adrenaline503
Explorer
Thanks everyone, that snow issue is big here in the NW. There is some softer sand/gravel out east but its all varieties of mud and snow that bogs us down, especially with 31" tires.
Smittybuilt Element Ramps
- Thread starter Arvin G
- Start date
Regarding function, consider that the MAXTRAX are single-port injection molded which makes them one truly uniform piece. The Element ramps, made at the same factory as the ones pictuered below, are multi-port injection molded which allows for the material coming from the multiple ports to cool slightly and then have to join with the material from the other ports which creates seams in the product. The single port molding, seamless, is a more expensive process and contributes to the cost.
Regarding proof of performance the MAXTRAX have been available in Australia and other areas of the world for over six years. They are used by Baja 500, Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally racers (unsponsored). They are used by government agencies, the United Nations and several defense forces around the world. They have also won two SEMA international design awards.
The ramps pictured below surfaced in September of 2010. They are made at the same factory as the Element and resemble the Element very closely. They were available in green and orange with a black cloth case. These ramps from last September were imported from the factory in China to Florida where they were to be distributed in to Latin America. Patent laws prevented the Florida company from being able to distribute them in the US and several other countries around the world. The "surfacing" last September were from someone trying to sell small quantities of them in the US, under the table. As for the current Element offering and patent laws, perhaps it is only a matter of time for the system to catch up with itself.
For reference, here is the Element:
And, here are the ramps from last September.
Regarding proof of performance the MAXTRAX have been available in Australia and other areas of the world for over six years. They are used by Baja 500, Baja 1000 and Dakar Rally racers (unsponsored). They are used by government agencies, the United Nations and several defense forces around the world. They have also won two SEMA international design awards.
The ramps pictured below surfaced in September of 2010. They are made at the same factory as the Element and resemble the Element very closely. They were available in green and orange with a black cloth case. These ramps from last September were imported from the factory in China to Florida where they were to be distributed in to Latin America. Patent laws prevented the Florida company from being able to distribute them in the US and several other countries around the world. The "surfacing" last September were from someone trying to sell small quantities of them in the US, under the table. As for the current Element offering and patent laws, perhaps it is only a matter of time for the system to catch up with itself.
For reference, here is the Element:
And, here are the ramps from last September.
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I don't really see how there's a patent enfringement. The design is "different" (not a scan job), and they are manufactured using a different material and a different process. I'm guessing the previous importer could not afford a lawyer to defend himself, so avoided the issue. Smittybilt would have the resources.
/Armchair Lawyer
/Armchair Lawyer
I was one of the people that ordered a set of these from the guy that surfaced last year.
He was sent a cease and desist letter from Maxtraxx, he backed out of selling anymore.
I think only one or two people got the actual product, everyone else got a refund.
Regaardless... I ordered a set of the smittybilts and am waiting to get some fiberglass grating. Will run some test in early june and post up.
-Sam
He was sent a cease and desist letter from Maxtraxx, he backed out of selling anymore.
I think only one or two people got the actual product, everyone else got a refund.
Regaardless... I ordered a set of the smittybilts and am waiting to get some fiberglass grating. Will run some test in early june and post up.
-Sam
He posted both here and on Mud. He included the term MAXTRAX in his promotion and through wording and the look-a-like imagery of the product it was borderline misrepresentation to the point that both ExPo and Mud removed the posts.
As a matter of fact, there was such a concern for misrepresentation and questionable quality of the look-a-like product that MAXTRAX contacted as many of the people who purchased the look-a-like product as they could find and sent them complimentary sets of genuine MAXTRAX to replace the look-a-like product.
Brian
As a matter of fact, there was such a concern for misrepresentation and questionable quality of the look-a-like product that MAXTRAX contacted as many of the people who purchased the look-a-like product as they could find and sent them complimentary sets of genuine MAXTRAX to replace the look-a-like product.
Brian
flyingwil
Supporting Sponsor - Sierra Expeditions
Color doesn't matter on the MAXTRAX they are all the same. There is two versions, the newer version has the three rib design.
Very true, I know of two people that had this happen. I'm sure in this case they will not be replacing the Element Ramps with MAXTRAX.
Well, that's definitely wrong.
That's about what I expected though. Lawyers Letters are not proof of copyright infringement. But it sounds like the way it was marketted was a clear case of trademark infringement.
Just wanted to make it clear the difference between copyright and trademark law.
/Armchair Lawyer
Stand-up move my MaxTrax dealing with the customers.
Mr. Leary
Glamping Excursionaire
We will include that test for sure, since it seems to be central to this debate.
Test day on Sunday, stay tuned. I'm pretty good at breaking stuff, so if a durability test is what is needed, I believe that I am well qualified for the job!
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
Okay Elements Ramps just showed up, I will finish stuffing my face with lunch and get some side by side photos with the Tan Maxtrax that I have.
I was informed via E-mail last night that Maxtrax I have are a early version. They have two ribs and the ramps are thicker then the ones on the market right now.
I was informed via E-mail last night that Maxtrax I have are a early version. They have two ribs and the ramps are thicker then the ones on the market right now.
Bigfoot1963
Observer
I just called my local 4wheel parts about having the Elements in stock, they said they havent even shipped yet and to expect it to take about another month.
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
I have a set I will sell you just came in Today! :bike_rider:
Bigfoot1963
Observer
Next time I'm up that way I'll have to stop in. I'm about due to get up to Walker Ca. for some good Barbecue. :sombrero:
Hannibal USA
Adventurer
Tan one: MaxTrax
Green: Element Ramps
I think I read somebody was saying multi injection mold, I could only find one mold port on the Element ramp, same as the MaxTrax.
I think the Element Ramps will fail the bridge test...even stacked.
My 60 lbs son standing on them.
Green: Element Ramps
I think I read somebody was saying multi injection mold, I could only find one mold port on the Element ramp, same as the MaxTrax.
I think the Element Ramps will fail the bridge test...even stacked.
My 60 lbs son standing on them.