Which is the best 4x4 Recovery Tracks

[@Ronny_Dahl]

The purpose of this test is to show what quality vs cheap can handle. Quality you can abuse, cheap you can not. You will see which you need to take care of and NOT use as a bridge and which ones are more durable and can handle pretty much ANYTHING!! "To make an Omelette you must break some eggs" IF you are offended by seeing boards break LET it be known that recovery tracks were harmed in this video. For the record its your choice, buy cheap or quality I'm not going to tell you what to do. Just know what you are in for. What else would you like us to test (not recovery tracks we just did it :D ) Thanks for watching

[@dualcablowlux]

Ronny Dahl storage cases, ratchet straps, eskies (ice duration)

[@jeep6242]

I'm not offended at the breakage I'm bummed with so much money spent there was not more to the test.

[@Niemand411]

Traditional Sand boards out of alluminium vs Maxtraxx

[@einfelder8262]

@@jeep6242 What? Simple test to immediate failure not extensive enough?

[@jeep6242]

@@einfelder8262 Yes.

[@dogsbyfire]

You Aussies take it to another level! I’ve driven off road in the rural western USA for decades. When I recently visited the Australian outback, in that one vacation I saw more mega off-road vehicles than I’ve seen in the last 30 years in the USA combined. You’re in a class by yourselves, and it’s great to be able to learn from you.

[@DRTMaverick]

My only gripe with the test is going backwards- The support structure on the back of the traction boards was never engineered to be driven over upside down and flexed in reverse- it completely defeats the structural design of the boards. So when you drive over them backwards and flex them in reverse I expect even the toughest ones to get damage. They aren't engineered to be driven over incorrectly. As with a winch, all recovery gear must be used correctly if it is going to perform correctly (fortunately traction boards are far safer to misuse than a winch).

[@sergedacunha6028]

The reverse driving is the same thing as bridge test. I think when you are recovering your vehicle in off-road condition there is no engineered scenario. You have to do what is necessary to be unstuck and this is where the Maxtrax are impressive. I was very doubtful to put some many money on recovery tracks but it’s worth every penny.

[@Owl566]

This was a torture test. Things you’re likely to do when the other option is a $3000 tow recovery, so sacrificing some $300 dollar boards is easily a good choice. I doubt anyone would drive over them backwards but does give an accelerated wear view… The Maxtraxx nailed it. One of the few “engineered for military” things that actually bloody worked! I’ll be buying Maxtraxx now. Just the standard. I don’t need the extreme.

[@Lonskiau]

I only do beach driving and use them for extra traction in soft sand. My Treds are still fine, no damage in 5 years. My point is, not everyone would not be sticking them in a hole at 90º or using them as a bridge, and therefore buy what you like that is suitable for the type of driving you do.

[@7kyro]

Until, you know, they get used to get someone unstuck elsewhere.

[@zoolkhan]

@@7kyro in this demo no one was stuck, and needed to get unstuck - i am pretty sure when that moment comes, that you can unstuck yourselve also wita cheap one. maybe not 100 times .. maybe only 3 times - but that may all that someone requires. in most situations they will be put before some tyres as flat as possible on the ground, and the tires would maybe pull it into the hole theyre in while pulling themselves out - and thats it. No way anyone ever need 90° bending - and that in the wrong direction. (against design, hitting it on the underside) Sure the pricey ones will withstand that - but that is not what theyre made for. If you need that kind of resilience from a recovery track, then perhaps you should work on your driving skills. In the 50 first years of my life i didnt have "recovery tracks" on stand by in the car. I used floor mats, tree branches and whatever else was at hand....what i want to say is, one does try to drive in a manner, that a recovery stays a rare event. Risk averse.

[@officialWWM]

Exactly mate. I bought 4 XBull tracks for the price of 2maxtracks…and they are still going strong 4 years later!

[@zebur4170]

Yeah I'll really only ever need them for snow where i live

[@lueyR]

Youre just cheap

[@greatsouthernoverland]

I have four of the origonal maxtrax and they have been brilliant!! On the roof full time for a couple of years and they just work:)

[@jamesngotts]

Thanks for the video. I think price and projected use has a lot to do with it. If you are someone who might not off road a ton or does trails where you probably wont need a recovery pad, the X-Bulls for $80 are probably a good deal as you may never need them but if you do they will hold up for a few uses. On the other hand if you are someone who treks off into the wilderness or does more extreme trails, spending the $400+ on recovery pads that you will probably use regularly is worth it.

