When i was lifting often creatine gave me exactly what it was supposed - 10% more strength in a six week cycle. I used my benching as the barometer. The gains also stopped right there. I was recommended to simply take 5 grams a day for the first week then 3 grams a day thereafter. There was a study at the time that indicated loading didn't work. To me the most important thing with creatine is perfecting the cycling. When i stopped taking it cycling was still an imprecise science but i'm sure it has advanced dramatically. I see Vickie likes to cycle it.