Prohormones such as the original 1-AD and 4-AD, as well as the new "designer steroids" such as Halodrol, Superdrol, and Epistane, are no "better" or "worse" than the classical anabolic steroids such as Dianabol and Deca that are available on the pharmaceutical/underground market.
However, they are frequently referred to as "worse" than the classical anabolic steroids because they are often times LESS EFFECTIVE, but still produce some of the very same side-effects. Like 19-Norandro for instance, which is highly progestational and severely suppressive of the HPTA, while being significantly LESS effective than it's parent hormone, Nandrolone(Deca).
It should be noted however, that the new designer steroids such as Superdrol and Epistane are actually just as effective as other oral steroids such as Dianabol, Winstrol, or Anavar.