Smittybuilt Element Ramps

[K2ZJ]

Stiffness does not automatically mean brittle. Flexibilty does not automatically mean strength. The toothpick and rubber band analogies are inappropriate.

Looking forward to some first-hand, in-use testing.

I agree 100% testing is needed to make true comparisons. Saying because something is cheaper, you wouldn't buy it and it isn't going to last is silly. Especially coming from someone who says they are going to give an unbiased test.

I used the toothpick and rubber band because they were simple items to express brittle and flexible, no not the best. Let's use metal for both. Using the metal from your springs (leaf or coil) for your engine block would result in low engine life. Same goes the other way. The metal from your engine would not make great springs. In an off road situation, force will not be evenly applied to the ramp. I am arguing not to rule out the more flexible ramp (without an unbiased test) because it may in fact last longer because it can flex and recover instead of snap or crack. I am not saying it will last longer, I don't know! I am saying to stay unbiased. Again I agree that "Stiffness does not automatically mean brittle. Flexibilty does not automatically mean strength." But that possibility does exist and should not be ruled out.

 

[4xdog]

That might be a very good way to look at it -- a cast iron (brittle) or spring steel (tough) comparison. I like that way of thinking about it.

And yes, expensive doesn't equal good and cheap doesn't equal bad. But I have found it hard to find Australian-made products that aren't well made, and I think we all know it's hard to predict China-made stuff -- ya just never know.

FWIW, I like the deep triple-rib design and the tooth placement on the MAXTRAX II. It makes a nice impression.

 

[Paladin]

Think of a toothpick and a rubber band. The toothpick (Maxtrax) is more stiff and is going to be more brittle when pressure is applied. While the rubber band (Element) will have some give and be less likely to snap.

Your example is a really poor one, since toothpicks and rubber bands are made of completely different material.

Saying because something is cheaper, you wouldn't buy it and it isn't going to last is silly.

Look back, and you'll see I did support them at first. Then I saw the video, and the picture.

Let's use metal for both. Using the metal from your springs (leaf or coil) for your engine block would result in low engine life.

Not true. Spring steel would probably work well in an engine. Just nearly impossible to do.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

You guys just cool it a bit til we can get some testing done, aye?

 

[frgtwn]

"You have to remain a bit naive, a bit risky, a bit crazy if you want to experience a real adventure. You have to push the limits."


For some, the adventure is posting their opinion right here.


(I guess I'm guilty of clicking, and reading.)

Dale

 

[Hannibal USA]

You are being judgmental right off the start. Because it flexes more it is more likely to break? Now I don't have either of them in front of me, but what do you get from one flex test? Think of a toothpick and a rubber band. The toothpick (Maxtrax) is more stiff and is going to be more brittle when pressure is applied. While the rubber band (Element) will have some give and be less likely to snap.

Flexing them once in your living room says NOTHING about durability. I already question your biased results, and your test has not even begun.

We would be judgmental if we did not have the products in hand. That being said you can hear the elements ramp making "cracking" noises while putting pressure on them with you hands. That is why we mentioned this, report so far, this is just the "office" test so fa we will see when they are on the trail.

 

[theicecreampeople]

I read the whole thread front to back and I am a little confused on why every one is so concerned on the flex.

These are sold as sand ladders NOT bridging ladder correct? I would expect them to flex some given the intended use.

I work for a large tool company that offers lifetime replacement and we see misuse all the time... one of my pet peeves. Sure you can bang something with a ratchet in a pinch if you don't have a hammer, but that's not the intended use and you should expect it to fail.

I would suspect that if you misused these they'd break too... I am anxious to see how they perform both in their intended purpose and in a pinch.

totaly right ...

 

[K2ZJ]

We are not being judgemental right off the start but with having the Maxtrax and Element ramps right next to eachother, we would not purchase the Element ramps again if we had a choice between the two due to the following main reason: you buy a product that is half the price and when you have to use it to get you out of your situation, it will get you unstuck but in the process, the equipment fails or breaks. You are still out trying to get to where you are going, you get stuck again, what will get you out when you have the pieces of your product that was supposed to get you out.

The Maxtrax might be more money, but it is durable enough to recover your vehicle multiple times, in turn saving you from spending more money and time stuck on the trail. From just our initial review and 60 lbs test we feel that they will not survive a real life situation when you rely on you recovery equipment to have your back.

Did you or did you not make an assumption on the durability of the product after owning it less than 48 hours, and having NEVER used them as intended in the field?

We would be judgmental if we did not have the products in hand. That being said you can hear the elements ramp making "cracking" noises while putting pressure on them with you hands. That is why we mentioned this, report so far, this is just the "office" test so fa we will see when they are on the trail.

How is making a judgement about a products longevity based on creaking sounds and one flex test in an office, only hours after owning them, not judgmental?

 

[Ron B]

How is making a judgement about a products longevity based on creaking sounds and one flex test in an office, only hours after owning them, not judgmental?

omg. Who cares. Wait for the test.

 

[Mc Taco]

omg. Who cares. Wait for the test.

I am! Semi patiently.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

Testing Complete.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-Element-traction-devices?p=890288#post890288

 

[RocKrawler]

Testing Complete.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/for...-Element-traction-devices?p=890288#post890288

So essentially you could but the SB-E, and still have the money left over to buy the recommended hi lift and shovel as stated in the test - yes?

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt.

 

[LaOutbackTrail]

So essentially you could but the SB-E, and still have the money left over to buy the recommended hi lift and shovel as stated in the test - yes?

Sent from my HTC Thunderbolt.

I do not want to lead anyone to buying one brand over the other, but to take the results and photos to make your own decision.

 

[BorntoVenture]

Excellent review, thank you so much for finally solving this debate. (as much as it can be solved anyway)

It looks to me like the products are equal with Maxtrax only inching ahead on the polish with the edges being rounded and more comfortable. I whole-heartily agree with what was mentioned above, the Smittybilt ramps plus the cost of a Hi-Lift and a Shovel will be very close to the set of Maxtrax alone. Seeing as how using either ramp can (will to some degree) damage it via tire spin I believe I'd rather go with the combo route than the more expensive brand.

Thanks again LaOutbackTrail!

 

[cactusjk]

Does anyone know the exact length of the element ramps?