What brand of whey protein is everyone taking? I've been surfing the net and all its vitamin/nutrition places only to be confronted with an indecipherable wealth of brands, types, etc.! I'm probably going to get a whey isolate (because I am somewhat lactose intolerant, and prone to tummy problems), but to be honest, I have absolutely no clue about any of the brands I keep seeing!

Anyway, just thought it would be neat and helpful to see what everyone else is taking, or has taken, and the good/bad points of each. :)

Syntrax Nectar was my personal favorite. It's a bit pricey, relatively, but it's very good protein, tastes great with just water and generally decent for an isolate. But they only have fruity flavors. No chocolate or vanilla.
NOW 5 lb tubs are good too, they have traditional choc and van flavors. Check out DPSnutririon and netrition for the best prices online.

As always, thank you, Naxis!

I went to the store today and got some stuff for making smoothies (frozen fruit, unsweetened - juice - bananas) and so I'm thinking of mixing my protein into that.

I saw another thread where you mentioned Syntrax Nectar, and said it was "the bomb". :)

I'm thinking of whey isolate because I've read about it being easier on those with lactose intolerance, and being better in general, but I do also know that it is quickly digested. In what instances is this a bad thing? Would it be silly to drink this after a workout and drink another type before bed?

Also, if you don't mind me asking, is there a reason you have stopped taking whey? (forgive me if I misunderstood the "was" part as an implication that you no longer take it ...)

Im a vegan now, so I don't eat anything dairy anymore. Just a personal preference. But post workout, whey is really ideal. It absorbs very quickly which is what the body needs when it's been stressed heavily. It's less desireable in "raw" form the rest of the time because without something (oil/fat) to slow digestion, it can end up converted into glucose, instead of used for the protein. Casein is a better "slow burn" protein for night time or other use when fat is less appropraite to add. Same for soy or rice proteins. So thats not a bad plan at all.

This is another pathetic question, but what is responsible for the type of muscular look that Arnold has? It's not just protein, is it? (because I'm not trying to go for that)

I worried about proteins making me look silly too...lol, but fortunately, those guys look like that due to testosterone enhancers, Nitric Oxide, Creatine, and an array of things like that. :)
You'll be fine. ;)
Also, since you're checking into isolated whey - you can get it reasonably at GNC. They have their own brand - and they don't use excess stuff except to make it taste better. Also, Isopure is FANTASTIC, and if you catch it on sale (which it is right now) it's a reasonable price. I'm not a big fan of protein tastes, but Isopure (the chocolate at least) is such a treat! VERY low carb and low cal too :) ** So yummy!! Made with REAL cocoa!**

Yeah, and natural testosterone has a LOT to do with it too. 99% of women simply do not have enough testosterone to get even marginally bulky, much less proefssional-wrestler bulky. And increasing protein certainly won't do that to ya. :)

Well, by now I have gotten to try a few different whey products.

Syntrax Nectar Strawberry Kiwi -- pretty good flavor, but when I mixed it up in a smoothie with other fruits it ruined it for me and I couldn't even think of it without wanting to put off my work out just to avoid having to drink it and remind myself of that devil smoothie I made.

Optimum Nutrition 100% Gold Chocolate -- I read mixed reviews on this flavor, but I actually like it a lot. So far I have just tried it in water and it tastes like hot chocolate. However, it does hurt my stomach so I don't take it very often.

Syntrax Nectar Fuzzy Navel -- wow, this is my favorite so far. The taste is incredible and I love that I can drink it without fear of what kind of beating it will unleash on my stomach.

Anyway, just wanted to update the thread with first impressions. :)

I have tried all of the top brands of whey out there over the past ten years. The one I am currently taking now is by far the best and most effective to date. It is called VP2 and it is made by AST Sports Science in fact this is the only company I will buy supplements from anymore.