Pro review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard plus bindings & boots

We are stoked to have a pro review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard from Alexis ‘Lex’ Balladon, the new UK Master Ladies National Champion. But this is not just about the board, she has reviewed her entire set up, including the Hyperlite System LowBack bindings and the Hyperlite Brighton Boots.

Introducing Lex Balladon

As a professional wakeboarder from England, for the last 16 years Lex Balladon has been riding cable parks around the world. Impressively, for her entire competitive career, Lexi has been ranked in the top six UK female wakeboarders.

So we were pretty stoked to have Lex give us the ins and outs of her latest Hyperlite 2017 wakeboarding gear. A huge thanks to her for this pro review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard, plus her thoughts on the System Lowback bindings and Brighton Boots.

Also a huge thanks to WaterSports World UK for the product images, and Toby Oliver from Club Wake Park for the images of Lexi testing the gear. Lexi’s words of wisdom (and infectious enthusiasm!) are below, enjoy!

New Hyperlite 2017 gear = hyper-excitement!

I was still on old kit last year, as the year before I had just had my second child – so as you can imagine, my wakeboarding got put on hold.  Yes, two kids really does get in the way of wakeboarding.  

It was September and the UK wake season was well under way when I got the call.  I was going to get my mitts on the 2017 Courtney Angus Pro Model, The Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard!  

As you might have guessed, I nearly dropped the phone.  This board was so fresh as it wasn’t even available at this time, and poor ol Courtney had a broken leg so she couldn’t even ride her own bloody board.  I was beyond excited.

A few days later I waited in for the delivery, as you do, you know, they say they will come anytime between 8am and 5pm, and you stay in all day and they show up at 4:30pm. Anyway, I was like a kid on Christmas morning, only way more excited because I knew what I was getting, and that it was going to be a gift that just kept giving.  

Review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard

I signed for it and couldn’t unwrap it fast enough – after doing the necessary social media unwrapping a package insta-vids, of course.  It was beautiful, just beautiful.  Now I’m not one to care too much about graphics, but these were pretty. Very simple and in the colours I like – a perfect start to this review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard.

That day I got my kit, and my new whip, and headed to my local for a shred sesh. I went out for a few laps to get to know the new family member, hit a few toys, carved around a bit, but that didn’t last long.  I was in love.

This board was sic. It was initially the Wishbone mold, but Courtney has had a word and tailored the flex to suit the female kind. This means it super easy to use if you’re a beginner or if you’re a seasoned pro.

It held an edge well and it was light which made ollieing onto obstacles really easy. The fully-sintered enduro base made it feel super-smooth on rails, and it’s soft on kicker landings.

What is really handy are the ABS sidewalls, because we all catch an edge or two when riding rails and these really take the sting out of the ding. I really couldn’t ask for more out of a board so this review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard gets a big thumbs up from me.

Review of Hyperlite System LowBack bindings

The Hyperlite System LowBack’s fit very nicely onto the board. They hold my feet just where they need to be, so I feel solid and confident while riding.

The Lowback’s have basically lost the high back. Instead the chassis is one continuous piece that is high enough up the ankle to provide the support you need, but still low enough to give you tonnes of freedom while riding.

Importantly, the two straps keep your feet exactly where they need to be. So my feet don’t go anywhere, it’s the same feeling as I have on my snowboard, which I love.

Review of Hyperlite Brighton Boots

Now, onto the last piece of the set up, the Hyperlite Brighton Boots. The Brighton’s are amazing, very comfortable and responsive. This is my third set of Brighton’s and they do just keep getting better each year.

The support in the toe area is particularly good, removing the problem of hurting your toes on heavy or awkward landings – which has happened to me in the past. Also the support around the ankle in insane, so so comfortable!

Pro review of Hyperlite 2017 gear: Conclusion

This is everything I want in a set up, I love the look and feel of it. Importantly it always steps up and delivers when I need it. I recently competed in the Nationals and this Hyperlite 2017 gear did not let me down as I because the new Master Ladies National Champion!  #sostoked

Thanks again to Lex Balladon for this review of Hyperlite Scandal wakeboard, system LowBack bindings and Brighton Boots. Also a shout out to WaterSports World UK for the product images and Toby Oliver from Club Wake Park for the wakeboarding images. Check out the Hyperlite website for more info: www.hyperlite.com