Anyone had any experience with cheaper traction mats? I'm not into spending $350 for MaxTrax.
Traction Mats?
- Thread starter Tylerh84
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RET2
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You might see if MaxTrax is running any sales at Expo West and find a mule to bring them back? They are the standard but others are trying to catch up which should speak to you original question. Buy once cry once?
I have some of the cheapos. Just saw a YouTube video comparing the ones off Amazon to Maxtrax, as far as working they work the same. The Matrax snapped back to shape better under abuse. Both held the entire weight of vehicle in a "bridge" situation. The maxtrax will last longer but if you're not using them all the time I'm sure both will last a long time. The Maxtrax also nest a bit tighter, not an issue with 2 boards but at 4 boards it's nice. I've had mine for almost 3 years and they are like new, only used them a handful of times. Came across these the other day (rather they came across me on IG), $250 for the basics. Seem very "soft" which makes it so they always snap back to form, however they almost look too soft and maybe should be a bit more rigid for the situations where you're using them like stacked rocks. ActionTrax Vehicle Recovery for Sand, Snow, or Mud. 100% Made in America
- Thread starter
- #4
That's one thing I was worried about is how they stack. I'd rather get 4 cheapo's for the price of 2 name brand. Considering how often i'd use them. They would be more for piece of mind when i'm out by myself.
RET2
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Looks like you had your answer all the time. 
At $75 try these, unless you plan on getting stuck a lot they should do fine, and look like they stack well. You drive a Cruiser, you won't get stuck a lot 
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FIREBUG Escaper Buddy Traction Mats for Off-Road Mud, Sand, Snow Vehicle Extraction (Set of 2), Black Amazon product ASIN B07MV7KJJL
.FIREBUG Escaper Buddy Traction Mats for Off-Road Mud, Sand, Snow Vehicle Extraction (Set of 2), Black Amazon product ASIN B07MV7KJJL
And I'm sure 4 could come in handy from time to time but I've never needed more than 2 in the situations I've used them. Sand, sand, and more sand. They are def a good piece of mind to have especially solo and without a winch.
JFin
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Afternoon Tyler. Didn’t do much research on traction boards however from comparison articles and videoed, I would probably purchase the Naxsa boards. Nearly identical, stacks tight and half the price. Here is a link I found for you. Amazon product ASIN B00AV2HONS, I already purchased the MaxTrax but if I did it over I’d go with Mazda. I’d have all 4 for the price of 2 maxtrax.
- Thread starter
- #9
I was looking at the MAXSA and it was my main choice. Just wasn't sure if anyone had any personal experience with them such as cracking and breaking.
Those are actually the ones I have, no stress cracks and no breaks. I don't think they nest nearly as well as the Maxtrax though, especially not if you plan on getting 4. It's kinda funny, the one with the Maxtrax is recommending these, and the one with these is recommending trying out the cheapest $75 ones haha...
- Thread starter
- #11
So I guess I should just use the OG traction mats. Floor mats? Haha
Don't get stuck and you wont need them 
I have some cheaper ones off of amazon, I've never had to use them
I have some cheaper ones off of amazon, I've never had to use them
RET2
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At what point in this thread does the subject of the required shovel get discussed? Fold up, short or long handle, chrome or Nitron plating, square or pointed end? 
At what point in this thread does the subject of the required shovel get discussed? Fold up, short or long handle, chrome or Nitron plating, square or pointed end?
Tyler's in the Navy he doesn't know how to dig
- Thread starter
- #15
At what point in this thread does the subject of the required shovel get discussed? Fold up, short or long handle, chrome or Nitron plating, square or pointed end?
I did buy a cheapie $18 foldable SOG shovel. Just to have.
- Thread starter
- #16
Tyler's in the Navy he doesn't know how to dig
I had to dig up holes for the marines to s*** in, they kept s***ting their pants.
- Thread starter
- #17
I ended up buying the MAXSA mats. I'll see how they are before orfering 2 more.
RET2
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Does that mean you are going to give a club demo of their suitability? I'll bring the chips and dip if you want. 
- Thread starter
- #19
Does that mean you are going to give a club demo of their suitability? I'll bring the chips and dip if you want.
Next time we are out wheeling I would like to test them to give them the
or 
.Tyler we have similar thoughts, I have one of those little SOG shovels too, works great for s*** pits, plus fits int he glove box.
PS. I've never used a shovel in conjunction w/ the traction mats, you can either use the mats themselves as a shovel, or skip that whole step and just shove it in (insert she said joke). If that fails then you can shovel but it's not failed yet.
PS. I've never used a shovel in conjunction w/ the traction mats, you can either use the mats themselves as a shovel, or skip that whole step and just shove it in (insert she said joke). If that fails then you can shovel but it's not failed yet.