07-18-18 06:52 PM - Post#867595    

We decided to discontinue making protein when our current stock runs out later this summer. Sales have plummeted in recent years as shipping costs jumped while at the same time Amazon started Prime free shipping. Additionally, our terrific protein manufacturer is asking us to double our orders (we're their smallest customer by a long shot). We just can't keep it going under the circumstances.

We considered transferring the formula and sales to a different company to take over for us, but that means putting Dave's name and image under someone else's control. After too much turmoil, we eventually decided it isn't worth the risk for a variety of reasons.

If you're a Bomber Blend customer and need to find a replacement, here are three options to try.

Super Spectrim Whey Protein:

http://superspectrim.com/wheyprotein.htm

Beverly International. UMP is their most popular protein powder. Here's the link:

https://beverlyinternatio nalstore.com/ultimate-muscle-prote in/

To order from Beverly online, use the coupon code DAVE or by phone, call 800-781-3475 and use the same code for 30% off, which will expire on 1/31/2019.

For another unsweetened protein, take a look at Just Protein from IronMind:

http://www.ironmind.com/product-info/just-pro tein/

Tim Ferriss recently wrote that his favorite protein powder is from a company called Ascent. Here's a link to how to get 20% off if you want to try it:

https://www.ascentprotein.com/tim

18 years is a good run and we're comfortable with this decision to wind things down. Nobody's freaking out over here.

Edited to add new info from Examine.com:

Which protein is best?

Trick question: the answer depends on your personal needs, preferences, and priorities. For instance, whey concentrates are cheap, but not suited for vegans, whereas micellar casein makes for thick drinks, but digests slowly, making it ideal before bed.

And of course, different proteins have different bioavailabilities and amino acid profiles. Over the years, several scales have been developed to rate proteins based on those criteria. In our most recent article, we examine those scales, their premises, usefulness, and limitations, using various kinds of protein powders as examples.

Have a look: https://examine.com/nutrition/rating-prot eins/

07-18-18 10:52 PM - Post#867610    

Sorry to hear Bomber Blend is going on hold?

Thought it was the best protein powder I've ever had. My guess is sales went down since it seems bodybuilding is out of public favor. It happens just like Disco and Country Line Dancing. To be honest, I stopped ordering since you stopped handling the orders. I liked helping a small business versus sending it in order to just another processing center.

Very Smart not to give up control. I learned the hard way no one cares about something as much as you, except you. Everyone else just out for a quick buck at your expense. Also, who knows maybe someday you will be able to sell it again.

Rick

MS, MBA Wild Saddle™

Re: Bomber Blend
07-19-18 12:24 PM - Post#867620    

Laree,

I for one will miss BB.

Maggie

07-19-18 12:45 PM - Post#867623    

I know, Maggie! Thanks for your support all these years!

Thanks, Rick. (Too late now, but all the fulfillment warehouse was doing was storing and shipping -- we didn't have the space and I couldn't handle the shipping work in addition to my other jobs, but everything else was just us.)

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-19-18 02:58 PM - Post#867632    

I had been intending to order- I'm down to my last jug of "Draper Drink"- so I put in an order yesterday when I received the news in an email. If sales were off, the requirement that your purchasing be increased couldn't have come at a worse time! I bought Bomber Blend over the years instead of other protein mixes not only because the quality was tops, but because I think you and Dave are tops.

Getting serious, Bombing the Mild Physique!

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-19-18 04:20 PM - Post#867636    

Wow! Glad you are making the decision that is right for you.

I remember getting the first samples in the mail, in Ziploc bags!

Somewhere on here, maybe, is a thread from back then. The gentleman's name escapes me, but he was a tattooist, and also the first person I heard of using a VLC diet to get off of his diabetes meds. He told a story of being in his shop, getting the package with the baggies of chocolate & vanilla in the mail, and smelling the vanilla. The doorbell to the shop rang, and one of his customers who was a cop walks in right he looks up from a bag of white powder, with white powder on his nose and said: 'You should smell the chocolate!'.

