Facebook Twitter Instagram
    FeedTheHabit.com
    • Home
    • Gear Reviews
      • Mountain Biking
      • Road Biking
      • Bike Commuting
      • Trail Running
      • Skiing
      • Outdoors
      • Water Sports
      • Vehicles
    • News
    • Trip Reports
    • Videos
    FeedTheHabit.com
    Kuat Class 2 Rack Review
    Gear Reviews

    Kuat Class 2 Kayak Rack Review

    Eric MillerBy Eric MillerAugust 7, 2019No Comments4 Mins Read

    If you’ve got a kayak and you’ve got a car then you’re definitely going to need to get a rack. There’s a lot of options on the market. If you’re looking for a solid rack with a good set of features and you don’t want to break the bank, look no further than the Kuat Class 2 Kayak Rack. While the Class 2 falls in line with the standard J-style rack, Kuat includes a lot of features to make it more user friendly.

    If you’re looking to take it up a notch, then take a look at Kuat’s other kayak rack, the Class 4.

    Kuat Class 2 Kayak Rack Features:

    • Kayak carrier holds up to 80 lb. boats
    • Fixed J shape is secure and stable
    • Co-molded rubber offers protection for your boat
    • Includes rubber-protected cam buckles and bow and stern lines
    • Kuat offers a No Worries warranty
    • Dimensions: 24 x 16 x 8 inches
    • Weight: 12 pounds
    • Price: $159
    Kuat Class 2 Rack Review
    Kuat Class 2 (tested here) on the left and Class 4 on the right.

    Class 2 cradles your boat

    What I appreciate the most about the Kuat Class 2 Kayak Rack is how wide the cradle is. It accommodates a lot of different boat sizes and keeps the loading and unloading manageable. You don’t need to be as precise when setting the boat into the cradle as the front arm of the cradle is deep enough to catch your boat.

    Kuat did strategically place rubber pads throughout the cradle, providing two key benefits. First, to act as a buffer for all potential contact points to protect your boat. Second, to help hold it in place when loading but also as extra insurance to hold it in place when strapped down.

    Rubber pads protect your boat and help keep it in place.

    The Class 2 also comes with a set of solid tie down straps (the same straps as the Class 4) and bow and stern straps. A dedicated strap slot on top of the cradle helps keep your straps organized. The lower strap feeds around your crossbars to keep your boat in place. The straps are plenty long, the buckles are burly and coated (easy on the hands and your car), and feature a small hook-and-loop strap to hold the tail in place.

    Burly buckles are easy on the hands and your gear.

    Installing the Class 2 was more difficult than the Class 4. Each mount is held in place by four bolts and wingnuts. The configuration of my factory rack provided very little clearance to maneuver each bolt and wingnut in place. I almost wasn’t able to install it but fortunately there was just barely enough clearance so I could mount it. Once mounted, the Class 2 is sturdy. One item to note, the rack doesn’t lock to the crossbars.

    The wingnuts to attach the rack had extremely tight clearance on my factory rack.

    All in all, the Class 2 is easy to use, well constructed, and will do a solid job in hauling your boat to and from the water.

    The Good

    • Straps integrate nicely
    • Wide design accommodates many boat sizes
    • Rubber pads protect your boat and keep it in place
    • Best kayak straps I’ve ever used

    The Bad

    • Tight fit to install on standard roof racks
    • Mounts don’t lock to the crossbars

    The Bottom Line: Kuat Class 2 Kayak Rack

    The Kuat Class 2 Kayak rack is a solid, utilitarian rack to haul your boat to and from the water. Solid construction, ease of use, and thoughtful design set this rack a part from other basic, J-style racks.

    Buy Now: Pick one up at REI

    54
    SHARES
    ShareTweet
    Kuat
    Previous ArticleRoval CLX 32 650b Disc Wheelset Review
    Next Article Kapow! Bontrager Bat Cage Review
    Eric Miller

    Eric is a UT native who currently resides in the Wasatch Back. He always takes his passion of the outdoors with him. Skiing, trail running, bike commuting, backpacking and camping fuel his outdoor endeavors. As a husband and proud father of 5 daughters he looks forward to passing on his passion for the outdoors.

    You Might Also Like

    Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review

    March 22, 2023

    Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review

    March 20, 2023

    Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review

    March 15, 2023

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    Most Popular

    Wahoo ELEMNT Rival Multisport GPS Watch Review

    March 9, 2022

    Montec Fawk Ski Jacket and Bib Review

    February 28, 2022
    8.9

    Zipp 303 S Carbon Wheelset Review

    November 4, 2021
    9.2

    SRAM Rival XPLR eTap AXS Groupset Review

    August 12, 2022
    8.5

    Canyon Lux Trail CF 7 Review

    November 28, 2022

    SRAM Rival/GX AXS Mullet Gravel Kit Review

    September 17, 2021
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 TLR Wheelset Review

    June 18, 2020
    9.4

    Roval CL 50 Disc Wheelset Review

    September 13, 2019
    9.1

    Bontrager Aeolus Pro 51 TLR Wheelset Review

    September 9, 2021

    Review: SRAM Force XPLR eTap AXS for Road?

    October 5, 2022
    Follow Us
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    Advertisement
    Our Latest Posts
    • Fresh Goods: Redshift Arclight PRO Clipless and Flat Pedals
    • Velocio Concept Merino Long Sleeve Jersey Review
    • Arc’teryx Rush SK 16 Backpack Review
    • Giro Montaro MIPS II Helmet Review
    • Outdoor Vitals Vario Jacket Review
    • Santini Gravel Bib Tights Review
    • Sportneer K1 Massage Gun Review
    • Review: Giro Latch Mountain Bike Shoes
    • Rapha Pro Team Long Sleeve Gore-Tex Infinium Jersey Review
    • Rab Xenair Alpine Light Insulated Jacket Review
    About Us
    About Us

    Since 1999, we have delivered in-depth gear reviews, articles and content. We feature a small staff of savvy, experienced writers who love to review outdoor gear.

    External links to Amazon, REI, Backcountry and other retailers include affiliate codes that give us a small commission on each sale.

    To contact us or learn more, go to our About Us page.

    © FeedTheHabit.com 1999 - 2023. All rights reserved.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.