Maxs HydroLoad is the updated version of the now discontinued Maxs Reload HGF, one of the few Australian made and owned hydrolysed whey protein powders on the market. Hydrolysed whey proteins are generally the most expensive type of protein powders available, which could be one reason why there are only a handful of Australian supplement manufacturers who have ventured to make them.
Maxs HydroLoad Highlights
- 50:50 blend of hydrolysed whey protein with a high degree of hydrolysis, together with a specialised WPI high in leucine.
- Very unique hydrolysed product that stands out from the crowd with its highly specialised blend.
- Very high content of leucine and branched-chain amino acids.
- 90% protein with negligible fat and carbs.
Maxs HydroLoad Ingredients
HydroLoad is a 50:50 blend of highly hydrolysed whey protein isolate (which make like to refer to as ‘High DH Hydrolysed WPI), in combination with a non-hydrolysed whey protein isolate fortified with leucine. The other noteworthy inclusions are added branched-chain amino acids and a specialised whey protein hydrolysate high in branched-chain amino acid peptides called PepformTM BCAA’s. With this impressive line up of whey proteins and BCAAs, Max’s are able to pack 90.1g of protein (including added aminos) into every 100g of powder. But perhaps the most impressive statistic about Maxs Hydroload is its BCAA content – at just of 40% of total protein per serve. Leucine alone accounts for just under 22% of the protein content per serve. Most competitor products don’t go to the trouble of even listing individual amounts of amino acids, but for those that do, they invariably don’t come close to the BCAA or leucine content of HydroLoad.
Lastly, as they have done with a number of their protein supplements, Max’s include added glutamine in the form of glutamine dipeptide; a superior form of glutamine proven to be more stable and absorbed more effectively than regular free form l-glutamine. Last but not least, HydroLoad comes with Max’s trademark vitamin and mineral mix, which is simply another quality inclusion that sets the product apart from competitors.
Maxs HydroLoad Pros & Effectiveness
The HydroLoad formulation is one of the most cutting-edge on the market today. Maxs have done their homework and have kept up with the latest research which shows hydrolysed protein and peptides are more easily digested and anabolic compared to whey protein (Morifuji et al, 2010). This is why they have gone to the trouble of sourcing some of the best hydrolysed whey protein around, with a high degree of hydrolysis, which simply means more di- and tri- peptides. In addition to this, added leucine peptides further help boost the anabolic potential of HydroLoad.
As is the case with all their products, Max’s are to be applauded for the level and depth of information they provide on the packaging for all their products. With a relatively complex and technical product like HydroLoad, the detailed info that Max’s provide is invaluable in educating the customer as to the specific benefits of the whey proteins they have included in the product. Max’s are also to be commended for the way in which they are able to explain relatively complex information as it pertains to the various specifications of the different whey proteins that make up the product.
Because of its high-end ingredients, HydroLoad is targeted at very serious athletes and trainers. Its premium formulation is effective for speeding up protein synthesis and recovery; factors that are extremely important for those who wish to make the absolute most out of the anabolic window. With its lean formulation, it is suitable for all training phases, and can be stacked with carbs and creatine for those who want faster results.
Maxs HydroLoad Cons
Unlike blended whey’s, Hydroload is a very specialised form of whey protein that is best utilised immediately after or around the time of training. To make the most of the product, the customer really needs to understand the importance of nutrient timing and the benefits and limitations a hydrolysed whey protein can provide. Simply put, HydroLoad needs to be followed up quickly by a meal otherwise the quick flood of amino acids would have cleared your system, leaving you with little to sustain muscle growth. If you are familiar at all with Max’s products, you’ll know that they tend to be priced at the higher end of the market. This is certainly the case with HydroLoad, which will naturally mean it may be too much of a stretch for some – simply based on price. If you are new to protein powders and training, HydroLoad may not be the best product for you. Instead, a more flexible product such as Max’s Super Whey may be more suitable.
Maxs HydroLoad Taste & Mixability
One of the key obstacles to tackle when formulating a hydrolysed whey protein is flavour. Whey hydrolysates are notorious for having a bittertaste; however, the extent of bitterness depends partly on the type of enzyme used to break down the protein. As a general rule, the higher the degree of hydrolysis, the higher the bitterness. Another way of putting it is the higher the peptide content, the more bitter it is.
However, it should also be noted that flavouring technology has come a long way since the first inception of hydrolysed protein powders. These days, even the powders with the highest degree of hydrolysis can be well flavoured with the right and most up to date flavouring technological processes. Max’s are an institution when it comes to supplements in Australia and they know how to make excellent products that taste great. The new HydroLoad is a testament to that with one of the best tasting hydrolysed proteins around. If you didn’t know beforehand, you probably wouldn’t even know that HydroLoad is a hydrolysed protein.
Maxs HydroLoad Verdict
The best selling point about HydroLoad is that it is Australian made, only contains some seriously anabolic forms of whey protein, and has an extremely high protein content. This makes for one of the highest quality and fastest absorbing proteins on the market; ideal for jump starting muscle recovery and building processes in a timely manner. The product is slightly expensive, but you’re getting a first class product which tastes great. All-in-all, Maxs HydroLoad is a great whey hydrolysate protein for those Aussies eager to support Australian supplement companies.