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Vintage Build 3-in-1 combines 3 g of Creatine Monohydrate with 2 g of L-Glutamine and all three BCAAs; L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine, and L-Valine. So how does this compare to a standalone creatine supplement, such as the bestseller from Bulk Supplements?
Old School Labs have combined all the most important post workout nutrients into a single easy-to-use supplement, with ingredient dosages that are optimal to recovery and muscle gain. This includes the sought after 2:1:1 ratio of branched chain amino acids. But does it actually work?
In this review we’ll compare the Vintage Build 3-in-1 Muscle Builder to two other top rated creatine powders; BPI Sports Best Creatine, and Dymatize Creatine Micronized. This is to guarantee you find the best balance of potency and affordability. We’ve also included supplement stack recommendations for CrossFit, bodybuilding, powerlifting, and general fitness.
Vintage Build 3-in-1 ingredients
Vintage Build from Old School Labs is currently one of the most popular ‘all-in-one’ strength and recovery supplements on the market. It’s also available in two flavors; Fresh Berries, and Lemon Lime.
Each serving contains 2500 mg of L-leucine, 1250 mg of L-isoleucine, 1250 mg of L-valine, 3 g of creatine monohydrate, and 2 g of L-glutamine.
But how does the price compare to buying the ingredients separately?
We recently reviewed the NOW Foods supplement line, which includes a BCAA powder, creatine monohydrate, and L-glutamine powder as 3 separate products.
After comparing the dosages and price, we found you get 3 g more glutamine and 2 g more creatine per serving buying the NOW Foods supplements individually. Not only that, but the combination is half the price of Vintage Build.
Cheaper to buy ingredients separately?
This cost saving isn’t unique to NOW Foods either. Optimum Nutrition has BCAA, creatine, and glutamine supplements available for practically the same cost per serving.
Vintage Build is certainly more convenient than measuring and mixing powders from 3 separate tubs, but is it really worth paying twice the price for less creatine and glutamine?
The big problem is that at the time of review, Vintage Build is only available in one tub size of 330 g. If they were to introduce 500 g and 1 kg tubs with a bulk buy discount we feel it would be much more competitive.
That being said, with over 4,500 highly rated reviews on Amazon, it seems like people are happy to pay for the convenience. But if you’re on a budget, we recommend buying the ingredients separately and mixing them yourself. You’ll get the same results with greater freedom over when you take creatine, glutamine, and BCAAs.
Vintage Build is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, with non-GMO ingredients produced in a GMP certified facility in the USA.
Vintage Build 3-in-1 – Product Summary
- As featured in Los Angeles Confidential Magazine
- 3-in-1 natural muscle builder
- Unique formula delivers a proven trio of muscle-building ingredients in a flavored powder that mixes easily and tastes great with water or your favorite drinks
- Third-party tested supplement made exclusively with premium ingredients, including branched chain amino acids (BCAA), creatine monohydrate, and L-glutamine
- Suitable for men and women looking for lean muscle growth, not bulk
Health benefits of creatine
For a comprehensive list of creatine health benefits, we recommend taking a look at our Creatine Buying Guide.
Post-workout or pre-workout?
Recommended use
As a dietary supplement, men and women take 1 scoop twice a day before or between meals. For maximum results, accustomed users take 2 scoops twice a day before or between meals.
On workout days, include consumption immediately after your workout. Can be mixed with 6-8 oz. of water or combined with your favorite protein supplement.
Vintage Build vs. MuscleTech Platinum
Vintage Build vs. BPI Sports Best Creatine
What size is the best value?
With a serving size of 1 scoop (11 grams), each tub provides you with 30 servings.
At the time of writing this review, each serving was priced at $1.33. That’s an extra $1 on top of the average price for pure creatine supplements. The reason for the price jump is the addition of BCAAs in a 2:1:1 ratio, as well as 2 g of L-Glutamine.
Who are Vintage Build?
Old School Labs is a supplement company dedicated to the Golden Era principles of bodybuilding and supplementation. They oppose the mass-marketed proprietary blends, expensive marketing, and low quality ingredients endorsed by many companies. Instead, their focus is on high quality products that benefit your short and long term health.
They’ve quickly established themselves as one of the market leaders, with a complete range of premium supplements now available. Products include fat burners, two-stage pre-workout powders, testosterone boosters, and a 3-in-1 muscle builder with BCAAs, creatine, and L-Glutamine.
Most Old School Labs products have hundreds or thousands of Amazon reviews, making it the best source of customer feedback. Their current bestsellers include the Vintage Burn muscle-preserving fat burner, Vintage Blast pre-workout, and Vintage Build muscle builder.
Old School supplements are gluten-free, suitable for vegetarians, and made with non-GMO ingredients. Each product is manufactured in a GMP facility, based in the United States.
Review Overview
Overall Review Rating
4 / 5
Old School Labs Vintage Build is similar to MuscleTech Cell Tech in the sense that they’re all-in-one muscle builders. This means they contain BCAAs in addition to the creatine.
Unfortunately this also means you’re paying for the convenience of someone measuring and blending the ingredients for you. With Cell Tech the cost per serving is kept down by providing you with more creatine (5 g vs. 3g), but you’re getting a fraction of the BCAAs compared to Vintage Build.
But the Old School Labs supplement is far from special. These are basic ingredients that you can buy individually and mix yourself for less than half the price (accurate when a 330 g tub is priced around $40).
So yes, the combination of ingredients can certainly help you gain strength and lean muscle mass, at the same time as improving recovery and boosting your immune system. The ingredients work, but in our opinion, the cost-per-serving is far too high.
If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, combine Optimum Nutrition Creatine (1 kg) with their BCAA powder and L-glutamine powder (1 kg) to save $0.50 per serving, compared to Vintage Build. You’ll also get 3 g more glutamine and 2 g more creatine, with the same quantity and ratio of BCAAs.
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