By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: September 07, 2023

Malone Stax Pro 2 Review: the Perfect Four-Kayak Rack (Fall 2023)

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By
Gloria Bussey
Gloria Bussey
Product Research and Writer
Gloria is a talented writer based in Chattanooga, TN and enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. She graduated with a business degree in 2007 and is now working on a master's i read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Steven Martin
Steven Martin
Vehicle Fit Expert and Consultant
Steven is a skilled car mechanic based in Denver, CO. He's a passionate hiker, devoted backcountry camper and his mechanic expertise allows him to maximize space in any vehi read more
Last updated: September 07, 2023
Rack Advisor is reader-supported. We earn commission on products purchased via the links on this page. Learn more
What’s special about it
  • It is easy to install and use
  • It is compatible with most cars that have a roof rack
  • It is affordable
Highlights
  • It can transport a maximum of four kayaks
  • It has fold-down frames
  • It features foam blocks to prevent damage to your kayak
Editor's Rating
9,8
out of 10
  • Durability
    9.6
  • Compatibility
    9.9
  • Capacity
    9.7
  • Value
    9.8
Users’ Rating
4.1
out of 5
103 Users’ Rating
rating rating rating rating rating
rating
rating rating rating rating rating
4.1
out of
5
103 Users’ Rating
  • 5 stars
    17%
  • 4 stars
    80%
  • 3 stars
    3%
  • 2 stars
    1%
  • 1 stars
    0%
Add your rating:

Buying a new kayak is an interesting experience for anyone. However, owning a kayak will necessitate you to understand the best ways of transporting it. There is nothing complex about this process, and if your car has a roof rack, you can easily mount a kayak rack to transport it safely. Kayak racks are specially designed to fit most vehicle rooftops. Finding the best kayak for you can be challenging, especially because some are expensive. Malone took closed this niche and came up with the Stax Pro 2 as an affordable lifetime kayak carrier. This Malone Stax Pro 2 review will allow you to make the right purchase decision.

DIY kayak carriers are prone to failure, which can be hazardous to you and other motorists. This is highly discouraged because it also increases the likelihood of damage to your kayak. Despite its low price, Malone Stax Pro 2 holds up to scrutiny and can be relied upon to transport your kayak around effectively. The Malone Stax Pro 2 is one of the favorite kayak carriers in its price range, and this review will explore some of its features and why you should try it out.

This product's also been included into these rankings:

Our #2 pick for the best double kayak roof racks
Our #2 pick for the best kayak roof rack

Specifications

Mounting system
universal
Load capacity
50 lbs. per boat (4 boat max.)
Materials
aluminum, nylon
Dimensions
5 x 5 x 20 in.
Weight
8.5 lbs.
Load straps
11 in.
Safety tie-downs
10 in.
Warranty
lifetime limited

Malone Stax Pro 2 Review

Malone Stax Pro 2 brings together superior artistry, durability, and excellent design to safely transport your kayak Trusted Source A History of the World - Object: Kayak | BBC Inuit kayaks are highly efficient hunting boats. They are made specially to fit the person that will use them. www.bbc.co.uk . It comes with various features and accessories to protect your kayak on all the trips you will make to and from the water. All this, combined with an affordable price, makes this kayak carrier worth all the attention and positive reviews it has received so far.

Design

The Malone Stax Pro 2 has octagonal aluminum stands that are lightweight to enable easy storage. The frame folds down when not in use, and you can choose to leave it on your vehicle’s rooftop or safely put it away. The design also includes foam blocks that keep the kayak from coming to contact with the crossbars. This greatly minimizes the risk of damage to the kayak on your trips to and from the water. The system consists of two aluminum posts, four foam blocks, and straps to secure your kayak. As for the tips of the posts, they are specially designed to receive the straps that go around your kayak perfectly.

Malone Stax Pro 2 Review: the Perfect Four-Kayak Rack (Fall 2023)
Malone Stax Pro 2 uses durable materials, which are resistant to corrosion and rust so that it will last for many years.

