April - Traffic Exchanges Tests - FREE Members 15 Minutes Surfing How do the Traffic Exchanges 'stack-up' in regards the number of bonuses/credits and pages surfed in a short time and what kind of surfing experience should you expect as a FREE member?

Surfing Analysis Please note that your line connection speed has an impact on how fast you are able to surf if you are using a standard dial-up 56 modem your surfing experience will be slower. For these tests a broadband connection speed is used for with a speed of 7.6Mbps. Other factors also contribute towards the speed that you are able to surf e.g. hosting server, region and time zone. Although many Traffic Exchange scripts originate from the same source if they are hosted at different locations an impact on the speed with which they transmit can be detected. These tests were carried out in the United Kingdom during GMT daylight hours. A single PC was used for the purposes of consistency. The PC is an Advent T9304 equipped with a Pentium (R) 4 CPU 3.20GHz, 2.00GB of RAM. The operating system is Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition version 2002 SP2. Three browsers were used (i.e. Internet Explorer 7, Crazy Browser and Mozilla Firefox), in three separate sessions to produce the best surf times detailed in tests.

Test Analysis For both the surfer and advertiser the way a Traffic Exchange surf browser system behaves is of fundamental importance. There's absolutely no point an advertiser promoting at a Traffic Exchange that doesn't display its content adequately. Equally a surfer needs a sufficiently healthy surf mechanism for them to be prepared to commit time and effort. Loading delays, poor scripts, server hosting and a gamut  of other issues can lead to surfer's deserting an exchange. RPOD reviews Traffic Exchanges through the eyes of a surfer, because these are the most important human ingredient. However we also highlight aspects appropriate to that of the advertiser. Additionally Traffic Exchange management is obviously significant and although these tests do not focus at any length on this aspect we do touch on it, especially where enthusiastic owners are obviously working to enhance the environment of their site for the benefit of their members. We hope both surfer and advertiser find these tests useful.

Most Recently Tested YELLOW font - Previously Tested BLUE font
 

SPECIAL FEATURE GLADIATOR HITS
Big League Hits	Click Voyager	PRO HITS PLUS	sAVVY cLICKS	The Cinnamon Hollow0	TRAFFIC G
Bionic Hits	E-TRAFFIC FREEDOM	Rockin' Clix	Sea Fast Traffic	TOP SURFER	TRAFFIC MUSCLES
Blue Surf	Lords of Traffic	rOYAL sURF	Smiley Traffic	tRAFFIC bUDS	TRAFFIC PLANETS
					TRAFFIC SOLDIERS
BULLSEYE TRAFFIC	Hit Magik		Soaring 4 Traffic	tRAFFIC bUNNIES	TRAFFIC SPEEDWAY
				TRAFFIC EXCHANGE TWIST	TRAFFIC TRIBE
	Hit2Hit		StartXchange		Traffic Wonderland
					WACKY SURF

Savvy Clicks

Well established with a large membership.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
Using a broadband connection ensures that the busy surf screen loads quickly without icon materialisation delays making it easy to maintain a steady rate of surfing. A single frame-breaker interrupted the session but recovery was quick and painless if you know what you're doing.
 

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
7 seconds timer
16 bonus credits won
Pages surfed 79
Hits earned 39.5
Total credits for 15 minute session= 55.5
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
1 attempted frame-breaker
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

A great looking site with a host of useful features. The attempt to make the surfing experience different to other Traffic Exchanges is a success courtesy of its originality.

A Few of the Site Features

• Increase site exposure using First Page Rotation - being the first page surfers encounter ensures that your site is seen with fresh eyes each time someone enters the surf arena.

• Added to the armoury of promotion tools is the Website Carousel Advertiser. Currently priced at $24.99 for 2 weeks and worth around 10k hits to your advertised site.