[@ianmac2963]

These "test to destruction" type videos of 4WD gear are EXCELLENT ... thank you ... more of these :)

[@rothburger]

Been 4wding 30 years, I’ve never stuck something like that in a vertical position to assist in a recovery😂 Top one Ronny👍🏻👍🏻

[@anthonygonzales103]

Hey Mates from Dugout in SoCal. Thanks for the demo. I bought the MAXTRAX a couple weeks ago. And after watching your video I’m glad I did👍. Right after watching this video on KZbin another recovery board came on. It was for action tracks. They looked like a very good comparable set. But the individual noted how those boards can be used on any surface and MAXTRAX can not be used on rocks and such. When I looked at my package it says do not use on on rocky surfaces when the temperature is below -20 C. My opinion is extreme cold makes almost any item more brittle. Thanks for all your videos I’ve learned a lot

[@PaulvandenBraak]

Great video. You get what you pay for. I had the original maxtrax, used and abused them every second weekend for about 5 years before they finally died. Then I built some ramps out of steel and had them galvanised. Apart from being heavy, best thing ever! I'll post a picture of them for you all.

[@k2svpete]

Have a look at Bailey bridge panels or sand ladders.

[@jessewalker5418]

I probably wouldn’t of paid 500 bucks for a set of those but now I’m seriously considering them !!! Show is great thank.

[@disabledarmyveteran]

I am glad I purchased two sets of the Maxxtrax MKII now that I know they hold up. Thanks for the test of the recovery boards. One Maxxtrax purchase last a long time over the cheaper knockoffs designed for one time use.

[@murphtahoe1]

As the old saying goes, “when you buy quality, you only cry once”.

[@bogged2theeyeballs695]

Agree. "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of the cheap price."

[@xXEVAKU8Xx]

It’s “buy once, cry once”

[@projectn1997]

@@xXEVAKU8Xx I had to double take the OP quote as I never heard it like that LOL

[@dancinpigeons4130]

I bought a nissan. Explains why i cry so much

[@Smokeyr67]

“Buy cheap, buy twice”

[@Michael_Mears]

I've gone and collected branches and large sections of bark to go under the wheels at times, to get out from boggy areas, so any board will save me that effort. I carry the X-Bull version, costing $25 per tread (on special). I only need them to get me out of the bog (or sand), and they work just fine for that.

[@Tanner731]

when the lugs get toasted just drill them out and replace with a nut/bolt and washers!

[@Liam-ly8rv]

Agree. I usually hit the tracks hardest it winter and in the snow. Any track helps. I've still had to collect branches to help the tracks or build a path of the main track.

[@yamahafan7330]

Good test but you're supposed to use two together to make a bridge. You probably already know that though.

[@justthetruth870]

I am so glad that I bought two sets of the standard Maxtrax. I've used them to recover my delighter from a ditch, used them as a bridge Two together and they barely flexed. Great value for money. As the say, "you get what you pay for". Maxtrax rock !

[@NoralBlundell]

Thanks for that, I bought 4 max track @ the Kununurra Ag show a few years ago. Have never used them, I don't go extreme driving but they are part of my kit just in case and thanks to your tests I feel much more confident. Cheers 👍😎💯. PS have you been along the Buchanan highway? Done it several years ago in my08 stock Colorado no gear at all,solo.( Novice). Made it needed new shocks. Never do that again, prompted me to upgrade the suspension and get a winch and the basics plus the trax. Luck only lasts so long.

[@bryceletcher5326]

I'm a casual off road driver and have a set of tracks for emergency situations rather than regular use. I bought X-bull from Ebay for less than $70 a pair. I they get me out of trouble once it's money well spent and if they don't survive they are cheap to replace. If I did a lot of off road driving, particularly hard tracks I'd spend the money on Maxtrax.

[@madcratebuilder]

I agree 100%. I have used my X-Bull in snow and sand, got me out with no damage other than a few studs rubbed down.

[@monroefive-o40]

Bryce Letcher Lots cheeper than a tow truck. Most around here in Ga just to winch you out is around $200.

[@kilian_brk]

Purchased a set of maxtrax used (only tyre marks) for 100 dollar lol

[@Phil_McAvity]

We certainly live in a “throwaway society”.

[@JimsRobot]

Yeah same here. If I see heavy mud or dodgy looking sand I avoid it, but my x-bulls are there for "just in case". Might never even use them.

[@eroffroad5438]

I would like to see the same test on any of these that have faded sitting in the sun on a roof rack all day everyday.

[@JeepTrailsandBarbells]

I have the X bulls for about a year now i used it to get my titan out a mud hole and it shattered. If you go to my channel and watch "2019 nissan titan stuck in mud" and skip to 7:22 and watch from there you will see what happens. Its not good.

