REVIEWS
of both . The rack carries our sea kayaks ’ combined weight ( about 50kg ) easily and with room to spare . Loading is a cinch ; having tried both the spacer adaptor that allows the straps to pass underneath the Hull-a-Port and the eyelet fixing , we ’ d say both are equally secure , although the eyelet is slightly less faff and faster in a way that ’ s welcome on freezing days . Our experience has been that the rack is solid with no rattles or whistles - either fully loaded or empty .
The drop bars sit neatly flush with the body , and driving locks prevent lateral movement . They are unlocked with a press click that allows the bars to slide out horizontally , where they will stay until the crank arm is engaged , so there is no danger of rack and contents descending before you ’ re ready . We ’ ve been known to slide out the unloaded rack to hang wetsuits and kit on to dry on campouts .
To drop the rack , the crank arm is pulled out and turned towards the user ; it comes down slowly and perfectly under control . If at any point the operation is paused , even if the rack hasn ’ t fully descended , it stops and won ’ t move until the crank starts up again . To return the rack to the roof , the crank is turned in the opposite direction , and again , it won ’ t slide back down if it is paused on the way up . We have fallen into the practice of having one person with a hand on the back of the rack , the other turning the crank to raise it , but it is reassuringly solid and safe to use just by one person . Once the rack is pushed in at the top , the driving locks engage automatically , and then you ’ re good to go .
Getting two kayaks onto the roof of a T5 always takes some commitment , and this has been a game-changer . Weekend getaways are faster and loading after a full day on the sea , while not ever looked forward to , is at least now not anticipated with dread . There ’ s no question that the Droprack isn ’ t cheap and something of an investment . However , the quality of the construction , together with its versatility and ease of operation , makes it a worthy one . Product tested : Dropracks XL 160cm Price as tested : £ 1500