Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass | The best weight gain. Most popular among professional athletes |
2 | Dymatize Super Mass Gainer | Highest Energy Value Per Serving |
3 | Be First First Gainer Fast & Slow Carbs | Best price. Great taste |
4 | Steel Power Nutrition PROMASS GAINER | Safe composition. no sugar |
5 | BSN True-Mass 1200 | High quality |
6 | Universal Nutrition Real Gains | Muscles grow by leaps and bounds |
7 | MHP Up Your Mass | The most balanced gainer |
8 | Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice Revolution 2600 | Quality protein content |
9 | Mutant Mass | Gives maximum energy in a short time. 10 types of protein |
10 | Weider Mega Mass 4000 | For post-workout recovery |
In order to gain mass and make the muscle relief expressive, ectomorphs are not enough with strength exercises alone, and first you need to choose a balanced high-calorie diet.Fortunately, specifically for this, gainers were invented - sports supplements with an optimal ratio of proteins and carbohydrates. They restore energy after training, increase the efficiency of training and help maintain muscle mass.
Some novice athletes do not see the difference between a gainer and a protein. However, protein is basically the protein you need for muscle growth. And most of the gainers are carbohydrates, which help to gain overall body weight, and not grow specific muscles. That is why it is better for an ectomorph to give preference to the second option of a nutritional supplement.
What to look for when choosing a gainer
Protein content. For ectomorphs, the ideal protein concentration is 25-30%, since for the rapid weight gain they mostly need carbohydrates, and an increased dose of protein will not lead to the desired result. Ideally, if the protein matrix is mixed, that is, it contains different types of protein, for example: whey, egg and milk. It also contains casein. Soy isolate can be found in more budget-friendly supplements, but professional athletes and nutrition experts advise against consuming such products unless the ingredient has been highly refined.
Percentage of carbohydrates. The best mass gainers should contain more than half of the carbohydrates in order to provide the body with an optimal amount of calories. As a rule, one serving contains about 400-600 calories, however, for rapid weight gain, some manufacturers offer increased servings of 1000-1200 calories. In the composition, fast carbohydrates (for example, maltodextrin) and slow carbohydrates (rice, barley, oatmeal) are most often used together.Although there are mixtures of 100% slow carbohydrates, for example, isomaltulose gainers.
Sugar content. Ideally, it should not be at all, or at a minimum. This will avoid sudden spikes in insulin. Therefore, if the amount of sugar in the composition exceeds 40%, it is better to refuse to buy.
Additional Ingredients. In addition to proteins and carbohydrates, gainers contain vitamins, beneficial trace elements and fats. The content of these substances is not decisive when choosing a product, but can positively affect the functioning of the body and become an additional benefit. For example, some supplements contain glutamine, which speeds up muscle recovery, others contain creatine, which increases strength during training, and some products are supplemented with food enzymes for better absorption of food.
The best manufacturers of gainers
The leading positions in the sports nutrition market are occupied by American manufacturers. If you are at least a little familiar with similar products, then you have probably seen the products of such companies as: Optimum Nutrition, BSN, Universal Nutrition, Dymatize, MHP, Ultimate Nutrition. However, Russian companies are trying to keep up with their foreign counterparts and are actively developing effective supplements at affordable prices. Products from Be First, Steel Power Nutrition, OptiMeal, Geneticlab are known in Russia and abroad. Let's take a closer look at the most popular:
Optimum Nutrition has been manufacturing sports nutrition products since 1986. The product line of the American brand is so wide that it includes all possible categories of similar products.At the same time, the quality is always on top: it doesn’t matter if you buy a protein bar or a vitamin complex, you can be sure of the composition and effectiveness. However, the prices for products, unfortunately, are also quite high.
BSN is the largest sports nutrition brand founded in the USA in 2001. It is the world leader in sales of sports nutrition and ranks third in popularity in Russia. This is largely due to the optimal ratio of price and quality of products.
Dymatize initially promoted their products among professional athletes around the world and students of naval schools. This allowed the company to evaluate the effectiveness of sports nutrition in real conditions and create really cool products at an affordable price.
Be First is a Russian company founded by athletes for athletes. They produce sports nutrition, bioactive supplements and accessories for sports and training. In terms of quality, the products are in no way inferior to foreign analogues.
Steel power Nutrition offers one of the widest product lines among Russian manufacturers of sports nutrition. When developing products, the company consulted with real athletes and doctors to create high-quality and effective supplements.
