Off-roading is an incredibly fun pursuit.
However, sometimes things can go wrong. That’s why it’s crucial to be prepared for worst-case scenarios. One of the best investments for any off-roader is a set of recovery tracks. These can help you out of the most awkward situations.
In this guide, we’ll check out some of the best recovery boards on the market today. There is a wide range available at different price points. We’ll try to find the right version for every budget.
Let’s get started!
| Maxtrax MKII Recovery Board | XTM Black Recovery Boards | Tred GT Recovery Boards | X-BULL Recovery Tracks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our pick  |  |  | Best Value  | |
Nylon | ?? | Polypropylene | Nylon | |
1150 x 330 x 85 mm | 980 x 285 x 55 mm | 1085 x 312 x 62 mm | 910 x 320 x 125 mm | |
3.4 kg | ?? | 5.5 kg | 4.7 kg | |
Yes | ?? | Yes | Yes | |
Yes | Yes | N/A | Yes | |
Lifetime | 1 year | Lifetime | 1 year |
Best Recovery Tracks - Australia
Maxtrax MKII Recovery Board
Our Pick
Maxtrax recovery boards are some of the best in the business.
They use a very strong and durable industrial-grade nylon weave that’s capable of supporting a heavy 4WD vehicle. These traction boards are light at 3.4kg and easy to set up in a hurry.
Meanwhile, they’re sizable and provide a large footprint for vehicles in distress. They have large cleats to improve tyre grip and grooves to enhance traction. It’s also easy to secure them so there’s little risk of sliding in an emergency.
The main issue with these recovery boards is that they’re very expensive. Many people won’t see the benefit of paying hundreds of dollars for them. However, serious off-roaders appreciate their reliability.
Maxtrax ensures that these are convenient with multiple handles and grips. They’re also double-ended with ramps and shovels on both sides. Furthermore, it’s easy to stack them away when they’re not in use.
Another benefit is that they’re UV-stable - a key aspect for longevity in the Australian sun.
Finally, Maxtrax provides a lifetime warranty for any defects. These truly are some of the best recovery tracks that money can buy!
XTM Black Recovery Boards
Honourable Mention
XTM recovery tracks are functional and reliable.
They’re effective in both sandy and muddy conditions. Meanwhile, they have a built-in shovel to help free trapped wheels.
There are multiple mounting points for easy storage. XTM also provides all necessary leashes.
However, there are several flaws with this product. These mainly relate to a lack of information about specific aspects. XTM doesn’t make it clear if they’re UV-stable or what material they use.
Nor do they disclose the weight of the recovery tracks. At just 55mm, they’re also pretty thin compared to some competitors.
Finally, they emphasise that these are simple boards but they come at a high price. There are advanced traction boards that cost more-or-less the same price, like the Tred GT that we’ll check out next.
XTM provides a 12-month warranty for this unit.
Tred GT Recovery Boards
Reliable Recovery Tracks
The Tred GT Recovery Boards cost almost the same as the XTM model above.
However, they’re much better and give a greater insight into their product details. These recovery tracks use polypropylene as their main material. They’re UV-stable and designed to withstand high temperatures of up to 55°C.
Unfortunately, they lack a spade function like the previous traction boards.
Meanwhile, the Tred GT is heavier than the Maxtrax at 5.5kg despite being smaller in profile. This makes them less convenient because of their footprint.
On the bright side, they come with an impressive lifetime warranty.
X-BULL Recovery Tracks
Best Value
Finally, check out the X-Bull Recovery Tracks.
These traction boards are really good value. That’s because they’re as effective as some of the other products in this guide, despite being almost half the price.
Like the Maxtrax boards, they use a high-grade anti-corrosive nylon blend as their dominant material. This is UV-resistant and extremely durable. Furthermore, they’re thermostable so high temperatures won’t affect them negatively.
Nobody wants their recovery boards to slide all over the place. That won’t be an issue with these tracks because of their cruciform design and ground-gripping design. Meanwhile, they have a u-shape to reinforce stability by spreading the weight.