Durability

One of the key selling points of the Malone Stax Pro 2 is its durability. The aluminum posts offer strong and rigid supports to secure your kayak with straps firmly. All the components are rust-resistant, and you do not have to worry about contact with salty water. The posts also include an injection-molded support system that will anchor the posts firmly onto your vehicle carrier.

Weight Capacity

Malone Stax Pro 2 comes with everything you need to securely strap down two kayaks up to 50 pounds each on your vehicle carrier. However, you can also get more straps and foam blocks to facilitate the transport of up to four kayaks. These are positioned side by side. Do not go beyond the load limit of your car when transporting your kayak.

Kayak Compatibility

The Malone Stax Pro 2 has a universal attachment system that can easily fit on different carrier crossbars. Whether your crossbars are round, oval, or square, you can easily mount your kayak carrier without the need for any mounting bolts. If your vehicle comes with factory-installed crossbars, you can use the automated fit guide when installing. Some crossbars that come with your car may not be the perfect fit, and you may need to fix it with mounting bolts.

Malone Stax Pro 2 Review: the Perfect Four-Kayak Rack (Fall 2023)
Malone Stax Pro 2 is compatible with most kayaks; it allows the kayak to sit on top of the roof of your vehicle and be strapped down using straps or ratcheting tie-downs.

Accessories

Malone Stax Pro 2 comes with various accessories that you can get to improve your kayak transport experience. It would be best if you also got extra ropes, preferably of better quality. Experts recommend that you find tie-downs with better hood anchor straps to make it easier for you to secure your rope. 50 mm or 60 mm (1.96 or 2.36 inches) mounting bolts are required when your car does not have the appropriate crossbars.

Warranty

Malone Stax Pro 2 is one of the products covered by the company’s limited lifetime warranty. The warranty covers a variety of flaws to the components of the kayak carrier.

Note that any unauthorized modifications violate the terms of the warranty. If you have to return your Malone Stax Pro 2, the manufacturer will provide shipping instructions for the original buyer.

Price

Malone Stax Pro 2 costs about $125, which is relatively cheap for a lifetime of use. You can also go for a second-hand Malone Stax Pro 2, but this will require a lot of searching to find the best deal. If your car has a roof rack with crossbars, you will find everything you need to mount and use this affordable kayak carrier.

Installation

To properly install your kayak carrier on your roof rack, the manufacturer advises that you follow the fit guide. You will find two mounting bolts in the box that you can use to secure the posts on your roof rack firmly. For some crossbar designs, you may require to get optional bolts that are longer to ensure proper installation. What can really please you is that the installation process is easy as you do not need any additional tools.

Malone Stax Pro 2 Review: the Perfect Four-Kayak Rack (Fall 2023)
Make sure that you securely tighten all straps and cables and check for any loose or frayed ends.

Other Features

Malone Stax Pro 2 comes with the universal fit JAWS mounting hardware that makes it compatible with many vehicles. It can fold down to provide lower clearance whenever you’re not transporting your kayak.

PROS CONS
  • Affordable pricing
  • Allows for quick installation
  • Compatible with many vehicles
  • Has a maximum carrying capacity of four kayaks
  • It takes some practice to master how to tie the straps
  • Foam blocks may shift and require adjustments to keep the kayak padded

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable kayak carrier, Malone Stax Pro 2 is the perfect option for you. Even though it may take some time to get used to, the long-term benefits outweigh the effort required to master the skill of loading your kayak. The Malone Stax Pro 2 kayak carrier system will keep your kayak in good condition for longer as you alternate between transporting, kayaking, and storing.

We hope this Malone Stax Pro 2 review dispelled all your doubts about making a purchase!

References

1.
A History of the World - Object: Kayak | BBC
Inuit kayaks are highly efficient hunting boats. They are made specially to fit the person that will use them.
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