MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards Review — The Original Traction Benchmark
Australian-made • UV-stable reinforced nylon • 45" × 13" • ~7.5 lb per board • Fast to deploy, easy to mount
Why they work (materials + design)
MAXTRAX uses UV-stabilized, fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon with aggressive, pyramid cleats that mesh with tire lugs and bite into sand or snow. Six handholds and shovel-style ends let you dig, place, and seat the ramp quickly—then lift cleanly using the handles or leashes. The boards nest tightly and pair with dedicated mounting pins and brackets so you can secure 2–4 boards to racks or canopies without rattles.
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 handholds = quick placement in deep sand.
- Ecosystem support: Mounting pins make stacking/stowing painless.
- High-viz colors: Signature Orange is easy to spot and recover after a pull.
Could be better
- Premium price: You’re paying for longevity + ecosystem.
- Bulk: Full-length boards need external mounting on smaller rigs.
- Not a bridge: Don’t span gaps; these are for traction and ramping, not bridging.
Field technique that actually works
- Air down first: Set PSI for surface/weight (Tyre Pressure Guide).
- Dig to the tire face: Clear a ramp and seat cleats into the tread, not under the diff.
- Throttle discipline: Smooth, steady drive—wheelspin melts cleats on any board.
- Leapfrog if needed: Use four boards or move the pair forward to reach firm ground.
- Recover & stow: Use leashes/handles, rinse, re-nest; secure with pins or a strap.
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 |
| Grip/Features | Aggressive cleats • Six handholds • Shovel-style ends |
| Mounting | Compatible with MAXTRAX mounting pins & brackets (2–4 boards) |
MAXTRAX vs budget boards — is the premium worth it?
If you hit the beach once a year, cheap boards might get you unstuck. But for regular trail use, MKII’s stronger nylon, proven cleat geometry, predictable flex, and secure mounting save time and reduce risk. Over time, fewer failures + faster exits = cheaper than replacing broken, slippery boards.
Mounting that works
- Use dedicated pins through the board hubs; add a padlock washer if theft is a concern.
- Rack/canopy mounts keep boards clean and accessible—if you can’t reach them, you won’t deploy them.
- Carry four if you’re heavy, towing, or see deep sand/snow often (front approach help + extra distance).
Care & lifespan
- Rinse after mud/salt; check cleats for heat damage after any wheelspin incident.
- Inspect hubs and handholds; retire boards with cracks or deformed cleats.
- UV is managed by the plastic, but covered storage extends life on desert routes.
Related reading from OGG
Affiliate link — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
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 with less drama.
MKII vs Xtreme?
MKII use integrated nylon teeth (ideal for most users). Xtreme add replaceable alloy teeth for heavy commercial/expedition abuse—overkill for many weekend rigs.
Two or four boards?
Two works for most. Four improve angles and distance, especially in deep sand/snow or long wheelbases.
Can I bridge with them?
No—use for traction and ramping only. Bridging risks damage and failure.
Bottom line
MAXTRAX MKII are still the “buy once, cry once” traction boards. Pair them with smart PSI, good digging habits, and smooth throttle and you’ll turn messy recoveries into calm, controlled drive-outs.
Questions on mounting or whether you need 2 vs 4 boards? Contact us—happy to help.
