03 Dec

We Test the 4-in-1 J-Bar Kayak Rack: Versatile & Secure

December 3, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
0 comments

We Test the 4-in-1 J-Bar Kayak Rack: Versatile & Secure

We recently put the 4-in-1 Multifunction Bilateral J-Bar Kayak Rack through its paces during our summer water adventures. This versatile carrier impressed us with its sturdy construction and thoughtful design. The J-shaped bars securely cradled our two kayaks without any concerning movement, even on winding roads.

What sets this rack apart is its multifunctionality – we easily switched between carrying kayaks, canoes, surfboards, and even our SUP without needing different equipment. The integrated paddle holders were a welcome bonus, freeing up valuable interior space in our SUV.

Installation on our crossbars was straightforward, taking under 15 minutes with the included hardware. The powder-coated steel construction suggests this rack will withstand seasons of adventures and the elements. For adventure enthusiasts looking to transport multiple watercraft without breaking the bank, this J-Bar system offers excellent value and versatility.

25 Nov

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Yakima BigCatch: A Fishing Kayak’s Best Friend

November 25, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
0 comments

We Test the Yakima BigCatch: A Fishing Kayak’s Best Friend

After spending several weekends on various lakes and rivers, we can confidently say the Yakima BigCatch saddles are game-changers for serious kayak anglers. These robust carriers mounted easily on our StreamLine roof rack system, providing rock-solid support for our fishing kayaks during transport.

What impressed us most was the versatility-we tested them with both standard fishing kayaks and heavier models loaded with gear, and the BigCatch handled everything with remarkable stability. The padding system protects your boat’s hull while the tie-down points ensure everything stays secure even on bumpy backroads.

Installation took us under 30 minutes, and the tool-free adjustment system means we can quickly adapt when switching between different kayaks. For anglers who frequently transport their fishing kayaks, these saddles offer excellent value and peace of mind that your prized vessel will arrive safely at your fishing destination.

13 Aug

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on ARKSEN’s Folding J-Bar Kayak Rack System

August 13, 2025
By premieracmech@gmail.com
0 comments

Our Take on ARKSEN’s Folding J-Bar Kayak Rack System

We recently got our hands on the ARKSEN Universal Folding Kayak Roof Rack, and we’re pleased with its versatility. The J-bar design securely cradles kayaks and canoes while the universal mounting system attached easily to our crossbars. What impressed us most was the folding feature-when not in use, the rack folds down flat, reducing wind noise and improving clearance for garages or low overhangs.

The heavy-duty steel construction feels robust enough to handle our 70-pound kayak without issue. We appreciate the adjustability that accommodates different hull shapes, and the padded contact points protect our boat’s finish during transport.

Installation took us about 30 minutes, requiring basic tools and minimal effort. The included straps work effectively, though we recommend adding bow and stern lines for complete security during highway travel.

05 Aug

Exterior Accessories

We Tested the Ultimate 4-in-1 Kayak Roof Rack System

August 5, 2025
By Drivecraft
0 comments

We Tested the Ultimate 4-in-1 Kayak Roof Rack System

After spending three weekends putting this Aluminum 4-in-1 Kayak Carrier through its paces, we’re impressed with its versatility. The J-style design securely held our kayaks during a 70-mile highway journey, while the folding mechanism made garage storage a breeze when not in use.

What truly sets this system apart is its multifunctionality. We easily transitioned between carrying kayaks, canoes, and even our paddleboards thanks to the adaptable mounting options. The integrated roller system made loading significantly easier-no more awkward scraping or struggling to position our gear.

We particularly appreciated the included car door step, which gave us better access for securing our equipment. Even our shorter team member (5’4″) could comfortably load gear onto our SUV without assistance.

For paddlers looking for a single roof rack solution that handles multiple watercraft types, this system delivers exceptional value.

23 Jul

Exterior Accessories

We Test the Thule Hullavator Pro: Kayaking Made Easy

After three months of testing the Thule Hullavator Pro, we’re convinced this kayak carrier is a game-changer for paddling enthusiasts. The gas-assisted struts did the heavy lifting, reducing the kayak’s weight by up to 40 pounds when loading. We particularly appreciated how the carrier lowers the kayak by 24 inches to the side of our vehicle, eliminating awkward overhead lifting.

Installation was straightforward, though the unit is admittedly hefty at 56 pounds. The corrosion-resistant aluminum construction held up beautifully during our coastal adventures where salt exposure is constant.

What impressed us most was the stability during transport-even on windy highways, our kayak remained firmly secured with the eight touch points of padded support. While the $850 price tag represents a significant investment, the back-saving design and durability make it worthwhile for serious kayakers who hit the water regularly.

13 Jul

Exterior Accessories

YAKIMA JayLow: Our Top Pick for Versatile Kayak Transport

After testing numerous kayak racks this season, we’ve found the YAKIMA JayLow to be exceptionally impressive. This rooftop carrier offers remarkable flexibility with both J-cradle and stacker positions, allowing us to transport either one boat in the J-cradle or two in the stacker configuration. We appreciate how the tool-free installation made setup a breeze on our crossbars, while the padded contact points ensure our kayaks remain scratch-free during transit. The integrated SKS (Same Key System) locks provide peace of mind when we need to make stops along the way. What really sets the JayLow apart is its folding design-when not in use, it collapses down to minimize wind noise and improve clearance for garages. For paddlers seeking a reliable, adaptable transportation solution, we highly recommend the YAKIMA JayLow.

10 Jul

Exterior Accessories

Our Take on the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack: Worth It?

July 10, 2025
By Drivecraft
0 comments

Our Take on the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack: Worth It?

We recently tested the Leader Accessories Folding Kayak Rack, and we’re impressed with its versatility. This 4-piece J-bar system mounts easily to most crossbars, providing secure transport for kayaks, canoes, and SUPs. What sets this rack apart is its folding design-when not in use, it collapses down, solving the clearance issues we’ve experienced with fixed racks.

The included four tie-down straps are a thoughtful addition, eliminating the need for separate purchases. During our highway test, the rack held our kayaks firmly with minimal noise. Installation was straightforward, taking us about 30 minutes without specialized tools.

While the powder coating seems durable, we recommend checking the tightness of bolts before long trips. Overall, at this price point, we believe this rack offers excellent value for occasional to regular paddlers looking for a practical solution.