X-Bull includes an in-built shovel in the design to dig clearance in emergencies.
One disadvantage compared to the previous products is that they’re shorter. But they’re also the tallest recovery boards we’ve analysed.
There are also some reports from customers of cracking issues with these boards after they’ve been used a few times. The cheaper price with these tracks may be the result of cheaper plastic being used to make them.
The loading capacity is up to 10 tonnes and it comes with a one-year warranty.
For more info, check the my full X-Bull Recovery Tracks review!
Points To Consider When Buying Recovery Tracks
Now let’s check out some important aspects to bear in mind when buying recovery boards. Take a look!
Material
It’s important to know what material the manufacturer uses to make your recovery boards.
Nylon is a popular choice in Australia because of its strength and capabilities in hot temperatures. However, polypropylene is another common option. Most brands will disclose the material they choose so that the customer trusts them.
Be careful when buying cheaper traction boards because they may snap under the vehicle’s weight. Ideally, the company should disclose their maximum weight capacity.
Fibreglass is sometimes used but these have a higher tendency to break.
Dimensions
The dimensions are crucial because they affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the recovery tracks.
If they’re too high or too low, it may be difficult for your vehicle to mount them or to elevate themselves. Another issue is the width. Narrow recovery boards are problematic because the wheel may slip off if you struggle to keep a straight line.
Meanwhile, the size of the boards will affect the storage capacity.
Wider and longer boards may be more practical in the field. But they’re also less convenient to carry because they take up more space. These are important factors to consider before setting out.
Spade Function and Weight
Many recovery tracks also have an in-built spade. This allows the user to dig out a hole or area to slot the traction boards. Sometimes mud, sand or dirt blocks access. Or it may be that the wheel is stuck at an awkward angle.
A spade is useful in this scenario.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that lighter boards are easier to handle, especially if you’re using the spade function.
The Maxtrax recovery boards are excellent performers in this category.
Recovery Tracks - FAQs
What do recovery tracks do?
Recovery tracks enable off-road drivers to free themselves from obstructions or loose terrain. If the wheel gets stuck in a hole or it can’t grip a muddy surface, a recovery track will provide crucial traction.
Simply position the recovery track beneath the affected wheels in the direction that you want to go. Then select a low gear before moving off.
It’s essential to move slowly so that the wheel can grip the track without causing damage.
Remember that if you are performing a recovery on sand, it's always worth checking that a tyre deflator has been used to get the tyres down to a low pressure for better traction.
If you're having a lot of trouble getting unstuck, consider using your 4WD winch for added pulling power. If you have a recovery kit on hand, another 4x4 might be able to pull you out of trouble.
Do I need 2 or 4 recovery tracks?
One pair of recovery tracks is usually enough. Most off-roaders will have a single set in their vehicle.
However, four tractions boards may be necessary for some situations. An extra pair will provide momentum for all of the wheels and make extraction even more efficient.
The problem is the amount of space that they take up.
Will the sun damage my recovery tracks?
Even if the recovery tracks are UV-stable, it’s key to store them in a cool, dry and shady place.
The sun will cause them to deteriorate as time passes by. This may cause them to become brittle and affect their longevity. Keep them in a garage or inside your 4WD!
Final Thoughts
Recovery tracks are a crucial purchase for any serious off-roader.
In an ideal world, you’ll never need to use them. However, it’s better to have them in case a difficult situation arises.
We highly recommend the Maxtrax for anybody who regularly heads off the grid. These are the best on the market and are multi-functional. Yes, they’re expensive but they’re a brilliant product.
If you’re looking for something cheaper, then check out the X-Bull Recovery Tracks. These are a decent product available for a lower price. Remarkably, they outperform several more expensive competitors.
As ever, if you’ve any questions, please leave a comment below.
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Note that while every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page, there may sometimes be errors. Check all specifications with the manufacturer before purchasing any product.
Thanks for the article. I believe another important feature for the track (maybe more than spade function) is to be able to support high lift jack.