Why I remember that whole thing after 18 years I will never know!

Accept your feelings. Know your purpose. And do what needs to be done. — Shoma Morita

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-19-18 06:33 PM - Post#867641    

Sorry to see Bomber Blend go! I was only able to order it one time myself. I'll have to get more while it's available.

I think the fitness market today is actually saturated with proteins. Any nutrition/vitamin store has shelves and walls lined with tubs and tubs of many different brands. Even if bodybuilding isn't necessarily the most popular fitness modality today, protein is still heavily marketed at the general fitness community.

But in a world of cheaper, lower-quality, mass-produced protein powders, I felt that Bomber Blend stood head and shoulders above the others.

FoundationsOfIron.com, an archive of classic strength and physique training

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-19-18 06:55 PM - Post#867643    

OMG, YES! Sure did love old Doc (RIP).

Dateline 6/15/00, EL Paso, Texas:

I just got done talking with my wife and she said I should state for anyone new to the list and the off the wall twist and turns that make up the fabric of my life, that every word of what I am about to write is true.

I got my sample today and like most things in my life it was not that simple. The mail man took it to the wrong address yesterday, to my landlord in fact. Although I did have to put up with the 'what's in the funny little bag, tattoo boy?" -- look, I was thankful to get it.

After doing a small job on a lady I got to open my treasure and check it out. The samples come in two zip lock baggys. I had just got done enjoying the great smell of the vanilla, getting some on my nose I was to find out later, and had to see what the flavor was like so I licked the end of a finger, put it into the Bomber Blend and was licking it off when little bells hanging on my shop door sounded.

I went into shock! There I was a tattoo guy, in a tattoo shop, in left hand - baggy of white powder, licking white power off right index finger (white powder on side of nose) facing 3, count em, 3 uniformed cops. I was at a complete loss, all I could think to do or say was quickly hold up the other baggy and say (this is so dumb it's painful to write) "I got chocolate too!'

My stomach is still a little upset. I'll try it tomorrow morning and get back to you.

Doc

P.S. one of the officers is coming back for a tattoo Sat.

One of the reprint conversations (the original was when we were in the email group, before moving here to the forum):

https://www.davedraper.com/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/27883/

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-20-18 10:12 AM - Post#867669    

Doc, yes! I loved that guy. Great to see the actual story again!

Thank you, Laree!

Accept your feelings. Know your purpose. And do what needs to be done. — Shoma Morita

07-20-18 04:50 PM - Post#867676    

Sorry to hear, sorta wished you passed on the recipe but it’s understandable why you didn’t. However. You have endorsed an excellent product in UMP

07-20-18 07:05 PM - Post#867679    

Recipe is on the website and has been for probably 15 years. :~)

https://www.davedraper.com/bomber-blend-formula.html

What we didn't pass on is Dave's name and image or the customer base.

07-22-18 10:11 AM - Post#867750    

Thank You Dave and Laree for providing us with the BEST QUALITY product for all of these years!

07-22-18 04:44 PM - Post#867758    

I am sorry to hear this, Laree. Although I must admit I only tried Bomber Blend a few times years ago. As you said once, everyone's taste is different. The flavors were not my favorite and since I have protein daily and often more than once a day, the taste was vital for me.

You and Dave are the most honest and direct business people I have ever come across in any field. I hope that being honest and being profitable are not mutually exclusive.

Judge John "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln "I live, I lift, I ache, I am." - Dave Draper "Moderation assures mediocrity -- nice, safe. Mediocrity is for the mediocre -- simple, okay. The intense rule; the mediocre follow." - Dave Draper Every day innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help stop the slaughter. EAT MEAT!

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-22-18 07:47 PM - Post#867762    

Tom Traynor will be disappointed Laree

Nice legs-shame about the face

Edited by Andy Mitchell on 07-22-18 07:48 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

07-22-18 09:44 PM - Post#867764    

Just read that EAS - one of the early big protein and supplement companies - has shut down. Looks like this may just be the beginning of a number of protein companies that are closing down.

