Convenient and Versatile: Malone Downloader Folding J-Style 🚗 Universal Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Bow and Stern Lines Review

The item shown does not match the model we received. A year ago we bought the model pictured elsewhere for our first kayak. This model works great. After we bought a second kayak, we needed another porter. So I assumed we bought the same model but got a slightly different one. After checking both boxes, neither box has a date, so it's not clear which model is the newest. The model numbers are the same. Two things about cases recently purchased from Revain: the handle locks are different and we…

It's been 8 weeks and about 12 kayak rides since I bought them. They live on my roof and haven't deteriorated at all, some air noise when folded but no whistling.I have an oval crossbar that is thicker on one side and it snaps into place very well with no movement (I used a wrench to tighten it.)I've used it with and without lines on the pommel and transom , they work well both ways but are noisy without extra lines (my crossbars bounce without them) I replaced the included traction straps with

After speaking to a Malone rep on the phone who convinced me that they are suitable for universal use on all crossbars, I decided to to take a risk. If she were to be more specific I would give 5/5 stars. If you have wide roll bars like on my 2011 RAV4, they're not sure to tighten to your liking without some trimming. Use a dremel (or saber saw like me lol) to cut a wider hole in the bottom of the plastic. Once you have the posts lined up the way you want them I recommend putting 3M non-slip…

Racks are strong and have a good attachment point. They're locked securely, both top and bottom, they're fine. Take your time fitting them and don't try to slam the parts, they don't seem to like it. The mounting clips are strong and have two screw lengths. Be sure to use the largest possible size so there is enough thread on the wing nuts. I was expecting four bolts per strut rather than two, but they show no tendency to twist or turn in a detrimental way. The stays show that they are great…

I bought this bag because I thought it would be a good bag for a mid-range kayak. I drove them on the Autobahn at 65, probably the recommended maximum. They do what they have to do. I recommend them if you're looking for foldable racks and don't want to pay the price of the Thule version. The straps that come with it work perfectly. I love that it comes with bow and stern lines if you're going at higher speeds. I have Thule Aeroblades handlebars and they are holding up well. Poorly. A lot more…

Pros: These are solid stands and the actual build quality is top notch. My favorite feature is that they fold in half so you don't have to ride them straight in the air all the time. The supplied straps are ideal for keeping the kayak firmly on the luggage rack. Not so good: I was disappointed when I first got them as they were said to fit aero bars. I have a 2012 Subaru WRX and I use factory roof rails that are aerodynamically oval. The bracket has a square slot in the middle only and no…

I have over 10 years experience with kayak racks and over the years have had 3 Thule 'J' racks and 1 Yakima rack. Malone's racks beat them all unconditionally. It seems heavier than others and more solidly built than other folding patterns I've used. The protective nylon sleeve on the handlebar padding is nice and will probably keep the padding intact; Some of the other models I had just had "raw" foam pads and started cracking after about a year. The attachment of these racks to the handlebars