Rockin' Clix

Still in its infancy but developing fast. Members tend to be very active.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
A 10 seconds timer is starting to sound incredibly slow these days but the reality of it is that it provides adequate time for slow sites to load before you move on. No frame-breakers were encountered but an interruption arrived from the security software on my PC which told me that it had intercepted a virus. Surfing continued without further delays after that.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband.
10 seconds timer
50 Bonus credits won
Pages surfed= 52
Hits earned= 52
Total credits for 15 minute session= 102
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
No frame-breakers encountered
1 Security Notification of Virus Prevention

Rockin' Clix is one of those sites that deserves to be successful because of its originality. The enthusiastic owner offers 24/7 support working hard to ensure that the Rockin' Clix surfing experience is one of the best found anywhere.

A Few of the Site Features

• Active members, and that includes FREE ones, enjoy a share in the Lottery Ticket distribution a chance to win prizes.

• There are several ways in which you can earn credits including adding a site to the Down-line builder.

Soaring 4 Traffic

Good sized membership that continues to grow and subsequently offers a useful promotional platform.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
This site proves that a 6 seconds timer when using a broadband connection is all the time you need to review another site. Everything loads very quickly including the icons you need to click to move on. The script is excellent making the surfing experience one of the best found anywhere. Additionally no frame-breakers were encountered and hopefully no viruses either - well none that my security software noticed.  Add to that a very fair ratio of credits earned - thanks to the generous bonuses and it's easy to understand why this Traffic Exchange is a success.

The theme of Soaring 4 Traffic focuses on the Eagle. Keen eyed and highly capable of identifying the good from the chaff, which in this case relates to traffic.

A Few of the Site Features

• A comprehensive assortment of promotion tools are available to all members, something that captures the enthusiasm of the owner. Great support is arguably one of Soaring 4 Traffic's most prominent features which, whether you're new to the Traffic Exchange concept or not, remains a powerful argument to join any TE.

• As can be seen from the statistics alongside bonus credits are in regular supply even for FREE members which improves the surf ratio of 0.34 considerably.

Blue Surf

Stepping out of its infancy Blue Surf is gradually becoming recognized as a credible promotions platform.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
This site returned one of the highest credit ratios for a 15 minutes surfing session so far. Bonuses were very regular and generous. The surfing area is very efficient, although on occasion a delay with the materialization of the icons that you need to match occurs even when using a broadband connection. One error page was displayed which irritated rather than spoiled the surf experience while I waited 10 seconds to move on. This is a really good surfing site, however compared with the rest of the site which is very tasteful the surfing arena lacks personality something found at many competitor sites.
 

Weekend Special: None running at the time of surfing.
Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
39 bonus credits won
Theoretical Page Surf Capability= 90
Pages surfed= 68
Hits earned= 68
Total credits for 15 minute session= 107
Matching icons easily identified
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 1 This time 0
No frame-breaker encountered
No pornography or abusive sites were displayed
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

The theme of Blue Surf focuses on the sea, although some of the banners are less pointed in that direction.

A Few of the Site Features

• A useful rotator for up to 100 sites usable at other sites is available.

• As a free member, you earn 7%, 4%, 2% on your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd levels, respectively. You do not begin receiving credits from your down-line until they surf at least 25 pages. After they surf 25 pages, you begin earning credits from them and get a 50 credit bonus.

2008 Changes/Updates

• 23/4/08 Timer countdown has been removed to avoid delays in the countdown display. I made another change to the surfbar, too. While you're waiting for the icons to appear, the surfbar will automatically be downloading the images in the background. This way, when it is time for the icons to appear, they will appear instantly! No frozen timers and no waiting for the images to load so you can click the correct one.

• 23/4/08 I'm now giving you MORE bonuses on the surfing page -- permanently! Every 20 pages you surf you will reach our bonus page. On that page you can win one of three things.

Our in-house banner ads highlight the importance of an efficient surf browser.

Royal Surf

Chivalry is not dead, this 21st Century Traffic Exchange proves it!

