Trail Boss ... who's the boss?

On the strength of this rather obvious observation for those who have already put their hand to the ground to maintain the trails of the community, the brand "Trail Boss USA" has worked on the problem and offers a very interesting solution in the form of fully modular tools and removable that fit in a backpack. A shovel, a pick, or a rake with a handle of conventional length to efficiently shaper its trails and that can easily be carried with you, in bike, this is what this company based in the United States.

For this long test of 6 months, we opted for a kit "handle 3 pieces and 3 heads", a pick, a spade and a saw, accompanied by a handle in 3 parts. If the principle is simple on paper, we must recognize that the design of the whole breathes solidity and reflection. The ends of each part of the fiberglass handle is completed by a beautiful machined and anodized part, provided with a large thread and a system of interlocking notches that can accommodate the clamping ring of the part that the you have to connect to it, or the tool you have chosen to use. Once the rings are firmly tightened, you end up with a real, fully functional and efficient construction tool.

We are far from the first price tools sold in garden centers. During this test over 6 months, we have put this material to the test to find the limits and this material is widely and its selling price if it is really useful. Because yes, before continuing this article, it is still important to note that this basic set is sold around $ 400 on the manufacturer's website, not including postage. It makes rakes and picks at 9 € 99 at the Mr Bricolo corner, but with this Trail Boss, efficiency is a whole other measure.

Transport

This is the very first point that brings the added value of this product. For those who have already tried to ride with a shovel and a pick on the backpack, it is easy to see that this is very little compatible with the bike. Our Boss Trail set can easily fit into a medium sized bike backpack (20 liters in our case, but a smaller bag is enough). Preferably, opt for a backpack equipped with a back protector, because despite everything, the heads of tools weigh their weight and the joints are sufficiently salient to feel in case of shock. Be careful, also note that its transportability does not mean a tool that will keep permanently in his bag. If the Trail Boss remains "transportable", the thickness of the steel used for the heads make it rather heavy. However, it is easy to join his trail and ride without limitation with this slight weight in the bag. During transport, Trail Boss also thought to add small plastic caps that protect the threads of machined parts to avoid getting damaged by jolts ... Well seen ...

use

The assembly of the handle in three parts is extremely easy. Simply wedge the "teeth" of each part and screw the big ring. This one has an excellent grip and is easily tightened, even with wet or muddy hands. The system is equivalent to attach the tool of your choice. Evidemement, it is possible to adapt the length of the handle to two or even a single part if necessary.

The saw is absolutely amazing. With it, it is easy to cut dead trees that clutter a trail in a very short time. We have easily cut trees about forty centimeters in diameter, freshly fallen after a storm, without spending all our energy or time. Be careful not to leave your fingers there, as the double row blade of teeth does not forgive. Its use is optimal with only one part of the handle, but the addition of the handle in its entirety also makes it possible to prune the top of the trail up to a height of about 3 meters. The top. The small problem with the saw is its plastic protection that covers the cutting edge, which we have never been able to put back in its place after use without risk of losing a phalanx in the operation.

The spade is probably the tool head that we will have the most solicited. It is approximately 30 centimeters wide and has a straight and sharp side, and on the other side is 4 solid claws. This 5mm thick steel plate is able to move an impressive volume of soil in a very short time. time. The roots do not resist and the stones seem to have little effect on this solid construction. Breaking a slope becomes child's play and without too much fatigue, with an earthy ground, it is easy to open a flat line of 50 centimeters by alternating the use of both sides of this head.

As for the pickaxe, its use turns out a little less necessary, if not in more demanding terrain, for which the reduced size of the head allows a more precise and more in-depth work. Still, its efficiency and use are similar to a real site pick, despite the small size of his head.

During our use, we sometimes noticed a difficult loosening if the thread of the tool is too crowded with dried earth. It is for this purpose that Trail Tools provides a small tube of grease to prevent too much adhesion between the different elements. Do not hesitate to regularly clean the threads and moving parts with water before putting a small trickle of grease.

Level solidity, no complaints, and no element has been faulted despite the intensive use and care of the tool. The fiberglass handle also seems to meet all the demands and have been designed to last.

For who?

You will understand, this tool is primarily for those who work regularly on trails. Trailpatrol or compulsive shaper will easily find their account with these modular tools and a formidable efficiency. In our eyes, the price clearly does not justify this purchase for a specific use, but the appetite comes with eating and this Trail Boss clearly offers new perspectives of shape once it has been taken in hand, without however forget that the construction of trails or their modification meets important legal constraints to respect to avoid problems with the owners or the state.