What are strongest most potent pre workout supplement in the market you can buy in 2023?
We tested and ranked some of the strongest pre-workouts supplement for those who need an extra kick for their gym session. We reviewed over 30 hand-picked pre-workouts, and found Wrecked from Huge Nutrition and Apollo Nutrition’s Assassin pre workout to be the strongest supplements without any banned and harmful substances.
There are different tiers of “butt kicking” power when it comes to these products and today, we’re only discussing the safe and strongest pre-workouts on the market.
Common pre-workout ingredients that work synergistically to make a pre-workout effective include caffeine, creatine, beta-alanine, amino acids, and nitric oxide compounds. And they work very well together.
Strongest Pre Workout Supplements Ranked (2023 Update)
- Strongest Pre Workout Overall: Wrecked Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Performance: Assassin Pre Workout
- Strongest for Weight Loss: Crack Pre Workout
- Strongest for Muscle Gain: 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Men: BULK Pre-Workout
- Strongest for High Stim: Ronnie Coleman Yeah Buddy
- Strongest for Pumps: Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Energy: Koala Freak Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Focus & Motivation: Excelsior Pre Workout
- Strongest for Mood Elevation: Pre-Phase Pre Workout
- Strongest for Long Lasting Energy: Hooligan Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Intense Stimulants: Legion Pulse Pre-workout
- Strongest for Creatine Monohydrate: Vapor 1 Pre-workout
- Strongest for Pump: BSN Endorush
- Strongest for Ingredients: Science Pre Jym
- Strongest for Gut Health: Wreckage Pre-Workout
- Strongest for Women: Powher Pre-Workout
High Stimulant Pre-Workouts:
Warning: Do not try these supplements unless you have built up a tolerance to higher caffeine doses and other potent stimulants contained in the following pre-workouts!
Jumping straight into such powerful substances can cause some serious side effects. Severe nausea, dizziness, abnormal heart rate, headaches, anxiety are among the undesirable effects typically experienced with caffeine especially. (1)
NEVER exceed the recommended dosages!
1. Wrecked Pre-Workout by Huge Nutrition
Are you adrenaline junkie? Then this is one of those pre-workouts where you’ll be feeling all sorts of effects from the long list of performance-aiding compounds. Wrecked pre-workout comes with high dose of caffeine and stimulants that’ll have you energized for hours to ensure peak workout performance for long sessions.
Wrecked by Huge Nutrition have included massive dose of l-citrulline at 9,000 mg per serving. Most pre workouts include an upper end of 6,000 mg dose of l-citrulline. That should make for some huge pumps!
250 mg of caffeine serving for the energy boost will be noticeable, however, it’s the total18 ingredients that create the full experience most people want when they take a pre-workout supplement.
Wrecked include many health-supporting compounds such as lion’s mane mushroom that has anti-inflammatory properties. Next similar ingredients is turmeric that is very anti-inflammatory, and tart cherry, while it helps with inflammation, may also have positive effects on muscle strength according to research (1).
Anti-inflammatory substances may help to enhance recovery from hard workouts and stressful activities.
Made in the USA, Wrecked also contains several more ingredients that have been shown to aid performance in some form.
- Caffeine: 250 mg
- L-Citrulline: 9000 mg
- Lion’s Mane: 600 mg
- Beta Alanine: 3200 mg
Wrecked Pre-Workout
Wrecked Pre-Workout
Each serving of the Huge Supplements Wrecked Pre-Workout contains 30.3 grams of scientifically-backed 17 different high-quality ingredients. The transparent formula delivers intense and long-lasting energy, skin-tearing muscle pumps, laser focus, and explosive power.
Read the full review of Wrecked Pre-Workout.
2. Assassin Pre Workout by Apollon Nutrition
If you want to assassinate your workouts, then you might want to look at this pre-workout from Apollo Nutrition.
It has an insane 600+ mg of total caffeine including 500mg from caffeine anhydrous and 133mg di-caffeine malate. If that doesn’t max out your performance settings then we don’t know what would!
The formula also provides 300mg of Eria Jarensis, an ingredient we’ve yet to cover in any pre-workout review (at least to my knowledge).
