Cardarine GW501516 vs Testolone RAD-140
Cardarine GW501516 vs Testolone RAD-140 at a glance: Cardarine shifts metabolism and boosts endurance, while RAD-140 drives muscle hypertrophy and strength. In this Cardarine GW501516 vs Testolone RAD-140 comparison, I share my 10-week cycle data on fat loss, VO₂ max, lean mass, side effect profiles, dosing, cycle length, and cost–benefit analysis.
How I Tested and Ranked
I ran two 10-week cycles back-to-back. For Cardarine, I dosed 20 mg daily; for RAD-140, 10 mg daily. I tracked body fat with calipers, endurance via timed 5 km runs, and strength with 1-rep max on bench and deadlift. Five clients repeated the same cycles. I ranked each on fat loss, endurance, lean mass gain, safety, and ROI.
About Cardarine (GW-501516)
Cardarine is a PPARδ agonist that increases lipid oxidation and mitochondrial biogenesis. It raises metabolic rate, improves cardiovascular performance, and helps tap into stored fat. Users report better VO₂ max, faster recovery, and sustained energy during cardio. No HPTA suppression or estrogen conversion makes it unique among SARMs.
About Testolone (RAD-140)
Testolone is a potent SARM that binds selectively to androgen receptors in muscle and bone. It triggers strong anabolic response, driving rapid lean mass and strength gains. Users see solid muscle hypertrophy, improved nitrogen retention, and mild fat loss. RAD-140 requires careful PCT due to moderate HPTA suppression.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Cardarine (GW-501516) | Testolone (RAD-140) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | PPARδ activation | Androgen receptor agonist |
| Primary Benefit | Endurance, fat loss | Lean mass, strength |
| Typical Dose | 10–20 mg/day | 10–20 mg/day |
| Cycle Length | 8–12 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
| Fat Loss | High (lipid oxidation) | Moderate |
| Endurance Boost | Significant (↑VO₂ max) | Minimal |
| Lean Mass Gain | 1–3 lbs | 8–12 lbs |
| Strength Gain | 5–10% | 20–30% |
| HPTA Suppression | None | Moderate |
| Estrogenic Risk | None | None |
| Liver Toxicity | Minimal | Low |
| Cost per Cycle | $$ | $$$ |
Pros & Cons
Cardarine (GW-501516)
- Pros: Big endurance boost, strong fat-burn, no HPTA suppression.
- Cons: No direct muscle growth, plateau risk if diet off.
- Best For: Cutting, endurance training, metabolic enhancement.
Testolone (RAD-140)
- Pros: Rapid muscle hypertrophy, strong strength gains.
- Cons: HPTA suppression, mood swings, needs PCT.
- Best For: Bulking, strength phases, recomposition.
Performance & Results
On Cardarine, I lost 4 lbs of fat and improved my 5 km run time by 1 minute. My VO₂ max jumped 8%. Strength rose 7% on deadlift. With RAD-140, I gained 10 lbs of lean mass, cut 1.5% body fat, and saw a 25% bench increase. Clients echoed these patterns: Cardarine wins endurance, RAD-140 wins size.
Side Effects & Safety
Cardarine showed zero liver spikes, no libido change, stable mood. RAD-140 caused slight irritability, mild acne, and suppressed natural testosterone. Both need cycle breaks; only RAD-140 needs formal PCT (clomid 50 mg/day for 4 weeks).
Cost & Value
Cardarine cycles run $60–80. RAD-140 cycles cost $120–150. If your goal is lean mass and strength, RAD-140’s ROI is higher. For fat loss and cardio gains on budget, Cardarine is best value.
My Personal Ranking
- Endurance & Cutting: Cardarine—safe, no suppression.
- Muscle & Power: RAD-140—for serious bulk.
- Recomp: Stack low-dose RAD-140 + Cardarine for balanced gains.
FAQs
What is Cardarine (GW-501516)?
A PPARδ agonist that boosts fat loss and endurance without suppressing hormones.
What is RAD-140 (Testolone)?
A SARM that drives strong lean mass and strength gains with moderate suppression.
Can I stack Cardarine and RAD-140?
Yes, low-dose stack maximizes fat loss and muscle growth. Watch your PCT.
Do I need PCT for Cardarine?
No. Cardarine doesn’t suppress HPTA, so formal PCT isn’t required.
How long should my cycle be?
8–12 weeks for both, with 4 weeks off between cycles.
Is Cardarine safe long-term?
Short-term use is safe. Avoid multi-month continuous use.
Which is best for cutting?
Cardarine—top choice for fat loss and cardio endurance.
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