[@The144Workshop]

I thought the X-Bull did rather well, considering the cost. I'm in for a pair at 60 USD, when they break I'll think about upgrading. That's 1/5th the cost of Maxtrax.

[@adamr8628]

saw another video where the xbull beat the maxtrax

[@OutOfOfficeCamping]

This was exactly what we wanted to see. Well done! Great test examples. Now we totally understand why you should pay 3 times more for a quality product that could get you out of a jam. ~Mark & Teresa

[@fredio54]

Thanks! This is good data. I have a steep bumpy passage that I want to get up on our land and using one of the top three to smooth it out should work nicely.

[@solooverland3666]

Good video! I never had Maxtrax, I went straight from the start with TRED Pros and got four of them - I figured ARB wouldn’t endorse and sell junk. I’m super happy with their performance (I drive a 4Runner)

[@sandygreener6724]

Thank you Ron and Patreon! Awesome video. :-)

[@darthvader8433]

I've got a set of 6 original maxtrax as I have a camper trailer. They got me out of a creek bed on the Old Tele Track when my brand new winch let me down.

[@victor-emmanuel7485]

I always imagine the ceo’s of these companies clenching their butt’s while whatching this sort of video’s 😂

[@danielfuller10]

Nah. For the the average consumer, they will check the prices for each and go with the best ones they can afford at that time. Unless your product is an utter failure, having it in a video like this is great advertisement

[@grwolf272]

@@danielfuller10, I’d disagree. I sure won’t be buying the losers.

[@stevenemes3937]

@@grwolf272 why?? I've been in many situations where I use my cheap no name brand trax, none of those scenarios were a 90 degree angle of the trax or using them as a bridge, this test was stupid and doesn't simulate a real world situation.

[@jeep6242]

I was really looking forward to this but these tests were a bit silly. I am never going to use a traction board like this. I mean bridging something 98% the length of the board serves what purpose? The wheel falls into the same size hole as without the board. I would have liked to seen them used for normal extractions. If x-bulls, for instance can extract a vehicle 40 times before failing that would have been more useful info. Ramping up the difficulty of the tests would have yielded way more helpful info.

[@4x4touring47]

It's a torture test to see how they go in extreme situations. Obviously most people won't use then like this but it shows how they will fare in the long term . . . . . And you do pay for what you get

[@jeep6242]

@@4x4touring47 They could have been torture tested after actually using them for awhile. This is like doing a burn out and declaring the tire that pops last the winner. Useless for most people and providing the narrowest amount of data possible. I love this channel and am a Patreon supporter but this was a silly waste of money. Way more realistic field tests could have been done. Everyone already knows MTs have more durable plastic. Expensive way to prove that. The question is are the worth it for most people the way they use them in real life? No info here along those lines.

[@k2svpete]

Ahhh, those tests are all ramped up in difficulty. You cannot go out and try and replicate a real world recovery in exactly the same way multiple times. There are far too many variables.

[@jeep6242]

@@k2svpete lol. One test that bends one board 90 degrees and one that bends the board to the radius of the tire because the board has no hope of bearing the weight. Real gradual tests lol. It would have been trivial to simulate more realistic use. It also would have been trivial to just take the boards in trips and. Use them. Even one day at the beach would have been more interesting data.

[@jeep6242]

@@dreamingofdirtndiesel159 This is why I was so excited about this video initially. I thought we were going to get this kind of test with a bunch of brands and great RD narration and production quality.

[@mikaranta2947]

The Best ones are those that you remember to take whit you😄

[@USMC-ce2ek]

I LOVE your trucks, wish we had those here in America! Good video

[@neudimensions1320]

How about trying it in actual mud? Durability or strength mean nothing if they can't get you traction.

[@dinosshed]

That was a proper test of the materials used, no doubt they'd all get you off the soft sand once or twice but keep in mind they do bend around the tyre in soft sand. Many people commenting on the extreme tests being unreasonable but this is exactly what happens to them when used in soft sand. Max trax all the way, if you can't afford them make your own from 6x2 hardwood.

[@AK49Medic]

I live in Interior Alaska. Pretty much the opposite climate from "down under". Last winter (2019-2020) I used X-Bull boards to get our Ford Excursion out of the snow a couple of times. They are completely broken. This winter I got Maxtrax MKII's, but I haven't had to use them yet. We only have about 4 feet of snow this year instead of 8. The idea is the same though. You need a strong, flexible material that is not brittle in the cold.

