Yakima Strap Thang- Surfboard attachment issue.
Written: Dec 04 '05 (Updated Jan 13 '06)
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Pros: Easy of use in securing boards- easy tension attachment
Cons: Design Defect-Rubber comes undone from collar attachment
The Bottom Line: Do not purchase this for the following reasons-undependable-rubber strap comes undone from coller. Since your dependent on them to secure your boards it's a design defect.
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| surf1div1's Full Review: Yakima Strap Thang |
This is an update to an earlier post I had on this attachment system. First, the Rack itself is fine. This review specifically address’s the method of attachment of this accessory (the Strap Thang) to the rack is what I'm specifically rating. I used this system to secure surfboards to the top of my car. The rubber is threaded through a round collar and then looped back over a open collar to keep from coming undone. While this ease of use is a great feature of the rack, it's also the Achilles heel when it comes to peace of mind.
Here is a site showing the nomenclature of what I'm referring to-
http://www.rack-it.com/store/yakima-strapthang-4014_p_78157.html
Viewing this site, you'll see that the ends of the straps are loose in the picture. If the loose parts come undone from the top collar the rubber will pull out since there is no longer anything holding the rubber ends in the collars. Additionally, if the rubber pulls out- the items your securing, if it has enough surface area (as in a surfboard) this area will be used with the wind to undo the security of straps due the additional resistance of the surfboard (in my case) to pull these rubber strap ends out of the collar. Bye-Bye whatever your holding down.
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I've read some of the other reviews on this product and one of this states that he's had the straps 8 years and he takes them on and off because their rubber to keep them longer. While I appreciate going to the trouble of doing that on some cars that are low enough to do that, I would have a problem reaching all the way over from one side of car to the other to do that on four different attachment points (two per set). That itself just isn't necessary on normal surfboard racks-and that makes it "high maintenance" to me. Optimally you want a rack that is secure and that you don't have to worry about having to do that every time you’re not using it-especially if the roof line is high or your car is wide.
In addition, there's another issue with using this system-Yakima charges you not only $50 for the Strap Thang, but if you want the crossbar pads, that's additional- another $25. That brings the cost to each set to $75 if you’re planning on using this for surfboards.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): $50+
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Epinions.com ID:
surf1div1
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Location: Simi Valley
Reviews written: 2
Trusted by: 0 members
About Me:
47 Year guy who happens to enjoy Mountain Biking,surfing, Diving and Spearfishing.
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