be very beneficial for maximizing sports performance, especially since intense exercise can significantly deplete acetylcholine levels.
There are several forms of supplemental choline, so why did we choose choline bitartrate?
As the name suggests, choline bitartrate consists of choline bound to two tartaric acids. Tartaric acid is a salt that improves the absorption and effectiveness of choline. So choline bitartrate may be more beneficial than other forms.
Alpha-Glyceryl Phosphoryl Choline (Alpha-GPC)
In addition to choline bitartrate, Seventh Gear contains alpha-glyceryl phosphorylcholine (alpha-GPC). Similar to choline bitartrate, alpha-GPC supplies the body with additional choline in an effort to boost acetylcholine levels. Once ingested, alpha-GPC is converted to phosphatidylcholine, before it’s used for acetylcholine synthesis.
Alpha-GPC supplementation has been found to prevent reductions in choline levels caused by strenuous exercise, improve endurance performance, and increase growth hormone secretion.[7,8] Other studies have shown that alpha-GPC supplementation enhances power output and boosts cognitive function.[7,8]
ElevATP®
ElevATP® is a trademarked ingredient from FutureCeuticals, an industry leader in ingredient development and research. ElevATP® consists of a unique combination of ancient peat and apple polyphenols.[9]
Research shows that ElevATP® effectively and reliably raises endogenous energy levels, also known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the energy currency of the cell and its in high demand during intense physical activity, such as resistance training. Increasing the availability of ATP leads to enhanced strength, power, and overall performance.[9]
What's more, some studies suggest that oral supplementation with exogenous ATP is unreliable for increasing ATP levels since it breaks down in the gut. ElevATP® is unique in that it naturally helps our bodies produce our own ATP the way nature intended.[9]
Supplementing with ElevATP® may lead to:
- Increased power and strength
- Improved body composition
- Enhanced recovery
- Elevated work capacity[8]
TeaCrine® (Theacrine)
TeaCrine® is a trademarked form of theacrine developed by Compound Solutions. TeaCrine® has the unique ability to increase energy levels, mental clarity, focus, motivation, and mood, without affecting the cardiovascular system.
In other words, TeaCrine® provides you with similar benefits as caffeine, but none of the potential negative effects, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, jitters, or a crash.[10]
TeaCrine® expresses its positive effects by interacting with two different neural pathways, dopaminergic and adenosinergic. By activating dopamine receptors, TeaCrine® increases the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that’s responsible for mood, motivation, and well-being. On the other hand, by inhibiting adenosine receptors, TeaCrine® raises energy levels, mental clarity, and focus.[10]
Studies have shown that supplementing with TeaCrine® results in:
- Increased mental and physical energy without jitters, irritability, or habituation
- Enhanced motivation
- Decreased fatigue[10]
Infinergy™ (Dicaffeine Malate)
Instead of using just one type of caffeine, Seventh Gear uses caffeine anhydrous and dicaffeine malate (as Infinergy™) for sustained-energy levels. Infinergy™ is the third patented ingredient in Seventh Gear and was developed by Creative Compounds.
Unlike caffeine anhydrous, which is fast-acting, Infinergy™ takes longer for the body to break down due to its chemical structure. Infinergy™ is made up of two caffeine molecules bound to malic acid. Therefore, the body must break the bond before being able to utilize caffeine.[11]
As the caffeine anhydrous starts to wear off, you have another source of caffeine to further sustain energy levels. This combination is one of the reasons why Seventh Gear is stronger than it looks. Similar to traditional caffeine, Infinergy™ raises energy levels, boosts mental focus, and stimulates thermogenesis.[11]
Bioperine® (Black Pepper Extract)
The last patented ingredient in Seventh Gear is Bioperine® from Sabinsa Corporation. Bioperine® is a high-quality black pepper extract that’s standardized to contain 95% piperine.[12] Bioperine® improves the effectiveness of Seventh Gear by increasing the absorption and bioavailability of the entire formula.
For various reasons, some dietary ingredients aren’t absorbed very well by the body. Therefore, they end up being excreted and you miss out on their potential benefits. One way to solve this problem is by adding an efficacious dose of Bioperine®.
Bioperine® enhances the bioavailability of supplements by increasing thermogenesis and modulating both metabolizing enzymes and efflux mechanisms.[12] In summary, Bioperine® is here to ensure that you get the most out of Seventh Gear.
Toothed Clubmoss (Huperzia Serrata) (Std. to 1% Huperzine A)
Toothed clubmoss, more commonly known as Huperzia Serrata, is a plant that’s rich in huperzine A, a natural inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase.[13] Huperzine A is capable of sustaining acetylcholine levels by reducing the breakdown of acetylcholine.[13]
So huperzine A works synergistically with choline bitrate and alpha-GPC to not only raise acetylcholine levels but keep them elevated throughout the entire workout.[13] Supplementing with huperzine A further increases focus, mind-to-muscle connection, and performance.
Suggested Use
For optimal results, we recommend mixing 1-2 scoops of Seventh Gear with 6-8 ounces of cold water and consuming 15 to 20 minutes prior to training. Since Seventh Gear contains a high amount of stimulants, start with 1 scoop to assess your tolerance.
Do not consume Seventh Gear within 5 to 6 hours prior to sleep. Do not use any other products or beverages that contain stimulants when taking Seventh Gear.
Stacking Options
Seventh Gear stacks well with:
- Hydraulic
- Demo Day
- Pumpies
- Electrolytes+
- The Grind
References
- Hobson, RM. et al. Jan. 2012. “Effects of β-alanine Supplementation on Exercise Performance: A Meta-Analysis.” Amino Acids vol. 43,1: 25-37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3374095/
- Trexler, E. et al. July 2015. “International Society of Sports Nutrition: Beta-Alanine.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 30. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-015-0090-y
- Cholewa JM. et al. July 2018. “The Effects of Chronic Betaine Supplementation on Body Composition and Performance in Collegiate Females: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 15,1.37. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069865/
- Cholewa, JM et al. Aug. 2013. “Effects of Betaine on Body Composition, Performance, and Homocysteine Thiolactone.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 10,39. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3844502/
- Trexler E. et al. Sept. 2016. “Effects of Coffee and Caffeine Anhydrous on Strength and Sprint Performance.” European Journal of Sports Science, vol. 16,6: 702-10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803635/
- National Institutes of Health. Accessed Apr. 2021. “Choline: Health Professional Fact Sheet.” Office of Dietary Supplements. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Choline-HealthProfessional/
- Ziegenfuss, T. et al. Sept. 2008. “Acute Supplementation with Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Augments Growth Hormone Response to, and Peak Force Production During, Resistance Exercise.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 5, P15. https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-5-S1-P15
- Bellar, D. et al. Nov. 2015. “The Effect of 6 Days of Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine on Isometrix Strength.” Journal of The International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 12, 42. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4650143/
- FutureCeuticals. Accessed July, 2022. "ElevATP®." https://www.futureceuticals.com/elevatp
- Compound Solutions. Accessed July 2022. “TeaCrine®.” https://compoundsolutions.com/ingredients/teacrine/
- Creative Compounds. Accessed July 2022. "Infinergy." http://www.creativecompounds.com/exclusive.php
- Sabinsa Corporation. Accessed July 2022. “Bioperine®.” https://bioperine.com/index.php/mechanismsofactions
- Qian, M. et al. Aug. 2014. “Huperzine A: Is It an Effective Disease-Modifying Drug for Alzheimer’s Disease?” Frontiers In Aging Neuroscience, vol. 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4137276/