Assassin also includes a hefty dose of 1500mg L-tyrosine, 300mg Theacrine, and 3.5g beta-alanine.
While you’re going to get a full spectrum of performance benefits with high doses of each ingredient, the caffeine content is no doubt the highlight of this product. It should provide a powerful energy and focus boost even for the most caffeine-tolerant people.
- Caffeine: 600 mg
- DMHA: 200 mg
- Eria Jarensis: 300 mg
Assassin Pre-Workout
Assassin Pre-Workout
People who train early in the morning or after a long office shift, Assassin's 633g caffeine dose will give you the kick you need to push through the hardest of workouts.
3. 4 Gauge
4 Gauge is made by Roar Ambition and its unique shotgun shell bottle makes it stand out from other options on the market. Make no mistake though, it’s a potent formula despite containing just 150mg caffeine per serving which may be considered low for some.
The caffeine works synergistically with the 200mg L-theanine to enhance and prolong mental performance.
Then you have a low dose of creatine to support muscle growth, increased strength, improved performance, and brain health. L-citrulline gives massive pumps while carnitine fights fatigue, and Rhodiola Rosea improves many factors of performance. Not to mention, there are a few more effective ingredients as well.
4 Gauge is made from natural sources and is a safe and perfectly-potent formula.
- Caffeine: 150mg caffeine
Watch our video review:
4 Gauge Pre-Workout Review
4 Gauge Pre-Workout Review
4 Gauge is safest and one of the strongest pre-workout on the market. Each serving contains 150mg caffeine plus 200mg L-theanine combined as "Smart caffeine," 6g citrulline for pumps, carnitine for fighting fatigue and Rhodiola Rosea for all-around performance.
Read our complete review of 4 Gauge Pre-Workout!
4. Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout
Transparent Labs BULK is not the strongest but overall The Best in class pre-workout supplement available. BULK pre-workout is designed to support muscle growth and performance, while still providing an energy boost to help you power through the toughest sessions.
BULK is designed to help you recover better with a nice dose of BCAAs and many other suitable ingredients. This all comes from a company that focuses on creating products that are fully transparent.
- Caffeine: 180 mg Caffeine Anhydrous
BULK Pre-Workout
BULK Pre-Workout
The Transparent Labs BULK Pre-Workout is designed to help you recover better with a nice dose of BCAAs and many other suitable ingredients. This all comes from a company that focuses on creating products that are fully transparent.
Read our complete review of Transparent Labs BULK!
5. Ronnie Coleman Signature Series Yeah Buddy
The eight-time Mr. Olympia Coleman Coleman has his own line of supplements and his pre-workout is no joke!
This could be the most powerful pre-workout out there right now and extra precaution must be taken.
Now, 420mg of caffeine is crazy and only reserved for the most advanced lifters with a high caffeine tolerance. So, this is not a beginner’s powder. There’s also 4,000g of L-citrulline, and 2,000mg for beta-alanine for improved performance.
Take half a scoop or less and build up because this is a very powerful pre-workout.
- Pricing: $30 for 30 servings
- Caffeine: 420mg per serving
Ronnie Coleman Yeah Buddy Coupon
Ronnie Coleman Yeah Buddy Coupon
Yeah Buddy Ronnie Coleman Signature Series Pre-Workout comes with TeaCrine & Dynamine for the most powerful mood & focus combo available using the newest energy to enhance physical and mental performance.
6. ProSupps Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout
This is a powerful supplement that claims to provide 2x the energy as competitors. With 375mg caffeine, plus beta-alanine and creatine HCL, you can really take your training to another universe.
Additional effective ingredients include arginine (Nitrosigine) and L-citrulline for muscle pumps, choline bitartrate, theanine Teacrine, and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
GABA is a neurotransmitter that may help improve exercise performance. And according to research Teacrine has a promising effect on endurance and cognitive function when combined with caffeine. (2)
- Pricing: $28 range for 30 servings
- Caffeine: 400mg caffeine matrix
Mr. Hyde NitroX Coupon
Mr. Hyde NitroX Coupon
Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout with 2x ENERGY of leading brands, includes 400mg caffeine matrix, and is powered by Yohimbe, TeaCrine, Creatine HCL and Nitrosigine, to delivers you intense energy.
