That definitely understandable! I just never get very much water in any of my boats unless I swim, and thankfully that’s a rare thing for me, so using a sponge for a second seems easier and gets that small amount of water completely out. I certainly know a lot of people who drain real amounts of water out after every paddle though, so I can see why not everyone would feel the same as me re drain plugs. Thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼
130 pounds is a marathon runner. 130 Pounds is just over a horse jockey. 130 pounds is me as a slender 6th grader. To say this makes a huge difference in boat performance is quite the understatement.
Haha, well it is what it is. I don’t run marathons and I don’t jockey horses, and no matter how much I eat I don’t gain weight. And yeah, it def makes a boat perform differently than someone with say 50 more lbs in same size boat. And being light and tall means I can’t always fit in the size I should be in for my weight. I’ve def found a lot of boats that do fit me well though: M Antix 2, M Flow, S Gnar, S Firecracker, S Ripper 2, etc.
Small Gnarvana is almost an oxymoron, since it is designed to kill it by being huge with huge rocker. Very interesting to hear from a boater on the heavy side of the scale to say he did not feel the rails pre-engaging.
It’s definitely at the medium end of small, which is a size that often fits me best. I know a lot of smaller boaters, esp women, who felt the S Gnar was too large bc of this. I ended up in a M Flow, which is only 1” longer than S Gnar, and one of the reasons I like it more is bc the rails are a little more defined/engaged.
Looked into this rack due to the total wheel locking system. Ultimately the price was just too much and went with the Thule xt pro. Seems like a great rack but damn is it expensive. Excellent reviews btw.
That’s understandable. It is definitely expensive, even compared to other high end tray racks. The Thule is a nice rack too, and I’m sure will serve you well. If you haven’t already, you may want to check out my comparison btwn XT Pro and NV 2.0 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8DM0JkyNicc.htmlsi=mXEUiAu144ro88KP
I think I heard you have a tall/slender build in one of you other videos. I’m 5’-11”/180lbs. In between M and L for Antix 2.0. I’m curious if your height has ever caused any discomfort or fit challenges in your M Antix.
Yeah, I’m 6’ 135#, size 10 street shoes. No real issues w fit for me in M Antix 2. I’d prefer higher knees (like my S Firecracker has), and I can’t wear bulky footwear, but otherwise it’s fine. I can wear size 11 Hiyaks (sized up for dry suit booties), just not full on shoes/boots. Hope that helps. Thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼
That word "THEORECTICAL" is scarry as it relates to the Thule. Since crooks don't care they have no qualms about chaining up your T2 and snatching it from your hitch. They now have a several hundred dollar bike rack.
Yeah, I can’t disagree with you there. It’s definitely possible to compromise a locking hitch pin (like the Kuat uses) too, but I still think it’s more secure than what Thule is doing to secure their rack. Thx for watching and commenting.
Thanks for your work on this. I wanted to know how both of these racks compare when the tailgate of a truck is down. Does it clear on either rack? It doesnt look like it does. I know this is old but maybe you or someone else can answer this question. There’s a sale going on right now and I was curious.
Thank you. I think it might depend on the truck, but you are correct that with my Tacoma both racks do touch the tailgate. I made another comparison video between two Kuat racks (Piston and NV 2.0), and I’m pretty sure I lower the tailgate in that one, so you could at least see it for the Kuat rack. It’s here if you’re interested: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-3lJjzE8Mh1o.htmlsi=8av3KqaOskevJrbU
Thanks! I’m glad it was helpful. Nice choice with the Kuat and glad you got it assembled. I’m sure you are enjoying the ease of use over your old hanging rack. Tray racks are so nice for day to day use.
The added wheels are nice for sure, but I still think build quality on the Kuat is better. More metal, more solid, better finish. Release handle on Thule is a nice feature too though. Can’t go wrong with either tbh.
