# MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair): specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) (MAXTRAX) and Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) (Smittybilt) among traction boards. Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) is the cheaper of the two at $169.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) | Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $279 | $169.99 |
| Brand | MAXTRAX | Smittybilt |
| Load capacity (lb) | — | 20000 |
| Material (nylon / tpo) | UV-stabilized, fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon | Heavy-duty nylon-reinforced plastic |
| Length (in) | 45 | 47 |
| Width (in) | 13 | 13 |
| Thickness (in) | 3.5 | — |
| Weight (lb, per pair unless noted) | 16 | — |
| Tread / nub design | Aggressive large cleats with double-edged (reversible) tread face, keyhole accessory mounting points, six built-in carry handles and an integrated shovel/dig-out blade on each end | High-traction grip surface; boards double as an emergency dig-out shovel |
| Temperature resistance | — | — |
| Mounting pin compatibility | Keyhole-style accessory mounting points; compatible with MAXTRAX-branded mounting hardware | Not specified; universal (vehicle-agnostic) fit |
| Sold as | pair | pair |

## Key differences

- Material (nylon / tpo): MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) UV-stabilized, fiber-reinforced engineering-grade nylon vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) Heavy-duty nylon-reinforced plastic
- Length (in): MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) 45 vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) 47
- Tread / nub design: MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) Aggressive large cleats with double-edged (reversible) tread face, keyhole accessory mounting points, six built-in carry handles and an integrated shovel/dig-out blade on each end vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) High-traction grip surface; boards double as an emergency dig-out shovel
- Mounting pin compatibility: MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) Keyhole-style accessory mounting points; compatible with MAXTRAX-branded mounting hardware vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) Not specified; universal (vehicle-agnostic) fit

## Sources

- MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair): https://maxtrax.com.au/collections/maxtrax-mkii (maxtrax.com.au, verified 2026-08-09)
- Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair): https://www.smittybilt.com/shop/winches-recovery/traction-boards-pads/recovery-traction-boards-2890/ (smittybilt.com, verified 2026-08-09)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/traction-boards/maxtrax-mkii-vs-smittybilt-2890/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, MAXTRAX MKII Recovery Boards (Pair) ($279) vs Smittybilt 2890 Recovery Traction Boards (Pair) ($169.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/traction-boards/maxtrax-mkii-vs-smittybilt-2890/
License: CC BY 4.0.