7. Koala Freak Pre-Workout
Koala freak has a whopping 360mg of caffeine, plus tons of other top ingredients.
Now, remember, the higher the caffeine content, the more careful you need to be. And that’s the same for all pre-workouts.
Koala freak has a generous B6 and B12 amount for cell health and energy, plus plenty of the typical pre-workout ingredients. The flavors are definitely acceptable so squeezing your nostrils isn’t necessary!
- Pricing: $49 for 30 servings
- Caffeine: 360mg per serving
Staunch Koala Freak Coupon
Staunch Koala Freak Coupon
Staunch Pre-Workout Koala Freak: Jitter-Free Energy. Stimulate Your Mind To Provide Unmatched Mental Focus!
8. Crack Pre Workout by Dark Lab
We’ll spare you the puns with this one but Crack pre-workout is another option that fits perfectly into the category of strongest pre-workouts.
Just looking at the label, there’s lots to talk about and look forward to with this comprehensive ergogenic aid.
The product was formulated so that you can take a smaller caffeine dose and still get plenty of each ingredient per serving, or go all out with 400mg of caffeine and even more performance-assisting substances.
For example, let’s say you go with the max recommended dose. Well, that’s a whopping 8,000mg of citrulline per serving. Most products typically include an upper end of 6,000mg citrulline.
Crack contains some other intriguing compounds as well and geranium extract is one. There’s been some debate about whether the amphetamine derivative DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is from the geranium plant; however, much research shows it’s not, and is only found in a variety – Pelargonium (3).
DMAA is a stimulant that’s been regulated due to its potency and it fits into the category with the banned ephedra used in the Hydroxycut fat burner and other fat burner products.
Geranium as an alternative seems to have a much milder effect.
Other notable ingredients that may help with performance, enhanced mental functioning, weight loss, and recovery include beet root, norvaline, and Eria Jarensis.
Crack has a pronounced effect on cognitive performance and is a beast of a pre-workout.
- Caffeine: 400 mg of caffeine anhydrous
- DMAA: 120 mg
- Choline Bitartrate: 500 mg
9. Excelsior Pre Workout by Imperial Nutrition
Excelsior is certainly an intriguing product that focuses on a caffeine alternative called Kigelia Africana. Although, it’s important to note that this supplement still contains caffeine anhydrous.
Kigelia Africana is an African extract used by people of the same country for its supposed health benefits. However, it’s been studied as a stimulant which means it can affect the central nervous system and therefore, cause a boost in energy levels and focus. Furthermore, it’s seen as a potential replacement for now illegal stimulants such as DMAA and BMPEA.
While we don’t know the extent of its potential, it’s an interesting addition.
What else can you expect from this pre-workout?
There’s an ingredient called Bauhinea purpurea that apparently increases metabolic rate and subsequently, helps the body to burn more calories which is the prerequisite for fat loss. So if you’re also training to get leaner, Excelsior may be an effective option. Of course, good diet choices and exercise habits have to be in place first for the best fat loss results.
Hawthorne extract is a compound that is supposed to reduce MOA activity which is said to decrease the potency of stimulants. Well, this isn’t a good thing when using a pre-workout to give you long-lasting performance. This ingredient should enhance the effects of stimulants so that you can train harder and longer.
With the inclusion of bitter orange, you might expect more stimulatory effects although it also enhances the effects of stims.
The one notable downside of this product is that it does use a proprietary blend and so you won’t know exactly how much of each ingredient is in the product. However, we still do think it’s worth a look for the impressive profile.
Best for:
- Insane focus
- Relentless energy
10. Pre-Phase Pre-Workout by Phase One Nutrition
Labeled a “super pre-workout,” Phase one Nutrition, that’d be all you need to know about the performance you can expect to get from this formula.
It’s packed with the essentials like 6g citrulline, 3g beta-alanine, 200mg l-tyrosine, and 350mg of caffeine. Plus you get some theobromine, a milder stimulant than caffeine that still gives similar benefits, another milder stimulant English walnut, caffeine enhancers, bitter orange, and eria jarensis.
You should not feel like anything is missing in your performance pre-workout with a dose of Phase One Pre Phase.
