Top 7 Best Kayak Rack for Subaru – Review and Top Picks
Subaru is a top of the range vehicle with awesome features for the Kayaking enthusiasts. The vehicle comes with excellent designs to help you fit your Kayak rack on the roof or at the back. This leaves you only with the decision of which one to get. There are various models out there, each coming with advantageous qualities for you to choose from. Some of the things to look out for include the following:
- The carrier should be strong. It should be made of strong material like steel and have a rust-proof coating to keep it looking great throughout the year.
- The bolts should be long enough.
- The weight should be able to accommodate your craft.
- It should be made to fit bars of all shapes whether square, flat, round or oval shaped.
- The straps should be strong and adjustable.
- There should be a list of the parts accompanying the package plus an instruction manual. With a list you can ensure that all the parts are there and with a manual you will be able to assemble it.
Some of the best Kayak Rack for Subaru are described here
#1. TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mounted on Car SUV Crossbar
TMS J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Rack is a strong carrier made of steel which comes in the popular J style. The strength is not only provided by the steel but also by the padding that comes with it which is adjustable. The J style enables quick loading and unloading.
Pros
- The carrier is made of strong steel material and it comes with adjustable padding enabling it to carry heavy kayaks.
- It is easy to load a canoe or kayak onto it because of its J-style.
- It can take up to 75 pounds weight and 36 inch widths.
Cons
- Instructions on assemblage are poor. The tools provided are also not the best and you may have to substitute with your own.
- The straps included must be replaced as they are not strong enough.
#2. J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Canoe Top Mount Carrier Roof Rack Boat SUV VAN Car
J-Bar 2 Pairs Universal Kayak Rack is also an excellent carrier which comes in the J-style but which offers something extra. It comes with two pairs of carriers allowing you to carry more than one kayak on your journey.
Pros
- It has two pairs of carriers and 4 straps.
- Flat or square cross bars are a good fit for it whether they are custom or factory made.
- It can accommodate up to 165 lbs.
- It is made of strong steel material with adjustable padding.
Cons
- You will need to buy longer bolts as the ones provided are very small.
- The hardware is not rust-resistant and the padding is of poor quality.
- They do not accommodate round or oval bars.
- You may want to change the straps especially when going on long journeys.
#3. TMS® 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Carrier Canoe Boat Surf Ski Roof Top Mount Car SUV Crossbar
TMS® 2 Pairs J-Bar Rack HD Kayak Rack is also a J-style carrier that comes in two pairs with the additional benefit of fitting all types of load bars. It has many advantages besides this.
Pros
- It has a steel design and protects the kayak through adjustable padding. The steel material makes these carriers strong and the padding protects both your vehicle and the craft.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty.
- All the mounting hardware is included in the package.
- It has rust resistant coating on all the surfaces. You may have to coat it again with rust resistant coating for it to last longer as the one it comes with comes off quickly.
Cons
- The hardware is of low quality and the rust coating comes off quickly.
- They fit loosely on some bars.
- The bolts may have to be replaced with longer ones.
#4. 2 Pairs Universal J Shape Steel Kayak Canoe Paddle Surf Snow Board Carrier Roof Rack Car Top Mount
2 Pairs Universal J Shape Steel Kayak Rack are made of steel and designed with the padding that most have to protect the kayak. They can carry up to 75 lbs and will accommodate various shapes of crossbars.
Pros
- They are easy to install on your vehicle. The installation is pretty straight forward with these carriers.
- They are strong and will withstand long journeys at reasonable speeds.
- The padding will protect your craft during transportation and also prevent your vehicle from being dented.
Cons
- You will have to replace the straps right away as they are not strong enough.
- The hardware is of poor quality and will also need to be replaced.
#5. ROLA (59912) J Style Kayak Carrier Roof Rack
ROLA (59912) J Style Kayak Carrier Roof Rack are designed for a wide range of water crafts. They are strong and designed to last for years. They come with heavy duty straps and tie downs and have foam support to protect your craft. This is one of the few carriers that actually come with strong straps that you will not have to replace immediately. They are made from powder coated steel and are rust resistant.
Pros
- They attach with wing nuts by hand making fitting less cumbersome.
- They are easy to install and compatible with most types of crossbars. They also come with clear instructions on installation.
- They are strong and durable as they are made of strong steel material. They are also rust resistant and thus can be used near salt water.
Cons
- Instruction manual is online requiring you to have a printer to get a hard copy. Downloading it on your phone will help you to install it.
- You may need to cut the straps to the correct size. However you have the option to tie them down.
- The bolts that come with the product may also need to be replaces with shorter ones.
#6. ABN J-Rack – Roof Top Mounted Kayak Canoe SUP Ski Surf Carrier for Car/Truck/SUV, All Weather Resistant Steel J Bar
ABN J-Rack – Roof Top Mounted Kayak Rack is a great carrier for those who want one which requires a tool-less installation. The hardware is simple to install and remove and it has a wide frame which allows for ease of loading and unloading. It is made of strong steel material and all the surfaces have been coated to endure rust-resistance. The capacity on this carrier is 75 pounds with a width of 36 inches.
Pros
- It is easy to install these carriers and your will do it without tools. For those who are not adept at installations, this carrier will put your fears to rest. You will have it assembled within a short time.
- They are made of strong materials. These carriers will last for a long time.
Cons
- Straps that come with it have to be replaced. The straps are too weak to use on your craft and you will have to buy stronger ones.
#7. Genuine Subaru E361SXA200 Kayak Carrier
Genuine Subaru E361SXA200 Kayak Carrier is a top brand for those who are looking for Subaru manufactured carriers. They are designed to fit well with the vehicle and they come with quality straps. This product however comes with all parts guaranteed to work and in the correct size.
Pros
- They are manufactured for Subaru vehicles. You can thus be sure that they will be compatible with your vehicle.
- This product like other name brands in the market is guaranteed to last for a long time. It is very strong and durable.
Cons
- You will need to purchase the Subaru clamps and cross bars separately.
In most of these carriers, you will have to replace the straps that come with the package. The bolts also may either be too long or too short. You will also need to have some handy tools like a wrench to help you with the installation. Consider your vehicle height as well because some people have found that after the installation, their vehicle will not fit in the garage. This means constant installing and uninstalling the carrier which can be cumbersome.
Price considerations may also come into play. If you are not a brand enthusiast, the options for your can be great. The customer reviews will also help you to identify what will be a good fit for you. Take your time in making a choice and then go for it.