Judge John "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln "I live, I lift, I ache, I am." - Dave Draper "Moderation assures mediocrity -- nice, safe. Mediocrity is for the mediocre -- simple, okay. The intense rule; the mediocre follow." - Dave Draper Every day innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help stop the slaughter. EAT MEAT!

07-22-18 10:16 PM - Post#867765    

I hadn't heard that, John! Interesting.

Andy, yes, for sure... I let Tom know as soon as we decided a month or so ago. I stalled putting the word out wider because I was wrapped up in a couple of things and then out of town and knew I'd need comfortable time to answer questions and handle whatever came up. Tom's known a but longer and hopefully has found a replacement he likes.

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-23-18 10:40 PM - Post#867815    

That's a great email.

I would add BB was the best protein powder I ever had and I also liked it to keep me away from chocolate sweets instead I would just use a much healthier bomber blend.

rick

• phogroian Said:

MS, MBA Wild Saddle™

07-24-18 03:58 PM - Post#867845    

I hope this is not a sign that the forum will be shutting down. I am indebted to Laree and Dave for allowing me to be a part of the forum for years and to make friendships with so many wonderful people literally around the world.

Judge John "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln "I live, I lift, I ache, I am." - Dave Draper "Moderation assures mediocrity -- nice, safe. Mediocrity is for the mediocre -- simple, okay. The intense rule; the mediocre follow." - Dave Draper Every day innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help stop the slaughter. EAT MEAT!

07-24-18 04:14 PM - Post#867847    

What made Bomber Blend unique was that its name comes from Dave Draper's nickname, The Bomber. Bomber Blend is the only protein I know of that has the name and image (Dave's distinctive twisting back shot) of a famous bodybuilder on its label. The red and white coloring is attractive and eye-catching. Dave has an honest reputation and we all felt good ordering his product. UMP may be a good product but that sounds like a baseball product. I know all good things must end. I am sorry this had to happen. Going to try to get in a final order before you sell out.

07-24-18 10:11 PM - Post#867865    

Thanks again, everyone, for the fun comments. To be clear, the protein decision has nothing to do with the forum. We'll keep going as long as it's working. Even though we dropped from 300-400 posts per day to 30-40 as Facebook took off, it still *feels* like it's working, and feels is where it's at.

My only concern about the forum is that the software is old. The guys who wrote it have long since moved on to other jobs. To convert this database to run on different software would either cost a fortune or be impossible... Not sure which, but either option is a no-go. Until we bump into a software emergency (or hopefully it never happens), we're on solid ground.

07-24-18 11:27 PM - Post#867869    

I've never liked FB since I am big on privacy. However to each their own.

Enjoyed BB over the years thought it was by far the best ever protein powder drink in all seriousness. And it did provide a great topic for a few of Dave's Newsletters I'm still laughing about the BB spilling out of Dave's truck onto the highway. Or, was that an attempt at mass free samples to the general public? Regardless, it will be missed.

rick

MS, MBA Wild Saddle™

07-24-18 11:31 PM - Post#867870    

• Laree Said:

So happy to hear that, Laree. I doubt you and Dave realize how many lives have been improved by the forum you have set up and maintain. I cherish the friendships I have formed due to this forum. Imagine having friends in far away states and in Australia and Europe and the middle east. It's unreal. Yes, I have expanded these friendships to Facebook but nothing will take the place of IOL! Thank you, Laree and Dave!

Judge John "You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." - Abraham Lincoln "I live, I lift, I ache, I am." - Dave Draper "Moderation assures mediocrity -- nice, safe. Mediocrity is for the mediocre -- simple, okay. The intense rule; the mediocre follow." - Dave Draper Every day innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help stop the slaughter. EAT MEAT!

