There is a fundamental difference between Creatine monohoydrate and creatine ester that is being overlooked, and the difference in performance that varies from person to person can be chalked up to the differences in how you lift; intensity, body type, and diet and daily goals. Everyone knows that creatine has many functions, but the two that bodybuilders are after is the increased muscular/cellular absorption of nutrients post workout (which results in reduced DOMS increase in gains) and the PUMP.
ester; a compound produced by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with the elimination of a molecule of water (source: dictionary.com)
Creatine ester is a further processed fraction of creatine which is more easily broken down and accepted by the cell. It's better as a preworkout supplement. The cell has a very hard time breaking down and accepting monohydrate. The muscle cannot accept creatine monohydrate before the muscle is distressed. That is a proven fact, so you may as well not even take it before lifting as a preworkout supplement.
Since creatine monohydrate is creatine with one water molecule (mono=single, hydrate=h20) it's great for hydrating your muscles and volumizing the cell, increasing it's capacity for nutrient absorption and rehydration.
So, if you want to get the most out of creatine, use creatine ester before working out, and monohydrate post workout, and drink about a gallon of water a day at least.
***Note*** Believe it or not, sodium and creatine are transported through the cell barrier by the same enzyme (transporter). Creatine alone will not trigger the production of the hormone precursor for the transporter that it needs to be absorbed by the cell and it will sit outside the cell resulting in water retention, which is a very bad thing. Don't be afraid to use salt when loading on creatine, it will not cause you to retain water as long as you use it in healthy moderation.
