I’ve used both LGD-4033 and RAD-140, received tons of user feedback, and dug into the research to compare them as best as possible. This post will break it all down so you know exactly which one to pick for your goals.
LGD 4033
LGD 4033, also known as Ligandrol, is one of the most popular SARMs on the market.
I won’t go too much into detail about it since I’ve already written an in-depth Ligandrol review which I suggest you read if you want to know more about this compound.
It excells in bulking phases so most people use it then. It is suppressive so you will most likely need to do a PCT after a Ligandrol cycle.
The half-life is 24 hours, so 1 dose a day keeps the levels steady.
As far as muscle gains, you can expect to get 5-10lbs of muscle from a Ligandrol cycle. Of course, training and diet play a huge part still.
The reason why I really like LGD 4033 is because it’s so well researched, it has so much data behind it that we don’t have to worry as much about the side effects.
RAD 140
RAD-140, also known as Testolone, is probably one of the top 3 most popular SARMs (next to Ligandrol and Ostarine). Same as with LGD 4033, if you want to know more about it, I recommend you read my in-depth review for RAD 140.
Most people use RAD 140 for either body recomposition, cutting or strength gains. It’s one of the best SARMs out there for pure strength gains.
If you want to lose fat and gain 3-6 lbs of muscle during the cycle it can be a great choice. However, it’s not as good as LGD 4033 at gaining mass during a bulk.
The half-life of RAD 140 is 60 hours. But regardless of the half-life, the dosing is daily. We combat the half-life and make sure we don’t get too suppressed by sticking to low dosages and a maximum of 8 weeks cycle length.
There’s a high chance you will need a PCT after RAD 140 but the only way you can be sure is with a blood test. For more information about doing Post Cycle Therapy after Testolone, read my RAD 140 PCT guide.
As far as other side effects go, the only unique one to this SARM is aggression. Some users get more aggressive during their cycles but this is usually manageable and it’s not so common. Read more about it in my RAD 140 aggression post.
Comparing Muscle And Strength Gains
LGD 4033 is the clear winner for bulking and getting muscle mass during a cycle.
RAD 140, on the other hand, is the winner for strength gains.
If you don’t care about strength gains, then Ligandrol is the obvious choice. However, if you care about performance and still getting muscle mass, RAD 140’s the stronger option.
Comparing Side Effects
LGD 4033 is slightly less suppressive and easier to deal with, especially for people who don’t have a lot of previous SARMs experiences under their belt.
RAD 140’s more suppressive, most likely requires a careful PCT and has some other unique side effects (like aggression in some people).
Quality and Price
RAD-140 is usually a bit more expensive because of its higher potency. LGD-4033 is slightly more affordable.
One thing I can’t stress enough: quality matters. I’ve personally tested products from various suppliers, and not all SARMs on the market are the same. Avoid wasting money on bunk products, check out my company recommendation page. These are suppliers I use myself, and they offer SARMs you can trust.
TL:DR
If you’re aiming for muscle gains, LGD-4033 is your best bet. It’s consistent, slightly less suppressive and comes with fewer side effects.
But if you’re also looking to boost strength alongside muscle growth, RAD-140 will get you better results in terms of performance. It’s slightly stronger, so you’ll gain more strength, but be prepared for a more intensive PCT.
Both of these SARMs are effective, but it really depends on what you prioritize – muscle with LGD-4033, or muscle and strength with RAD-140.