- Caffeine: 350 mg of caffeine anhydrous
- DMHA: 150 mg
- Eria Jarensis: 200 mg
11. Hooligan Pre Workout by Apollon Nutrition
As long as you don’t act like a Hooligan after downing a serving of this pre-workout, it gets a thumbs up from us.
We like that you can choose your potency by using a lower or higher dose and don’t worry, there’s plenty of potency with an upper dosage of 600mg caffeine. The label is also completely transparent and so you know how much of what you’re getting when you choose this formula.
It’s got a hefty dose of B vitamins that are important for overall health, whether they’re necessary in a pre-workout or not (some people may find it to be beneficial).
Basic pre ingredients include citrulline, beta-alanine, betaine, and tyrosine. The next tier of ingredients are lion’s mane (nootropic effects), Alpha-GPC, elevATP (ancient peat and apple), theobromine, and rhodiola rosea and Astragin.
While all of the above-mentioned ingredients are impressive in their own way, we want to highlight ancient peat and apple. By the name, you probably wouldn’t think much about it.
However, there was a study using 25 healthy and resistance-trained men who took either 150 mg ancient peat and apple proprietary blend or placebo in combination with periodized resistance training for several weeks.
The group who took the ancient peat and apple experienced better results for total strength, lower body strength, and lower body power output compared to the placebo group. It was also effective for preventing performance decline factors as a result of increased training volume and overreaching (4).
Di-caffeine malate is added as a slower release caffeine form and so training for hours on end and not losing enthusiasm should be very possible… ya little Hooligan. It also helps to balance out any potential for negative side effects after taking a massive 600 mg dose of caffeine. L-tyrosine also helps with this too.
Caffeine: 600 mg (450 mg caffeine anhydrous + 150 mg dicaffeine malate)
- Alpha GPC: 300 mg
- Betaine Anhydrous: 3000 mg
- Theobromine: 200 mg Theobromine
12. Legion Pulse Pre-workout
Pulse is a popular and effective, but potent pre-workout. 350mg of energy-filled caffeine, plus L-citrulline, ornithine (Amino for improved performance), and beta-alanine will really get you bouncing off of the gym walls (But in a good way).
Pulse is also all-natural so there’s nothing fake you wouldn’t fancy in it… and it can’t hurt that you’ll love the flavors and taste!
- Pricing: $30 range for 21 servings
- Caffeine: 350mg per serving
Legion Pulse Coupon
Legion Pulse Coupon
Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement: Natural Nitric Oxide Pre-workout to boost energy & endurance. Creatine Free, Naturally Sweetened & Flavored, Safe & Healthy.
Read our detailed review on Legion Pulse Pre Workout Supplement.
13. Muscletech Vapor 1 Pre-workout
There isn’t much here that’s different from any pre-workout supplement except for the high caffeine content of 350mg. That’s why this product is potent and will give you a really nice kick. Plus, you get a good pump with the nitric oxide enhancers.
Beta-alanine, creatine, and betaine are the star ingredients aside from the caffeine with 4g L-citrulline.
- Vapor is a beast of a pre-workout!
- Pricing: $24-30 for 20 servings
- Caffeine: 350mg per serving
Vapor One Pre-Workout Coupon
Vapor One Pre-Workout Coupon
Muscletech Vapor One Pre Workout: One Scoop Vapor One comes with Betaine HCL, Creatine and Beta Alanine to Boost Energy & Amplify Muscle Building, Jujube Gummy.
14. BSN Endorush
Each serving of Endorush contains a modest amount of creatine (3g) and beta-alanine (1.6g). There’s 300mg of both natural and anhydrous caffeine per serving from green tea leaf or green coffee bean. Plus, you have 1.5g of both L-arginine and L-citrulline.
Endorush is packed with 3g VELOX (50:50) which is BSN’s patented pump technology, 1g of NO3-T Creatine Nitrate, plus 500mg Magnesium (Heart/nerve health).
So, this pre-workout will really give you a kick in the buttocks, and more!
- Pricing: Low to mid $20 range for 30 servings
- Caffeine: 300mg per serving
BSN Endorush Coupon
BSN Endorush Coupon
BSN Endorush Pre-workout: Every serving comes with 300mg of Caffeine (natural and anhydrous), 16g of Beta-Alanine, 3g of Creatine. For Men and Women!