SURFING EXPERIENCE

Surprisingly disappointing result from this Traffic Exchange, although the Virus Notification interrupted surfing otherwise it would have done a little better. Still the surfing browser has a fairly seamless transition between pages. The game, this time it was something to do with a Cyclops, does not delay the timer as it is recorded as another page visited. Bonus credits were low however compared with the other Traffic Exchanges mentioned above which did not help the overall result. What this does show is that a 10 seconds timer does not automatically mean you will attract lots more credits than at a TE using longer times. Bonus credits play a significant role wherever you surf!

It is difficult not to enjoy the surfing experience at  Royal Surf and although the credits did not roll in I will return to keep up my FREE membership simply because it's a place that I like to surf..

 

The theme of Royal Surf focuses on the Chivalry of an old world when Knights and Dragons clashed over fair maidens. Great fun.

What are you seeking from a Traffic Exchange? Quite obviously from the multitude of TEs sprouting up in every corner of the globe simply surfing for products and services is only a part of the reason people surf. Some Traffic Exchange owners  identified this and filled a vacuum with entertainment ideas while surfers browsed. The old cliche 'surfing is boring' undoubtedly struck a chord that could not be ignored and Traffic Exchange owners have been at odds with each since devising new mechanisms likely to enhance a surfer's experience.
Royal Surf is just such a response to the possibility that surfing is boring. If you surf at Royal Surf it is anything but!

A Few of the Site Features

• The Royal Blog

• The Royal Shoppe

• Regular Contests

Traffic Bunnies

Reach 10,342 members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
The surfing script is a common three frame type with the centre frame acting as the primary display. The top or bottom frames contain ads and the match-icons. In order to be as accurate as possible RPOD uses 2 common browsers when testing, and although there were significant differences between the browser results i.e. Mozilla Firefox proved faster. A 15 minutes surf session did provide a disappointing return. The problem appeared to be slow loading of the surf timer which delayed the initial trigger so that more than 10 seconds elapsed before the timer actually began the countdown.

The 122 Text Adds bonus won improved the overall result.
 

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
2:1 ratio
Bonus credits won= 122 Text Ads
Pages surfed= 40
Hits earned= 20
Total credits for 15 minute session= 20 + 122 Text Ads
Frames in Surf Browser=3
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
0 attempted frame-breaker
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

There are moments in web-life when a website easily identifies with its owner's sparkling personality and Traffic Bunnies does the job admirably. Australian wit is reflected on every page of this Traffic Exchange's newsletters together with a fresh enthusiasm that easily invigorates members to do a lot of surfing. Traffic Exchange owners would do well to review Traffic Bunnies approach in order to mirror a reflection of their own personalities and thereby create a very individual stamp in a competitive arena that is growing day-by-day. Individualism will arguably prove to be more important and significant in relation to the size of memberships. As with life generally, we all achieve more when we support those who offer something in return whether it's amusement, motivation or a promotional platform that draws people to it because of the personality behind it. Traffic Bunnies is a success and will likely continue to develop into one of the most powerful promotional platforms on the Internet courtesy of its sparkle.

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Surf & Chat feature

• Prize bar whilst surfing offers bonus incentives that vary between surfing credits, text ads and splash pages.

• Useful display on home page of current personal statistics accessible using the surfing screen.

Bionic Hits

Reach 13,000 members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
An uncommon script using two frames makes for a fast loading surf screen that does not make a 15 seconds timer feel slow. While, the notion of placing a text link at the top of the surfer acts as a powerful incentive to do just that! The 1:1 ratio for FREE members easily justifies any sustained effort to surf for as long as possible.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
15 seconds timer
1:1 ratio
Bonus credits won= 45
Pages surfed= 48
Hits earned= 48
Total credits for 15 minute session= 93
Frames in Surf Browser=2
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 1
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

As a promotional platform whereby it is possible to gain visibility for a website and thereby increase traffic to that site, well Bionic Hits arguably has a system that betters most of its competitors, hence the reason for its good-sized membership. It is highly individual in its approach and is something of a veteran site as it dates back to 2002.

Bionic Hits really does deserve to do as well as any of the top Traffic Exchanges simply because the returns are so good.

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Surf 100 pages and place a text link at the top of the surf display.

• Click on and earn 15 credits for each of the three text adds displayed. Do this daily and you automatically have 45 credits per day!

