RAD-140 vs LGD-4033: Which SARM is Right for Your Research?
For research purposes only. All compounds sold by Ripped Labz are intended for laboratory research use and are not for human consumption.
RAD-140 and LGD-4033 are two of the most extensively studied SARMs in the research literature. Both demonstrate strong anabolic activity, but they differ meaningfully in potency, selectivity, and research applications. This comparison breaks down the key differences to help researchers choose the right compound — or understand why many protocols use both.
RAD-140 (Testolone): Overview
RAD-140 was originally developed by Radius Health and has been studied for its high anabolic-to-androgenic ratio. Key characteristics from the research literature include:
- High potency at low concentrations — RAD-140 demonstrates strong receptor binding affinity, making it one of the more potent SARMs by weight
- Neuroprotective properties — preclinical studies have explored RAD-140's activity in neural tissue, a unique area of interest compared to most SARMs
- Selective tissue activity — research suggests strong activity in muscle and bone with reduced androgenic effects in other tissues
Ripped Labz supplies RAD-140 in 90 x 20mg capsules for research use.
LGD-4033 (Ligandrol): Overview
LGD-4033 was developed by Ligand Pharmaceuticals and has one of the most robust clinical research profiles of any SARM. Key characteristics include:
- Strong anabolic activity in muscle tissue — Phase I clinical trials demonstrated significant lean mass changes at doses as low as 1mg/day
- Bone density research — LGD-4033 has been studied for its effects on bone mineral density, making it relevant to osteoporosis research
- Dose-dependent suppression — LGD-4033 is known to suppress endogenous testosterone in a dose-dependent manner, which is an important variable in research design
RAD-140 vs LGD-4033: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Property | RAD-140 | LGD-4033 |
|---|---|---|
| Anabolic potency | Very high | High |
| Clinical research depth | Moderate | Extensive (Phase I/II) |
| Suppression profile | Moderate | Moderate to high (dose-dependent) |
| Half-life | ~16–20 hours | ~24–36 hours |
| Unique research areas | Neuroprotection | Bone density, muscle wasting |
| Typical research dose range | 5–20mg | 1–10mg |
Which Should You Choose for Your Research?
The choice between RAD-140 and LGD-4033 depends on the specific variables your research protocol is designed to investigate:
- For muscle anabolism research at lower concentrations — RAD-140's high potency-per-milligram makes it efficient for dose-response studies
- For protocols with established clinical benchmarks — LGD-4033's Phase I data provides useful reference points for comparative research
- For stacking protocols — the two compounds are highly complementary, which is why the Ripped Labz Beginner Muscle Stack combines both
Using Both: The LGD-4033 + RAD-140 Stack
Many researchers choose to study both compounds simultaneously. Because RAD-140 and LGD-4033 have different half-lives and slightly different receptor binding profiles, stacking them allows investigation of additive or synergistic effects. See our full SARMs Stacking Guide for more detail on combining these compounds.
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All Ripped Labz SARMs are for research purposes only and are not intended for human consumption. Always follow applicable regulations in your jurisdiction.
