MaxTrax, are they worth it?

[rnArmy]

I looking at these X-Bull Tracks all be it that they have another name and they are costing about $165.00, No one seems to have the MaxTrax so these are my best option, I did find some that are about $85/90.00 a pair but I am not sure if they have enough grip, See below.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heavy-Duty-Recovery-Tracks-Sand-Mud-Track-Ladders-Traction-Boards-Grip-Track-4x4/273145653240?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIM.MBE&ao=1&asc=20170920101022&meid=fc63bfde73c7487f8ce777fd01cc07cb&pid=100010&rk=9&rkt=10&sd=173374040671&itm=273145653240&_trksid=p2047675.c100010.m2109

These you linked are rated at 5-tons (not 10 tons like the next generation X-Bulls I purchased). X-Bull does have a previous generation traction mats that are rated at 5-tons that look like the ones you linked. Of course, I'd take this tonnage rating with a grain of salt until someone told me specifically how they come to this rating determination.

Are you over in Europe? Seems like Max Trax are easy to find with a bit of googling here in the states.

https://us.maxtrax.com.au/stockists/

 

[67cj5]

These you linked are rated at 5-tons (not 10 tons like the next generation X-Bulls I purchased). X-Bull does have a previous generation traction mats that are rated at 5-tons that look like the ones you linked. Of course, I'd take this tonnage rating with a grain of salt until someone told me specifically how they come to this rating determination.

Are you over in Europe? Seems like Max Trax are easy to find with a bit of googling here in the states.

https://us.maxtrax.com.au/stockists/

Yes I am, I am an Aussie in Europe, I can find many cheaper knock offs but not the ones you have or the MaxTrax.

 

[rnArmy]

Yes I am, I am an Aussie in Europe, I can find many cheaper knock offs but not the ones you have or the MaxTrax.

That is too cool. Now I'm just playing around looking for MaxTrax and X-Bulls in Europe. You'd think between E-Bay and Amazon.com you'd be able to find both easily. I have no idea shipping cost to Europe from the states. And you'd think with the MaxTrax being an Australian item, they'd be easier to find in Europe than in the states. Try these sites (I have no idea where you're at in Europe or if these places are any where near you):

https://www.maxtrax.com.au/stockists-europe/

https://www.devon4x4.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=max+trax

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/be/maxtrax-self-recovery-device.html

 

[67cj5]

That is too cool. Now I'm just playing around looking or MaxTrax and X-Bulls in Europe. You'd think between E-Bay and Amazon.com you'd be able to find both easily. I have no idea shipping cost to Europe from the states. And you'd think with the MaxTrax being an Australian item, they'd be easier to find in Europe than in the states. Try these sites (I have no idea where you're at in Europe or if these places are any where near you):

https://www.maxtrax.com.au/stockists-europe/

https://www.devon4x4.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=max+trax

https://www.frontrunneroutfitters.com/en/be/maxtrax-self-recovery-device.html

Thanks for that, well done Sir,, I was getting lost in all the cheap copies, Brilliant.

 

[rnArmy]

Thanks for that, well done Sir,, I was getting lost in all the cheap copies, Brilliant.

You're welcome. Let us know what you end up getting.

Some folks would say (or swear!) that my X-Bulls are cheap copies of the MaxTrax. They definitely are cheaper than the MaxTrax (3 to 4 times cheaper actually... literally... X-Bulls are $70 - $80/pair vs. $299 - $329/pair for the MaxTrax). I'll find out how good the X-Bulls are whenever I use them for the first time (it will probably be a while - might be years).

If money wasn't a factor, I'd get the MaxTrax based on their reputation. I've never compared the two side-to-side. To me, they're all basically plastic boards with nubs on them for traction. Some look sturdier than others, some have simple lines, some look like something from a science fiction movie.

One thing my X-Bulls DO NOT come with is a "leash". But I can order them on-line for about $16.00/pair (still not sure if they are sold individually for by the pair - if someone can figure it out let me know).

https://ok4wd.com/brands/maxtrax/maxtrax-telltale-leashes

Or these for about $19.00/pair:

https://www.metaltech4x4.com/tred-leash-pair/

 

[67cj5]

You're welcome. Let us know what you end up getting.

