Max trax?

[Camodog]

Fwiw, we used the trax yet again this weekend to help us out without the need for a winch. This time we used it as prevention measure.

We came across a large snow drift that was blocking our path. We noticed that a different driver tried to plow through the drift and was unsuccessful. Admittedly we can't say what the other driver was driving, their skill level, or recovery options were. But regardless, they didn't make it very far and stopped turned around and left.

We decided to use the trax to lay down on the previous drivers stuck point, kind of like a ramp. We the got a nice running start and made it through.

To prove the trax helped keep the momentum, we tried another line without the trax and immediately framed out not even a 1/4 the way through. Used the trax again to recover that vehicle.

Wife is so impressed, she insists we buy another set.

 

[On Point]

so I finally pulled the trigger on ordering a set of recovery boards. I stumbled across a brand called X-Traction a couple of months ago, but recently got to use them so I figured i'd share initial impressions.

First I couldnt pass on the price and the fact it came with a free carry bag! I figured I could order 3 sets of these before the "top dog's" price point came into play. Also, if I wanted to order the "top dog's" carry bag it's nearly $140 (insane)! I'm sure there is a difference in quality between the two, but for my needs the X-Traction will be more than sufficient.

Onto the product- very thick and beefy material/construction. I like how both sides have "ramps" so they can be put either way under the tires. I got to use them at the beach a few days ago, but did not get pics b/c i was helping someone else that was stuck! :frusty: The X-Traction boards did their job with little effort. Given this was my first time using them, i used the under side as a shovel and removed as much sand as possible, then wedged the boards under the stuck tires. The 2wd SUV wtf drove out with ease. The carry bag came in handy b/c it prevented me from getting sand all in the back of the 4runner.

Overall, initial impressions are high. Price point was great, free carry bag, and prime 2 day shipping! Will report back when i get to use them again, hopefully with action shots!

They have two different styles that I found:

https://www.amazon.com/X-TRACTION-R..._rd_wg=FISos&refRID=F7NWNVS3DCBWYMSJCSGY&th=1

&

https://www.amazon.com/X-TRACTION-R...rd_wg=OASad&psc=1&refRID=KNKQKX6P16JAB51QB0BS

 

[quick AG surfer]

I've got the x-traction boards myself as well - nice build and good quality. I can't really tell much difference in terms of quality and durability between mine and my buddy's maxtrax both of us have been out and both have been in a position to use the boards both sets got us unstuck - bottom line maxtrax and treds just seem overpriced and it seam that the technology has caught for a low cost alternative

 

[TowMeOut]

So I'm digging around Amazon and did a search for X-traction recovery boards. I ended up with 2 different products from the same company (listed as the same vendor). One looks almost exactly like Treds (pointed on one end). The other was a MaxTrax clone. There's about a $30 difference between the two but absolutely zero reviews for any of them. Both include an identical carry bag.

So....I wonder if these are just your basic Chinese knockoffs or something any better??

 

[On Point]

So I'm digging around Amazon and did a search for X-traction recovery boards. I ended up with 2 different products from the same company (listed as the same vendor). One looks almost exactly like Treds (pointed on one end). The other was a MaxTrax clone. There's about a $30 difference between the two but absolutely zero reviews for any of them. Both include an identical carry bag.

So....I wonder if these are just your basic Chinese knockoffs or something any better??

I'd guess with the price point they're Chinese, cant say 100% because I didn't keep the box. Personally I don't care bc at nearly 1/3 the price of the maxtrax, these have proven to work for me. The extra money saved I'm putting toward a fridge!:biggrin2::biggrin2:

 

[TowMeOut]

Sweet!!! Well hurry up and go get bogged to the frame and put these through their paces!! I think from a traction perspective there's little difference (they're clones of the MaxTrax/Treds). However, the MaxTrax seem to bend quite a bit instead of break. A different formulation of polymers might be much more brittle. So long as you minimize wheel spin the studs should hold up.

I'm on the fence about getting a pair as is one of my wheeling buddies. We figure spending $100 each on sand ladders and wheeling together is a better strategy than investing on chain or winches for now. That stuff will come later but so long as we go with a group hopefully airing down, straps, shackles, a hi-lift, and some traction mats will get us out of most situations.....

 

[On Point]

Sweet!!! Well hurry up and go get bogged to the frame and put these through their paces!! I think from a traction perspective there's little difference (they're clones of the MaxTrax/Treds). However, the MaxTrax seem to bend quite a bit instead of break. A different formulation of polymers might be much more brittle. So long as you minimize wheel spin the studs should hold up.

I'm on the fence about getting a pair as is one of my wheeling buddies. We figure spending $100 each on sand ladders and wheeling together is a better strategy than investing on chain or winches for now. That stuff will come later but so long as we go with a group hopefully airing down, straps, shackles, a hi-lift, and some traction mats will get us out of most situations.....

lol, i'll try to get to some mud for you whenever i get some free time from work! haha

i would highly recommend these given their price point. I cant speak to their less expensive version, but the version I bought I am very impressed with. Planning to order another pair soon. Happy Independence Day! :usa2:

 

[Land_Shark]

Maxtrax really are the superior product for one simple reason, the material used to make them, and it makes all the difference. See below. I'll pay the extra $100 for a better material any day.

From the interwebs:

TRED boards are manufactured from a blend of polyolefin materials and offer slight flexing to help maintain tyre contact during recovery.

Unique in their shape, each UV-stabilised, semi-flexible, reinforced-nylon (reinforced polymer) MAXTRAX has six (three on each side) handles

 

[On Point]

Maxtrax really are the superior product for one simple reason, the material used to make them, and it makes all the difference. See below. I'll pay the extra $100 for a better material any day.

From the interwebs:

TRED boards are manufactured from a blend of polyolefin materials and offer slight flexing to help maintain tyre contact during recovery.

Unique in their shape, each UV-stabilised, semi-flexible, reinforced-nylon (reinforced polymer) MAXTRAX has six (three on each side) handles

that's fair, and I dont think anyone has ever denied Max Trax being the best. I can speak from experience and say that for the occasional offroading with buddies or going to the beach crowd, the X-Traction will be more than sufficient. even people that need them up north in snow, the xtraction seem to be more than enough.

it's not an extra $100, it's nearly $200 more. i can find plenty more things to buy for my 4runner with that $200!

 

[Explore604]

Was wondering how well do those x-traction boards stack/nest? Thanks.

 

[On Point]

Decided to order a set of their less expensive boards. Figured I'll throw them in my wife's trunk. I'll try to post pictures tomorrow. They remind me of the maxsa version. So far I'm impressed with both sets of X-traction boards.

 

[2flyfishin]

I just ordered a set of maxtrax. Eyeballed the cheaper ones but didn't want to risk having them snap when I really needed them as most of the time I go out solo. I definitely understand the appeal of the cheaper ones though. I figured one time having to get recovered by a tow truck out in the middle of nowhere covers the cost of the maxtraxs.

 

[b407driver]

I just did the same, for the same reason(s). Ordered a set in grey direct from MaxTrax, $309 with shipping and arrived in two days.

 

[Folsom4Rnr]

Could have used a set or two yesterday. Got stuck in a snow drift and ended up spending a couple hours digging out

Will be interested to learn how the less expensive versions hold up with use.

 

[TRUSTYAXE]

Has anyone spotted mounts for these. I am looking to mount them to a Baja ladder :eyebrows:

 

[slide531]

I've had some for about 6 months. Finally had a chance to use them!

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