Var works on a diffrent principle than Primo. It's not very androgenic but var increases creatine synthesis. This is why var was loved by powerlifters. It didn't make you gain weight but it made you strong as a motherfucker!
Remember though, var was big before creatine was available as a supplement. Now that you can get all the creatine you need, var isn't so special IMO. And the dosages needed to really see the benefit start getting into the toxic range.
Incidentally, it's believed Stallone was an Anavar head. Look at him in Rambo. Not big, but hard as nails.
Personally, I'd rather do 25 mgs of D-bol than 50 mgs of var.
Primo on the other hand is the ultimate nitrogen retention drug. It requires hard training and an insane amount of protein but when it's done right...damn! The old timers loved Primo because it produced clean muscle. Bloat and puffiness was considered a detriment! And of course, Arnie loved his Primo!
Ross; it sounds lie you did things right. But I still believe the "mass" from test is due mostly to the increase in water and blood volume which starts to create blood pressure problems. This leads people to take anti-e's to control bloat but they're working against themselves by negating the added weight. Again, supplements can do this -- creatine, NO2, herbal diuretics and my new supp "VIGOR" which is designed to increase red blood cell count.
Vascular Freak; That sounds sweet. I'm curious. My guess is a slow and steady gain without blowing up but lots of separation in the muscles. You should keep most of your gains too without any SERMS. Let us know.