07-25-18 12:31 PM - Post#867893    

• Richard Sanchez Said:

ha! Yes, still one of my favorites. I'll bet it's how it really happened too.

https://www.davedraper.com/article-107-bombs-awa y.html

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
07-25-18 07:27 PM - Post#867898    

A bit of a shock, but totally understandable. All good things.....
Thanks for the link to BI, Laree

~ Stingo ~ “A wise man once said nothing” — a wise man

07-29-18 03:48 PM - Post#868048    

OKAY.....I got 5 cases so far...ordering another 4 this week....Hopefully all Vanilla...but if at the end I have to take Chocolate...beggars cant be choosers...ha ha....hoping to get a year's worth before the end!!!

Old people don't take change well;)

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

07-29-18 04:48 PM - Post#868054    

Wow! That's a ton!

Unfortunately... we sold out of vanilla yesterday afternoon. I'm sorry! Good supply of chocolate left, though.

07-30-18 12:37 PM - Post#868084    

So...the warehouse found ONE MORE JUG of vanilla. I told Brian to ship it to Super Customer Lori Fleck so she could take control of the last-ever jug of vanilla Bomber Blend.

07-31-18 03:40 PM - Post#868151    

I all ready have plans for that tub💓😍Thanks again Laree😘😘😘😘😘

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

08-02-18 11:45 AM - Post#868242    

I ordered a tub of chocolate. I can't wait! I like to blend it with milk and peanut butter.

I will try to carefully peel off the label to save as a memento.

FoundationsOfIron.com, an archive of classic strength and physique training

08-02-18 05:40 PM - Post#868269    

If you get it off nicely and want to send it, Dave will happily sign it for you.

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-08-18 04:28 PM - Post#868543    

I checked with Laree (as I didn't want to post something that might be viewed as uncool) and she is OK with my posting this:

Over the years I've tried a lot of different protein powders. Most just plain stink. They have WAY too many other ingredients that merely boost the cost.

I have never tried Bombers Blend, sad to say. I almost did once or twice, but I like my protein powder just plain, no added sweeteners. I don't know how sweet Bombers Blend was. I do know nearly every type of protein powder I've tried on the market was so sweet I couldn't stand it.

(Laree kindly informed me I would have liked BB, that it was subtly sweet and not overpoweringly so)

It's something I just don't get. Here we are, adults, working out, exercising, trying to get stronger, faster, fitter or whatever, and we need our protein to be sweet?!

Anyway, I have primarily used Ironmind's "Just Protein" powder. No added sugar or artificial sweeteners. No added amino acids, no vitamins or added minerals. Just what comes in the milk and egg protein powder, some almond extract and vanilla, I believe. You can get it through Amazon Prime or IronMind. With Amazon Prime it's free shipping!

https://www.ironmind-store.com/Just-Protein174/produ cts/11/

https://www.amazon.com/IronMind-1261-Just-Pr otein/dp/B004L0HDNW/ref=s r_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qi d=1533...

I've always felt there isn't really a need for any other flavor but vanilla. You want chocolate? Add your own and control the amount. You want sweet? Add your own sweetener and control the sweetness and even whether it's natural like raw sugar or honey or artificial. You want any other texture or flavor? Add what you want.

Really, that's all a protein powder should be. Egg and milk protein in it's whole constituent form. Not broken down into whey, isolates, etc. I've always found that breakdowns of proteins caused it to digest way too fast and not work as well as a complete milk and egg product, despite what the manufacturers "research papers" say.


Anyway, I am so sorry to hear you're needing to let the protein powder go. I know a lot of your readers love the product. And I'm sad I never got to give it a shot, at least once, lol.

(And now, sad to say, after Laree pointed out it's sweetness factor, I probably would have really enjoyed it)

I try to mention Dan John and your site in my videos on YouTube and articles on my site, not that I have a huge amount of people viewing my videos or website, lol. Figured it might help get a few more people visiting.

Best to you and Dave and wherever you decide to take your website!



Edited by Walter J. on 08-08-18 04:31 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

08-08-18 05:32 PM - Post#868548    

I completely support IronMind and send the link to Just Protein to anyone who asked if I know of an unsweetened powder.

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-12-18 11:28 AM - Post#868688    

My last Bomber Blend tower😉😍

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-12-18 04:24 PM - Post#868698    

That is one great photo you must be their biggest customer.

