When is it time to consider something other than 500/Mg's of test?

[standardIssue]

Stats:
27 Years old
6ft 4
213 lbs

Training experience:
Sport Specific training since 2001
Competed professionally post college
Lifting, Strength training, intensive cardio, pylo's all apart of weekly routine since 2002

Cycle Experience:
4 cycles total

2005: Test E 1-10, 500mg clomid/nolva PCT : gained 17 pounds, lowered BF by %4
2006: Test E 1-10, 500mg clomid/nolva PCT: Gained 14 pounds, BF stayed consistent
2007: Test E 1-12, 500mg, Dbol 20mg eod, wks 1-4: Gained 9 pounds, experienced first negative sides with AAS during dbol, Acne, ect. Body Fat drop 1%
2009: Test E 1-10, 600mg. Gained 12 pounds total, Body fat stayed the same.


Goals:
I'd like to gain between 9-13 pounds, but primarily I am concerned with increasing overall strength.
I've had decent results with using Test E for "beginner type" cycles and was wondering how you guys would advise me into branching into a different types of AAS.

I'd like to still use Test E as my backbone, and I weary of Orals

I'm looking to run my next cycle shortly after the new year as I feel my training will have crescendo to a point where a well planned cycle can be very beneficial.

Do I increase the dosing of the Test? and see how that works?
Do i Seem like a candidate for Deca? EQ?

I don't want to run tren. Frankly its power scares me

Any thoughts and help would be great
Thanks
SI

[MBMETC]

the thougt of tren kinda freaks me out as well, you seem to still be maiking gains off test but the intro of deca may help with the strength aspect

[number twelve]

i have had great results with var

[standardIssue]

Deca's 18 month detection time has always kinda made me shy away

What kind of success did you have with Var? Did you run it with Test?

[vettewreck]

Youre only 213lbs with 4 cycles? Yet youve gained 17lbs, 14, 9, and 12lbs?? How much did you weigh when you stared?? Theres no reason to raise your dose yet. Youre still growing like a weed off every cycle. Basically you run the same dose for 3-5 cycles or untill you are no longer getting harder, leaner, or size. You are still getting size. Just something sounds off considering youve gained a total of 52lbs and still only weigh 213lbs at 6'4"....

[standardIssue]

the totals that I have gained are from the Start of the cycle..to the end of it. Cycles were spaced out around my professional sports season and due to the length of it, the offseason required 2 months off from training just to make sure that my body stayed healthy.

It didn't work totally, in 2008 I had total reconstructive shoulder surgury, and went down to 191 pounds after being in a non mobile sling for 15 weeks post op.

I'm 213 now..

First cycle I was 201, second I was 205,
The 3rd cycle I started at 211 and reached a weights of 220.

then surgury in 2008, started my cycle at 197 and went to 209

I've never been higher than 220-223 at any point in my life. I'd realistically don't have the frame to carry much more weight than that anyway. I'm a wiry, jump/run/throw/ type athlete and my weight training is always coupled with a good swimming program and a fast twitch routine.

[vettewreck]

I get what youre saying. Then honestly I see no reason why you should/need to be using test (or anything) to begin with. At 6' 4" and not wanting to be over 220ish, you can do that completely with diet alone. Add that in to what type of athlete you are (" I'm a wiry, jump/run/throw/ type athlete" ) and theres really no reason for you to be using at all.

[standardIssue]

I get what youre saying. Then honestly I see no reason why you should/need to be using test (or anything) to begin with. At 6' 4" and not wanting to be over 220ish, you can do that completely with diet alone. Add that in to what type of athlete you are (" I'm a wiry, jump/run/throw/ type athlete" ) and theres really no reason for you to be using at all.

i totally understand what you are saying.. I trained clean for a number of years and really hit a wall at trying to gain weight over the 200 pound mark. Thats why I initially started, plus the Test really assisted in some vital areas, (velocity, range of motion, decreasing pain in the joint). But I totally get the "you dont need them due to your goals" argument.

I say 220+ is where I think my body kind of maxes it self out at, At this point (done getting paid to play).. Id like to see where I can take my overall physique and remain athletic and nimble, but really get stronger. Maybe that means 225-230 ect...I dont really know

I try to stay realistic with my cycles, about what I think my body can handle and what kind of results I can actually keep. I dont desire to be a full time user, but rather someone using the compounds in a manner that fits thier characteristics and my personal goals.

[Swifto]

Youre only 213lbs with 4 cycles? Yet youve gained 17lbs, 14, 9, and 12lbs?? How much did you weigh when you stared?? Theres no reason to raise your dose yet. Youre still growing like a weed off every cycle. Basically you run the same dose for 3-5 cycles or untill you are no longer getting harder, leaner, or size. You are still getting size. Just something sounds off considering youve gained a total of 52lbs and still only weigh 213lbs at 6'4"....

Agreed.

If your still gaining, stay at that dose.