Maxtrax Shackle Shield Twin Pack

The Maxtrax Shackle Shield offers a much-needed layer of protection when connecting soft shackles to most vehicle recovery points.

Soft shackles have replaced heavy steel bow shackles in the recovery kits of many four-wheel drives nationwide. As a positive result, recovery kits are now lighter, and removing these heavy steel links in the recovery chain means there is less mass in the recoil if equipment fails, which is safer.

Dedicated recovery points like the Maxtrax Hitch 50 and others with a large curve radius distribute the load across a large surface and cause little to no weakening of soft shackles.

On the contrary, most aftermarket recovery points are load-rated, which is essential, but they feature square edges inside. This square edge technically still has a curve radius, but it is minimal, and if you were to use a soft shackle in this anchor, you would point-load the shackle, which would significantly weaken it and could result in failure.

If you use a soft shackle directly in these recovery points for high-force kinetic recoveries or winching, especially with heavier loads or on steep climbs there is a high potential for failure, and this connection has been one of the remaining weaknesses in the chain of modern recovery gear.

They're easy to fit – essentially, you just poke the narrow end of your shackle in one side and push it through. You could take these on and off as needed or just leave a few shackles with Shackle Shields fitted ready. 

With the shackle shield fitted, your soft shackle now has some rugged plastic protection and, more importantly, a large curve radius that won't weaken the rating under load.

Whether you are making a dynamic recovery with your kinetic rope or snatch strap or anchoring back on your vehicle in a double line pull winch recovery, it's now safer to leave your steel bow shackles behind and use a soft shackle and Maxtrax Shackle Shield instead.

• Weight: 25g each
• Length: 80mm
• Width: 42mm
• Pack includes two Maxtrax Shackle Shields
• Fits most soft shackles up to 14mm diameter
• Compatible with most recovery points with a 42mm diameter or larger opening