TOP 10 best gainers for ectomorph
10 Weider Mega Mass 4000
Country: USA
Average price: 3180 rub. for 3 kg
Rating (2022): 4.6
"Weider Mega Mass 4000" has been on the sports nutrition market for several decades, updated the composition many times and finally settled on the best formula for body recovery. There are approximately 820 calories per serving, of which 120 grams are carbohydrates and 49 grams are protein. There are practically no fats.Due to the high molecular weight starch in the composition, the powder is absorbed quickly and enters the muscles (if you exercise regularly).
The composition contains 15 vitamins and an amino acid complex, which allows you to compensate for the lack of nutrients and accelerate the growth of muscle mass. The manufacturer recommends taking the supplement twice, including during rest. The product has its fans who drink it for years and praise for the result. However, you should not abuse it, because it contains quite a lot of sugar and with insufficient load, all this will be deposited in the form of fat. Also, many were upset by the lack of a measuring spoon in the set.
9 Mutant Mass
Country: Canada
Average price: 1889 rub. for 2.27 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
Mutant Mass has a huge amount of carbohydrates, which are so lacking in thin athletes. 100 g of the product contains 20 g of protein and 70 g of carbohydrates - the ideal ratio for ectomorphs. The mixture is taken before training and gives a boost of energy, and then supports the result. The manufacturer added 10 types of protein to preserve muscle mass, casein, whey and milk proteins are in the first places. Also, the gainer is enriched with healthy fats from: avocado, flax, pumpkin, coconut and sunflower oils.
Athletes note that saturation is felt even 6 hours after application. "Mutant Mass" is best for those who exercise frequently or lead an active lifestyle. Without this, the body can swim with fat, because the composition is mainly fast carbohydrates. Of the minuses, they also note the average solubility and too sweet taste.
8 Ultimate Nutrition Muscle Juice Revolution 2600
Country: USA
Average price: 2499 rub. for 2.12 kg
Rating (2022): 4.7
"Muscle Juice Revolution 2600" is popular among athletes due to its excellent value for money. Unlike other products, it contains a unique protein blend that combines 8 key proteins (various types of whey, milk and egg proteins, as well as casein). The carbohydrate component of the gainer is represented by corn and rice maltodextrin. The product also contains calcium, iron, enzymes and glutamine, which are often lacking in athletes.
There are just over 1,000 calories per serving, with only 80 from fat. The mixture is quickly absorbed and gives results with regular workouts. However, judging by the reviews of athletes, it is not very pleasant to use this gainer: it is difficult to mix it in water or milk, and the taste is rather sugary. Some people feel heaviness after an hour or two, so beginners are advised to start with a small dose.
7 MHP Up Your Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 1420 rub. for 0.9 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
"MHP Up Your Mass" boasts the most balanced composition: there are carbohydrates, and proteins and fats in a ratio of 45/35/20. At the same time, the carbohydrate share is not represented by maltodextrin, which is used in 90% of gainers, but by a grain mixture with a low glycemic index. Athletes say that the gainer fills with energy and restores strength. It contains minerals that aid absorption and promote muscle growth.
The protein matrix is reinforced with amino acids, plus casein restores muscle tissue after training, and the vitamin complex helps the body cope with stress.Many opponents of soy speak negatively about the gainer due to the use of soy isolate in the composition. However, in this case, there is no need to be afraid of this: the degree of purification is such that there is no trace of phytoestrogens here. As a drawback, the taste is noted - it is not very pleasant, you will have to be patient.
6 Universal Nutrition Real Gains
Country: USA
Average price: 3320 rub. for 4.8 kg
Rating (2022): 4.8
"Universal Nutrition Real Gains" is able to cope with one of the main problems of thin athletes - slow anabolic processes. This gainer accelerates the body with casein, inulin and trace elements, slowing down metabolism and causing muscle mass to grow. In the first place here are carbohydrates for muscle gain, in one serving about 600 calories. Beginners are advised to take the supplement after training and go without it on rest days. More experienced athletes who know their body can use a gainer daily.
The advantages of the product are useful amino acids and high-quality fast and slow proteins in the composition. Maltodextrin is used as a carbohydrate, plus there is some sugar, so it is better not to overdo it with the dosage. The manufacturer offers several flavors, but not all of them are equally successful - some are very sugary. They also complain that the mixture does not mix well and it is almost impossible to get rid of lumps.
