off-roader
Expedition Leader
Well, I guess a lot didn't realize how different they are from each other and argued assuming they were identical maybe?
Smittybuilt Element Ramps
- Thread starter Arvin G
- Start date
Don't think anyone is saying that. I'm saying who cares? Maxtrax doesn't seem to. If they did they'd be suing them. In the grand scheme of things, it just doesn't matter.
matthewp
Combat Truck Monkey
Many winches "look" the same as other winches (IE: same planetary gear setup, same winch body, etc.) but ask about any knowledgeable person here, that DOESN'T make them copies.
Look at the other side of the coin. How hard would it be to make a plastic sand ladder that is a reasonably well selling product, a reasonably working project, and doesn't look reasonably like MAXTRAX?
off-roader
Expedition Leader
No, I'm telling you they don't appear to be the same design. Frankly they look totally​ different... At least from the pictures I found online and posted earlier.
fourstringfletch
Adventurer
I just checked the Smitty website for details from the horse. This photo flashed across their home page...
fourstringfletch
Adventurer
Also, with the evolution of the MKII, stacking height seems to be considerably better with the MaxTrax. Can anyone confirm this? I plan to mount mine to the underside of my roof rack.
Frankspinz
Adventurer
The pics from the original review are not showing up...
Being a bit of a gearhead, went out and bought a set of Elemant Ramps. The price was definitely a deciding factor for my choice. Since I often break the cardinal rule and wheel alone, I figured they would be a practical piece of gear provided they were of sturdy quality. I put them to the test right out of the box:
They flex A LOT ! There's no way they could be used to bridge any significant gap IMO. But for snow, sand & mud they will surely be practical traction aids. I hope to take pictures of them in action this spring !
Being a bit of a gearhead, went out and bought a set of Elemant Ramps. The price was definitely a deciding factor for my choice. Since I often break the cardinal rule and wheel alone, I figured they would be a practical piece of gear provided they were of sturdy quality. I put them to the test right out of the box:
They flex A LOT ! There's no way they could be used to bridge any significant gap IMO. But for snow, sand & mud they will surely be practical traction aids. I hope to take pictures of them in action this spring !
Here are my pics from the test:
Sand:
Using the elements as a shovel. Sharp edges cut into hands...
Bridging (sort of....):
Sand:
Using the elements as a shovel. Sharp edges cut into hands...
Bridging (sort of....):
More bridging....:
Some others:
Some others:
off-roader
Expedition Leader
Thanks for reposting those review pics Scott. Seems although similar, they are definitely substantially different that they couldn't be considered copies. Those who believe they are really ought to have their vision checked. 
As for not wanting companies to produce lower cost legal alternatives... Ever heard of capitalism?
as for the copies coming from China where they have an unfair manufacturing advantage... Perhaps but that's really something our governments will need to fix. If you think society will agree to stop buying cheaper goods just for some morality driven ethics, you may be in for a very rude awakening/dose of reality.
IMHO, society will buy what they need/want and in the vast majority of buyers (99%?) from the most cost effective sources including China. It's what makes stores like Target and Walmart successful and I really don't see that changing any time in the near future...
As for not wanting companies to produce lower cost legal alternatives... Ever heard of capitalism?
as for the copies coming from China where they have an unfair manufacturing advantage... Perhaps but that's really something our governments will need to fix. If you think society will agree to stop buying cheaper goods just for some morality driven ethics, you may be in for a very rude awakening/dose of reality.
IMHO, society will buy what they need/want and in the vast majority of buyers (99%?) from the most cost effective sources including China. It's what makes stores like Target and Walmart successful and I really don't see that changing any time in the near future...
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verdesardog
Explorer
Geeze what's all the commotion about a couple of plastic boards? I've been using 2x6's for years, those companies both copied my idea!
Honestly, even floor mats could get you out of most situations.
I've used some all weather floor mats like this for years:
They've helped get my wife's car unstuck once.....
Edit: My wife extracted her car herself using the mats in her car.
I've used some all weather floor mats like this for years:
They've helped get my wife's car unstuck once.....
Edit: My wife extracted her car herself using the mats in her car.
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Monterorider
Adventurer
I've been thinking about smittybuilds and run across new player in a sandbox.
http://www.tred4x4.com/ I does look significantly different from either one. Disbributed by TJM looks like: http://www.tjmusa.com/
http://www.tred4x4.com/ I does look significantly different from either one. Disbributed by TJM looks like: http://www.tjmusa.com/