🦍 Bucked Up vs Gorilla Mode

Bucked Up vs Gorilla Mode: The Ultimate Pre-Workout Showdown

Gorilla Mode has become the darling of the fitness YouTube community thanks to Derek from More Plates More Dates. Meanwhile, Bucked Up has quietly built a massive following at gyms across America. Both are aggressively dosed, science-backed pre-workouts—but which one should you actually buy?

I'm Jennifer Haines, owner of Master Trainers of California in Modesto. I've tested both products extensively with my bootcamp clients and during my own training sessions. Here's the unfiltered truth about both.

💪 Ingredient Analysis: Where Gorilla Mode Goes Harder

L-Citrulline: 9g vs 6g

Gorilla Mode packs 9 grams of pure L-citrulline per serving. That's 50% more than Bucked Up's 6 grams. Both doses are clinically effective (studies show benefits at 6g+), but Gorilla Mode's higher dose will give you noticeably bigger pumps.

In my Modesto bootcamps, clients on Gorilla Mode report skin-splitting vascularity during workouts. Bucked Up gives solid pumps but they're not as extreme.

Creatine: 5g vs 0g

Gorilla Mode includes 5 grams of creatine monohydrate. Bucked Up has none. This is a massive difference if you're not already taking creatine separately. Creatine improves strength, power output, and muscle fullness.

However, if you already take creatine daily (which you should), this advantage disappears. Many people prefer to dose creatine separately anyway for flexibility.

Beta-Alanine: 3.2g vs 2g

Both doses are effective, but Gorilla Mode's 3.2 grams hits the clinical sweet spot. You'll get more muscular endurance during high-rep sets. The trade-off? Gorilla Mode gives you INTENSE tingles. Some people love it, others hate it.

Betaine: 2.5g vs 0g

Gorilla Mode includes betaine anhydrous, which research shows may improve power output and muscle protein synthesis. It's a nice addition, but the benefits are modest. Not a deal-breaker if Bucked Up doesn't have it.

🎯 Performance Comparison: Real-World Testing

Energy and Focus

Bucked Up: Clean, smooth energy from 200mg caffeine. No jitters, no crash. Good focus but not laser-sharp.

Gorilla Mode: Adjustable caffeine (1-2 scoops = 175-350mg). At 2 scoops, the energy is INTENSE. Focus is sharper due to higher nootropic content.

Winner: Gorilla Mode for advanced users who can handle high stims. Bucked Up for most people.

Pumps

Bucked Up: 6g citrulline delivers solid, reliable pumps. You'll look full during your workout.

Gorilla Mode: 9g citrulline + 5g creatine creates INSANE pumps. Veins popping, muscles swollen, skin-tight feeling.

Winner: Gorilla Mode, no contest.

Endurance

Bucked Up: 2g beta-alanine helps delay fatigue. You'll get an extra 2-3 reps on sets.

Gorilla Mode: 3.2g beta-alanine + 2.5g betaine improves endurance noticeably. Great for volume training.

Winner: Gorilla Mode.

Taste and Mixability

Bucked Up: 25+ flavors, most taste great. Mixes instantly in cold water.

Gorilla Mode: Fewer flavors, but they're solid. Mixes well but can be gritty at 2 scoops.

Winner: Bucked Up for flavor variety.

🏆 Who Should Choose Which?

Choose Bucked Up If:

• You want a strong pre-workout without going overboard
• You already take creatine separately
• You prefer moderate caffeine (200mg is perfect for most people)
• You want 25+ flavor options
• You value convenience (available at local stores in Modesto and nationwide)
• You want to save money with code MTCJEN20

Choose Gorilla Mode If:

• You want maximum ingredient doses across the board
• You don't currently take creatine (Gorilla Mode has 5g built-in)
• You want the biggest possible pumps (9g citrulline is insane)
• You can handle high stims (2-scoop dose = 350mg caffeine)
• You're a hardcore bodybuilder or powerlifter
• You don't mind ordering online exclusively

💡 What My Modesto Clients Say

Bucked Up Users:

• "Perfect amount of energy. I can take it at 5 PM and still sleep by 11 PM."
• "The pumps are good, not crazy, but good. That's all I need."
• "With the 20% code, it's cheaper than Gorilla Mode and easier to find."

Gorilla Mode Users:

• "Two scoops is borderline too much caffeine. But the pumps are worth it."
• "I switched from Bucked Up to Gorilla Mode for the creatine. Now I don't have to take it separately."
• "The tingles are INTENSE. If you're not used to beta-alanine, start with one scoop."

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gorilla Mode stronger than Bucked Up?

Yes, Gorilla Mode has higher ingredient doses across the board (9g citrulline vs 6g, 3.2g beta-alanine vs 2g). However, Bucked Up's doses are still clinically effective for most athletes.

Can I stack Bucked Up with creatine to match Gorilla Mode?

Absolutely. Buy Bucked Up with code MTCJEN20 for $39.99, add a $15 tub of creatine monohydrate, and you've essentially replicated Gorilla Mode's formula for the same or less money.

Which one has less caffeine crash?

Bucked Up (200mg) has a smoother comedown. Gorilla Mode at 2 scoops (350mg) can cause a noticeable crash 4-5 hours later if you're not used to high stims.

Where can I buy these in Modesto, CA?

Bucked Up is available at select supplement stores in Modesto and online at buckedup.com (use code MTCJEN20 for 20% off). Gorilla Mode is online-only at gorillamind.com.

Does MTCJEN20 work on Woke AF and BAMF too?

Yes! Code MTCJEN20 works on the entire Bucked Up product line: pre-workouts, protein, creatine, Woke AF, BAMF, Babe Balance, and more.

📍 About Master Trainers of California

I'm Jennifer Haines, owner of Master Trainers of California at 1721 Prescott Rd in Modesto. I've been training clients for over a decade and run high-intensity bootcamp classes 6 days a week.

I became a Bucked Up Ambassador in 2024 because their products deliver results at a fair price. I personally use Woke AF pre-workout before morning bootcamps. Code MTCJEN20 gives my clients the same 20% discount I use.

If you're in Modesto and want to try a free bootcamp class, stop by Prescott Rd or visit our website. We train outdoors year-round.