I can't order anymore I just do not want to do a countdown again. I have two more containers left then its History.

Bodybuilding has waned in popularity probably why BB has declined in sales. If they wanted to they could re-market it as a Fitness Blend but after all these years I guess the Drapers do not want to push that product anymore. But, it was a great product and my favorite protein drink ever.

rick

MS, MBA Wild Saddle™

Edited by Richard Sanchez on 08-12-18 04:27 PM. Reason for edit: No reason given.

08-13-18 11:03 AM - Post#868720    

Such a picture!

Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-13-18 02:03 PM - Post#868725    

Great photo Lori!

is that one shipment ?

"Go Henry - Live, lift, learn and grow - Never quit - Dave Draper"

08-13-18 11:31 PM - Post#868741    

Sweet pic blondie!

Hard to say anything as I've gone through the pain of closing a business that was highly personal to me. It's very difficult to let go of something that is basically like a child to you. (another reason I don't really do pets, attachment issues) Meeting challenges head on is usually the proper approach, no need to tell the Drapers, and I relate and I feel your pain. I'll make it over there one of these days to say hi, getting all emotional over here :) Stay strong.

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

08-14-18 05:07 PM - Post#868773    

Diablo,

I agree with what you said, for sure! I've had to close down a few businesses. Not an easy thing to do. And the pets, I always have a dog or two, but it sure is tough when they pass away or you have to make the decision to put them to sleep. I'm the kind of man who notices ants on the sidewalk if I'm walking and will literally pivot my foot to avoid crushing them if I can, lol.

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-19-18 02:39 PM - Post#869044    

Hi Henry.....I ordered in three cases at a time shipments....so this is 6 cases but do have two more too:-)

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

08-19-18 02:41 PM - Post#869045    

Leo....

I sure miss your coffee.....I can still remember the taste:-)

And being attached....you don't even know....LOL...You know me and my dogs...:-)

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-19-18 02:43 PM - Post#869046    

My brother got his shipment from Beverly...he ordered the UMP and Provosyn..has tried the later one and says it tastes good:-)

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

08-19-18 07:56 PM - Post#869051    

I love Leo's coffee too!

08-20-18 02:18 AM - Post#869059    

Awww, thanks Blondie. Attachment, it's a thing, even on things that don't have a heart that beats. I'd probably get attached to a goldfish like Wat About Bob...

Diablo Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth- MT

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-20-18 06:58 PM - Post#869081    

Lori, that Bomber Blend should last for quite some time.

"Go Henry - Live, lift, learn and grow - Never quit - Dave Draper"

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
08-26-18 02:57 PM - Post#869425    

hoping about a year

Obsessed is a word the lazy use to describe the dedicated!!!

08-31-18 08:55 AM - Post#869642    

Bomber Blend helped my wife get through radiation and hormone therapy.

Bacon is the gateway meat. - Anthony Bourdain The world needs fewer business majors and more history majors. - Carl Sagan

08-31-18 12:31 PM - Post#869657    

Wow, Jon, that's a remarkable comment! Thank you.

I hope she's doing well.

Re: Winding down the Bomber Blend biz
09-06-18 08:59 PM - Post#870101    

• Laree Said:

Yes, Doc. What a character!He added much to the discussions...miss him. I hadn't been a customer of BB for a awhile but it surely was the best in several ways past just a protein drink.

Guy

01-21-19 01:52 PM - Post#876820    

Bumping this one last time in case anyone wanted to try Beverly International products. Their 30% discount offer for DaveDraper.com customers ends at the end of this month. Details in the initial post.

02-04-20 04:26 PM - Post#893705    

I also have to recommend the aforementioned protein powder from Ascent. I found the vanilla to be too sweet (it's all natural, sweetened with monk fruit extract) and when I mentioned it they sent me a FREE 2 lb package of the unflavored and unsweetened whey protein. Wow! And the discount link still works! I miss the Bomber Blend though.

Getting serious, Bombing the Mild Physique!