[@thatsgangsta2450]

I love the new editing ronny (from a year ago to now), the energys nice for a change, just don't become someone your not to try please the online community 👍

[@Ronny_Dahl]

It’s just us being us, We tend to bring the energy off each other 🤙😁

[@thatsgangsta2450]

@@Ronny_Dahl it's very entertaining 😂

[@brandonspain3483]

100% agree Ronny what a bloody Legend keeping it real .

[@textameplz1829]

What an awesome video! Thanks a lot to all who contributed

[@graemecooper4100]

i have a set of Aldi track that I bought for a Fraser island trip in 2014, have used them heaps in sand, mud and they work great in snow which I drive in a lot in winter the vic high county. Think I payed $99 of them. Haven't used them as a bridge probably why they haven't broken yet. When they do brake will replace with maxtrax mk2. Biggest issue for me with the aldi ones is they don't stack together at all.

[@mightychristo7930]

I was about to buy a set of tred GT, I’m now purchasing a set of maxtrax mkII great demonstration of cost vs quality

[@kkchan8569]

Thank you Ronny for the sharing. I just placed an order for a pair of MaxTrax Mark II after watching your video. $239 a pair, bit pricy but it is good insurance than bogged in the middle of somewhere.

[@daleoldfield7961]

They are called recovery boards for a reason they are made to give you traction and that's how you should be testing them! They aren't called bridge boards or I can fold 90 degrees boards

[@mandlakei2513]

fair enough, I guess the point was to show that if a board can go through hell and back during testing then it will probably never disappoint during actual fair use.

[@Frissdas1207]

spoke like a true prius owner.

[@gqwarrior6694]

I think you boys had far too much fun making this one 😂 I won't deny the original Max Trax are the best of the bunch & eventually, I'll get some but for over 5 years now the original Treds have done me just fine on all terrain types. I'll never see the extra $200 value in a set of Max Trax Extremes.

[@gregmenniges5963]

Look at Actiontrax. $330 with studs and hold more weight and made in USA.

[@gqwarrior6694]

@@gregmenniges5963 I'd rather pay the extra for the Austalian Max Trax when I eventually kill the Treds.

[@gregmenniges5963]

@@gqwarrior6694 you do you I was just trying to give an alternative option. I watched a video where they compared those two and for the price and how much I will use them max trax would have been twice as much

[@gregmenniges5963]

@@gqwarrior6694 they didn't even do the action trax though did they?

[@gqwarrior6694]

@@gregmenniges5963 Probably because they are unheard of in Australia & it would be near impossible to review every brand of recovery boards available on the planet. Max Trax have long proven to be among the best, if not the best available & being Australian myself, when I need a new set, I'll support the Australian made product rather than take a chance on a complete unknown from another country. Probably worth mentioning I didn't buy the Treds, they were given to me as a present by my family. If it had been up to me, I'd have bought Max Trax.

[@samjohnson9894]

I have the X-Bulls and am surprised they did as well as they did in this test. In cold temperatures they tend to be less maliable and shatter under stress.

[@Zed483]

lol I can vouch.for that

[@Rickyd615]

I think this being an unrealistic test was kind of the point. Standard testing on sand would not demonstrate the differing quality of plastic. However, the testing did not demonstrate the traction boards actual use case, which is to provide traction when bogged. It could have been interesting to see whether the different spike/corrugation designs provide better grip. I think if you wanted to bridge a gap you could purchase a bridging ladder. None of the traction boards really excel bridging. Just some thoughts. I really enjoy your videos Ronny. Cheers.

[@koshnaranek8836]

You made MY choice very easy today. Thanks!

[@slwoslwo]

4 years on, this is still the best recovery board review out there. But let’s be honest, it’s time to revisit the video with the new challengers.

[@gibbethoskins8621]

I have the smaller treds and I think they are actually a lot stronger due to the more compact size, and they go fine with my 31's. Had them for years and used them a heap of times in sand and never had a problem. Another interesting point though that I have observed online is only the Maxtrax can survive in freezing temperatures.

[@YouTubeBinging]

Just found your channel. Love the content. Entertaining, funny, and informative. I've been searching for a good recovery board comparison video. They are expensive in the states.

[@neilqsmith5748]

Great Test Video - Really helped my decision making for our next Expedition adventure - Thanks !!!

[@ekkonesters599]

Best review I've seen today.. Well done Gents...

[@nosnerd1967]

NOW THIS IS A GREAT VID . Thanks to all involved

[@jasonjamrs7413]

It's good to see you take your safety serious

[@TheGoprotraveller]

nice testing! Would've been interesting to do a wheel spin test to see which teeth last longer especially between the original maxtrax and the tred pros...