15. Jym Supplement Science Pre Jym
Pro Jym pre-workout was formulated by nutritional scientist Jim Stoppani and it doesn’t contain anything he wouldn’t out into his body. A serving contains 6g of BCAAs, 6g of citrulline, 2g of beta-alanine, and 2g of creatine HCL.
So, when you need a complete pre-workout, look no further…
- Pricing: High $20 range for 30 servings
- Caffeine: 300mg per serving
PRE JYM Coupon
PRE JYM Coupon
JYM Supplement Pre JYM: Pre-Workout with BCAA's, Creatine HCl, Citrulline Malate, Beta-alanine, Betaine, Alpha-GPC, Beet Root Extract and more
Read our detailed review of Pre Jym Pre Workout Supplement.
16. MusclePharm Wreckage Pre-Workout
Musclepharm is a great brand with affordable prices and Wreckage is a good value.
Each scoop has a respectable 300mg of caffeine, 2g beta-alanine, and 300mg of Vaso6 which is good for getting big pumps in the gym!
Other included ingredients are AstraGin (Astragalus membranaceus extract) and panax notoginseng which are supposedly effective for gut health.
But, this is a pre-workout which won’t hold back and that means you won’t either!
- Pricing: $20 range for 25 servings
- Caffeine: 300mg per serving
MusclePharm Wreckage Coupon
MusclePharm Wreckage Coupon
MusclePharm Wreckage Pre-Workout : 300 mg of Caffeine per serving for superior Focus, extreme energy and sustained pump - with Nitric Oxide, Beta Alanine.
17. Powher Women’s Pre-Workout
Powher pre-workout is a clinically-dosed, relatively low-caffeine supplement for women, a good mix of science backed ingredients that could help with sustained energy, performance and focus throughout your workout and the day.
Powher pre-workout formula is different from a lot of similar products that we’ve seen on the market, while some of the ingredients aren’t as proven, this is exactly what makes it stand out.
- Natural caffeine: (100mg)
Powher Pre Workout
Powher Pre Workout
Powher is a clinically-dosed, easy-on-the-caffeine pre-workout supplement for women that has become quite the buzz. Powher support intense workouts, increased motivation with zero side effects.
Read our complete Powher pre-workout review!
Pre-workout Benefits and Ingredients
According to research, multi-ingredient pre-workout supplements are very beneficial for aiding in performance. And the following ingredients are really all you need. (6, 7)
Any other added ingredients may be beneficial but these should be the core of an effective pre-workout supplement.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a nervous system stimulant and it’s the main ingredient responsible for the acute ergogenic effects we get from pre-workout supplements. It’s been proven to significantly improve performance during resistance training and endurance training.
But, it’s most effective when taken in dosages of 3 and 6 mg/kg body weight. Caffeine’s effects kick in within 30-60 minutes of ingestion. An effective dose for each individual varies depending on various factors including body weight, prior caffeine usage or tolerance, and activity of choice (6).
Caffeine Anhydrous
A variation of caffeine, anhydrous means “without water” and is a dehydrated form of the nervous system stimulant. It’s also more potent and fast-acting as a result due to being highly concentrated and is, therefore, commonly included in pre-workouts/performance-aiding supplements.
Anhydrous can kick in as quickly as 15 minutes after ingestion although 30-45 may give the best results.
It’s safe to use but you should still adhere to the caffeine recommendations.
Dicaffeine Malate
Dicaffeine malate or Infinergy is two caffeine molecules joined to a malic acid molecule at a ratio of 75:25. Bonded together, caffeine and malic acid makes for a slower-release, longer-lasting energy source, not to mention, it can help to dramatically reduce the potential for side effects such as jitters, rapid heartbeat, and crash.
It’s also believed to decelerate caffeine tolerance which means you’ll be able to experience the beneficial performance effects of caffeine using the same dose longer.
As for the length of effects, dicaffeine malate lasts sometimes twice as long compared to anhydrous with the former often giving you 5-8 hours of energy and 3-4 hours for the latter.
Creatine
Creatine is an amino acid that is a beast at what it does for enhancing performance. Just 5 grams per day can noticeably improve strength and even muscle size. (6, 7)
Creatine has been studied for many years and its effects are proven.
