When I mount any number of boats to these I feel extremely confident. I have driven near 5,000 miles using these with a 10' 6" boat. Road trips ranged from Alabama to Michigan's U.P (including crossing the Mackinac bridge: Impressive because small cars have been blown off of it.). I've traveled through the Appalachians in some nasty storms. I have gone well over 80 MPH with these Stackers, both with and without using the front and rear tie-downs. If you want to be able carry multiple (pretty much as many as your roof will allow) kayaks, and take them anywhere, these are a great value.
The straps that come with the Stackers are fantastic. I have a whole slew of bungies and ratchet tie-downs but I love these for how easy they are to use. Plus the rubber coating hasn't scratched my car at all. The tips of the straps are starting to fray, which has made it difficult, especially in cold weather when my fingers are numb, but like I said, they've traveled thousands of highway miles. And I'm from Michigan. We don't drive slow. I wouldn't expect the straps to fray under expected usage.
Other reviewers have mentioned how the Stackers move on the crossbars. I have Yakima round bars, and yes the Stackers tend to rotate towards the front and back of my vehicle. Sometimes it is the Stackers themselves. Sometimes the bars. (I use them in a wide range of temperatures 25-95 degrees; roof racks grow and shrink with the temperature so often need adjusting over time.) It has never been a problem. If the straps are secure and you can't move the boat up and down, you're going to be safe.
The most difficult part of roof rack systems is lifting the boats onto the rack. This system does nothing to make it easier, and for casual kayakers, or people who would never expect to carry more than two boats (It carries as many as your roof can fit), you might want something with rollers. I'm constantly jealous of people who have rollers, especially after a long, exhausting paddle. Lifting 45+ lb. boats over your head onto your car isn't the easiest thing. Strapping the boat in is straightforward, relatively simple, but not as quick as some of the systems designed for convenience.
There's a super-easy solution to this. Take a friend!
Pros
* I feel super-confident with them no matter the weather, speed or number of boats
* Price can't be beat, especially when carrying multiple boats
* Versatile; you can strap like of things to them
* Carrying boats on the side give you some convenient extra storage inside the boat; great for carrying stinky gear home from the water
* Come off easy, and store easy since they don't take up much space
Cons
* They work exactly as intended, meaning there are easier systems.
* No locks
* Remember how much your boat weighs. It feels heavier after paddling. And you'll need to lift up on top of your roof.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 31.7 x 5.3 x 4.6 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 6.8 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 32 x 6 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.8 Pounds |
| Brand Name | Yakima |
| Color | w/Tie Down |
| Material | Alloy Steel, Metal |
| Suggested Users | unisex |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Yakima |
| Part Number | 8004036 |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Cycling |
