Hull-a-port XT 848

I have been using a set of folding Thule kayak racks for several years now and decided it was time for an upgrade. The Hull-a-port XT racks are simple and sturdy in design. They install very easily and quickly and are much more secure. My previous racks had a tendency to loosen where they attached to my aero bars which always made me nervous. These new racks don't seem to have that problem and stay nice and tight. I really like how the Hull-a-port XT racks have an angle to the bottom edge that supports the kayak much better and prevents the kayak from sliding off the rack while securing the straps. I had to be careful loading my kayaks on the previous racks in windy conditions as they had the tendency to be blown off the racks. I usually had someone hold the kayaks to keep them from blowing off the racks while I secured the straps. The bottom angle of the new racks prevents the kayak from slipping off and is a huge design improvement. The Hull-a-port XT look great on my car and and catch less wind when folded down then the other racks I was using. They bounce less and really secure my kayaks well for safe travel. The only reason I don't give them 5 stars is that I find securing the straps to the aero bars of the roof rack rather then the kayak racks themselves is a bit cumbersome. The other reason these racks didn't get 5 stars from me is that my previous folding Thule racks had an area below each rack bracket designed specifically to store and hold the excess strap. The new Hull-a-port XT racks do not have this so you have to wrap the extra strap length around the aero bars and tie them off or find another creative way to keep them from flapping in the wind while you drive. With all of the excellent work that went into designing these racks I am actually surprised there was no consideration given to securing the extra strap like previous models. Overall I am extremely happy with these racks and would recommend them. I purchased the racks from Performance Kayak (www.performance-kayak.com) who have always been extremely helpful in making sure I purchase kayaks and equipment that meet my individual needs.

I used this to put my Riot Edge kayak on my Subaru Forester. Nice tight hold on the kayak. However, after only a few times using the rack the foam back bottom pieces began to get loose and fell off a couple of times. Easy on and off. The tie downs were the best part. I sold the kayak and the rack went with it.

I would recommend for anyone looking to move their kayak without having to top mount it on cross bars.

They work great for carrying 2 kayaks on a vehicle, but it is hard work getting even a 45 lb. kayak up on these j-hooks, on top of a small SUV. We have almost had the kayaks fall off while loading. Also, racks are very noisy when no kayak is strapped in.

I would opt for a lower profile kayak rack if I only needed to carry one kayak.

I've been using Thule racks on my cars and trucks since the mid-1980's. My kayak saddles (from 1987) have worked well, but I thought I would try out the Hull-a-Port. I wish I hadn't.

They are made to universally fit all bar shapes, which means they do not firmly lock on to the regular square Thule bar profile. When you try to reposition a heavy boat they tend to rotate on the bars. In addition, they are super tall so even my little Audi wagon has trouble fitting in an average parking garage. Gas mileage also takes a big hit. I ended up taking them off and threw them in the corner of my garage and went back to my 20 year old saddles. This is the first piece of Thule gear that I have been disappointed in.

The new version that folds should be better. I may give those a try...