2016 Alliance Board Test – Hyperlite

Hyperlite Murray (Shaun Murray) (Alliance Approved)
LENGTH: 139cm
WIDTH: 43.4cm
ROCKER: 2.5” 3-stage
MSRP: $330

What the pro says
“This is my 20th pro model and 9th shape. What I’ve realized over the years is that what people are looking for is a board that rides in their rhythm. What that means is how much time does it take to go from edge to edge and “go”. Is it ahead of you and your body is trying to catch up, or is your body ahead of it and you’re waiting for it? The other thing is speed. This board is simple, but I think it’s found that balance of rhythm and speed that caters to a lot of riders. Over the years I’ve always been a “less is more” when it comes to shapes. The less you ask the water to change underneath you, the more true and consistent it reacts. With the basic bottom of this board that’s what we’ve got. It’s technically a 3-stage, but the main riding area between your feet still has some rocker/belly to help with soft landings. I’m really stoked on this shape and on how many different types of riders have been excited about wakeboarding again after trying it.” – Shaun Murray

Tester Comments
“A board anybody could ride, very predictable.” – Gus
“I’m probably going to sound like every other test rider, but anybody can ride this board.” – Tony
“Murray delivers another winner. This board is super smooth and easy to ride with solid traction and good pop.” – Trevor
“A happy medium of all categories – this board is super user friendly.” – Robby

Hyperlite Relapse (JD Webb)
LENGTH: 141cm
WIDTH: 44.3cm
ROCKER: 3-stage
MSRP: $380

What the pro says
“Butch and I worked together a ton to shape the my new Relapse and I think it’s my best board by far. This year it has a blended 3-stage rocker, with a wider tip and tail, which allows it to have more pop off the wake. It has three small spines in it so it lands nice and soft when going into the flats. I wanted to build a board that worked at every level of riding. It’s got a real skate feeling, but when you get on edge the molded in fins really hold, allowing you to have that nice progressive edge all the way through the wake.” – JD Webb 

Tester Comments
“A bit slow for my liking, but a solid all-around board with tons of pop.” – Tony
“Definitely suited for JD’s riding. On the slower side, but has a lot of kick off the wake.” – Trevor
“I could tell this was shaped by Butch (Scott Bouchard). It’s similar to Rathy’s and BP’s boards, but a bit slower with more tracking. A fun ride, for sure.” – Robby

Hyperlite Union
LENGTH: 142cm
WIDTH: 44cm”
ROCKER: “power press”
MSRP: $500

What the catalog says
“The Union is tested, certified, and celebrated by the entire team. The Union puts a twist on the new Wishbone shape beginning with its fully machined crossover flex core. The power press rocker allows riders to easily lock into defined presses and the tip and tail concave comes in handy on pipe features. Unique to the Union is the finless feature, Aaron designed this deck for hours of endless fun at your home park. Featuring our fully wrapped ABS sidewall and sintered enduro base you can count on the Union for multiple seasons.” 

Tester Comments
“Slow and stiff… that’s what she said!” – Robby
“The Union would be great for somebody just getting into cable/park riding.” – Tony
“Feels good on the water, but wasn’t the flexiest board of the group.” – Trevor

Hyperlite Wishbone
LENGTH: 143cm
WIDTH: 44cm
ROCKER: “power press”
MSRP: $

What the catalog says
“We tasked Aaron Stumpf with creating the next generation cable specific deck after he hit a home run with the original Union. Working with our cable team Aaron created the Wishbone, featuring an industry exclusive: The Air Stick Wood Core. Air Stick is a 100% bamboo wood core and is very durable. Strategic slots have been cut lengthwise throughout the core reducing weight while delivering a unique feel on features and super light feel in the air. The Power Press rocker line makes pressing a cinch and the Flat Nose Profile which allows you to lock in and feel features like no shape ever has. Slap an ABS Sidewall around the Wishbone and our Sintered Enduro Base and boom you have Hyperlite’s most anticipated cable collective board to date!”

Tester Comments
“I like how in control I felt on the Wishbone. A bit slow on rails, but good all around.” – Tony
“Good for riders looking for solid traction and fun in the park.” – Trevor
“I had good vibes with this board.” – Robby
“Softer in the nose and tail made for solid pressing.” – Gus