BCAAs
BCAAs, also known as Branched-Chain Amino Acids (Leucine, valine, and isoleucine) are the building blocks of protein. And they are added to many pre-workout supplements.
These amino acids have shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and Leucine is the most prominent BCAA when it comes to enhancing muscle protein synthesis or the building of proteins. (8, 9)
Nitric Oxide agents
Nitric oxide increases blood flow to muscles. Arginine and citrulline come to mind when talking about vasodilators that help open the blood cells so oxygen can get in. 6-8 grams per day is a minimum recommended dosage. But, higher doses can be very beneficial too. (6)
Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine is a precursor to carnosine which has been shown to increase high-intensity performance. So, beta-alanine is an important ingredient in a multi-ingredient pre-workout supplement. (6)
Betaine
Betaine (trimethylglycine) is an effective substance that can increase nitric oxide levels and creatine synthesis. Its effects on performance have been studied and when consumed in generous doses, it can increase training volume or workload. (6)
Eria Jarensis
While you may have never heard of this compound before, N-Phenethyl Dimethylamine, known as eria jarensis, may have pronounced effects on mood by promoting a boost in the hormones dopamine and noradrenaline. Because of this, it’s also been referred to as a neuromodulator. One of the selling points is the supposed euphoric feel-good sensation which means a longer duration of physical activity. It’s looked at as an alternative to DMAA.
There’s not much research on this compound but from what we’ve learned, it may offer an added benefit alongside caffeine and other effective ingredients.
L-tyrosine
L-tyrosine is an amino acid commonly included in pre-workouts that may have positive effects on mood and cognitive decline during stressful events. This can help to maintain composure and perform as desired (10, 11, 12). It also helps to make the hormones dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.
Learn more about pre-workouts:
- Best Overall Pre-Workout Supplements
- Best Pre-Workouts for Weight Loss
- Best Pre-Workouts Without Creatine
- Best Caffeine-Free Pre-Workout Supplements
- How to Make Your Own Pre-Workout Drink
FAQs
What are the strongest pre workouts of 2023?
Wrecked pre-workout by Huge Nutrition appears to be the most potent pre-workout supplement we’ve tested. With 9000+ mg of total l-citrulline, 250 mg of caffeine, and 3200 mg of beta alanine, this product is only suitable for advanced lifters with moderate tolerances to caffeine.
What pre-workout has the highest caffeine?
Assassin V7 by Apollon Nutrition comes out as the most potent with the insane 600 mg of total caffeine and 200 mg of DMHA, this product is only reserved for the most advanced lifters with a high caffeine tolerance.
Is DMAA illegal?
Yes, DMAA is illegal. As per the FDA website, DMAA (1,3-dimethylamylamine) is not a dietary ingredient, and DMAA-containing products marketed as dietary supplements are illegal and violates the United States law. Check out top 12 DMAA pre-workout alternatives.
Take Your Training to Infinity and Beyond!
These super potent pre-workouts will surely skyrocket your level of intensity in the gym.
They are reserved for the most brutal sessions and caffeine tolerant individuals. So, it cannot be stressed enough that beginners should stay far away until a strong tolerance is built up.
Each pre-workout has effective and studied ingredients which work together to provide you with quality energy and muscle-aiding compounds to further your progress. But, which product you choose depends on your experience level, so please that in mind.
Here is the final recap of the 17 strongest pre workout supplements to buy in 2023:
- Wrecked Pre-Workout
- Assassin Pre Workout
- 4 Gauge Pre-Workout
- BULK Pre-Workout
- Ronnie Coleman Yeah Buddy
- Mr. Hyde NitroX Pre-Workout
- Koala Freak Pre-Workout
- Crack Pre Workout
- Excelsior Pre Workout
- Pre-Phase Pre Workout
- Hooligan Pre-Workout
- Legion Pulse Pre-workout
- Vapor 1 Pre-workout
- BSN Endorush
- Science Pre Jym
- Wreckage Pre-Workout
- Powher Pre-Workout
These are among the strongest pre-workouts out right now and there are options for everyone. So, be safe and go get those gains!
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