Yakima SweetRoll & Yakima JayLow Kayak Carrier Comparison

Updated 02/23/2021 | Published 02/20/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Yakima SweetRoll Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Saddle Style - Clamp On

(37)

$262.95

Yakima JayLow Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - J-Style - Folding - Clamp On

(150)

$190.95

Question:

I own the JayLow and SweetRoll kayak carriers. Which carrier would you recommend for a 1200 mile trip driving mostly highway? Pros/cons?

asked by: David V

Helpful Expert Reply:

That is a challenging question since both options are great products, varying designs of placement orientation, but each performs equally well. I am not able to provide qualitative data so this simply comes down to opinion.

An advantage of the JayLow Kayak Carrier # Y04073 is the ability to place a second kayak aboard or roof mounted bike rack, but may not come in to play for your needs. Another thing is the ability to shift the placement toward the passenger side of vehicle influencing placement of tie-down straps. A potential negative that comes to mind is that this positions the kayak on its side making your roof top load taller. At highway speeds, while the load is still secure, this may cause annoyance in vehicle response to side winds. This negative, is also the reason that I would prefer to use the Yakima SweetRoll # Y04074. The orientation of setting flat I believe would better serve toward minimizing wind drag and that annoying side wind gust sometimes felt at interstate speeds. In addition, the Yakima SweetRoll provides a wider footprint for its contact between the load and vehicle.

These are all opinions not based on direct testing, but I would use the Yakima SweetRoll if only hauling the one item.

expert reply by: Michael R