I have tried a bunch of gels and drinks, and most make me feel like barfing or give me stomach cramps when racing. Powerbar endurance drink has been the only one I can tolerate. It does not give off a burst like envervit, but offers a slow burn effect, mild taste and eliminates leg cramps all together for me.
I was thinking of giving the stinger honey gels a try. Anyone try them?
I think you're better off without the "burst".
HFCS and similar high calorie zero nutritional value ingredients do light a spark, but I find they leave more garbage behind. They burn quick and fast and leave you(me) lower 'after' than before and there is more by-product left behind that adds to cramping. Even in a hot burning metabolic fire, I believe it's garbage in garbage out.
For events over 5hrs, I make my own gel with honey, molasses, unsweetened protein powder and pure cocoa powder for flavor. I am amazed at the lack of pain I've felt the day after a huge event using it. For me, it brings recovery time down to almost nil. I think the difference is the all natural, high nutritional value ingredients and the protein. For shorter events, I would opt for convenience(and wouldn't need the protein), but I'd never use any fuel with HFCS...
It just don't do me good.
I would certainly try the stinger honey gels... in fact, tell me who carries them retail.
I found them online and the ingredients pass my test.