I don't think it can be 100% conveyed in print which drugs give what look. And most steroids kind of work the "same" with smallish differences so it's hard to be 100% sure if a certain steroid is in the stack. Some gurus like Alex Kikel have attempted to explain the look some steroids give, like he had one video on IG explaining the difference in look between Superdol, Anadrol and I think Halotestin when taken the last couple of weeks before a show. You can't say from the outside this person is on Superdrol instead of Anadrol but you might see these different small cosmetic effects within a certain individual when he switches from one to the other.
But for example, I said I was sure Stallone was on GH just by his forearms. I take into account his age + his previous look decades before + leanness + vascularity + what I've personally seen GH do. That look requires "more" than just testosterone. You don't suddenly just pop with crazy vascularity at 60+ when you've done steroids for 40 years already. I think Stallone did way too many steroids for Rambo IV, he was way too swollen. You look way better on screen focusing on leanness and dryness.
As far as the physique athletes like Bumstead go, I feel many of them are pushing almost as hard as they can, some harder that maybe some Mr O competitors. Some are just a better fit for physique genetically. If I were to guess what Bumstead is on, what I think he would do if he were to attempt to compete in open bodybuilding, I think he would increase his testosterone base mainly as far as steroids go. GH would be increased to as much as he could tolerate/dare to do. Insulin would be used liberally to attempt to force more weight on the body. And then he would try to eat as much as possible, as much as his bodyfat level would allow.
Depending on the guy, even doing all these things do not work much. Many guys attempt it and they only end up smoother on stage. I think Bumstead and most of the other top guys are almost topped out as far as steroids go, maybe 90% there. These guys are very impressive, compare them to say 80s pro bodybuilders.
Agree 100%.
A lot of it comes from me personally experimenting and all the guys i used to train with. I was heavily involved with BBing and PLing world for about 15 years. Saw a lot of things and tried a lot of things.
Since these products aren't tested in a blind environment, it's hard to know exactly what does what, but we have a lot of ideas.
There are drugs like GH, Tren, Drol, Halo, that give a very distinct "Look". I can spot someone on Tren pretty easily, but it's not guaranteed.
A lot of these things are bro science, but there are a lot of factors that connect the dots.
I agree that even the lower level guys are pushing just as hard as the top guys, that's where genetics come into play. And not always how you respond to the drugs, but how you respond to the side effects and how long you can stay on. The size game these days is very real and that's why most guys never come off, because everyone else is full throttle all the time. Until their organs give out.
Like everyone says in response to "how much GH should i take"? "How much you can afford". GH is a game changer. The first time i used a high amount of GH, it completely changed the way i looked and responded to everything else. It's amazing.
The real strategy is what to do leading up to a show. Anyone can take a shitload of drugs, train and eat like a monster. But the last few weeks before a show and the actual show days are the hardest part to nail down. Which is why you see so many guys who can't come in peeled, it's not as easy as people think to manipulate water, carbs, diuretics and sodium, etc. You can literally miss you peak by a matter of a few hours.
The major issue in BBing (and all competitive sports), is that the top guys who know everything, are not likely to release all their knowledge. Because they need clients to make money, they can't just open up about everything and not everyone responds exactly the same. Also there is the whole "illegal drugs" aspect of it, which is why so many people deny using drugs and/or try to downplay them a lot. It takes away rom their credibility and makes it harder to sell snake oil. Most supplements are complete trash, but that's how these guys make money. They give the impression to easy to manipulate people that it's the "supplements" and that the drugs are just the "finishing touch".
Anyone who has been involved in BBing at a high level knows it's all bullshit. But that's the only way to make big money in this industry.