5 BSN True-Mass 1200
Country: USA
Average price: 5174 rub. for 4.71 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
"True-Mass" from "BSN" made the list of the best due to the excellent composition, which is ideal for ectomorphs. The percentage of protein is reduced in favor of carbohydrates, most of which are slow.At the same time, the existing protein matrix consists of as many as six types of high-quality sources: here are whey and milk proteins, and casein, and egg albumin, etc. In general, this product without hesitation boasts a prolonged action. The digestibility of the gainer is excellent, and, as a rule, athletes do not have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. This is largely due to the good composition and the optimal ratio of ingredients.
One serving (2 scoops) has 1200 calories, which guarantees 100% effectiveness. However, many recommend consuming no more than one spoon, that is, 600 calories, which is quite enough to evenly gain weight and muscle mass, but not so much to go into fat. In general, buyers have no questions about the quality of the product, except for the rather high price.
4 Steel Power Nutrition PROMASS GAINER
Country: Russia
Average price: 1350 rub. for 1.5 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
Another great product from a Russian manufacturer. Contains simple and complex carbohydrates in a ratio of 40/60, which allows you to quickly replenish the supply of nutrients and energize your muscles for the next few hours. Due to this, the Steel Power gainer helps to gain body weight evenly and efficiently and is recognized as one of the most effective. In addition, the composition includes 23% whey protein concentrate and 10% beef protein hydrolyzate, which has a good effect on muscle growth.
The supplement is enriched with vitamins, creatine, as well as dietary fiber and the prebiotic inulin, which provide comfortable digestion.There is no sugar, and the main ingredient is the carbohydrate isomaltulose with a low glycemic index, so the product is safe and does not cause insulin spikes. The mixture is easy to dissolve in liquid, easy to drink, plus there are many original flavors, such as gingerbread, melon, snickers, orange fondue, etc. From the unpleasant: some athletes showed individual intolerance.
3 Be First First Gainer Fast & Slow Carbs
Country: Russia
Average price: 690 rub. per 1 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
One of the best gainers in the ranking from the Russian manufacturer "Be First", which pleases with excellent quality and affordable price. 20% whey protein accounts for 70% carbohydrates, so this is the best option for ectomorphs. A big plus is that the composition contains both fast and slow carbohydrates: maltodextrin, ground oats and rye. This allows you to achieve a prolonged action and effectively saturates the body not only immediately after ingestion, but also for the next few hours.
There are about 416 calories per serving, due to which mass can be gained quite quickly, which is also confirmed by athletes. In addition, the gainer is fortified with vitamins, as well as biotin, which accelerates muscle growth and provides them with the necessary energy. And the additive tastes like fire, at least according to the reviews. The manufacturer offers several options: vanilla, cappuccino, caramel, strawberry and chocolate. Among the shortcomings, it is noted that due to the grain components, the mixture is not completely stirred and the precipitate quickly precipitates.
2 Dymatize Super Mass Gainer
Country: USA
Average price: 2790 rub. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
Gainer "Dymatize Super Mass Gainer" is deservedly recognized as one of the best for weight gain. It contains five times more carbohydrates than protein. It is perfect for thin people, as it will not only add mass, but also restore energy reserves after a workout. The composition contains vitamins, creatine, an amino acid mixture of BCAAs and glutamine and trace elements for better digestibility. With such nutritional value, the price of the product does not seem too high.
Judging by the reviews of athletes, this supplement is a real salvation for ectomorphs. One serving contains 1280 calories, so you need to be careful with the dosage. In addition, most of the carbohydrates are maltodextrin and sugar, which in large doses is not very useful. Even the manufacturer recommends ½ serving unless you're in the gym 24 hours a day. Otherwise, there is a risk of getting fat folds instead of an expressive relief.
1 Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass
Country: USA
Average price: 3359 rub. for 2.72 kg
Rating (2022): 4.9
Many athletes put this gainer in first place, which is not surprising: "Optimum Nutrition Serious Mass" contains so many carbohydrates that it saturates instantly and easily replenishes a calorie deficit. There are more than 1250 calories per serving, so it is quite capable of replacing a full meal. At the same time, carbohydrates are the basis of the nutritional supplement, and the protein content in the mixture is not too high, which is ideal for ectomorphs. Also, the gainer is enriched with a huge amount of useful substances: creatine, glutamine, choline, and also contains an impressive complex of 25 vitamins and minerals, with an emphasis on B-vitamins and antioxidants.
Athletes praise the product for its excellent quality, high performance and affordability. The undoubted advantages of this gainer are its energy value and saturation of the body. It is relatively inexpensive for a good composition with quality protein, vitamins and minerals. However, beginners with it need to be very careful, as it is easy to overdo it with the dosage and swim in fat without the necessary physical activity.