Noob gains on bulk after weight loss or long recomp?

NRBreit

Let's say that a person has been lifting for a significant period of time (i.e. years) to the point where they have plateaued in strength, but they only ate at maintenance or deficit the entire time. Assume 'noob' gains were achieved both in strength and body composition. If this person were to switch to a surplus diet, would they be likely gain mass at a higher initial rate (like a noob) or more like an intermediate lifter who has consistently lifted in a surplus and already gained a fair bit of mass?

alyhuggan

I cut for around 9-10 months while weight training and my strength gains when I started bulking were insane. That's just my personal experience though, might be different for different people.