When off-roading or overlanding, it is critical to be prepared for the times that you will inevitably get stuck. Having the proper equipment to help out will have you back on the road in less time.
That is why we want to take a closer look at a traction mat from Maxsa Innovations called the MAXSA Escaper Buddy. Overlanders are wondering how does the MAXSA compares to the Maxtrax, so in this recovery boards review we have also created a MAXSA vs Maxtrax table to illustrate. (Maxtrax are sometimes called Max Track recovery boards, but that is incorrect.)
Side by side: Maxsa vs Maxtrax
Detailed Product Review: MAXSA traction boards
Pros:
- Economical Price Point
- Easy To Use
- Non-Directional Surface
Cons:
- Limited 90-Day Warranty
- May Flex More Than Other Mats
Key Features of the MAXSA Traction Mat
The Escaper Buddy Traction Mat offers a highly economical solution for overlanders or for those who travel off-road or live in areas with ice and snow.
This pair of mats provide plenty of traction for drive wheels to move through mud, sand, or snow. They are user-friendly in design and store well.
Design
The Escaper Buddy is made from polypropylene that offers durability without adding too much weight.
A width of 14.4-inches is a great feature providing plenty of surface for most tires. The mats are 48-inches long.
Treads are found on both sides of the mat, something that will aid in securing it into mud, sand, or snow while providing grabbing power for tires.
Ease Of Use
Maxsa Innovations provides features that help an owner to easily use these mats.
This pair stack adequately and come with four velcro strips which are an easy option to help keep them that way. The 48-inch length provides plenty of mat surface to get unstuck while still being short enough to keep in the trunk or sideways on the roof rack.
In these cases, a solution for overlanders would be to use the four holes provided on the ends to secure them to a rack.
As with many traction mats, the MAXSA is not designed to be used as a bridge, and the polypropylene may flex more than other products on the market.
The mats come with six hand-holds for carrying and placement as well as markings indicating “This side up.”
The upper surface is non-directional which will make placement a no-brainer. Tapered ends allow for easy placement under the wheels.
What Previous Buyers Said
Here, we found that most casual campers and overlanders felt these mats provided ample service for a cheap price.
Many appreciated the design features that allowed them to quickly deploy the mats without issues.
Some avid off-roaders expressed concerns about durability, while other hardcore users felt this was not an issue.
How Does Maxsa Compare To Maxtrax Recovery Boards?
The MAXSA Escaper Buddy stands out as the best Maxtrax alternative.
We have noted that customers feel that they offer a similar amount of traction ability in their experiences with both products.
The notable advantage that Maxtraxs has is the lifetime warranty on materials and workmanship.
The Max Trax boards also come in many color variations, whereas the MAXSA, it’s currently sold in three different colors.
maxtrax vs Maxsa traction boards Review
MAXSA Escaper Buddy – click image for more pictures on Amazon
Maxtraxx recovery mats – click the image for more pictures on Amazon
Conclusion – Masxa vs Maxtrax recovery board reviews
One of the takeaways from this traction board review should be that the MAXSA Escaper Buddy offers an economical alternative to going from being stuck to being on the move.
For the most casual off-road activity or snowy conditions, these mats offer plenty of versatility for overlanders.
The design elements put into these overlanding traction boards make them easy to use.
Make sure to take a further look at the Escaper Buddy Mat set at Amazon located here, and overland with more confidence in the future!
A traction mat definitely needs to be part of your recovery kit, along with a winch, a jumper cable or a Hi-lift jack.
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