Smiley Traffic

Reach 30,610 members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
The surfing experience is similar to many, although the site strives for individuality, it falls down in the surfing area because there is simply nothing there to stimulate surfers other than the fact that a large membership makes likely the possibility of good visibility to all member sites. Bonuses too appeared at a premium as none were received in either 15 minute test sessions. Yet there is much to applaud the rest of the site.

Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
2:1 ratio
Frames in Surf Browser=3
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 46
Hits earned= 22.5
Total credits for 15 minute session= 22.5
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 1
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

A huge membership, the ability to manual or auto surf, a Paid to Click facility etc, etc. This is a fairly serious Traffic Exchange when it comes to the business of earning money online and does so without resorting to pornography, gambling or any other undesirable links. The determination of the site owner to build a Traffic Exchange that will ultimately prove financially beneficial to its members is very obvious and that includes FREE members too!

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Feature that tells you the number of visitors to the site from different countries.

• Paid to Click facility

• Good policing of page displays

• Auto Surf facility

Big League Hits

Reach ? members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
It is easy to believe that the 3 frame surf browser has found a serious mate with splash pages. Some other similar mechanisms were much slower in operation when attempting to load standard pages and, as a result, often delayed the timer wasting time. Not so Big League Hits whose management has seen fit to impress on members to use splash pages with visibly good results.

Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
2.5:1 ratio
Frames in Surf Browser=3
Bonus credits won= 8
Pages surfed= 58
Hits earned= 24
Total credits for 15 minute session= 32
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

The splash page has really flourished at Big League Hits with almost all sites presented using splash examples which really speeds things up and allows surfers to see much more. However, although the site ads suggest lots of bonuses in order to make up for the 2.5:1 surf ratio for FREE members, the bonus scheme did not compare with many competitors. A result of 8 bonus credits in 15 minutes doesn't provide a sufficient incentive to return regularly.

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Big League Hits makes a point of telling its members to use splash pages since dropping its timer to 10 seconds for everyone. This is actually reflected in the displays which load quickly, something not as prevalent as on other TEs.

• The Big League Hits  (BLH) store selling clothing that promotes BLH.

Click Voyager

Reach 64,705 members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
The two frame browsing script loads fast, not quickly, fast! The credits ratio is 2 for every page that you visit (amazingly that includes FREE members too!), and check out the size of the membership - visibility is assured. The surfing experience is enhanced by game playing such as hangman which generates more bonus credits. The bonuses in the 15 minutes testing were fabulous. Surfing Click Voyager is fun and beneficial.
 

Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
1:2 surf ratio
Frames in Surf Browser=2
Bonus credits won= 110
Pages surfed= 62
Hits earned= 124
Total credits for 15 minute session= 234
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

There's no such thing as not having time to surf, there is however time for a short surf. These 15 minute tests are designed to provide surfers an opportunity to gauge the return in investment of their time spent at Traffic Exchanges. Click Voyager epitomises just what a Traffic Exchange should offer the busy online entrepreneur. The returns for effort are better than the majority of Traffic Exchanges which make them significant. If you aren't yet a member of Click Voyager then you better do something to correct that, now!

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Hangman game-play is fun and although it does interrupt surfing it's a welcome break and offer an opportunity to earn bonus credits.

• Fantastic surf ratio for those only able to spend a short time surfing.

• An email mechanism to contact both up-line and down-line is available which should help generate a potential to network. This isn't evident at quite a few TEs!

Hit Magik

Reach 14,990 members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
This two framed surf browser is convincing quick to load while the timer does not appear to miss a beat even if there is any even slight delay to its appearance. No bonus credits were received but even so a respectable 56 credits were earned in the 15 minute session. The surf match icons are not the easiest to match because colour is sometimes used when very similar shapes are shown, if you have poor eyesight it is possible to make a mistake.
 

Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
1:1 surf ratio
Frames in Surf Browser=2
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 56
Hits earned= 56
Total credits for 15 minute session= 56
Match Icons Easy-To-Read= Fair
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

Hit Magik presents quite a few features but sadly most are for those who upgrade while the FREE members for example cannot even post one banner! 
Hit Magik does however remain a useful Traffic Exchange to do business with because the size of its membership and it's different start page surf browser make it easy to keep the credits high and your promotions visible.

Just A Few of the Site Features

• Daily Credit Lottery where members can win 10,000+ credits. The charge for each ticket to enter the Lottery is 1 credit.

• Paid To Click features where members can earn cash or credits either by viewing pages presented by banner click or from links embedded in e-mails.

• Startpage Surf browser is very similar to that found at Traffic Swarm with its text link promotions, and it is possible to earn lots more credits (up to 50) with just a single click.

Traffic Muscles

Reach ? members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
A three framed surf browser set-up is never going to match the speed of a two frame however because the timer at Traffic Muscles is set to 8 seconds it does cope better than might be expected. Also the delivery of pages to the display is rapid because the timer never appears to falter which allows for surfers to click promptly every 8 seconds for a new display. Add to that a regular input of bonus credits and its easy to see why Traffic Muscles appears popular.
 

Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
8 seconds timer
2:1  surf ratio
Frames in Surf Browser=2
Bonus credits won= 9
26 Text Link Impressions
Pages surfed= 76
Hits earned= 41.2
Total credits for 15 minute session= 50.2 +
26 Text Link Impressions
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
Attempted frame-breaker=0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

A consequence of a rapid 8 seconds timer is the inability of standard pages to load. The splash pages don't have a problem and make the session usefully quick, but although it is possible to surf 76 pages the surfer only really gets to see about a third clearly. Something found at Big League Hits was a preponderance of messages from the owner telling members to use splash pages because they load more quickly. The Big League Hits membership pays attention and surfing is a pleasure as a result, not only because the timer (10 seconds) is nippy but also because surfers get to see what other members are promoting. Traffic Muscles is geared for speed surfing but the price is high for those members using standard pages of which there are many. Traffic Muscles proves the argument that splash pages must be adopted by affiliates as soon as possible if they want them seen at sites with low surf timer thresholds.

Just A Few of the Site Features

• 8 seconds timer

• Surf Bar remains at the top of the page

• Earn credits by collecting letters to form a status word relating to surfing

• Very enthusiastic owner support

BullsEye Traffic

Reach  members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
This is different. A member has four categories from which to choose a surf selection and, four categories in which to place their links as appropriately as the examples given explain. Surfing is a seamless exercise in  this very well managed Traffic Exchange. The Math suggests that it should be possible to surf 45 pages and hey, that's exactly what we accomplished! Delays were very slight which considering where this site is based is fairly amazing when we consider the problems of loading of sites that are measurably closer to the UK as far as geography is concerned.
 

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
20 seconds timer
2:1 Super Start ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 45 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 2
Bonus credits won= 5
Pages surfed= 45
Hits earned= 23
Total credits for 15 minute session= 28
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
0 Security Notification of Virus Prevention
 

Summary
How individuals living in different parts of the world approach the business of Traffic Exchanges is a lesson in global logic in itself. BullsEye Traffic is as individual as a Traffic Exchange comes, approaching each of the basic concepts of providing a promotional platform in its very own distinctive way. A great thing about this is that as a member it never feels like you've seen it all before, and here lies a key to the future of Traffic Exchanges - individualism even within the TE script will one day be all important simply because doing the same thing in a different way makes for a very personal statement. Anyone who joins BullsEye Traffic will probably remain with it until they give-up surfing altogether or pass away. There's something about BullsEye Traffic that you can't ignore and, because it is reaching parts of the globe not ordinarily reached from the UK, there's much freshness about the promotions found on it.

