Smittybuilt Element Ramps
- Thread starter Arvin G
- Start date
No need to fear, Central Overland will be conducting a comparative review of the new Smittybilt Element and the MAXTRAX on Sunday May 15. Stay tuned for a video and editorial review.
It will be a side by side comparison and testing of two traction devices of both brands. Each set will tested for mud and sand recovery, but, special focus will be given on their application as bridging ladders due to the discussions in this thread.
If you guys would like to see any other aspect or scenario tested, let me know and we will find a way to accommodate.
It will be a side by side comparison and testing of two traction devices of both brands. Each set will tested for mud and sand recovery, but, special focus will be given on their application as bridging ladders due to the discussions in this thread.
If you guys would like to see any other aspect or scenario tested, let me know and we will find a way to accommodate.
adrenaline503
Explorer
Any chance seeing what they do in packed snow? Here in the Cascades you spin a wheel and it makes a lovely little ice rut. I imagine that once they get packed with snow they would just glaze over.
Well, short of going to an ice rink, I don't think I can help you with the snow!
Sure, that was one of my initial observations between the two models- the more aggressive lead-in ramp.
AFSOC
Explorer
Good on ya Central Overland! Glad somebody is stepping up to do a head to head evaluation of the two products. This is the only way to compare the two products honestly. When the event is over, we will be able to have some empirical data to lean on instead of conjecture and assumption derived from a low res photo, MSRP and brand loyalties.
I am particularly interested to have them closely measured and compared side by side to determine if they are a “photocopy” knock off. Just sharing the same number of hand holds is not enough evidence for me to claim ‘knock off’ as opposed to an ‘inspired by’ design. I have certainly seen examples of trailers with pneumatically sprung independent trailing arms but you’ll NEVER convince me AT knocked them off. I look at the relative simplicity of these products and wonder how tightly you can cling to the basic design and just where the line between competitor and copier is drawn. A side by side test should go a long way toward putting this bickering to rest. Subscribed…..
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
We still have a ton of snow in here in the Lake Tahoe area. I have one set of the MaxTrax in my showroom, I could order a set of the Element ramps and get a short video for you if you want.
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
That would be great! It's a little hard for us to find snow around here... :sombrero:
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
I will order a set of the Element ramps Today or Tomorrow, then I will just E-mail you the Video to post. It was still snowing this morning, so it will be spring soft snow conditions, I will try to find some ice pack snow also.
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
Not even going to try to hide my jealousy. It will be in the hundreds here in about a month...
Scott Brady
Founder
There is some footage of the snow in this video - around 1:50
Frankspinz
Adventurer
Most excellent !
The only additional test I would like to see is bridging load to failure...
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
The element ramps will be here at my shop Tomorrow, the MaxTrax that I have are the Tan ones, not sure if there is any difference, but I think they might be a early set of them.