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Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack

$339.95

(3)

Item # 784540

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Great for SUVs or cars with forward mounted racks, the Thule SlipStream XT is a fully adjustable kayak carrier that provides contact-free loading of a kayak onto almost any vehicle.

Sliding base adjusts the roller position to prevent the bow of the kayak from coming in contact with the vehicle when loading
Rear felt glide saddles are fully adjustable and allow the kayak to easily slide forward when loading
Saddles in the front are also fully adjustable; rubber pads lock the kayak into position when transporting
Saddles also adjust front to back on base, allowing them to be placed at the strongest sections of the kayak
Includes 2 - 15 ft. straps for securing boat; carries 1 kayak
Includes 1 pair of QuickDraw ratcheting bow/stern tie-down straps
Custom mounting hardware fits square bars, round bars, most aftermarket and factory-installed racks; see Thule Fit Guide
Boat weight should not exceed 75 lbs.

Please note: Thule products cannot be shipped to Canadian addresses.

Made in USA.

Item 784540

Oversize shipping charge ($15) applies.
Or ship for FREE with REI Store Pickup.

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Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack

4.3

(based on 3 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Easy to install (3)
Stable (3)

Cons

Best Uses

- Reviewer Profile:
- Intermediate (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)

Reviewed by 3 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-3

May

2013

5.0

Freedom to go it alone/happy back!

By Montana yakker

from Bigfork, MT

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Install
Easy To Use
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

SUV's

Comments about Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack:

I'm in my mid-50's and when I really stand tall reach 5'1". I purchased a 12.0 foot 38lb Persuasion Tribute kayak (which I love) so I could get out on the water whenever I wanted and not be held back by my partner or friends' schedules. Problem? I have a 2006 Rav 4 - loading ANYTHING on top, no matter how light, is quite the circus act for someone with who's vertically challenged like me.

After two seasons of climbing up on top and balancing on the door hinge to strap things down, I decided to invest the big bucks into the Thule Slipstream. Got it installed onto the Toyota factory rack easily and...wow! Am I ever glad I did this. I'm f-r-e-e to play whenever I want now! And...probably saving a lot on chiropractic bills!

If you're struggling with loading your kayak on your own - this is a fantastic solution.

I used it twice this past weekend so can't REALLY say how stable or durable it is - but it sure seems like it's well made.

Comment on this review

Sep

2012

4.0

Wish I could give it five stars

By emiller45

from Cortez, CO

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Durable
Easy To Install
Easy To Use
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Heavier Longer Boats

Comments about Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack:

I bought the Slip Stream to use with an Old Town Vashon 14.5 feet long (same hull etc as the Cayuga)

The length of the rack is a real advantage over using the stock cross bars because it adds stability to hold the longer boat. I can easily load the 14.5 ft, 60 pound kayak on top of the camper shell of a high clearance Toyota Tacoma by myself.

However, the unit depends on the friction of the rubber surface on the front saddles to hold the boat stable and the saddles have a flat surface. Thule does a disclaimer regarding keeping sand away from the saddle - it decreases the friction of the rubber and the boat slips. In my neck of the woods, sand and recreational kayaking are pretty much inseparable and I had problems with the boat slipping out of the front saddles. I replaced the front saddles with some that have a different shape and tie down mechanism and it works great.

Short story: This is a well designed unit except the saddles may not work well for all boats. I would recommend this rack and would give it five stars if not for the issue with the saddles.

I still believe it is the best roller type roof rack out there.

Service and delivery comments:

Bought the unit at the Flagship Store in Denver. Excellent service by the staff.

Comment on this review

Jun

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Kayak Flat Rack

By DiamondSky

from CT

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy To Install
Stable

Cons

Tricky for 1 person to do

Best Uses

Small Cars

Comments about Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack:

Very secure, easy to mount on car - we've a low car. It's tricky for one person to load a heavy kayak, if you've kevlar you're in good shape. I need help w/my 45 pd, 17.5 ft kayak, the bulk is hard to get onto the edge of the slipstream solo, once there quite easy to shift etc.