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