Customer Reviews

Yakima BigStack Rooftop Canoe, Kayak, or Surfboard Rack with Tie Down

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

We got the Bigstack to carry two Perception Swifty Kayaks. We used it to take them on vacation from PA to NC.
While some reviews indicated they did not seem very secure, that was not our experience. Our's were mounted on our Toyota Highlander factory roof rack. The strapping system was designed well and if you follow the directions, they are very secure. While the product states you can carry up to 4 kayaks, it would be tight to do so with our roof rack but possible. It definitely would carry 3 Swifties without a problem. Our kayaks are 9 1/2 feet long. A friend just purchased the same system for their Swifty and a 12ft kayak. They are also pleased with the Bigstack.

We also purchased cockpit covers to help with wind resistance which also allowed for storage in the kayak.

The only drawback is getting the kayaks lifted onto the roof, but that is the case with most any system.

I hope this helps you with your decision!

I was not totally sure i would like this system when i ordered it. I had a wooden setup that i built on my last car that was solid as a rock and you could slap 4 kayaks on it easily. I got a new car and didn't want to put "the picnic table" as all of my friends called it on my sweet new ride. After a few weeks of research i went with the Yakima Big Stacker because people seemed to like it and you could get locking cylinders (sold separately) for it. When i got them i was not sure of the durability of the product but i have been using them all summer and they are great. I kayak 4 to 5 days a week so i am using them alomst daily and have had no trouble with them. I have taken multiple kayaks from Pittsburgh to the Outer Banks without trouble. i usually only have 1 to 2 kayaks on but i have hauled 4 at a time and they were all on solidly. They are also very easy to use. Great product, well worth the money, low profile when not in use for good looks and better gas milage, can be locked onto the bars for security and looks a bit better than the picnic table.

Bought this item to use with my Nissan Xterra. Installation was very easy and once attached, does not need to be removed every time it is not in use because of the fold down feature. I have hauled up to 3 kayaks with it. Easy on and easy off gets me to and from the water faster. Plenty of straps with good solid buckles. Fast and easy to tighten with no slipping. I would recommend this carrier to anyone who wants a secure and easy way to haul their gear.

This item installed in just 5 or 10 minutes from the time we opened the box. Nice construction, and our 2 kayaks didn't budge an inch once they were strapped in. And, there's still enough space for us to transport 2 bicycles on the same rack at the same time that we transport 2 kayaks.

This is a bit expensive considering what it is, but in my opinion that's true of all of Yakima's and Thule's products. It's certainly cheaper than having your kayak slide off of the roof at 60MPH.

WOW! 3 kayaks rode from Florida to Ohio in the snow without a hitch. They did exactly what they were supposed to do. The only complaint that I have are the straps that came with it. I guess I should have put more twists in the front one or put a towel underneath it so I wouldn't have lost all the paint on my hood.

I have been using Yakima kayak stackers for as many years as they have been made. The Big Stack is the worse of a line that just gets worse. It looks beefy, but the key parts are flimsy. One pop rivet through thin plastic holds the upright. A tiny bit of plastic makes the hinge where it attaches to the bar. An equally tiny bit of plastic holds the screw latch. The key stress points are pathetic. In addition, the push button that allows fold down is hard to depress, but that doesn't matter, since there is not enough friction to keep the stackers from rotating into the down position with a gentle push of the hand (or a bouncy road). However, the most annoying thing is the fact that when you remove them from the cross bars, they fall into at least four seperate pieces. Four seperate pieces that are a pain to re-assemble. I kept buying Yakima parts because I'm heavily invested with multiple cars, ski and bike racks. I wish I had started with Thule...

I have had the big stacks for well over a year now and could not be more satisfied with them. They fold down when not in use. Easy to attach. I am using them on a 1999 Ford Explorer with factory crossbars. I would purchase another set in a heartbeat if I needed another set.

It's good enough that I've learned it's name.

I use it on my Kia Optima with a Yakima Q-tower and 48" round rod system. I've carried sit-on-top and traditional kayaks. The ropes and tighteners have held up well after 10+ uses.

I thoroughly recommend the Big Stack!

I initially had reservation about using this stacker to transport 4 kayaks. After a few trial runs, I no longer have any reservation. This stacker is easy to install and provides a very stable platform to secure the kayaks. Only problem is that when installed on top of my minivan, its a long stretch. I bought a 3 step step stool to get the height. Otherwise its great.

I put this on my car and loaded two kayaks with no problem. I also switched to a single set up with ease. After a couple short trips, I loaded up two kayaks and drove over 1500 miles one way with no problems. I have an XTerra with the flat roof rack cross bars and it mounted easily.