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This saddle provides the perfect combination of hull conformance and lateral stability
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Technical Details
- Sold as a pair. Complete system with additional saddle carrier- Maximum kayak protection and transport stability provided by soft, adjustable saddle
- Includes one ratcheting tie down, strap and buckle protector
- Fits Thule standard, Rapid Aero, Xsporter bars, Yakima and most factory installed racks
- Includes a ratcheting tie down, and a strap and buckle protector
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By Wilfredo M. Viray (Orange County, CA)
I don't know about the other reviewers but I actually bought mine from Amazon, so I really have one and I really use it. These saddles will ensure that your kayak will not slide during transit. And since these can only be used with the Thule Hydro glide rear saddles, it also makes loading very easy. The Hydro glide will let you slide the Kayak on the Roof. Once you have the position right, just lower the Bow onto these Set-to-go saddles and it will remain there. Based on the shape and design of these, it is meant for kayaks with a flatter wider bottom, just like Ocean, Cobra, Pelican and Hobie. You obviously should not slide your kayak on these saddles. That is what the Hydro Glide is for. If you had actually done your research and asked the experts, they would have told you how to use these properly. I have seen many people in Newport beach use these as well. Thule is the best brand in roof racks, with Yakima as a close second in my opinion, as we also have Yakima saddles. Thule has an amazing customer service as well. My suggestion is to go to your nearest REI and have a look yourself and ask questions.
Pros:
1. Your kayak will not slide off. It grips your kayak and refuses let go. You need that when you are on the freeway.
2. It is very durable if used properly. Always ask the experts on how to use it.
3. When used with the matching Thule Hydro Glide, loading time is only 5 minutes.
Cons:
1. I am worried someone might steal them off the roof of my car, as they are not cheap, it really concerns me. I have to remove them all the time just to be sure.
It can conform to almost any kayak hull. Just like my Yakima, these need to be adjusted correctly in order to work properly. I have seen people scratch their kayaks because they did not install Thule or Yakima saddles. ALWAYS ASK FOR ADVICE FROM PROFESSIONALS. You just need to ask for advice once anyway. I went to REI, and they were more than happy to give me guidance. As a result, I have never had any problems.
By D (Maui)
I bought this item because of the adjustability, I figured being able to change the angle to fit my boat exactly would be a good thing. In theory, sure, but unfortunately Thule decided to make the important parts out of cheap crummy plastic.
I paddle a lot - generally at least a few times a week, and transport my 23lb carbon fiber canoe hull (basically the same shape as a racing kayak). Maybe this item would be acceptable to the weekend warrior who only uses it a few times a year, but then why bother with saddles at all? It wasn't long before I was driving down the road and suddenly my boat started wobbling all over the place. I pulled over to discover that the rack arms had flattened. Fortunately I had some duct tape and extra straps with me so I was able to make it home without losing my boat. I took it apart to see what the problem was and found cheap, soft, PLASTIC teeth that had been stripped (coulda seen that coming, what the heck was Thule THINKING???).
Do not - I repeat DO NOT use these racks. I was very lucky my $3000 canoe wasn't damaged. I purchased these racks to protect my canoe, but they'll do just the opposite. I'm going to stick with padded flat racks from now on.
By F. DuMars (Washinton state)
I little heavy, and expensive, but they support the kayak well, and keep it from slipping on the rack
By Mike C (Grass Valley, CA USA)
I purchased these racks last December and installed them on my van. After a while I noticed that the arms that support the rubber slings that are designed to support the kayak would drop down, resulting in the kayak resting more or less on the rack cross bars, instead of being supported by the slings. The problem is made worse by the fact that the sling material is very grippy-great for holding the kayak in place, but making it very difficult to actually get your boat into the racks. With 2 people loading a boat, you can drop the kayak from above, but the kayak needs to be raised up off the grippy slings to adjust its position fore and aft. The boat will absolutely not slide while in the racks. The only way to load a kayak by yourself is to put a towel on the rear saddle (slings), so the boat can slide on the towel, and shove the boat forward with a strong heave. Again, to adjust fore and aft, you need to haul down on the rear of the kayak to get it off of the front rack in order to re-position it.
I was pretty much resigned to dealing with these shortcomings using the work-arounds noted above, until the weather turned hot. Now when I strap the kayak down, the ill-fitting racks push into my plastic boat, deforming it. This is a known issue with roto-molded plastic boats, which is why I bought $140 racks in the first place. I have contacted Thule; they said talk to Amazon, because I bought the racks from them! A very conscientious Amazon rep is going to talk to Thule to try to see what can be done. Incidently, I talked with an employee at my local kayak shop, and he just rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I get the same complaint from everybody that buys this rack." I recommend potential buyers look at Yakima products before buying.
And now the rest of the story:
The conscientious Amazon customer service rep called Thule on Friday, couldn't reach the appropriate person, and called me back to let me know that she would try again on Monday. She called me Monday morning, after reaching Thule with the rep's name. I called him, and he seemed surprised to learn of the problem. He said he could not refund my $$$, but would happily send me another of their products. After re-visiting Thule's site, I picked the 835 Hull-a-port Pro as a replacement. Thanks to Amazon and Thule for helping me correct the Problem!
Mike
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