Equipoise (Boldenone)

When the famous Dan Duchaine, who we regard as one of the most informed men on the planet with regards to Anabolic steroids, recommended Equipoise as an alternative to Deca Durabolin, we were taken by surprise.

We have four EQ cycles under our belt. None of them, even came close to what we have achieved with Deca and Test.

The surprise was short lived though, as Dan quickly recanted the statement. But we’d have amateurs walk up to us and ask us about Equipoise being a better bulking compound than Deca.

Guess one statement from Dan was enough to give Equipoise a reputation that far superseded the effects of the steroid.

Don’t get us wrong here, Equipoise is not a weak or a mild steroid. It is a very useful steroid for specific therapeutic applications.

But in a performance enhancement setting, there are cheaper alternatives that will give you far better results.  

If you were wondering whether Boldenone deserves a spot in your upcoming cycle, then here’s the lowdown on this old, vet-grade anabolic steroid.

Chemical structure

Boldenone is an injectable anabolic steroid derived from Testosterone by adding double bonds at the Carbon 1 & 2 positions.

Eagle-eyed gear users would be quick to spot the similarity in the chemical structures of Boldenone and Dianabol.

You aren’t wrong. Both these steroids have near identical chemical structures barring the addition of the methyl group to the 17-beta hydroxyl group.

However, this addition completely changes the chemical properties of Dianabol making it an entirely different steroid altogether.

So, rumors about Boldenone being an injectable version of Dianabol are just gibberish.

In fact, it is far more similar to Testosterone than any other anabolic steroid.

Think of it like a milder version of Testosterone that doesn’t aromatize as much.

Common Names

A lot of people are unaware of the fact that Equipoise was the first synthetic version of Testosterone that was developed in 1949.

But it would be released a few years later under the trade name ‘Parenabol’ which was given to it by Ciba.

Parenabol was used for therapeutic applications, albeit sparingly in the next two decades. In the late 70s, it was removed from the market entirely.

In the early 80s, Squibb released the veterinary version of Boldenone with the large undecyclate ester attached to it, under the trade name ‘Equipoise’, which is derived from ‘Equestrian’ for horses.

It is this name that has been synonymous with the steroid, ever since.

Main uses

Boldenone is typically preferred by users who find the estrogenic side effects of testosterone too difficult to control.

It has an equal anabolic rating as Test. But the androgenic rating is 50% lesser.

This means that the possibility of androgenic side effects are also slim.

Here are the main reasons why you’d want to add Boldenone Undecyclate to your cycle.

Mass gain:

Boldenone is a good mass gaining steroid. It increases IGF-1, suppresses glucocorticoids and amplifies nitrogen retention. It is also a lot more effective than many other steroids in increasing the levels of RBC in the body, a trait that has also led to some concern about some users. The main advantage of using Boldenone over other mass gaining steroids, like Deca and Test is that due to the weak aromatizing nature, it hardly causes water retention. So, if you can control the minimal bloat with Boldenone, you can make some serious dry muscle gains on the cycle.

Strength and recovery:

We have seen many professionals use Equipoise in their off-season bulking plans because of the weaker androgenic rating, which makes it easier to control & its ability to promote strength gains. Lean, dry muscle and a reasonable increase in strength. Sounds like the perfect steroid for athletes who aren’t bothered about the 5-month long detection time. EQ also aids in recovery.

Body recomposition:

One of the lesser known properties of the steroid is protecting lean muscle tissue during an aggressive cutting phase. With the strength gains, the very little water retention and slight conditioning effect, which can further be amplified by using a finishing steroid like Mast, you can completely recompose your body with Equipoise.

Side Effects

Equipoise is one of the few synthetic testosterone derivatives that don’t cause very severe side effects.

With some reasonable care, you can control most of the sides. However, that doesn’t mean that you can walk into a cycle unprepared.

Here are some of the side effects that it can cause.

• Estrogenic: Despite having a 50% lower rate of aromatization than Test, EQ can still aromatize and even the slightest possibility of aromatization must be looked at with the same caution. Keep a SERM handy before you begin your cycle. If you notice any symptoms, like bloating or itchy, puffy nipples, then start with the SERM to prevent it from aggravating into full blown gynecomastia. If you are unable to control it with a SERM, use an AI.
• Androgenic: Once again, there’s a much lower possibility of EQ causing Androgenic side effects. But the possibility does exist, particularly if you are genetically predisposed towards it. A 5 alpha reductase inhibitor like Finasteride might be able to control some of the androgenic side effects.

On a positive note, Equipoise is not liver toxic nor does it exhibit the same severity of cholesterol related side effects as many other anabolic steroids.

Dosages and stacks

The ideal beginner dose of EQ is between 200-400mg/week. It is a slow acting steroid. So it will be a few weeks before you start to notice the effects of the drug.

More experienced users might increase the dosage to 600mg/week. But we’d personally never vouch for anything more than 600. Not unless you are a competitive bodybuilder.

An EQ cycle typically lasts for 12-14 weeks.

EQ is rarely used in a solo cycle. It is clubbed with other base steroids.

One of the simplest cycles that you can do is Test-E and EQ for 14 weeks. Keep the EQ dosage slightly lower than the test.

If you wish to up the EQ dose due to the risk of aromatization with Test, then you can try EQ at 500mg/week, Test-E at 100mg/week for 12-weeks and Dianabol at 25mg/day for the first four weeks as a kickstarter. Professionals often use Test at TRT doses, EQ at 500mg/week and Trenbolone at 400mg/week for 12-weeks. This is a very strong anabolic steroid cycle and must only be attempted by someone who has a clear understanding of steroid usage, SERMS and AIs and the drugs needed for a full-fledged PCT