Thule SlipStream XT Kayak Rack
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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.
Shop similar products- 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 two 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
- Boat weight should not exceed 75 lbs.
Made in USA.
| Best Use | Kayaking |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16 pounds |
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slipstream review
#1 the craddle that slides out and in is sluggish at best without a boat and with one, hard to push back #2 it has no security and has 8 bolts with thumb wheel nuts that easy to remove (Thule's party line is to use their "security cables" which of course, take two seconds to snip through #3 tedious to assemble and position, but that would be OK if the final configuration were worth it #4 it has no security [integral to it] #5 it is not cheap for what it does
Freedom to go it alone/happy back!
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.
Wish I could give it five stars
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.
4.5 out of 5. Great for the vertically challenged!
I really like this rack. I am 5'3" and drive an SUV so I obviously needed a rack with load assist. With this rack, I can load my kayak with relative ease. It was super easy to put together and install, and the kit comes with everything you need to tie down your kayak. I still need a step ladder to get my kayak up on the roof of my car and strapped down, but without the rack I would never be able to get out on the water by myself. Minus 0.5 stars for wind noise.
Kayak Flat 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.