I like that this popped up after I bought the Thule lol. Both look like great bike racks. The Thule was available at the bike store. I like it. It now comes with wheels so you can push or pull it on your driveway. I like the bike holder on the other rack. Overall I’m satisfied with my purchase.
Both are super solid racks, and I agree that the wheels on the XTR are super convenient. Glad you’re enjoying the new rack, and thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼
Haha, neither do those shades and that v-neck your sporting brah! 😎😜 Seriously though, I’m sure you’ll be very happy to know that most of those stickers have been removed from that vehicle, and the Tacoma has been limited to a very sensible number of stickers (3) as well. 🙄
That’s a good question, but unfortunately it’s one I can’t help with since I’m in OR where it only snows at elevation and they don’t use salt on the roads. My old stomping grounds were WI though, so I know what you mean about how much that salt can take a toll on things. I’m guessing they would do ok since they have auto quality finishes, and the Pro has an even more durable coating, but I can’t say from experience.
U think these would rub i got 265/70/17 hunter venom tires but want to move up to 75's they ride smooth just like the falken look? Also its for a tacoma 2014
Hi Kevin, I gonna have a chance visiting Poland next month, looking forward to buying one of this. You still like this paddle? How do you evaluate it after so long?
Nice! I’m still loving this paddle. The plastic ferrule failed on my first one, so I glued it into a 1-piece paddle and the replacement paddle is my 2-piece now. It has an aluminum ferrule that has been great! Good luck with your visit to Poland. Sounds fun! 🇵🇱
@@kevinhill.8 thanks for this video! It seems the G-Power is a great paddle, but the joint seems to be a major concern. So your first one broke and you just ended up gluing it together? I am in the market for a new paddle and would like to get a two piece to use for playboating and creeking.
Can you speak to the cable lock insert? No protection from mud, dirt, water freezing into ice. If it’s all gummed up what do you do? No rubber cap to protect it. It’s a big deal for me so please let us know if it’s been a problem. Thx
I had one other person ask about this so double checked and it’s just an open hole that goes into the rack itself. I even poured water in and it flows out from any number of large openings in the rack itself. So no worries re water, ice, mud, etc. in my opinion. Hope that helps.
Thanks for the excellent review! You did a great job comparing all the practical features and usage concerns that people have when actually using these racks, instead of all the marketing-speak usually seen in sponsored review videos.
Two extremely good racks each with pros & cons...a tough decision but thanks to your thorough review, I feel confident in making my decision....the Kuat. Appreciate all your time & effort!!!
tbh, both of these bike racks are better than 1UP. I like how easy it is to adjust the rack position. with 1UP you gotta pay extra $99 for that feature.
I’m really interested in demoing this boat. Called Next Adventure and their Flow (maybe it’s this same one?) has been damaged and out of service. I’ve yet to see one in the wild but am really curious about it.
Yeah, probably the same boat. I wonder why it’s out of commission. Definitely give it a try when you get a chance. I’m more impressed with it all the time.
Nice review, have you considered the Kuat 10" Hi-Lo Extension? I have a Tacoma as well, and hoping the extension adds enough clearance to open the tailgate. Thanks again for the review!
Thx for watching and commenting. That’s a great idea, and one I had not really considered for tailgate clearance. I think it would def do the trick. Rack would prob be a little more wobbly when sticking out further, but I doubt it would be a problem. 👍🏼
Instead of these racks that hold (barely) the front wheels, why not have a rack that requires the removal of the front wheels and attach them to the rack using a fork mount. That would make the rack much lighter, hold the bikes better, and the big thing make the width of the bikes on the rack about 15" shorter. You would then be able to see the stop lights on the vehicle. Maybe you could even see them with a cover on the bikes. You could bungee the front wheels between the bikes or even keep the wheels in the vehicle. I may actually try this with my modify Thule T2 Pro XTR and see if it works. Anyone tried this? The new 29" mountain bikes are huge and stick out past the sides on may vehicles. This would help that for sure. Maybe Thule or Kuat could make this item.
