Maxtrax vs knockoffs

For the most part, I agree with that. I posted in that shackle thread comparing recovery gear to climbing rope or a parachute. Don't cheap out.

But that doesn't mean just because it's expensive, that means it's the best. I've seen plenty of reviews of (not) Maxtrax brand traction boards that perform "good enough". Hell I've seen people throw together $20 worth of lag bolts and pressure treated 2x6's that works equally well.

I would also argue that the risk of buying cheaper traction boards isn't the same as, say, a cheap shackle that fails catastrophically and sends shrapnel flying and a vehicle potentially out of control.