Grip & Go: MAXTRAX MKII Review — The Original Traction Benchmark
Review: MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards — The Original Standard for Traction
Australian-made • Reinforced nylon • 45" x 13" • ~7.5 lb per board • Stackable & mount-friendly
Quick Summary: MAXTRAX MKII are the benchmark traction boards for overlanders—durable, easy to deploy, and proven in sand, snow, and mud. They cost more than budget alternatives, but their grip, build, and ecosystem of mounts justify the spend for frequent trail use. View on Amazon ›
What They Are (and Why They Work)
MKII boards use UV-stabilized, fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon with aggressive cleats that bite into tire lugs and terrain. Each board integrates six handholds and shovel-style ends so you can dig, seat the ramp, and drive out with controlled throttle. They nest tightly for transport and pair with dedicated mounting pins and brackets on racks, canopies, or crossbars.
What Stands Out on the Trail
- Real grip, less drama: Cleats lock into tread so you climb instead of polishing ruts.
- Built to last: Reinforced nylon shrugs off UV, cold, and repeated flexing.
- Fast deployment: Shovel ends + big handles make placement quick, even in deep sand.
- Ecosystem support: Purpose-built mounting pins let you stack/store 2–4 boards securely.
- Trail visibility: Bright colors (Signature Orange, etc.) are easy to spot and retrieve.
Could Be Better
- Premium price: You’re paying for longevity and performance.
- Bulk: Full-length boards can be awkward inside smaller rigs—external mounts recommended.
- Not a bridge: Don’t use as a bridging ladder; they’re for traction and ramping, not spanning gaps.
Field Technique That Gets Results
- Air down to an appropriate PSI for the surface.
- Dig to the tire face; seat the board so cleats mesh with your lugs.
- Use gentle, steady throttle—avoid wheelspin that melts cleats on any board.
- Advance onto firm ground, then recover boards with a leash or by the handles.
- Rinse off sand/mud and re-nest; store with a strap or mounting pins.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent traction in sand/snow/mud
- Durable, UV-stable reinforced nylon
- Shovel ends + six handles = fast setup
- Strong accessory/mount ecosystem
Cons
- Higher price than budget boards
- Full size takes storage planning
Key Specs at a Glance
| Dimensions | ≈ 45" L × 13" W × 3.5" H (1150 × 330 × 85 mm) |
| Weight | ~7.5 lb (3.4 kg) per board; ~15 lb per pair |
| Material | UV-stabilized, fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon |
| Handles & Ends | Six grab handles; integrated shovel ends |
| Mounting | Compatible with dedicated MAXTRAX mounting pins & brackets |
MAXTRAX vs Budget Boards — Is the Premium Worth It?
If you only beach camp once a year, cheap boards may get you unstuck. But regular trail users will appreciate the MKII’s tougher nylon, better cleat geometry, predictable flex, and the ability to mount/lock multiple boards securely. Over time, fewer failures and faster recoveries make the premium feel like insurance.
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MAXTRAX MKII FAQ
Are MAXTRAX worth it vs budget boards?
If you recover often or travel remote, yes—better cleat design, stronger nylon, and reliable mounts mean faster, safer self-recoveries.
MKII vs Xtreme—what’s the difference?
MKII use integrated nylon teeth; Xtreme use replaceable alloy teeth for heavy commercial/expedition use. MKII is ideal for most overlanders.
How many boards should I carry?
Two works for most scenarios; four boards improve approach angles and help in deep sand, snow, or long wheelbases.
Can I use them as a bridge?
No—MAXTRAX are for traction and ramping, not spanning gaps or vehicle bridging.
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