Soft Racks

[Zed]

My friend gave me her board to use while she is out of the country, so I finally have to get a rack system for my car. Because I don't want to install a hard rack on the roof, it seems like a soft rack is the best option.

From looking around on the web, it seems that the only two major soft rack makers are FCS and Wraprax. Although FCS is more expensive, it seems like the Wraprax (with the snapping buckles) seems MUCH quicker and easier to use. Is the Wraprax durable and secure enough for long-range trips (i.e., more than 30 miles)?

Anyone have any thoughts or experiences with these brands?

[Siborg]

Hi there,

Just come back from a 600 mile round trip to Newquay using Wraprax system, Excellent though a bit noisy down the M5!!! Best thing I ever bought beside my board!

Go for it. :D

[PapaW]

I'd back both makes... but then if you are going to be doing it more often invest in a hard rack (they are just as easy to remove/put on) plus it will reduce the car drag and noise that soft racks give thus making fuel consumption a tad better :)

Oh yeah and you wont get all the water comming inside when it rains.

[IrishGirl]

Get a proper roof rack. I've a soft rack and my car is destroyed from it. I've had it a year now and the metal on it has rusted leaving marks on the roof of my car. It leaks anytime it rains which means wet seats, smelly car.

[Hazy_daze]

I had the Bulldog soft rax, which was okay till i got my shortboard, which fits snuggly in my bro's car along with his.
Is this an option for you? Or are you a longboarder?
Hang Loose

[jb]

I've the Bulldog softrack - I think it's great, very handy to use.

It might leak if it rains really hard, but generally no problem there (guess it depends also on what car you've got)

It does create some noise when you get to >60mph - sometimes sounds like you've a B52 engine attached to your roof! Caused by the straps vibrating. I guess this also means a lot of drag on the car and greater fuel consumption.

[jb]

I've the Bulldog softrack - I think it's great, very handy to use.

It might leak if it rains really hard, but generally no problem there (guess it depends also on what car you've got)

It does create some noise when you get to >60mph - sometimes sounds like you've a B52 engine attached to your roof! Caused by the straps vibrating. I guess this also means a lot of drag on the car and greater fuel consumption.

[jonny]

we sell the Bulldog and the Creatures of Leisure Wrap-Rax and they are both very good products.

Both wrap right through the doors so no metal clasps to damage you car.

Also - the Wrap-Rax has a really handy extra bit of material that sits under the buckle so your boards doesn't get damaged.

You can use both with short or longboards. The Double Wrap-Rax you can (unofficially) carry ten boards with!!

[little waves]

i drive a small sedan and use the fcs soft rack i purchased off ebay - works great. i agree with the rain thing though, cause the straps come in through the doors, if it rains the water comes right in. other than that i haven't had any problems. sometimes on the highway the board will start to wobble a little, make me nervouse - but i drive around 60-65 on the highway with no problems, just have to make sure the straps are pulled very tight/put the board wax down, fins toward the front.

[IrishGirl]

It's a bulldog one I have also. I forgot to mention also that one of the roof straps, the actual buckle bit wore down so much that it no longer locks into place so I have to double knot it (not particularly safe). This happened after about 6 months of having the stupid thing. :x

I really do think you should go for a proper roof rack