Peter Storck
Words and photo by Peter Storck
Unlike the other recovery board offerings, including the TRED 1100’s, the TRED Pro seems to have had far more thought put into it during the research and development stage. While engineering this advanced recovery board, the TRED designers created a database of the best selling off-road tires on the market and designed the tooth pattern to give the highest probability of grip, no matter what tire you run.
Many will notice that these Australian made boards are not simply covered in gripping teeth, but rather there is a fair amount of space between them as this will allow them to sit deeper in the tread for better grip. You’ll also notice that the teeth are a different colour than the rest of the TRED Pro. This is because the TRED Pro features a patented EXOTRED dual composite construction in which the teeth are moulded out of a harder wearing material first, then inserted into the mould for the board section. The more flexible board material then gets injected into the mould thereby fusing the two components together. This allows the teeth to hold up to the rigors of use, and even the occasional wheel spin, while the main body of the board remains flexible, even in below zero temperatures.
The TRED Pro also features SIPE-LOCKs, which are longer teeth along the side of the recovery board that grab the water evacuation channels on a tire. The TRED team didn't stop there, the ramp side of the TRED Pro has a concave shape to help centre the tire while debris and obstructions are cleared. On the opposite side of the ramp they have added a "shovel", which as expected doesn't take the place of an actual shovel but does a good job in the right conditions such as snow and sand. Finally, if these features aren't already enough, consider that all TREDs, Pro, 1100, and the 800 series all carry the industries best lifetime warranty. Unlike some other recovery board manufacturers TREDs will cover their product even if it has damaged or worn lugs.
Peter Storck is the owner/operator of All Terrain Overland Gear Inc.