[@Handleyman]

At the end of the day most people including myself, only want them for sand and a bit of mud. In which case the cheapest units are perfectly adequate.

[@k2svpete]

Except the first test replicates the deflection that they can be subject to in those environments and shows that they're not suitable.

[@garyfoale3707]

@@k2svpete I can see where OP is coming from, and if they're just having a bit of fun where its easy to get help, cheapies are probably ok. But if you're further away, and you can't just phone for a tow, the investment is a good one.

[@mackf7275]

That was my thinking. But the minute i needed the treds they failed.

[@Chris-ut6eq]

Awesome testing! This really helped me decide!

[@rickm4295]

Everyone on the planet knows MaxTrax are the best....And everything else is sub par. It comes down to what you can afford. Rich people win as usual

[@jimmyjimmy951]

Rick Mccraw You could look at it as a $300 investment for the regular MT,s ($200 if you shop savvy). Another way of looking at it is, five cartons of poor mans beer, five packs of poor mans cigarettes or one paid beach recovery (if your lucky). Some would rather invest in the cheap rather than decent safe recovery gear. I am no rich bloke in the scheme of things but do save to buy the best once. Amazed at how many people out on the tracks rely on others. IMO if you can’t afford reasonable safe recovery gear don’t go out and definatly don’t get stuck! Only my thoughts..👍🇦🇺

[@aronmarden]

@@jimmyjimmy951 👌 spot bloody on with the poor man's cigs/beer example. People cry poor but they also buy so much "cheap shit"

[@d2kwazza57]

I sadly bought TRED tracks would’ve been good to have this video two weeks ago

[@k2svpete]

The poor man pays twice. It's not about being rich, it's about value. Pay a bit more for an indisputably better product and use it for many years or go cheap and have them break first time. Your choice.

[@samkitto010]

@@jimmyjimmy951 the cheap man pays twice

[@markholtan5696]

Great video and good information for when I go to choose some tracks and what would work for me. I’m glad to see you two making more videos together you both make a great team 👍👍👍

[@crispyinasia61]

Good test Ronny, reaffirmed my decision about buying a second set of Maxtrax and that you get what you pay for!

[@MRJUCY]

I've got the Tred Pros which cost the same as the basic Maxtrax anyway so I'm happy they held up fairly well. The Tred Pros teeth are supposed to hold up better than the Maxtrax 2s to wheel spin I'd like to see that independently tested.

[@prabhs6351]

TREDs are aussie made and owned though. That's why I buy them. You should have mentioned that Ronny!

[@triot2127]

It wasn't easy when I bought my Maxtrax because of the cost but I'm glad I did. They'll save money in the long run and payed for themselves after one use. If your stuck alone in the local ORV areas around my town it costs upwards of $600usd to get recovered if no one can come help. Especially in spots where there's no where to anchor a winch.

[@benwalker1744]

Lifetime warranty on treds, only cracked one in a serious bog and they replace it free , one year later no deforms or cracks and been used a fair biy

[@KR7PT]

That lifetime warranty is what's attracting me to them. Yeah they're cheap but unlimited breakages.

[@benwalker1744]

@@KR7PT since posting this I've broken 3 more starting to get annoying destroying them and getting replacements

[@APSupernary]

​@@benwalker1744may I ask if you have burned through more of the tred traction boards? Is ARB good about replacing them? Pardon the question on an old discussion.

[@benwalker1744]

@APSupernary yeah i did , but were replaced directly everytime no issues

[@stuartkcalvin]

4.00 OK, so let's just put the track the wrong way around. 6:55 good product placement. 6:15 let's just do a thing that never happens. 7:50 that never happens except in unrealistic videos. 8:50 track is around the wrong way; the tracks are built for a one way, correct way, traverse. The variable is the road surface, this test is full of holes. 9:00 tracks are laid flat, not sticking up like beacons. Total waste of my time.

[@thatsgangsta2450]

Stuart Calvin it’s a stress test mate... think of it this way, it’s like a Ferrari in replacement of the tracks, and a 4wd stress test track in replacement of these challenges. It would be like sending a Ferrari down a 4wd stress test track, completely insane but hey, why not test it’s limits, exactly what Ronny did, yeah these challenges would nearly never happen this often and this brutally but hey, at least now we know. Have a nice rest of your day complaining about something else on the Internet 😊

[@stuartkcalvin]

@@thatsgangsta2450 well, I'm not the only one on this blog dissecting. Ronny wondered why his subscribers and Patreons fell off - well, here's another reason.

