Maxximus Rexx Review

The Maxximus Rexx Tool

Overview/Description of The Maxximus Rexx

The Maxximus tool is a halligan-style tool and a “re-tuned” version of the Pro-Bar. It has been designed to improve a firefighter’s efficiency while performing truck company operations. The Pro-Bar has long been the go-to tool for forcible entry operations. However, the Maxximus boasts many improvements over the Pro-Bar, and therefore can rightfully hold the title as the “next-generation halligan.”

There are three models of the Maxximus bar: the Maxximus, the Maxximus Rexx, and the Maxximus Mod. What distinguishes these three are the shapes and widths of the adzes. The Maxximus has an adz with a similar shape to that of the Pro-Bar, but it is wider (2.75” total width). The Maxximus Mod model has an adz that is the same width as that of the Pro-Bar: 2 inches. Lastly, the Maxximus Rexx has an adz that is 2.75” wide and has a lock-pulling mechanism already built in to the adz. The shape and function of its adz are very similar to the K-Tool, A-Tool, and Rex tool. For this product review, I tested out the Maxximus Rexx.

The Pro-Bar and the Maxximus tool have the following features in common:

• Both standard lengths are 30 inches.
• Both have the same three working ends: Pike, Adz, and Fork.
• Both tools’ adzes are 6 inches long.
• The pikes have almost identical shapes and lengths.
• They are both drop-forged. This means that they are both a single/solid piece of metal; no welds (e.g.- No weak points)
• Both marry with an axe to form “the irons.”

These are the improvements that the Maxximus Rexx possesses over the Pro-Bar:

• At 8.5 pounds, It is approximately 1.5 pounds lighter than the Pro-Bar.
• It is made of a stronger steel (4140 chrome vanadium).
• It comes from the factory “completely tuned.” No modifications are necessary (i.e. – Filing the tips of the forks, squaring off the shoulders of the fork, notching the fork/adz for depth gauges, etc.).
• It has a wider adz at 2.75”. The Pro-Bar’s adz is 2” wide.
• The Maxximus Rexx has a lock-pulling feature built in to the adz.
• The fork can also be used to pull cylinder-style locks.
• The shoulders of the fork come “squared-off” to allow for striking in tight quarters/low-visibility environments.
• The fork and adz are thinner. Their lower profiles allow greater maneuverability and more efficient penetration when gapping.
• The adz and the fork come with depth gauge markings for forcible entry of doors.
• The shaft of the halligan comes with a heavy-duty rubberized grip to prevent slippage. This rubberized grip has a protective insulation up to 24,000 volts.

Quality of The Maxximus Rexx

The Maxximus Rexx is made of a solid piece of high-quality chrome vanadium steel. This type of steel allows it to be lighter than the Pro-Bar and also allows the fork and adz to be thinner. Like the Pro-Bar, it is drop-forged. This means that there are no welds or connection points within the tool. Therefore, there are no “weak links” between its shaft and the three working ends.

All versions of the Maxximus tool are made in the U.S.A.

Durability of The Maxximus Rexx

Since the Maxximus Rexx is drop-forged steel, it has incredible strength and durability. Since it is lighter than the Pro-Bar, I was initially skeptical that the thinner tips of the fork/adz would bend or break under heavy use. Since the Maxximus Rexx has the lock-pulling mechanism machined into its adz, I was specifically weary that its separated tips would bend when gapping/crushing metal doors during forcible entry of outward-swinging commercial doors. After heavy use, tips of the adz and fork maintained their original shape, proving that this tool is very durable.

I used the Maxximus Rexx for the following: forcible entry of inward and outward-swinging doors, defeating padlocks, pulling doorknobs, lock cylinders, deadbolts, etc.  I used it exactly as I would a Pro-Bar: striking and driving it with a flathead axe. Striking the Maxximus produced minor surface marring, but did not dent or damage the tool.

Longevity of The Maxximus Rexx

Due to its craftsmanship and high-quality steel, the Maxximus will last a long time. Its true longevity depends on its frequency of use and the overall care taken while it is used. As with any tool, if used improperly or recklessly, there is always a possibility that it will bend or break.

This tool was used for hundreds of forcible entry evolutions and it showed only light signs of wear and tear.

Price of The Maxximus Rexx

At the time of this review, the price of the Maxximus Rexx was $280.00 (U.S. dollars).  This was approximately 20 percent more than the cost of the Pro-Bar.  It is my opinion that the benefits that the Maxximus Rexx possesses over the Pro-Bar are worth the price difference.

Who Do You Recommend This For?

The Maxximus Rexx is for use by all firefighters (non-wildland) at any level within their fire department.  It is especially suitable for those who perform truck company operations (i.e. – Forcible entry, ventilation, overhaul, roof work, etc.).

Do You Recommend the Maxximus Rexx? Why or Why Not?

I recommend the Maxximus Rexx for the following reasons:

• It is lighter than the Pro-Bar.
• Its adz and fork are thinner, which allow them to gap doors with greater effectiveness and efficiency.
• Due to the adz and fork’s built-in lock-pulling mechanisms, this tool provides greater versatility than the Pro-Bar.
• It comes from the factory without any need of modification (i.e. – Depth gauges already machined into the adz and fork, squared-off shoulders on the fork, forks tips are already rounded off, etc.)
• Its wider adz allows the firefighter to have a greater spread when gapping a door for forcible entry. The only drawback to the Maxximus’ wider adz is that it has slightly less mechanical advantage (11:1) than that of the Pro-Bar (15:1). This is calculated by taking the length (30”) divided by the width of the respective adzes.
• Both the adz and fork’s sides are pre-notched with depth gauges for forcible entry of doors.
• The crotch by the fork’s tips has a slightly wider opening. This provides greater ease when attempting to “grab” doorknobs, large chain links, etc.
• The stronger steel allows the firefighter to smash and break masonry without deforming the tool. When using the Pro-Bar to break and remove masonry, its pike bent considerably. The pike of the Maxximus did not bend.

Any Safety Issues?

There are no apparent safety issues with the Maxximus Rexx.

Any Reasons Why You Would Not Recommend The Maxximus Rexx?

The only concerns I had with the Maxximus Rexx are as follows:

• The rubberized grip seemed to eventually “slide” down the shaft to the adz/pike end of the tool. This was after repeatedly shocking an inward-swinging door for forcible entry. I also question the overall durability and longevity of the rubberized grip. Its ends started to have small tears in them, which will eventually turn into large tears. Some firefighters who used the Maxximus Rexx liked the grip and some did not. Then again, some firefighters like to wrap their Pro-Bar’s shaft for extra grip and some do not. Therefore, the rubberized grip is a matter of personal preference.
• When using the blunt end of the adz to shock a door, the Maxximus did not feel as “solid” or “forceful” as a Pro-Bar. This could be due to the slightly lighter mass of the Maxximus or due to the differently shaped adz.

As aforementioned, I recommend purchasing the Maxximus Rexx. However, I do not believe that its benefits over the Pro-Bar warrant replacing a perfectly good Pro-Bar. However, if you are planning on buying a new halligan-style tool for your truck anyway, I would fully recommend going with a Maxximus tool over the Pro-Bar.

About the Manufacturer/Company