FastTrackRacks.com Staff Picks
What is a Staff Pick?
A Staff Pick offers a clear competitive advantage by doing something that no other product does, and doing it well. A Staff Pick is new, unique, easy-to-use, and quick-to-install. A Staff Pick makes traveling easier in a meaningful way.
But that's not enough. A Staff Pick also offers outstanding value: it is covered by a solid warranty and sold at a fair price.
Perhaps most importantly, though, a Staff Pick is a genuinely cool thing to own. It will inspire you to get out and enjoy your favorite activity-- whether that be biking, kayaking or simply taking a family vacation. If it's not cool and fun, it's not a Staff Pick.
In one sentence: Staff Picks are superior car racks that offer great value and are fun to use.
How did FastTrackRacks.com choose its Staff Picks?
In choosing our favorite car racks, the FastTrackRacks.com staff spoke with manufacturers, fellow retailers and, most importantly, we've listened intently to our customers. It took some work but we've culled through our catalogue of hundreds of products and awarded the following racks and carriers the title, Staff Pick.
Selected because: This bike rack is ridiculously easy to load and unload thanks to its dual folding design. It includes a security cable and a hitch lock-- the two critical bike rack accessories. The Dura is our most popular bike rack and it regularly generates rave reviews thanks to its ease of use, the full access to their trunk and the excellent price point. Not to mention, its namesake durability.
Selected because: It does so many different things at once-- a bike rack, a cargo rack, a swingaway frame. It includes a hitch lock and cable lock that operate with a single key to make life easy. There is no better way to travel with the bikes and your gear.
Selected because: A quality, straightforward hitch rack at a great price. Solid line of accessories (side bars and a high-quality cargo bag among them). The folding style, which pivots up, is offered at the best price for this functionality. Most important: the rack ships very quickly so if you're in a hurry there's no waiting around.
Selected because: The ultimate must-have hitch carrier. Loaded down with high-end features (LED lights to match your vehicle, for instance) plus the largest capacity of any carrier under $1,000. It's also backed by a full five year warranty and is made in the United States. Offered in either black or white to match your vehicle. Fun, functional, enormous-- what's not to like?
Selected because: Do you value quality, simplicity and a great price? If you do, the Peloton is the roof bike rack for you. An innovative design made this one of the most popular fork-mount bike racks of all time; throw in Thule’s One-Key system and compatibility with both round and square bars and you've got a sure winner. Toss on your favorite bike and hit the road.
Selected because: Does the thought of constantly mounting and unmounting your freeride or DH fork hurt worse than that spill you took last week? This upright style rack keeps the wheels on for supersonic loading and unloading. Less time fiddling with your rack means more time on the trail. An integrated cable lock means you don’t have to sweat about the safety, no matter where you ride.
Selected because: Inno designs products that help you live ahead of the curve. This fork-mount bike rack drops a cover over the lever of the quick-release, protecting the release and the locking mechanism from the elements. Tack on a smooth anodized aluminum tray and universal mounting compatibility and this is another great fork mount option to get you and your bike out of the city and to your favorite spot in no time.
Selected because: Legendary Yakima form and quality give this box a head start on the competition. The 16 cubic foot mark is perfect for a wide variety of vehicles at a price that will save you some extra green. The black finish and sleek look remind you of something from a sci-fi novel as you blast off to your favorite hiking spot. With Yakima’s Rapid Fire mounting system it’s never an issue going between city and space mode.
Selected because: Concerned about mounting a large and bulky box on the roof of your fuel-efficient compact? Worry no more: this compact box is perfect for all your storage options offering space for 2 golf bags in an aerodynamic package that will make all your friends jealous.
Selected because: Get pumped for outdoor adventures with this fully featured roof carrier. The Inno Ridge Wide a large capacity and an optional slide-tray for your skis and snowboards. In addition to dual-side opening, universal mounting and a sleek aerodynamic design this box is the choice of many pro snowboard teams.
Selected because: The premier roof carrier from Thule the Spirit offers super-model looks with franchise athlete performance. Heads will turn as you cross the parking lot on your way to the lodge. Dual-side opening offers accessibility options that can ease your load time and your neck. After the fun you can take pride in the sleek aerodynamic design saving you gas with decreased wind resistance. Take that, gas prices!
Selected because: We judge roof bags on four qualities: weather protection, size, compatibility and ease of use; this Lund Aero roof bag hits a grand slam. Fiberglass reinforced material helps keep your gear protected. 11 cubic feet of storage space offers plenty of room. Adjustable straps and its lightweight design make it easy to attach this bag to your roof rack or sidebars. And don't forget: it's super affordable.
Selected because: Thule took all of the best aspects of its roof bags and combined them in this brand new design. Portability, durability and an expandable capacity make this an elite roof bag. The bag folds down into a storage bag (included for free!), features handles and a solid construction that easily attaches to factory and aftermarket roof racks. Plus, the Tahoe bag is eye candy. How many roof bags can say that?
Selected because: This saddle-style kayak rack puts its best foot forward with high friction saddles in the fore position to firmly secure the boat. Not only is the boat secure but with the lower friction rear feet makes loading and unloading as easy as birthday cake. This inseparable duo makes even the toughest superhero teams think about taking a 3 day weekend but you don’t need billionaire status to get this rack on your roof.
Selected because: With the ability to carry 2 kayaks of any size in a universally mountable rack the INA 450 makes life before and after the paddle something to brag about. It even includes all the necessary straps and pads to protect your kayak, leaving you looking good. With this rack you might even want to just load up the boats and keep them there, just in case.
Selected because: Salty sea air turning your brushed metal rack in to a shipwreck? No need to worry with the Malone AutoLoader. Made from durable polycarbon this affordably-priced J style kayak rack shrugs off the evil corrosive qualities of salt and keeps you out of the salvage yard. The material will also not scratch your boat so the only scars your hull displays have stories.
Inno Stream Box
Selected because: Tired of your board getting covered in ice, road grime and bugs? The Inno Stream Box alleviates these concerns. Specifically for snowboards, this box is every rider’s dream: aerodynamic, fresh and easy to use. It features room for up to 4 boards (with bindings) and extra capacity for additional boards (without bindings mounted), so you can go from park to pow as soon as the weather turns.
Yakima FreshSesh
Selected because: The classic style rack with room to express yourself; this rack can be customized with 2 different sets of decals. The ability to carry 4 snowboards or up to 6 pairs of skis means the whole family can stow the sticks on the roof making the early-morning drive more comfortable. Universal mounting compatibility and one-button access are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this rack's advantages.
Thule Snowboard Carrier
Selected because: Is your base rack too low to mount your snowboards upside down? This rack is just the ticket! It holds your boards at an angle for compatibility with larger bindings on just about any roof. It also shrinks the footprint to allow space for a roof carrier or another ski/snowboard rack. Its price will leave some green in your pocket for hot cocoa at the lodge.
Inno Magnetic Snow Carrier
Selected because: Have a car without a roof rack but still want to get your skis or snowboard on the roof? Your prayers have been answered. The Inno Magnetic Snow Carrier has a flexible magnet that will attach to most cars with smooth steel roofs. The contact will not mark your vehicle’s paint and with the capacity to carry 1 snowboard or 2 pairs of skis. The perfect option if you want a carrier but don’t want a full roof rack yet.
