Actually i find long esters very beneficial on a cut due to higher water retention , estrogen etc , those factors are very important on a cut where you already has a limited energy from low calories. Mixed that with low estrogen and you will feel like shit. I firmly believe that short esters has their place just last 4 weeks before the show just to get rid of water and harden the physique but all fatloss should be done on long esters only.Well honestly there is no such thing as a pre contest Steroid or a off season Steroid.. no don't get me wrong there are some compounds that will cause water retention that may not be ideal to use precontest etc.. but all steroids accrete protein the same way. Some have secondary characteristics that give them the nod at certain times over others .. but all build tissue.. anavar is no different .. it can be used in off season and is very nice for adding a bit of strength. . I wouldn't run it for long periods as it has a harsh effect for some in regards to lipids etc.. but overall a good all around compound