The main differences between deca or boldenone or nandrolone and equipoise, how and when to use them, and the results they can produce.
This article specifically discusses the differences in athletic use within a cycle between nandrolone, such as Deca-Durabolin, and boldenone, better known as Equipoise or simply Eq.
If you want to see a detailed description of these two anabolic agents, you can read our technical data sheets:
– Nandrolone Technical Data Sheet
– Boldenone Technical Data Sheet
We decided to publish this article following numerous requests from our users, who constantly ask us which of the two is best for building muscle tissue, what the applications of both are, and so on.
Nandrolone versus Boldenone
These two molecules are profoundly different and can be used to achieve very different results. You often hear people say that Deca (or Nandrolone) is better for building muscle because in just a few weeks weight increases by several kilograms, whereas with boldenone there are no sudden changes in weight. In reality, nandrolone is a wet compound, meaning it makes the metabolism sensitive to sodium, and the body retains water. Hence the sudden weight gain of water rather than muscle tissue. Boldenone, or Equipoise, is drier and works by creating a different anabolic environment.
Both products tend to use very long esters. Deca Durabolin uses the decanoate ester, although a fast version called NPP exists, while Boldenone uses the endecanoate ester, which is longer and slower. Neither product is designed for fast cycles, but rather for very long cycles lasting more than 8 weeks, or even longer.
Nandrolone is a pharmaceutical product approved for human use, while Boldenone was synthesized for veterinary use in horses, explaining the name Equipoise. The doses used by bodybuilders or athletes are higher than therapeutic doses, and physicians, doctors, or endocrinologists do not recommend them.
When to use Deca and when to use EQ
Both products are often used off-season in mass cycles. Deca retains water and is not suitable for definition cycles, while boldenone can be used in both cases. Professionals in definition sometimes add a small amount of nandrolone to their anabolic stack to retain water to lubricate joints and articulations that would otherwise be dehydrated due to the definition diet. Both products have very long esters, especially Equipoise, so the cycles of use of these steroids must be very long to be effective. They remain in your metabolism for a long time after you stop taking them.
During the era of classic bodybuilding, testosterone and Deca Durabolin formed the typical cycle for bulking up, partly because nandrolone was easier to find back then than boldenone.
Deca aromatizes by about 20% into estrogen, while boldenone aromatizes by about 50%. Less testosterone can be used as a base when using boldenone compared to deca. A correct and balanced diet combined with consistent training allows boldenone to yield lean muscle gains, which explains its use in cutting cycles.
Both Nandrolone and EQ have a good capacity to retain nitrogen dioxide. This creates excellent pumping, particularly with Boldenone, which retains oxygen in the blood, creates an anabolic environment, and gives strength. Hematocrit and cholesterol levels increase with so much oxygen in the blood, making blood tests mandatory when using boldenone.
Deca also slightly increases strength, but this is mainly due to the ease of lubrication of the limbs and joints provided by water retention.
Boldenone will not cause a dramatic increase in body weight. When used correctly and over a long period of time, it guarantees gradual muscle tissue growth over time, which is not usually possible with nandrolone.
Side effects of nandrolone and boldenone
Many side effects are the reason why these two steroids are used in bodybuilding. Increased blood oxygenation and increased protein synthesis are undesirable for pharmaceutical use. A major problem with Deca is water retention, which can lead to high blood pressure and liver and kidney problems. The high potency and high blood oxygenation with nitrogen dioxide generation make the hormone somewhat risky for your blood when using boldenone.
Checking your blood with appropriate tests at the beginning, middle, and end of the cycle is recommended in both cases. Discontinuing use of the product is advised if anything is outside the normal range.
Deca can raise prolactin levels and therefore cause problems with the glands in the nipples, known as gyno.
Miscellaneous
Boldenone brings strength and optimizes energy consumption, but it also tends to make you hungry. You should consider this if you use it as an anabolic agent for definition.
Many people ask us if Deca or Boldenone can be used without testosterone. Some people have been using only Deca for years in high doses, but using a testosterone base with both products is strongly recommended, if not mandatory. The increase in prolactin and low aromatization will lead to serious problems with libido and erection if testosterone is omitted.
A boldenone cycle shorter than 8 to 10 weeks is practically useless given the hormone duration of action. Using a safer product like Primobolan is better in that case.