[@liamgibbens8222]

Thanks for this video guys much appreciated. I know 100% what tracks I'm going to spend my money on now. I was considering cheaper because money isn't something I have lots of. But after this definitely worth the extra for the maxtraks.

[@addictedtodirt3769]

Good honest review mate, no bull. I’d have to agree with you on the final decision, I love my maxtrax, great price and built Aussie tough.

[@davidclucas9398]

Great video Ronny and Torbs thanks.

[@TenBuckTraveler]

The Maxsa Escaper Buddy is a popular Maxtrax MK2 alternative in the US. They're about $70 cheaper and work very well. I've used them in mud, as ramps, and put a 3500 quad cab Ram on them. They held up nicely. The only issue was that the treads burned off when the quad cab Ram got throttle happy and spun the tires. Still got him out of the ditch though!

[@sgpaul9311]

Crazy boys. I bet you left bulk of empty beer bottles in the trolley behind. In muddy, I found X-Bull is more effective than Maxtrack. It doesn't slip so much on mud as it drag more mud volume underneath. I cracked my X on bridge use yet still survived 10+ normal recovery with multiple cracks and stress mark everywhere, can't wait to tear it apart.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

The two reasons we went for Treds instead of MaxTrax was the price and that Treds were offering a lifetime warranty. It looks like MaxTrax don't need to offer the warranty... I guess the one here that surprised me most was the Adli version. We use a lot of their camping gear and 4x4 stuff and most of it is pretty good. We have had one or two duds but in general their gear is worth a look - not the tracks though based on this test.

[@KurNorock]

Here in the states we just use whatever rocks or branches are laying around. And we typically run wide tires that do better in soft sand and mud so on beaches or river beds, just being aired down is enough to keep us on top of the sand rather than digging into it.

[@mikehancho5286]

Double stack the X-Bulls. For $65us I can buy 3 times as many X bulls than the Maxtracks

[@JarrodCardno]

Buy once, buy right. You wouldn't want them snapping when your remote

[@mikehancho5286]

@@JarrodCardno I have seen matrax snap to. This buy once cry once shit is only a justification for spending top dollar to look overland cool. I beat the shit out of xbulls last winter. They are still fine.

[@JarrodCardno]

@@mikehancho5286 definetly not, I've bought all the cheap stuff, and never again. This time around I've gone all out of the best quality gear and have not regret a single cent

[@mikehancho5286]

@@JarrodCardno good luck with your snake oil $100 sport broverlander! Jist another "I buy only the best" simp.

[@kyotoau9095]

@@mikehancho5286 You sound like a prole tbh

[@benni.rosinante]

Thanks for this great comparison 🎉

[@brandonspain3483]

Go the maxtrax 1st my choice definitely and the extreme max trax 2nd for cost bloody expensive but you do get what you pay in this case. Thanks also for all Ronnys patreons and Torbs love the patriot Rims on the 79 , Justin will love the marketing on those looks great.( Patriot Campers).

[@eltski2619]

Thanks for the video. Definitely sticking with Maxtrax MK2

[@cdwen2]

Maxtrax all the way... I have owned and loaned to my sons etc, one 6yrs old set of maxtrax used for many things as well as recovering bogged 4Bs, including my 2 SR5s and a cute little samuri later, however they have not been left on the roofracks stacking uv rays for days. Yes they have turned a little lighter colour over that time ;) I recon they are worth the extra cost if you want to go outback, solo lots... sanduning-beaching or bushbashing, need em and you can afford to choose maxtrax.

[@tjp3217]

Should be retitled "Which are the most flexible 4x4 recovery tracks" as that is pretty much the only aspect being tested here. Still, kudos for showing what the most flexible ones are.

[@dreamerseas5973]

I can't speak for any of the cheap recovery boards as I've never used them, but I have the 'standard' MTs (which go on special every now and then) and I go on the beach at least once a month and they have NEVER failed me, been out of numerous soft sand situations with them. So if you're wanting to go out regularly, I recommend going the MTs. However, if you're only planning on going out a few times a year then the cheap ones will most probably last a while and you'll definitely get your money's worth out of them. They just might fail on you when you need them most... Hope that helps someone who is looking to buy. Thanks for reading

[@EricLS]

Glad to see the bomb/grenade RPS strategy is employed down under as well

[@dmwi1549]

Good info. For those who say, “I can buy 4 pair of the other brands for the cost of one pair MaxTrax. Fine. But when they break on the first day of your trip, miles from home or replacements...then what? What I’d like to know is would we see similar results on freezing weather for those who use in snow and ice? Also, can you mount replacement lugs from the expensive MaxTrax on to the standard MaxTrax if you melt them?