A Few of the Site Features

• A very efficient surf script

• Individual TE script

• User friendly site

• Good networking opportunities

StartXchange

Reach 35,000+ members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
Speed surfing doesn't come much faster than this and when it does at what cost to the overall experience. Simply rotating sites quickly isn't what Traffic Exchanges should be about, certainly the faster the turn over the better for the surfer's credit score, but the concept behind Traffic Exchanges is concerned with advertising rather than racing. StartXchange is an example of how a Traffic Exchange should behave. Surfing is as seamless as can be experienced anywhere and the 10 seconds timer is sufficient to allow displays to fully load before a surfer moves on. Some slight hesitancy in the loading of pages never appeared to impact on the actual surf frame. Delays in loading generally related to clicking on an icon match and experiencing some slight hesitancy before the link triggered action, but we are talking about milliseconds here.

 

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
3:1 Super Start ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 90 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 3
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 62
Hits earned= 20.76
Total credits for 15 minute session= 20.76
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
1 Security Notification of Virus Prevention
 

Summary
As one of the best known Traffic Exchanges StartXchange shows why it leads in so many areas, the surfing arena is a hotbed of competitive rivals vying to capture the growing numbers of individuals searching for a worthwhile location to place their links. The large membership owned by StartXchange ensures visibility of links for those members who regularly surf at the Traffic Exchange. The idea of personalizing banners  cleverly enhances a community spirit. StartXchange is one of the 'MUST JOIN' promotional platforms currently available.

A Few of the Site Features

• A very efficient surf script

• Personalized StartXchange banners

• Large membership

• Referral Thank You Page

• Banner Exchange

• and more.....

Lords of Traffic

Reach ? members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
Don't click hover your mouse over the 'next' button and the transition to another page is fairly quick and effortless whilst also sparing your 'click finger' effort. The result is that 63 pages were surfed out of a possible 90. The script is a 3 frame type never as quick loading as the 2 frame variety. the idea of hovering your cursor over the 'NEXT' button is original and seems to work well, although the temptation to simply click is fairly overwhelming. A precaution against clicking or hovering your cursor over the 'trigger' too early is taken care of by a delay in the 'Next' buttons appearance until the appropriate 10 seconds have been passed. The results for FREE members would have been more interesting had the ratio been comparable with other Traffic Exchanges, say 2:1.
 

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
3:1 Super Start ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 90 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 3
Bonus credits won= 8
Pages surfed= 63
Hits earned= 20.8
Total credits for 15 minute session= 28.8
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

Summary

Lords of Traffic really is in its infancy and accomplishes the task as an advertising platform very well considering this fact. Hopefully it will develop into something as powerful as Hits4U. Lords of Traffic possess a great atmosphere which makes difficult imagining that this Traffic Exchange will not accomplish much in the future. originality begins with the 'don't click hover' approach which makes the experience of surfing a little different.

A Few of the Site Features

• The 'don't click hover' surf cursor experience

• Atmosphere

• Down-line Builder

Traffic G

Reach ? members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
The Traffic G browsing experience is not designed for speed by comparison to rival Traffic Exchanges. A 30 seconds timer ensures that progress is slow. If however you want your site properly seen by the surfer membership at Traffic G then you won't have to worry because there is little doubt whatever your page contains the 30 seconds timer will ensure that it is fully loaded before anyone is allowed to move on. Unfortunately not all content is in the English language and you may therefore find yourself staring at pages in foreign languages which some might consider a waste of time?
Additionally the surfing experience was also marred by several audio pages that appeared to load more slowly than the others.
Loading of the surf browser seemed laboriously slow at times, something which possibly  impacted on the number of pages seen in the 15 minutes surf session.
A few bonus credits would have been nice too!

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
30 seconds timer
1:1 Super Surf ratio for FREE members
2:1 Super Start ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 30 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 2
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 23
Hits earned= 23
Total credits for 15 minute session= 23
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 1
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 2
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

Summary

Traffic G has been around since 2001 and therefore there can be no question about its ability to provide a promotional platform that pleases its membership. Additionally Traffic G possesses lots of features that undoubtedly make the business of online promotion easier for its members. If the attraction of Traffic G rested solely with the surf browser this Traffic Exchange would not be as popular as it is. However the reasons that Traffic G is popular rests more with its originality than with its surfing speed. Make no mistake  Traffic G is as modern and slick in design as any Traffic Exchange currently found anywhere, but it's popularity has likely developed in parallel with features that other sites do not offer.

