Bulk vs cut decision paralysis, just need to commit to one

Been going back and forth on whether to bulk or cut for the last month. Currently sitting at around 17 percent body fat. Logic says cut first to get leaner before adding mass but I am impatient and want to add size. On gear I know I can recomp to some degree but is that really optimal? At what body fat would you guys say just cut first and stop overthinking it?

At 17 percent I would personally cut first. I tried to bulk from that point last year and mostly just added fat. Getting leaner first gave me a better base to build from and honestly I looked better even before I started the bulk.

17 percent is the grey zone. If you are natural I would say cut. If you are enhanced or planning a cycle soon a lean bulk from 17 percent is workable - gear allows you to recomp more effectively than natty. What is your plan cycle-wise?

I had the same question a few months ago. I decided to cut first. Now at 13 percent and about to start a lean bulk. I am glad I cut first - the starting point for the bulk feels much better now.

Rule I use: if you would be embarrassed to take your shirt off, cut first. If you are lean enough that you would not mind, bulk. Pretty simple filter and it removes the overthinking.