Six Star Creatine X3 Review: From My Personal Experience

If you have ever wandered through the supplement aisle of Walmart or browsed Amazon for a budget-friendly muscle builder, you have almost certainly seen Six Star Creatine X3. With its shiny silver packaging and bold claims of “4X More Lean Muscle,” it is arguably the most accessible creatine supplement on the market. But does accessibility equal quality?

I believe you should buy this product if you are a beginner looking for an “all-in-one” post-workout recovery drink that tastes like candy. However, if you are a serious lifter tracking your macros or looking for the purest form of creatine, you will likely find this formula full of unnecessary fillers and sugar.

My Experience With Six Star Creatine X3

I picked up a tub of the Fruit Punch powder on a whim when I ran out of my usual bulk monohydrate and didn’t want to wait for shipping.

The first thing I noticed was the price—it felt like a steal compared to the premium brands at GNC.

Mixing it was a breeze; it dissolved almost instantly in my shaker bottle, leaving none of that gritty “sand” texture you often get with basic creatine.

However, the first sip was a shock to the system. It is incredibly sweet. If you love sugary sports drinks, you will be in heaven, but for me, it felt a bit like drinking syrup.

I actually had to dilute it with extra water to get it down.

I used it for a month, taking one scoop immediately after my workouts. To its credit, I did notice the “creatine saturation” effects kick in around week two. My muscles looked fuller (likely water retention, which is normal), and I squeezed out an extra rep or two on my bench press. I didn’t experience the “4X more muscle” miracle the bottle promised—that is marketing hyperbole—but it definitely worked as a creatine supplement.

The pills, which I tried on a separate occasion for travel, were a different story. They are massive. You have to take three of them just to get a 3-gram dose, which is less than the standard 5 grams. Swallowing three “horse pills” twice a day felt like a chore, and I found myself missing the convenience of just tossing a scoop of powder into water.

Pros Of Six Star Creatine X3

High-Yield Creatine Dose (Powder Only): The standout feature of the powder version is that it delivers a massive 8 grams of creatine per serving. Most standard scoops are only 5 grams. This makes it an excellent choice for the “loading phase” (the first week of using creatine) to saturate your muscles quickly. It essentially doubles the standard dose, ensuring you are getting enough to see results even if your absorption is average.
Built-in Post-Workout Carbs: This supplement is not just creatine; it is a recovery engine. The powder contains about 18g of carbohydrates (including sugar) per scoop. While low-carb dieters might hate this, scientifically, insulin helps drive creatine into muscle cells. By combining fast-digesting carbs (dextrose/maltodextrin) with creatine, Six Star removes the need for you to mix your creatine with juice, effectively acting as a 2-in-1 post-workout recovery drink.
Extreme Accessibility: You do not need to visit a specialty vitamin shop or wait for online shipping to get this. It is stocked in almost every major grocery store and pharmacy chain in North America. This availability is a huge pro for consistency; if you run out mid-week, you can grab a tub while buying your groceries, ensuring you never miss a daily dose.
No “Gritty” Texture: One of the biggest complaints with standard creatine monohydrate is that it doesn’t dissolve—it just settles at the bottom of the glass like wet sand. Six Star has formulated this powder to dissolve exceptionally well. You won’t get that crunchy residue in your teeth, which makes drinking it daily much more pleasant.
Includes “Bonus” Aminos: The formula includes a BCAAs (Branched-Chain Amino Acids) and Taurine blend. While the dosage of these (2.5g) is not enough to replace a dedicated BCAA supplement, it is a nice “top-up” that supports cell hydration and recovery. It adds value to the tub that you wouldn’t get from a plain bag of unflavored creatine powder.

Cons Of Six Star Creatine X3

High Sugar and Artificial Ingredients: The “Fruit Punch” flavor is achieved through a cocktail of artificial flavors, Red 40 dye, and sucralose, combined with about 5-6 grams of added sugar. If you are sensitive to artificial sweeteners or try to avoid food dyes, this product is a nightmare. The sweetness can be overwhelming, and the “chemical” aftertaste is a common complaint among users who prefer natural supplements.
Confusing Dosage Between Forms: There is a massive discrepancy between the powder and the pills. The powder gives you 8g of creatine per serving, while the pills only give you 3g per serving (3 caplets). To get the standard 5g dose with the pills, you would need to take 5-6 caplets a day. This makes the pills significantly less effective and much worse value for money than the powder.
“Proprietary Blends” Obscure Quality: The label lists a “Creatine X3 Blend” that includes Creatine Monohydrate and Creatine HCl. However, it does not tell you exactly how much of each you are getting. It is highly likely that 99% of the blend is cheap monohydrate and only a dusting is the more expensive HCl. Transparency is key in supplements, and Six Star hides the specific ratios.
Potential for Stomach Upset: Because this formula mixes creatine with high-glycemic sugars and artificial sweeteners, it can be a “gut bomb” for some people. Users with sensitive stomachs report cramping or bloating, specifically with the powder version. The high dose of 8g of creatine at once can also cause digestive distress if you are not used to it (standard advice is often to split doses over 5g).
Poor Value for “Maintenance”: Once your muscles are saturated with creatine (usually after 2-4 weeks), your body only needs about 3-5g per day to maintain it. Since one scoop of this powder forces you to take 8g, you are essentially peeing out the excess creatine every single day. You are paying for 8g when you only need 5g, which wastes product and money in the long run compared to a bulk powder where you control the scoop size.