[@buckcherry2564]

Got MAXTRAX, live in snow-country........never used them. They are still packaged in the trunk. Good to know they are sturdy.

[@Adrian-pi4zu]

Original maxtraxx. Never used them but think this video gave me a good idea what to buy

[@theninja001]

People,always say, “ its so expensive, Ill just get a cheaper model” but sometimes, you get what you pay for! Buy once, cry once!

[@duncnz3129]

Good test well done . I am sure these plastics will react differently in different temps so now do the same tests in very cold conditions , preferably snow , and at about 20 C ,

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

Snow in W.A. is almost as rare as chickens teeth :)

[@kadmow]

@@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen : And snow you can drive in is even rarer.

[@jonmccauley6490]

This was a test I really wanted to see. Thanks for it! Like, subscribed!

[@AstroHoff]

$500 for Maxtrax Xtreme.😲 I think i'll keep my X-Bulls.

[@MrFastFarmer]

Nothing wrong with X-Bulls mate.

[@zaneh6224]

Regular Maxtrax $249 and can be had for $199 on specials, X-Bulls are fine for average person, if you do a lot of serious 4WD and get into trouble a lot, I would spend the extra on Maxtrax regular.

[@MrFastFarmer]

Zane H “X-Bulls are fine for average person”. This is exactly why I will never buy them. Maxtrax owners are complete arrogant wankers...

[@zaneh6224]

@@MrFastFarmer Thank you for calling me an arrogant wanker, just because you have Maxtrax does not make you a wanker, I purchased mine because I like to buy something once and not have to replace it, plus I will support Australian Made any day rather than buy Chinese Shit that is going to break sooner or later, if you choose to buy X-Bull s, then great, that is your choice, I could say you are a tight arse wanker but that wouldn't be nice to judge someone on something that they purchase.

[@zaneh6224]

@@MrFastFarmer Actually your statement makes no sense Quoting "X-Bulls are fine for average person”. This is exactly why I will never buy them. Maxtrax owners are complete arrogant wankers..." so you are not an average person ? and you will never buy them, but you say Maxtrax owners are complete wankers, so which one are you and average Joe that won't buy X-Bulls or a complete wanker ? surely you can't be both

[@rrphotography3600]

I originally bought a set of treds. Used them a number of times with varying degrees of success. Generally the lugs where to large to get grip on with my old at's. They helped with my muddies better. However broke a cv on the west coast of Tassie (on my own) they got me out a couple times but the last time I got stuck on that track the car pulled the treds in but didn't pop me out. Ended up putting a hole through the whole board by the time I managed to make a suffient enough winch point.

[@rrphotography3600]

Have since gone to maxxies and have been yet to use them haha.

[@patrickstaples7314]

I’ve got treds and so far they are good, gotta also take in what type of vehicle is going to be driven over them. A Suzuki weighs a lot less than a landcruiser therefore won’t bend the tracks as much etc.

[@kirkabrahamson1148]

Some more real-world testing would have been more helpful. No one is going to stick a board in the ground at 90 degrees. How about the way a board could be abused by people that don't use them correctly. I own a set of x bulls and agree they are not as good as the MTs and more than likely won't last as long but for the price are definitely better value for money. Being able to purchase 3-4 set of x bulls against 1 of MTs also makes it more affordable to have a board under each wheel if needed and also for stacking for bridging purposes. Max Trax are a great product and you cant take that away from them. Best on the market, but for my money, I will stick with a lesser sturdy but affordable option.

[@k2svpete]

Watch again and listen as to why the boards are put at 90deg.

[@DOCWHOK9]

I think the X-Bull 10t would win a Bridging test.

[@pb8582]

@@k2svpete still doesn't matter why they are put at 90 degrees do you even own a 4wd?! In any situation I have never put one tracks at 90 degrees not even if I use them on a dead tree as a ramps. Do a proper test like this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpysY6SGqMZsbKs that what you use tracks for. Champ

[@garyfoale3707]

I guess it also depends how far you are from being able to replace the track. If you can get to a shop and replace it with only a 50km drive, no worries. But if you're out back of Burke, and it's a couple days drive, I think the more durable equipment is worth investing in.

