When it comes to choosing between S23 and LGD 4033, the decision hinges on your specific fitness goals. Both are powerful SARMs, but they serve different purposes.
I’ve used both extensively, and believe me, they’re entirely different animals. One is perfect for adding bulk, while the other turns you into a vascular, shredded beast. Let me break it down for you based on my personal experience with each compound.
What Is S23?
S23 is known for its extreme fat-burning and muscle-hardening effects. If you’re chasing that chiseled, dry look, S23 will get you there. It’s intense, though—one of the most powerful SARMs out there, and not for the faint of heart.
However, the trade-off is significant testosterone suppression. If you’re thinking of taking S23, be prepared to have a strong post-cycle therapy (PCT) lined up, as it will shut down your natural testosterone pretty hard. But if you’re serious about getting lean and shredded, S23 delivers like nothing else.
What Is LGD 4033?
LGD 4033 (Ligandrol) is a muscle-building powerhouse. If you’re looking to bulk up without going the steroid route, LGD 4033 is one of the best options. It’s much milder on the body compared to S23 but delivers some insane muscle gains in a short period.
During my first cycle with LGD 4033, I gained around 12 pounds of lean mass in 8 weeks. The strength gains were through the roof, and I was pushing weights I’d never touched before. It’s perfect if your goal is to add size without much water retention. Plus, the side effects are manageable—you won’t need as aggressive of a PCT as you do with S23.
S23 vs LGD 4033 – Muscle Building
LGD 4033 wins hands down for pure muscle mass. When I was on LGD 4033, my muscles felt fuller and stronger. It was like I was putting on muscle with each workout.
S23, while great for retaining lean muscle during a cut, doesn’t come close to the kind of size you can gain with LGD. If your goal is to pack on muscle, LGD is your guy. I noticed the muscle gains on LGD 4033 were dry and lean, without the bloating that sometimes comes with other compounds.
S23 vs LGD 4033 – Fat Loss and Cutting
Now, if fat loss is your main goal, S23 dominates. This stuff is serious when it comes to cutting fat while keeping your muscles intact. I lost about 10 pounds of fat on my S23 cycle, all while maintaining my muscle mass.
S23 also gives you that dry, vascular look. My veins were popping out everywhere—forearms, shoulders, even my calves. I wasn’t just lean—I was shredded. LGD 4033, while excellent for maintaining muscle in a cut, doesn’t give you that same level of definition or fat burning.
S23 vs LGD 4033 – Strength and Performance
Both of these SARMs will boost your strength—but in different ways.
With LGD 4033, I felt like I had the strength of a bull. My lifts went up, and my gym sessions were more intense than ever. It’s the kind of strength that comes with adding mass. More muscle equals more power, and LGD delivers.
S23, on the other hand, doesn’t add as much size, but it sharpens your performance. I felt leaner, faster, and more agile. The strength gains were noticeable, but the real highlight was how I performed during high-rep sets and endurance workouts.
S23 vs LGD 4033 – Side Effects
Here’s where things get real.
S23 is intense on the body. The biggest downside I experienced was the testosterone suppression. I knew I was shutting down my natural testosterone hard, and by the end of my cycle, I felt it. Libido dropped, and my energy took a hit. You have to use a testosterone base or you’ll feel like garbage during the cycle, and the PCT needs to be solid.
LGD 4033 is a lot milder in comparison. Sure, there’s some suppression, but it’s manageable. A mild PCT will usually get you back to normal quickly. The side effects I experienced with LGD 4033 were minimal, especially compared to the beast that is S23.
S23 vs LGD 4033 – Dosing and Cycle Length
S23 is best kept to short, intense cycles. I ran it at 10-20 mg a day for 6-8 weeks. Anything longer than that, and the suppression becomes too much to handle.
LGD 4033 is more flexible. I’ve done 8-12 week cycles at 5-10 mg a day, and the results were consistent the entire time. It’s great for both bulking and cutting, depending on how you approach your diet and training.
Conclusion
If your goal is massive muscle gains and strength, LGD 4033 is your best bet. It’s easier on the body, and the gains come fast. You won’t have to deal with as many side effects, and it’s versatile enough to be used for both bulking and cutting.
But if you’re going for a ripped, dry, and shredded physique, S23 is the way to go. Just be prepared for the heavy testosterone suppression and make sure you’re ready for a proper PCT. The fat loss and muscle hardening you’ll get from S23 are unparalleled, but it’s not for everyone.
In the end, both SARMs are excellent, but they serve different purposes. Choose the one that aligns best with your current fitness goals, and make sure you understand the risks involved.