Some folks would say (or swear!) that my X-Bulls are cheap copies of the MaxTrax. They definitely are cheaper than the MaxTrax (3 to 4 times cheaper actually... literally... X-Bulls are $70 - $80/pair vs. $299 - $329/pair for the MaxTrax). I'll find out how good the X-Bulls are whenever I use them for the first time (it will probably be a while - might be years).

If money wasn't a factor, I'd get the MaxTrax based on their reputation. I've never compared the two side-to-side. To me, they're all basically plastic boards with nubs on them for traction. Some look sturdier than others, some have simple lines, some look like something from a science fiction movie.

I just check out Devon4x4 in that link and their price works out around $356/$360.00 per pair, and to be honest I think yours are the best option because they have the bigger spikes and the Tonnage rating, Loaded my 4x4/SUV weighs 5400Lbs+, all up with a Trailer it goes 11900Lbs,

When we use to use the old sand ladders we use to tie about 12 feet of para cord to them and tie them to the Truck, it worked as a duel purpose set up, 1) Once you were out of the sand or Bog they would end up being drag out behind ya Truck so you did not have to walk back in the Bog to retrieve them and 2) In loose ground it would stop them breaking loose shooting out the back and hitting bystanders being tethered to the Truck.

 

[BritKLR]

I just check out Devon4x4 in that link and their price works out around $356/$360.00 per pair, and to be honest I think yours are the best option because they have the bigger spikes and the Tonnage rating, Loaded my 4x4/SUV weighs 5400Lbs+, all up with a Trailer it goes 11900Lbs,

When we use to use the old sand ladders we use to tie about 12 feet of para cord to them and tie them to the Truck, it worked as a duel purpose set up, 1) Once you were out of the sand or Bog they would end up being drag out behind ya Truck so you did not have to walk back in the Bog to retrieve them and 2) In loose ground it would stop them breaking loose shooting out the back and hitting bystanders being tethered to the Truck.

Great tip!

 

[67cj5]

Great tip!

If you can get some 1/16 or 1/8" wire rope and put a Loop on each end and put a cheap 0.50p/£1.00 Carabner on each end that will last longer and they can be rolled up and stored safely.

I use to make them 15 or 20 feet long and lay them out to the side of the vehicle so they did not tangle and they gave me enough clearance to get unstuck and bring the ladders out too.

hope that helps,

John.

 

[Patrollife]

Yes, they are worth it.

 

[Tex68w]

I fretted over the purchase of a set of MaxTrax for the better part of year largely because of the price. After pulling the trigger I can't even remember spending that money. It is all relative honestly and I am glad that I have a set of the most reputable and durable traction boards on the market. To me they are definitely worth it.

 

[67cj5]

I fretted over the purchase of a set of MaxTrax for the better part of year largely because of the price. After pulling the trigger I can't even remember spending that money. It is all relative honestly and I am glad that I have a set of the most reputable and durable traction boards on the market. To me they are definitely worth it.

Congrats on the new Kit, Yeah I feel the same about Hi-Lifts and ARB Compressors, Where I have not used my Truck for a while the rear Tyres have crazed and I was having to check the pressures often Now I need to replace them, You have to be happy with the gear you buy because you gotta live with it and work to pay for it,

 

[rdcolorado]

Just saved my ******** hunting in Colorado! E350 van loaded pulling a trailer up a wet, slimy muddy rocky hill to get out of a creek bottom. I only have 2 but they worked absolutely great! i did lose a couple of nubs off the bottom of the maxtrax on the rocks but overall they worked!

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[Laps]

Yes.

 

[old .45]

Exactly!

Traction boards are for traction.... bridging ladders are for... bridging, I carry both as I go solo most of the time... and try to stay out of spotty places if possible, how ever some times this is not possible I know... stay safe out there eh?

 

[roving1]

If only someone would say "yes my MaxTraxs were worth it because these other 4 devices that cost 1/2 to 1/4 as much did not work at all". Saying they worked to get you unstuck justifies them in a binary world where the only two options are nothing and MaxTrax.

I'm genuinely interested. If everything thing else truly sucked in comparison that would be great information. But this whole thread is basically "It worked great in comparison with nothing else in the universe so they are totally worth it!"