JayLow

Bought two pair of the JayLows for our first season of kayaking, because we purchased 3 kayaks. The JayLows on the driver's side of the car whine at 35+ mph because of the three holes in the base for the screw tighteners (not an issue when mounted on the passenger side of the car). Black electrical tape over the holes solved the problem. We like the shape of the JayLows and the versatility in mounting one or two kayaks. Also purchased the SKS locks for the both sets for the peace of mind: easy to install. We have been kayaking every Saturday since Memorial Day weekend and have not experienced any problems, although we have not traveled any further than an hour away. My only concern with these racks is the looseness when in the vertical position. I would expect them to snap into place without any wobble.

I have bought 3 sets of these. They works good but the quality for price is not that great. I recently went on a trip to arkansas and 100 mi into the trip with no warning or visual problems the clamp broke on one set almost sending my kyak off the roof and into interstate traffic at 70 mph. I have used them several times before this happened so I know how to strap down my kyaks. The clamp just broke! Also the grey pads the 1st time I strapped down my kyaks came loose. After 1.5 yrs now of having and using them 2 of the 3 sets the grey pads are loose. Not a huge problem other than water from rain sitting in the base of them and slowly dripping out. (The 3rd set is brand new to replace the set that the clamp broke on.) This is the last set of the racks I will buy. I bought it on my trip to get my kyaks home and finish the trip. For the price to quality I will find something else and try the Thule j-racks. In my opinion these are only worth $150 for the quality.

After a couple of season with moderate use, the vise clamp broke in two resulting in one of the kayaks coming off the car in traffic. Fortunately minimal damage to car and kayak. Part is not listed for spare parts.

I bought the JLow system for the reasonable price and versatility in mounting 2 kayaks. You could theoretically mount a 3rd kayak if your vehicle has a wide roof and you stack the 2nd and 3rd flat (depending on the boats you’re carrying). The straps are pretty basic and as one reviewer pointed out, the brackets aren’t stainless steel. Of course you want to spread your roof racks far apart and use the bow and stern tie downs with bow in the front so you’re not scooping wind into the open bow. Regardless, you should use a cockpit cover to avoid any wind force. Another reviewer mentioned the wind noise when the cradle is down. Don’t know why Yakima didn’t test that issue and I don’t like to put mine up cuz I might forget about it when pulling into my garage or other parking garage around town. My solution is to cut pieces of a pool noodle, put a half-round under my crossbar and a narrow cross section wedged into the crack between the bracket mount and folding bar. Anything stuck in that gap will eliminate the noise.

I have two Eddyline Equinox (14’). Just returned to AZ from a 3000 mile round trip to the Oregon Coast. Had to evacuate Lincoln City and drive south through insane wind and smoke, along with constant semis, on I 5 (not my first choice, but the only road open). The J Lows, attached to factory Subaru Outback crossbars, were absolutely rock solid the whole way. I did add the Subaru sunroof visor, which removes the whining from the racks, both deployed and folded. I never leave racks on the car, as the AZ sun will eat them up. J Lows are so easy to remove, it is a no brainer to take them off when not in use. Absolutely love these racks.

I’ve used the JayLow twice to transport our kayaks. Set up was not too bad, but right away as we tightened the straps holding the kayaks in place the gray rubber the kayaks are seated in come out of the mount. For the price of these mounts I didn’t expect that sort of defect. I purchased two pairs from different stores and each set did the same thing. Disappointing.

The bar, bar screws and clamp screws are carbon steel and will rust quickly when exposed to salt water. These should ALL be stainless steel or anodized marine grade aluminum as kayaks are commonly used in salt water. Same goes for strap cam clamps.

I bought these and have taken them on a few trips so far but have only had them for a few months. I got them when Yakima was having their great sale on their roof racks and accessories and we have two kayaks so I figured buying a rack that allows me to take two will save me some cash. They are super easy to put on and take off and take only a few minutes each. It is great you can fold them down when not in use. Quality seems great. I also have the locks for added security. I have had no issues as of yet with these. I have read other reviews about faulty locks but mine have been okay thus far transporting two kayaks. I do use bow and stern ties with my boats for added security. I do not notice any crazy whistling with or without the boats. I love them so far! The only reason I did not five 5 stars is that I haven't had them for a long time so I think time will tell!

They work great for carrying a kayak or two. But for around $200 I would expect Yakima to put a little effort into aerodynamic optimization. These howl like crazy when folded, to the point I just leave them open all the time. On a 2015 Kia Forte with a Corebar setup the recommended Yakima windshield didn't help the JayLow noise significantly. A couple strips of 1/4" adhesive foam did more, but even so it's annoyingly loud at 40mph and over. Also the black cushioning material on the uprights leaves marks on my lighter colored boat, although they scrub off without too much difficulty.

The first time I took my kayak out with these racks within 20 minutes of my drive the front rack's lock I guess decided to unlock, which pushed the front half of the kayak off of my car. I was on the highway, and it was my first time driving with my kayak on my car to begin with, so not a good impression. Thankfully I was able to have someone come pick up my kayak and take it back because I had another hour drive to where I was supposed to be going. I will take it out one more time and test how it works again on a less crowded highway before I decide to ditch it. But this time I will definitely take someone with me with another car that can hold the kayak incase it decides to snap closed agin.