Off Road Consulting have been testing and abusing the latest company in the traction aid market, the USA made Action Trax.
Over the years we have used many different types of traction aids and just like other off-road enthusiasts, we were in denial at first with the possible need for this type accessory. That’s what rocks are for right?!
Living in the mountains of the east coast, unless you visit an approved Over Sand Vehicle beach, the off-road community does not have access to soft sand to “Get Stuck” in.
Instead of sand, we have coal dirt, mud, and rocks, lots of rocks.
After acquiring multiple sets of traction aids from various companies over the years, it was quite obvious that the days of stacking rocks or pulling out the old floor mat were over. The recovery traction aid is now a welcome tool to the four-wheeling community.
After using the recovery trax and doing a few experiments we were surprised at how diverse traction aids can be and how they can be used in non-traditional ways. These ways can range from bridging washouts to helping climb a rock.
Fast forward a few years later to the design of Action Trax.
What makes Action Trax stand out from the rest?
Off Road Consulting has been fortunate enough to do some side by side comparisons with the Action Trax and other traction aids on the market today.
The developers looked at the current designs that are out on the market today and dissected the good and the bad. The result, 100% made in the USA Action Trax.
The special material that makes up the Action Trax provides extreme durability and much-improved flexibility than any other traction aid available on the market today.
This durable material allows the Action Trax to be used as a “Bridge” for obstacles such as a washout or depression in the terrain.
The Action Trax comes with the traditional nylon “Teeth” but they also offer another version that features 72 metal “Teeth” which allow for an even tougher traction aid. The metal teeth decrease the amount of wheel spin and therefore less wear and tear to the Action Trax.
Features such as the “Sawtooth” end allows the user to move trail elements away from the tire and to “Claw” your way out of various terrain such as a sand trap at the beach.
Action Trax also took the time to think of the little things like making the handles larger. This allows carrying and maneuvering much easier for wearing gloves and those with big hands.
Customer service goes a long way and at Action Trax they are remarkable at communication with the consumer. Their products are also Unconditionally Guaranteed for two years against all defects except burning the teeth from excessive wheel spin.
Other than stacking rocks or breaking out the strap, recovery trax are a product that is new to mainstream in the off-road community. While the products that are out on the market today are good there is always room for improvement which is exactly what Action Trax has done. They took a great tool one step further and created a traction aid that is more diverse with improved flexibility made right here in the USA.
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Not sure why the pictures, examples and write up you did are touting it so heavily for use as a bridge? I would think using something like that as a bridge is probably the LEAST used version.
Definitely not strong enough and no where close to being long enough. Any area that needed to be bridged where that would be useful, would be such a small gap the tire could easily traverse it anyway.
Nobody with a 4 x 4 is going to take the time to pull that thing out to a crawl over a couple of indentations or rocks as you show in the pictures. Honestly, this doesn’t look like any kind of a write up for 4 x 4 enthusiasts, but weekend Willy with his brand new SUV that’s going to “rough it” by driving over a gravel road.
Let’s get to the meat of it. Why didn’t you test it on mud and sand and show pictures of those situations I’m not quite sure I understand 🙂 Yes I read what you said about having rocks where you live, but the problem I’m having is I don’t think the product you’re showing is made for that situation. Being used for, and being designed for, is two separate things. My point is if you didn’t have a proper test area for this product, then you should not be doing a review on it 🙂
I disagree that the testing done was not indicative of what the product is designed and used for. The picture clearly shows that the Action Trax provided a very good base so that the tire did not drop too far into the ditch and protected the vehicle.
The tester of this product is an off-road driving instructor who uses them in all kinds of situations. I agree this is for the weekend Willy but also the type of person who goes further off the beaten path and needs the peace of mind of having a tool that works.
Whether we agree or not I appreciate the comment.
The bridge piece shows the strength – some of the MT knockoffs are brittle and break. Showing the flex shows the strength. YMMV
I was just getting ready to pull the trigger on a competitor product from Australia when I saw Action Trax. Most of my off-roading is in the Midwest, where I rarely deal with sand, but I’m doing a two week overlanding trip out West where I will be alone and need to be able to recover my Land Rover and expedition trailer without assistance. What sold me on Action Trax is the bridging ability. Other products say not to use them as ramps; they’re only for sand/snow/mud. I also like the replaceable bolt lugs. I think the first reviewer is missing the point; these are sand recovery mats PLUS bridging ramps, as opposed to competitor products. Also, I’m a Kansan, so I like they are made locally. I’m buying a pair!
@Tr3kker Thanks for the comment. I think you are right they can be so much more. I have never witnessed another product used in the same manner without breaking or damage. I agree the replaceable bolt lugs are great.
Guess my point was, they make REAL bridging ramps that are longer, stiff, and are the real thing “IF” you know the area you are heading into is going to require it.
Using a product like this that can only partially function as a ramp, and only then in certain aspects of bridging I don’t think is the wise thing to do!
In short, I don’t see this product being purchased or sold to the individual who is specifically looking for a bridging ramp. Ramps at a minimum should be stiff and ridged and be able to hold the weight of the vehicle. These do no fit that bill.
For other aspects they look awesome. I just don’t think crossing over a gap as a bridge is one of them 🙂
That’s a really good point. I appreciate your comments and the information that you share here!
I’ll tell you what I like the most. The fact that you are willing to post a negative comment like mine. I believe that’s a standup trait and a lot of websites would not do so. Thank you for your honesty and allowing me the freedom to post!!!
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Louis Puglisi is correct in that use larger 4×4 dirvers are going to slowly roll through a washout like the one in the demo, however this is a demonstration of the products capability and you have to consider that other smaller 4×4 and 2×4 vehicles will use them for this purpose. Think Rav4 and Subaru Outback that do not have the clearance of a Lifted Wrangler. Ever user will not need to utilze them for the same purpose but that does not detract from the capability that they can be and not be damaged like other track type products.