Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier Review

Customer Ratings:

I already owned two Thule "Hull-a-port-Pro" j-racks but thought that I would do better with this rack system in getting the kayaks up on my new Subaru Outback 2011. The You-Tube video looked so convincing that I went ahead and purchased one set just to see how it worked. I would sell the Thule ones if this was better. Well, first, the universal clamps aren't so universal. They fit... sorta. It did not grip the factory bar firmly all around and it actually compressed a rubber protector on the factory bar. This made me suspect right away, but I went ahead to see how it was to put the kayaks on. I had to put some protective padding pillow on the back of my car otherwise the kayak would certainly scratch it for sure. Then, both my wife and I (we are both seniors) attempted to lift and slide the kayak on to the racks. Wow, it was work., mainly because this is up high on the car so your leverage is poor to begin with, and secondly, because the rubber grips on the racks make it hard to slide. But, we did it. Now it was time to take them off. And this was even worse. Trying to grab and slide the 50 lb. kayak back off the rack and car without damaging the finish on the car took all the weightlifting we could muster. Once off, it was an instant no-brainer decision to send this product back for a refund. I'll stick to my Thule racks. At least we can get them on from the side without damaging the car. And they are so much easier to deal with. The morale here... things always look good in an advertisement video.

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The Malone website states that this carrier will fit the factory crossbars on a Chevy Avalanche. It does, but not precisely. The universal clamps supplied are not designed to fit the oblong shape of the crossbars snugly and hence the clamps' contact with the crossbar is limited and off-center. This imprecise fitment results in the carrier saddle riding at about a ten degree angle off level. This off level condition can be compensated for by the give built into the plastic saddle curve, but I take strenuous issue with Malone's assurance that this product "fits" the factory crossbars. It "fits," but poorly. Bad engineering... or effective marketing?

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The kayak saddle worked great. Took about 15min. to mount and load kayak to roof rack. Compact and easy to store..

Honest reviews on Malone SeaWing Saddle Style Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier

I've got this at Academy Sports in Texas after spending long hours evaluating the possibilities with the two major brands (Yakima and Thule).

Pros:

simple, secure fastening system

price got two pairs for $89 each

quality material. Sturdy and flexible

Fits most types of racks

Optimizes space. I carry two Pelican Pursuit 100 (10') side-by-side on a small station wagon

Clear instructions

Cons:

none to mention so far except the fact that it's not well advertised. I wasted too much time trying to find a secure, practical and affordable solution with the two major brands (can't be done).