Maintenance Tips For Six Star Creatine X3

Adjust the Serving Size: If you are using the powder and have already been taking it for more than a month, you likely do not need the full 8g scoop. Consider taking half a scoop (approx. 4g creatine) on rest days. This will make the tub last twice as long and reduce your sugar intake while still maintaining full muscle saturation.
Store to Prevent “Black Spots”: A very common issue with this specific powder is that it is highly hygroscopic (it absorbs moisture from the air). If moisture gets in, the powder develops weird black or dark red spots. Keep the silica packet inside the tub, screw the lid on incredibly tight after every use, and never store it in a steamy bathroom. If you see spots, it is moisture damage—it’s usually safe but degraded, so try to keep it dry.
Hydrate More Than Usual: This formula includes Taurine and high-dose Creatine, both of which pull water into your muscle cells. This leaves less water for the rest of your body. You need to drink an extra 16-20oz of water daily on top of your normal intake to prevent dehydration headaches and cramping. If your urine is dark, you aren’t drinking enough to support this supplement.
Take the Pills with Food: If you opt for the caplets, do not take them on an empty stomach. The concentrated creatine salts can irritate the stomach lining. Taking them with a solid meal helps buffer the acidity and can improve absorption.
Cycle Off Is Not Necessary: The bottle might suggest “cycling” (taking a break), but modern research shows this is unnecessary for healthy individuals. You can take creatine year-round. However, if you are cutting calories for weight loss, you might want to switch from this sugary powder to a zero-calorie unflavored monohydrate to save those 80 calories for actual food.

Comparison with Other Brands

Comparison with Optimum Nutrition (ON) Micronized Creatine

Optimum Nutrition is the “Gold Standard” for purity. It is a single-ingredient product: 100% Creatine Monohydrate. It has zero calories, zero sugar, and zero flavor.

The Verdict: If you want control and purity, buy ON. You can mix it into anything (protein, juice, water) without altering the taste. Six Star is better only if you want the sugary drink experience and don’t want to buy juice separately. ON is also much cheaper per serving in the long run.

Comparison with MuscleTech Cell-Tech

MuscleTech actually owns Six Star, so Cell-Tech is essentially the “big brother” version of Creatine X3. Cell-Tech has even more carbs (30g+), more calories, and a more complex blend of creatines and insulin drivers like Alpha Lipoic Acid.

The Verdict: Cell-Tech is a “hard gainer” supplement for skinny guys trying to put on mass at any cost. Six Star X3 is a “lite” version of this. If you are struggling to gain weight, go for Cell-Tech. If you just want a standard creatine boost without 150+ calories of sugar, stick to Six Star.

Comparison with Con-Cret (Creatine HCl)

Con-Cret uses pure Creatine Hydrochloride (HCl), which is claimed to be more soluble and cause less bloating than monohydrate. The dose is tiny (750mg) because it absorbs so well.

The Verdict: If Six Star gives you a stomach ache or makes you feel bloated/puffy, switch to Con-Cret. It tastes worse (very sour/acidic) and costs more, but it is much gentler on the gut. Six Star is for people with “iron stomachs” who want maximum volume; Con-Cret is for sensitive systems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Six Star Creatine X3 any good?

Yes, it is effective. The powder contains a clinically effective dose of creatine (8g), which is more than enough to saturate muscles and improve strength and recovery. While the taste and artificial ingredients aren’t for everyone, the core active ingredients work exactly as advertised.

Is Six Star Creatine X3 good for beginners?

Yes, it is excellent for beginners because it eliminates the guesswork. You don’t need to measure grams or buy separate juice to mix it with. You just drink one scoop after your workout. It simplifies the process, which helps beginners build the habit.

Does Six Star Creatine X3 cause hair loss?

This is a common myth associated with all creatine. There is one old study that showed creatine might increase DHT (a hormone linked to hair loss), but it has never been replicated or proven to directly cause hair loss. Six Star is no more likely to cause hair loss than a steak (which also contains creatine).

Why does the powder turn clumpy/hard?

The formula contains a lot of sugar and hygroscopic ingredients. If you live in a humid climate or leave the lid loose, it will turn into a brick. This doesn’t mean it’s “bad,” but it makes it hard to scoop. You can put it in a blender to turn it back into powder.

Is Six Star Creatine X3 third-party tested?

Six Star is a mass-market brand and generally follows cGMP (Good Manufacturing Practices). However, unlike some premium brands that display “Informed Choice” or “NSF Certified for Sport” logos prominently on every tub, Six Star is not always third-party batch tested for banned substances. Competitive athletes subject to drug testing should be cautious and look for the specific “Sport” logo if available on the packaging.

Conclusion

Six Star Creatine X3 is the “fast food” of creatine supplements: it is cheap, tasty, accessible everywhere, and gets the job done, but it isn’t the healthiest or purest option. The powder is a solid choice for skinny guys or beginners who want a tasty post-workout treat that guarantees muscle saturation. The pills, however, are a poor value and should be avoided unless you absolutely cannot drink the powder. If you can handle the sugar and the artificial red dye, it’s a perfectly effective muscle builder. If you want pure gains without the “fluff,” skip this and buy a bulk bag of unflavored monohydrate instead.