Choose X-BULL Gen 3.0 when you want the longer board and the rivet design the brand describes as more wear-resistant for mixed terrain; choose Gen 2.0 when you want a lighter, shorter pair that still lists a 10-ton flat-ground capacity class and strong surface friction for everyday sand and mud exits. Both generations are sold for sand, mud and snow use on Darrah Opens — pick based on length, kit inclusions and how you mount them, not marketing adjectives alone.
Browse current boards and kits in Auto accessories → Winches.
Specs you can verify on the product pages
Gen 3.0 (as listed in the recovery kit)
The X-BULL 4WD Recovery Kit includes 2× Recovery tracks Gen3.0 with mounting pins. That listing states Gen3.0 board size 1060 × 310 × 60 mm, reinforced nylon, and 10 ton load capacity on flat ground.
Gen 2.0 (standalone track listings)
Example: X-BULL Recovery tracks 10T 2 Pairs Gen 2.0 Red — listing states size 910 × 310 × 60 mm, reinforced nylon, 10 ton flat-ground capacity class, mounting pins/bolts and leashes as packed. Colour variants (black, orange, blue and others) appear across the same collection.
What X-BULL itself notes as the core difference
On the Gen 2.0 product copy, X-BULL states that Gen3.0 has a longer length and a rivet design aimed at wear resistance across terrains, while Gen2.0 emphasises rivet arrangement/density for friction, lighter carry, and everyday off-road use. Treat that as brand guidance on the listing — still inspect boards after heavy use.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Gen 2.0 (example listing) | Gen 3.0 (kit listing) |
|---|---|---|
| Length × width × height | 910 × 310 × 60 mm | 1060 × 310 × 60 mm |
| Material | Reinforced nylon | Reinforced nylon |
| Flat-ground capacity class (listing) | 10 ton | 10 ton |
| Typical buy path | Pair packs / colour SKUs; also with hitch receiver bundles | Included in 4WD Recovery Kit; some winch+tracks bundles |
| Best fit | Lighter carry, shorter wheelbase exits, everyday sand/mud | Longer ramp into the tyre, mixed terrain wear focus |
Width and height match on these listings; length is the clear measurable difference.
Which pair for sand, mud and snow?
Soft sand (beaches, desert tracks)
Either generation works when you place boards snugly under the driven wheels, tyre pressures are sensible, and you drive straight onto the ramps. Longer Gen 3.0 boards give more tyre “runway” before you run off the end — useful in deep soft sand. Carry leashes so boards do not vanish into the wash.
Mud and black soil
Clear clay from the upper lugs so the tyre can bite. Gen 2.0’s shorter length is easier to hose and stack; Gen 3.0’s extra length helps when the mud hole is longer than a short board. Pair tracks with a winch plan so you are not spinning forever — see winch + snatch block + tracks.
Snow and ice approaches
Listings across both gens mention sand/mud/snow use. Clear packed snow from the board face, place carefully, and remember frozen mud underneath can be as slick as ice. Mounting pins still matter for roof-rack storage on the highway.
Bundles worth knowing
- Tracks-only Gen 2.0 colour SKUs (red/black/orange/blue and more) in the winches collection
- Hitch Receiver 5T + Gen 2.0 boards — recovery hitch plus two Gen2.0 boards (red and blue colourways listed)
- Full 4WD Recovery Kit with Gen3.0 — tracks plus strap, shackles, snatch block, damper and related items as listed
Some 14500 lb winch titles in the collection also bundle Gen3.0 tracks — read the product title so you do not duplicate gear.
Mounting and care
Use the supplied mounting pins/bolts on a rated roof rack or tray mount. Inspect for cracks, UV chalking and melted spots after hot sand days. Replace damaged boards — cracked nylon is not a bargain.
Who this Gen 2.0 vs Gen 3.0 choice is for
Beach and desert tourers who already carry a winch but want traction boards, and owners comparing a tracks-only colour pack against the fuller recovery kit. If you need strap, snatch block, damper and hitch gear in one bag, Gen 3.0 inside the kit is the simpler one-box answer; if you only need boards plus a hitch receiver, Gen 2.0 bundles are the leaner path.
Storage and highway notes
Use mounting pins on a rated roof rack or tray mount so boards cannot launch on corrugations. Leashes belong on the boards in the scrub so a buried track does not disappear into the wash. Hose nylon clean after clay days — baked mud hides cracks.
Soft blocker note on hitch bundles
If a hitch-receiver colourway page is temporarily unavailable, keep the draft link and confirm pack contents on the live collection or the fuller 4WD Recovery Kit page, which publishes the same 5T / 11000LBS receiver specification with Gen3.0 boards.
FAQ
Is Gen 3.0 always better than Gen 2.0?
Not always. Gen 3.0 is longer; Gen 2.0 is shorter/lighter on the compared listings. Choose for your vehicle, storage and terrain, not the number alone.
What size are Gen 2.0 vs Gen 3.0 X-BULL tracks?
On the cited listings: Gen 2.0 910 × 310 × 60 mm; Gen 3.0 1060 × 310 × 60 mm. Confirm on the live page before you order.
Can tracks replace a winch?
No. Tracks restore traction; a winch pulls when traction will not return. Carry both for serious touring.
Do Gen 2.0 boards work with the 5T hitch receiver kit?
Yes — the 5T hitch receiver bundles explicitly include Gen2.0 boards.
What capacity class do both gens list?
Both cited listings use a 10 ton flat-ground capacity class — still place boards correctly and drive straight on.
Are Gen 2.0 boards sold as colour packs?
Yes — red and other colourways appear as tracks-only SKUs in the winches collection.
Where do I buy current colours and packs?
Should I mount boards with the supplied pins?
Yes — use the listed mounting pins/bolts on a rated rack or tray mount, then inspect for cracks and UV damage after hard trips.
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