A Few of the Site Features

• A Directory is worth having your link included

• Geographic and Internet driven targeting

• Exchanger Service

• Tool Surfbar

Top Surfer

Reach  ? members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
Using the plain no frills surf browser offers speed and an easy mechanism by which to monitor progress. Several surf browsers are available including a Paid To Click , Auto, Games and wireless. Spoilt for choice or what? Pages load extremely easily, with the surf bar doing so ahead of any displayed content which appears to ensure that no delay to the surf timer is experienced.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
15 seconds timer
1:1 surf ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 60 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 2
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 54
Hits earned= 54
Total credits for 15 minute session= 54
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

Top Surfer has been in the business of website promotions since 2001. As a vet it acquits itself admirably even though it has a 15 seconds timer,  which today might be considered a little slow. However Top Surfer is efficiently designed and we were able to view 54 pages within the 15 minutes test session. You could argue that a 15 seconds timer equates to 60 pages surfed in 15 minutes, but in the real world where milliseconds are eaten up en-route from one point on the globe to another to achieve 54 pages is more than respectable. On top of that we encountered no frame-breakers, dead pages or anything else untoward which goes someway to show how well managed this Traffic Exchange (TE)  is. Additionally Top Surfer really is more than simply a Traffic Exchange, it is a fully featured advertising platform from which an advertiser can reach thousands. Experience has also shown that Top Surfer is also one of the best TE's to find referrals for other programmes.

A Few of the Site Features

• Several types of browsers are available including PTC and Auto

• Easy to earn a host of credits as a result of reading emails

• A host of features too numerous to list in this brief test, just visit the site to see it all for yourself!

Sea Fast Traffic

Reach 31,000+ members

SURFING EXPERIENCE
As commonly found with triple frame surf browsers the delay with the timer appearing often slows it starting and the one at Sea Fast Traffic is no different. Additionally it is set to 15 seconds so it was never going to be as fast as some of its competitors. One of the pleasing things about surfing at Sea Fast Traffic is that it is possible not only to see how many credits you've earned but also how many sites you've visited so that keeping an eye on the ratio isn't difficult. The overall 17.5 credits earned within the 15 minute time frame does not reflect the superior surfing experience reaching this total compared with some competitors.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
2:1 surf ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 90 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 3
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 35
Hits earned= 17.5
Total credits for 15 minute session= 17.5
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =0
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

The difference when the owner of a Traffic exchange is doing things to improve and develop their site is obvious, especially if you spend a greater part of your day visiting Traffic Exchanges. There's almost a buzz with some and Sea Fast Traffic is one very definitely with a buzz of things going on. A large memberships will ensure that sites are highly visible. It's a shame that credit bonuses were not in evidence as this could have gone some way to making the entire surfing experience much better than the results suggest.

A Few of the Site Features

• Auto or manual Surf facilities

• Paid To Click facility

•  Web Directory

• Contests

• Blog

Pro Hits Plus

SURFING EXPERIENCE
A fairly standard approach has been taken with the surfing browser at Pro Hits Plus which utilizes a two frame set-up. Surprisingly in the sessions when tested it did not seem as fast as other sites using a similar script, which may be a reflection of the server hosting the Traffic Exchange.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
2:1 surf ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 90 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 2
Bonus credits won= 5
Pages surfed= 42
Hits earned= 26
Total credits for 15 minute session= 26
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) =3
Attempted frame-breaker= 0
Non-English language pages = 0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

A Few of the Site Features

• News & Updates NONE

• Contests NONE

• Nothing to add

Traffic Planets

SURFING EXPERIENCE
A two frame script is used for surfing which is quick to load and perhaps because the icons are small in size materialise without delay. As an effortless surfing experience and one to build up surf credits in a short time Traffic Planets does very well. However, what is lacking is a deeper sense of atmosphere (take a look at the revamped Wolf Surfer as an example). Additionally with a more competitive surf ratio for its FREE member (2:1) at the very least, Traffic Planets might seriously start being considered as a useful alternative to its larger membership based competitors.

Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
Connection: Broadband
10 seconds timer
3:1 surf ratio for FREE members
The Math= It should be possible to surf a maximum of 90 pages in 15 minutes.
Frames in Surf Browser= 2
Bonus credits won= 0
Pages surfed= 62
Hits earned= 20.66
Total credits for 15 minute session= 20.66
Match Icons Easy-To-Read=Yes
Site Security Check= 0
Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
Attempted frame-breaker= 1 (successful)
Non-English language pages = 0
No Security Notification of Virus Prevention

One of the most irritating issues managing a Traffic Exchange is keeping the nuisances down to a level that doesn't mar the surfing experience of members. Our first 15 minute session was interrupted with just three minutes remaining by a frame-breaker which absolutely stopped any method of returning to Traffic Planets without going through the whole log-in process. However frame-breaker apart surfing at Traffic Planets returned a very creditable return for effort. No bonuses were awarded during any test sessions which made the 62 surfed pages down to simply clicking a useful result.

A Few of the Site Features

• News & Updates blank

• Contest New blank

• Nothing to add

The banners do their job very well.

The Cinnamon Hollow

If the word sophisticated may be applied to a Traffic Exchange then this is the one that most aptly fits such a title.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
This is a unique surfing experience and arguably indicates a direction that future Traffic Exchanges may take. Atmosphere plays a significant part in the surfing experience and the artistic elements introduced into the whole scenario are not wasted. As a surfing experience for anyone looking for products or services this has to be one of the best. You are immediately made to feel at home in surroundings that easily lend themselves to thoughts of sitting on a comfortable sofa whilst flicking through a glossy magazine. This was never going to be the fastest place to surf, not with a 20 seconds timer, although it speeds up occasionally, but The Cinnamon Hollow does introduce a fresh element into the surfing consciousness that few other Traffic Exchanges have yet to identify.

 

Summary

The theme of The Cinnamon Hollow focuses on  products and services for women.

A Few of the Site Features

• Product Reviews

• Cafe/Forum

• Potential to win prizes every 25 pages surfed

• Recipes

• NEW - TCH toolbar

2008 Changes/Updates

• 20/4/08 Timer countdown has been reduced to 10 seconds.

• 20/4/08 FREE members now enjoy 1:1 surf ratio.

Traffic Wonderland

Young perhaps, but this site is really making an impact.

SURFING EXPERIENCE
 The surf script is a three framer but no delays were experienced. Pages load milliseconds behind the timer indicator while the match-icons only materialise when the timer has reached its end which is a good way of preventing that surfing too fast chastisement. Bonus credits were regular and generous. With a large and growing membership whatever you display should receive good visibility. management of what is shown well managed and although we had a pop-up intrude that alerted our PC's own security system, it wasn't a problem and didn't slow down surfing progress.

• Weekend Special: None running at the time of surfing.
• Browsers: Crazy Browser & Mozilla Firefox
• Connection: Broadband
• 10 seconds timer
• Bonus credits won 45
• Theoretical Page Surf Capability= 90
• Pages surfed= 50
• FREE members 2:1 surf ratio
• Total pages surfed + bonuses in 15 minutes surf session= 95
• Matching icons easily identified
• Site Security Check= 0
• Dead Sites visited (no page to view) = 0
• No frame-breaker encountered
• No pornography or abusive sites were displayed
• 1 Security Notification of Virus Prevention i.e. a pop-up

How a Traffic Exchange presents itself is becoming more and more important. The theme chosen here reflects the potential to discover a promotional platform that truly benefits its members. If the surfing experience is anything to go by then Traffic Wonderland is very likely to double its membership over the next few months. A recent facelift has worked its way through the entire site which now appears very fresh and alive.

There's just one criticism about Traffic Wonderland and that is when it comes to signing in and reaching your Control Panel. Before you get there you have to endure 3 separate sales stops - OK yes the business needs money to build it up but one sal