Interesting idea. They make plenty of front wheel off options for the roof, and the bed of the truck, but I’ve never seen it for the hitch. Personally I like not having to take a wheel on/off, and I’ve never had any issue w these racks letting a bike move around too much, even on rough roads.
16:15 hey man great video. I know this is older but I hope you're using LOCKING carabiners for that. Probably won't happen, but non-locker clipping you unintentionally would be super mega no bueno.
Thx for watching and commenting. I think you are referring to the little carabiner that is helping keep the float bags from coming out. Those are not locking, nor do they need to be imo, for two reasons. First, they are tiny little toy carabiners, and would break under any real load. Second, they are buried deep in the stern of the boat, held there by the fact that they go under the stern pillar. I’m all about the use of locking carabiners when they are anywhere that is exposed (like on a pfd), but these little guys in the location they are don’t concern me at all. 🤷🏼♂️
@kevinhill.8 yup those are what I'm talking about. I'd still recommend it as there are plenty of entrapment related senarios that are deadly, yet would put the victim in a position where it would be difficult to apply significant force to break them. You're right and it's like 10000000:1 anything like that would happen and to each their own, but cheap lockers just aren't that expensive imho.
No, I’ve never tried that! Does make sense that tray racks might be fine with touchless since the rack is pretty large and solid, so the sensors probably detect it. 🤷🏼♂️
I have a lower vehicle and was curious how far the base post sticks out from the hitch on the Piston Pro. NV 2.0 is 18" according to your other comparison video to the Thule XT (13").
Sry for the delay. I had to find time to measure this for you. The Piston Pro X sticks out about 13”, so similar to the Thule T2 Pro XT. This can vary a little, depending on how far into the receiver the pin hole is on your hitch. It’s about 15” from the hole to the back of the rack, so for most receivers (where the hole is inset about 2-2.5”) it will stick out about 12.5-13 inches. Hope that helps.
@kevinhill.8 Awesome thanks for checking that! I'm suprised it's that short. Looks like it sticks out as far as the NV 2.0 minus the knob on the NV. Maybe I'll get the Piston Pro then.
@frankschock9981 yeah, I was a little surprised too, but getting that knob off the end def helps. Pro X is a sweet rack; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 👍🏼
I’m fairly confident it would work fine. Might have a little rub under severe articulation, but unlikely under normal driving conditions. Maybe others will chime in with direct experience.
Great review, just curious on these style racks with the hold down arm that rest on the tire. I would think obviously that if your bike tire lost pressure everything would become very loose. Has anyone ever have this happen?
Thx for watching, and for your comment and question. Although things would probably become a bit loose, I don’t think it would be much of a problem, assuming you are using the arm correctly. It should be back near the fork, which means even if things loosened, it would not be able to come off the wheel. Hope that helps. Maybe others will share with direct experience about this. 👍🏼
Thanks for the review. Looking at the top of Piston Pro, I see a big hole where the lock cable goes. Is there a plug for that? Or does the rack just fill with water? Is there a drain hole elsewhere? Thanks in advance for any info.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I needed to go out and actually look at the rack. Turns out that hole is completely open and goes into the body of the rack. I poured some water in there to test it out, and it simply runs out of an open area a little further towards the hitch, which is a nice simple solution. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 👍🏼
How are you liking it for stern prys/ reverse sweeps? I haven't tried a forward set blade paddle. I'm just curious how it is for stern squirts/ downriver play. The bend looks comfortable. Thanks for all the great videos.
I haven’t found the Twister to give me any trouble with its crank forward design. The back face feels plenty powerful and I never noticed any added difficulty w rolling when I switched to this paddle from my straight-shaft Sho-Gun. The guy who introduced me to the paddle actually pointed out how much he liked the power of the back face when he let me borrow his. That said, I believe in Wade Harrison’s review of the twister, he felt the back face was lacking in power, so ymmv. It’s also nice to be able to adjust the length, since shortening it up a little is helpful when playing. 🤙🏼
