Roof Bars VS Softracks

[Laguna]

Okay, now that summer is here (even though there are no waves), im thinking of using my softracks again. I was just wondering what everyone thinks is better, because I used softracks all last summer and found them to be okay but a little scary when going over 40mph. Are roof bars better?

[surferdude_scarborough]

ive just got some and i think they are great. used them for the first time last week. they were absolutely fine driving at 70mph ( wasnt about to be going any faster being a learner n all). yes they buzzed like hell but they never moved.

loads cheaper than roofbars too

[GowerCharger]

if you car is new(ish) and worth a bit then dont use softracks, the straps can rub on the car and leave marks in the paintwork.
If you car is just an old banger (like mine) then it doesnt matter too much, in fact softracks might be better for some as its easier to damage your board by overtightening the straps on solid roof bars.
Ive driven all down the coast of france and back for 2 weeks using a soft rack and never had any problems.

[temptations_wings]

ive only got experience with the soft racks and they seem to work for me. even cruising at 75-80 mph for at least a good hour. just make sure your stuff is strapped tight and you should be good to go. but im sure you already knew that

oh and a board bag is always good. gives the board that extra bit of padding so it doesnt run into any trouble up there.

[Laguna]

Ye, thanks for the replies. I thought softracks were the best really especially value for money. And yes my softracks have put quite a lot of scratches onto my roof.

[rog]

Make sure the softrack in central on the roof, that should cut down on the buzzing.
Best place for your board is probably inside the car though, if you can get it in

[taf]

Tiki boardrax, in great condition.
Located in Norwic,
Can be posted for aprox. 7£
If interested call me on 07947678024.
Kind regards,
Thomas

[Laguna]

in fact softracks might be better for some as its easier to damage your board by overtightening the straps on solid roof bars.

You can some soft sponges for the solid roof rack to avoid damaging the board. Ive seen a lot of animal ones around lately.

My board does fit in my car but in summer time I usually need the space in my car for other people so I have to bring out the softracks again. I dont think anything can stop that buzzing. It buzzes with me when i have it tied down tight in the center of the roof.

[Driftingalong]

Put a twist in the line where you're experiencing the buzzing...it will stop!

[CheeZee]

..im glad someone has got back to this subject . I brought a roof rack for my old Saab'ster a year ago but really havnt tried it yet as im worried the two bar set-up is just gonna peel off my roof and i'll see a multiple pile up on the motorway in my rear view ! ..so i had wondered about these softrack thingys ... normally my board goes in the car so i can get down to the sea as quickly as poss' but obviously this means no one else can come with me

i think i'll abandon the standard roof rack and give a set of softies a go ...

anyone got a link to save me looking ?! ... yeh i know " how lazy " !!!!

[CheeZee]

" Sorry ...no need for a link for the softracks ... sorry SP and all i hadnt checked out the surfing-waves shop ...doh ...

" jobs a goodun

[drowningbitbybit]

Make sure the softrack in central on the roof, that should cut down on the buzzing.

Well, it might on your car, but thats the opposite for my old Corsa. The way to cut the buzzing was to mount the board slightly diagonally across the roof. Maybe its car dependent?

And I never had any problems (oh, okay, once I had problems when I tied the boards on half asleep) and it was fine at "well over the speed limit"

But not they live in my van which is where belong *caress board*
(well, except when in the ocean. Obviously. Thats where they really belong)

[nebski]

i have a 2001 corsa, and theres a fixed arial, central at the back just above the boot. can i have my board to the left or right of this with a softrack? cheers, (sorry for hijacking)

[RJD]

It'd be difficult and would depend entirely on the softrack, sometimes you cant mess too much with where the buckles etc end up.

[Rogue_Shadow]

Just got myself a new Animal Soft rack
They are cheap and doo the job well from what ive heard from local surfers

[Sar]

i have a 2001 corsa, and theres a fixed arial, central at the back just above the boot. can i have my board to the left or right of this with a softrack? cheers, (sorry for hijacking)

hi, have a look a double roof racks - the ones that carry six boards. I have one and they fit around the ariel instead of the pads being in the middle of the roof.

Get bars if you can - my paintwork has been damaged by the softracks and they leak A LOT when it rains.

[flyingvee]

i have a 2001 corsa, and theres a fixed arial, central at the back just above the boot. can i have my board to the left or right of this with a softrack? cheers, (sorry for hijacking)

Get bars if you can - my paintwork has been damaged by the softracks and they leak A LOT when it rains.

++1 I've found softies leak a lot too. Sooner have bars.

[collinet]

I have double soft racks and they don't work too well if you use them with a car that has roof racks already. I'm actually going to take my roof racks off all together so the soft racks will work.

[Sar]

i have a 2001 corsa, and theres a fixed arial, central at the back just above the boot. can i have my board to the left or right of this with a softrack? cheers, (sorry for hijacking)

Get bars if you can - my paintwork has been damaged by the softracks and they leak A LOT when it rains.

++1 I've found softies leak a lot too. Sooner have bars.

Definately. Got soaked on the way home from devon today! Was thinking of getting some bars but the other half is wanting a van from is redundancy payout - every cloud has a silver lining