Car roof rack suggestions

After XMAS I plan on getting my first kayak. I've talked about it for years but I'm making it happen foreal this time haha. Anyway I was wondering if anybody had suggestions on a good roof rack. I have a 2002 acura TL that I'll mainly use. I know its not the best option to transport a yak but hey its what I have. Its either that or put it on top of my camaro and that's not happening. I have a SUV but the wife drives that to work and I plan on fishing while shes at work and my kids are at school. I searched google and there are so many options I don't know where to start. Looking for a good quality one without necessarily breaking the bank. Thanks.

I usually haul 2 Hobie AI on my Corolla. You have no accuse.
I use Thule.

Yakima here, crossbars are stout, tons of accessories, for all of your outdoor stuff.
Thule and Yakima seem to be the most popular, and can be found used at much lower cost.

Personally I have a Thule

This thing is pretty sweet if you don't want to break the bank

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=75682.msg863913#msg863913

I would stick with Thule or Yakima.about a week ago a guy (might be on here) had a rhino rack on his civic. Well he lost his 2017 Hobie and half his rack on hwy 99. He even had bow straps but when the rack failed it ripped his front handle of where the strap was mounted.

I have a Yakima system on my Outback with a Rhino Rack-T-Loader (only necessary for bigger boats like the TI).
On my old Civic I had a used Thule system that I used to carry two kayaks many times.

Don't skimp on a roof rack system. Thule or Yakima. And use bow and stern ties.

Can't go wrong with Thule or Yakima. I personally like Yakima.

A little advice... get long bars. It really helps with loading when they stick out a little. And, you can always cut them shorter if you want.


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You can get a generic one and save a bundle (i.e.http://www.prolineracks.com/proline-gmr165-rain-gutter-racks.html).  However, the generic bars may not work with other utilities. 

In my case, I wanted to use Thule's Hullavator and the Hullavator didn't work with the Proline rack (the rack itself is solid).  The proline racks do not come with the straps, but you can get them fairly cheap.  I also suggest that you get bow and stern straps for peace of mind.

You definitely can't go wrong with Thule or Yakima, but you also pay a premium for it.  Either way, I agree with AlexB, get the long bars.  Mine is 58" (I have them stick out about 8" on one side of the car).

I have a 2010 TL.

The Acura should be more than fine. As evidenced by this:



I'm using $45 generic aluminum bars from amazon/jet.com, but don't do that. I only did because, hey, my little tuna can wasn't made for this shit, and no responsible rack maker would make racks for it.

As for racks, the suggestions here are good; if you're freaked/concerned/not mechanically inclined, call Rack Solid in Berkeley for recommendations and/or installation. Not cheap, but super friendly, and they know their stuff.

Keep your eyes open on CL or our classified section for used sets. I bought my second set off a fellow member for half the cost and I just had to buy the correct fit kit for my car.

Good luck with finding your new kayak too!

Lots of great input in this thread. Thanks this forum is great

As others have noted Thule or Yakima. I have the Yakima round bar set up right now but I love the way the new thule aero and yakima jetstream look! not that looks are a deal breaker haha

Malone Autoracks also makes quality racks at a very reasonable price...I've been very happy with their product and often carry 2 or 3 yaks on top of my 4runner.

Here is their fit guide to see what they have available for your vehicle:

http://www.maloneautoracks.com/fitguide/

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Ok so I been looking around the net and pretty much decided I'll go with a yakima round bar set up with the hully rollers and mako saddles. Think I'm  set on getting a hobie outback and I think that rack would be the easiest for me to load and unload on my car. 99% of the time I fish alone so the rollers would help me get that big ol thing up there easier. Any reasons against this choice?