Will They Survive? ARB vs Generic Traction Boards in Deep Snow 

The issue is that the cold temperature made them brittle, that was the most unexpected result

@@TrailTraveler True, as most traction-boards in Australia are used in sand, and that likely means also during warmer weather where boards stay flexible. But with that "cold-temp-issue" in mind, AVOIDING any sharp folding/bending stresses applied to the board would still be MOST desirable things to do, I'd say. FOR SURE I'm going to take my own advice as I live in CO also (Colorado Springs) and most likely will be using my traction-boards in the Winter and in snow (and VERY low temps on occasion here in CO, as YOU also well know). Pretty much ALL "plastic" (using a generic term for assorted resins, nylon, etc.) -- not just "plastic" traction-boards -- will be brittle/harden in low temps. A vehicle's TIRES harden-up, too (hence the use of "softer" compound Winter Tires). So you give these boards (regardless of brand OR price) more support with a gradual slope, and make sure they're supported underneath their ENTIRE length, not just on one end (as in your use of them). It's just Common Sense really, yes? Bring a LONG handled shovel (or even a long-handled hoe) with you to build a better ramp for them. Even if it takes a few minutes longer to do when placing the boards. IMO, the initial board PLACEMENT is the first MOST important thing for best extraction/recovery results (the SECOND thing is no excessive tire-spinning). And a bonus if you place them properly the first time: You're WAY less likely to damage the boards (OR your tires!)...especially if they were the more expensive boards and so hardly "use once & throw-away" items. And certainly, your TIRES aren't throw-away items, either... I think your lack of knowledge (and anyone in your "party") re: how to USE traction-boards properly was clearly evident, so I can't really blame the boards. That REALLY elevated angle you had the board (45 degrees?) at was an instant Red Flag(!) -- didn't you see that yourself? Or anyone else there (such as your helper)? Consequently, I recently (and with confidence) ordered the ARB Tred Pro boards (color: gray w/ orange tips/teeth -- $300 American) and figure the only way I'll break them is doing something foolish/ignorant or just plain stupid. So despite what we all have seen here, I'm going to give ARB/Tred Pros board an opportunity to prove itself -- or not! ;-) But even if I did break them, I'd just move up to MaxTrax ("Extreme" with all metal teeth), even though they're $500 presently. That's as far as I'd go though, as TMK, there AIN'T no boards any more expensive than that! ;-) I also looked at what seems to be another decent board -- American-made ActionTrax (accused of being MaxTrax knock-offs) -- but TMK, they're a bit new to the scene and will wait for a while to see how they do over a longer time. For now, I think MaxTrax and ARB/Tred Pro are the two best traction-boards you can buy... So, for now, the ARB Tred Pros I have currently on order will be fine. Happy Snow-Wheeling...will do some of that myself as soon as my 2021 Chevy Colorado ZR2 (in Sande Dune Metallic color) arrives...that is, when GM can find the "computer chips" it needs (I guess) -- so no clue WHEN. :-( Regards, -- BR

I don’t see how any of the matters. The boards broke, they did not hold up to their specs

Thank you, I was hoping it would be received this way

Well...that's not an option living in Colorado. I'll take the snow over 120° summer temps, tried that for a while, it wasn't for me.

I have some now I will be testing out

I have been using Maxxtrax for a few months and they are holding up perfectly

Here is a video I did about that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cGfJWNI59iQ.html

Cat Litter will work if you are on a slick surface. Once your vehicle is buried in the snow like we did, there is very little that will help besides getting pulled out.

They are supposed to bend 90° without breaking, so we still considered it a fail in the end. We have been testing the MaxxTraxx for a few months now and they have been holding up perfectly.

@@TrailTraveler Interestingly, consistent with your test, I just read many other reports online about the ARB Tred Pro splitting in half and cracking, while the Maxtrax holds up ok without breaking. They are made of two very different plastic compounds. So I'm going to buy the Maxtrax.

Very, very carefully

ARB claimed that they were likely fake as I had ordered them from Amazon. Amazon did give me a refund.

it certainly wasn't the result I expected

That is what we are using now

Which is why that is what we are using now

Yeah, and that's why we pull tons of Subarus off the hill every winter. No Subaru is getting through three feet of snow, I know, we have an Outback Wilderness. But it sure is fun getting stuck!

@@TrailTraveler IDK. I have a Crosstrek with a 1” lift and OEM tires and I’m sure I could get through that road with no problem /s

@@AlexK706 Anytime you want to give it a try during the winter you just let me know so I can come film it :)

Where’s the fun in that?