I've been lifting for 8 months. I started directly with isolation splits, 3 then 4-5 times a week. For the first three months I was eating mostly the same. After that, up to this day, I'm eating clean, but not enough, I think, calorie-wise. In terms of mass, my back seems to have developed the most, a tad bit thicker triceps and rounder delts and bigger glutes. That's about it. Not a night and day difference. Although I have leaned out and gained strength.

I have started the SL 5x5 last week. I know I should have done it from the beginning. Started tracking my calories to ensure I am on a surplus.

Which one is better for mass/hypertrophy? I've read that muscle development is minimal in 5x5, being more directed on the CNS/strength.

Although i seem to feel a lot better after 5x5 with a few accessory exercises. And a lot hungrier. I was already doing the compound lifts in my isolation workouts once a week so I didn't start 5x5 from the bottom.(light)