[@jeep6242]

@@pb8582 There is just no reason you could not do more realistic testing and then destruction testing. That is just a fact that most of the naysayers are refusing to admit. I get that some found this a great test. But that still doesn't change the fact you could have done other stuff first. Now Ronny made an editorial decision to not do that. I understand the reality of that but it makes no sense to me. I mean if your in the business of generating content why would you spend all this money to just destroy them in one video? You could have easily doubled this to include real world use, more realistic bench bench testing and then the destructive torture testing. Easily 2 videos worth of content there. For that alone I am mystified.

[@kaz4164]

Thanks! great video 👏

[@obfuscated3090]

The bridge test is a great idea. Old pharts will remember when off-roaders brought sheets of PSP steel runway mat SAS Pink Panther style to the game. There is no excuse for a modern plastic not to do at least as well.

[@retiredafce3373]

Wow, fantastic results! Next time, the winter test!

[@bkrdtours]

Will share, this is a great review! Thanks for posting. Our rides are seeing recovery boards more often now and people usually buy the better ones to avoid breaking.

[@richardc.3513]

I got Tred Pros because of availability in my area and glad I didn't cheap out lol

[@user-nk4gm7bi2v]

It may just be camera angle but the normal Tred bribge test looked like it was supporting the vehicle weight, where as the Tred Pro & Max xtreme bottomed out in the hole not supporting the vehicle weight.

[@shackleton274]

Even a broken one of these could still help you out of a sticky situation

[@landisdell8996]

Why not use them for some recoveries before you smash them? Like many people, I bought inexpensive ones because they were all I could afford. However, I find that if I cannot rock the vehicle onto them or use them in conjunction with a winch, no matter how I try to dig them under and wedge them in, the tires simply will not grip them (and no, I'm not spinning the tires). I happen to be looking for some ones that will perform better at the moment and, honestly, was looking for some more common/practical situations.

[@bushy0299]

Good vid. I replace the melted teeth with bolts. Just make sure the threaded protrusion is no longer than 10mm or so and they work fine.

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

I like your videos Ronny but this was a bit pointless, 99% of people don’t use there tracks like this they use them on the sand where all of these would be fine for the average consumer. Budget was not considered of coarse the most expensive will win its had the most R&D I have had treds for 4 years always in the sun mounted on the roof of my ute and done multiple recovery’s in rock sand mud and have not got them to crack or warp like you have. If you use the boards for what they are intended for bar they Aldi you will be fine for years to come for recovery’s. Good video I like the concept but it could have been executed better.

[@markcranston814]

I totally agree that the test was far from what most people would use them. A better test would be in a real situation Ronny Dahl !!....just guessing that Ronny never uses them as he is with other vehicles and you get towed out. I personally think they come into there own when you are recovering by your self... I mostly like your videos and discussions but this was really a bit of a waste of time.

[@Ronny_Dahl]

I disagree (well obviously as I created the video) I’ve/we have broken treds (standard ones) before doing what you say is normal stuff, driving up muddy ruts broke all 4 first time ever used and a Prado broke a new one on the beach. In saying that let it be known I was very impressed with the tred pros how they held up. My vision of this video: The purpose of this test will show people IF they are hard on the boards the quality ones will hold up no matter what!!! The lessor ones you need to take more care of and not use as a bridge etc. I’m not even sure how you think I should have shot it so maybe head out a shoot it as you are a content creator yourself. Shoot it how you would have done it. PS I not being a smart ass or giving you stick 🤙 Cheers Ronny

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Ronny Dahl Hey mate thanks for the reply I’m not having a go at the video it has its place personally I can’t see the value in smashing a bunch of boards and giving the one which didn’t smash/ break the winning title and saying jobs done. I get what your saying and clearly the maxtrax are stronger in every way but I suppose I would have liked to seen sand mud rocks recovery’s and testing them in situations the average person would have used them for then you could have tested the teeth strength etc.

[@hydroman99]

Happy holidays Ronnie. This vid introduced me to your channel almost a year ago.(subscribed/followed since) I would love to see more torture tests of budget equipment. Even the many new traction boards that have hit the market since.

[@LauDuKai]

Great test. I bought the right ones😅 MAXTRAX MK2 for the win.... but dual and duel

[@tedstyle3798]

For a second I was sad you weren't going to do your 'pop-in' intro! Did not disappoint!

[@kiplambel4052]

I'd like to see how they perform in ice and snow (even though I avoid sub freezing temps)

[@peterryan7340]

Finally a comprehensive test. Thanks Ronny and thanks Patreon supporters

[@point775volts]

"We dug a new hole, as the old one was rounded off, so that one had an easier time of it". Tests maxtrax in very gently sloped hole. "hey look, they made it 6 times!"