Roof top rod racks - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

skiharder · 03-24-2007, 08:15 PM

Does anyone know who, besides thule, makes one?

nightprowler · 03-24-2007, 11:17 PM

barracrafters

CAL · 03-25-2007, 05:16 AM

I was thinking about getting one of these.

http://www.drdcorp.com/roofracks/rodrackinasack.htm

derf · 03-25-2007, 05:37 AM

Yakima ; use the 'snow board ' racks !!

Terence · 03-25-2007, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derf

Yakima ; use the 'snow board ' racks !!

Get em at a yard sale this spring for short cash.

quick decision · 03-25-2007, 08:11 AM

I just purchaced one from yankee custom in Brockton.

basswipe · 03-25-2007, 08:29 AM

These are pretty decent for the price.But no lockability,for transport only.

http://www.rodmounts.com/SurfCasterMounts.ivnu

labrax · 03-25-2007, 08:41 AM

Gotta recommend going to Craigslist and searching for roof racks. I ran across a guy that was selling some older Thule racks that I bought for $15 - I need to replace the locks, but heard that you contact Thule and they will send you out new locks for $5. There were others there as well - I have factory roof racks on new (used) vehicle. I was going to buy a complete roof system for $85 for my old Jetta - so these come up pretty often on Craigslist - just make sure that you search the region that you are in (e.g., Boston, RI, etc.).

quick decision · 03-25-2007, 08:48 AM

I should have mine on next weelk if you wan to check it out. We probaly dont live that far apart. I am in North Weymouth.

piemma · 03-25-2007, 09:02 AM

I have used Yakama ski racks for 15 years. Still using the same pair. They are indestructable! You can lock them and not worry about your rods and reels. I highly recommend them.

Pete_G · 03-25-2007, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skiharder

Does anyone know who, besides thule, makes one?

Are you looking for true locking racks or just ski racks? I'm guessing by your name you might already have ski racks.

For the ultimate locking rack, these are tough to beat. Different price range then a Thule ski rack though.

http://www.lockingrodholders.com/

basswipe · 03-25-2007, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Are you looking for true locking racks or just ski racks? I'm guessing by your name you might already have ski racks.

For the ultimate locking rack, these are tough to beat. Different price range then a Thule ski rack though.

http://www.lockingrodholders.com/

Nice racks.Pricey but piece of mind has no price.

He's been at your shows the past few years if recall correctly.

gone fishin · 03-25-2007, 10:18 AM

I have a theory on locking rod racks.
There isn't a rack on the market that cannot be beat. You spend a lot of dough on the rack, but the attachment system to the auto is the weak link. If the rack is not permanantly attached to the vehicle it is succepable to theft. And when I say the rack, I am talking about the portion that holds the rods. I have seen a rack that was locked with 4 expensive setups taken right off the vehicle. That guy lost not only his gear, but the rack also. Most racks either clamp on the auto or vehicle or use a knob system with a key. That knob can be twisted off with a pair of good waterpump pliers when locked and the thief will have all the gear in one shot.
Locking racks are for the honest people, not the thieves. Just my opinion.

derf · 03-25-2007, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Locking racks are for the honest people, not the thieves.

yup,if someone wants it bad enough it's gone !!
the grab and run is all you can hope to prevent .

skiharder · 03-25-2007, 12:10 PM

Thanks guys. I didn't even think of using the ski rack. Pete, I've seen those racks and they're nice but too pricey.

Quick, I'm in CT but would like to see a picture once they're mounted. Do they have a web site?

Steve

Pete_G · 03-25-2007, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

I have a theory on locking rod racks.
There isn't a rack on the market that cannot be beat. You spend a lot of dough on the rack, but the attachment system to the auto is the weak link. If the rack is not permanantly attached to the vehicle it is succepable to theft. And when I say the rack, I am talking about the portion that holds the rods. I have seen a rack that was locked with 4 expensive setups taken right off the vehicle. That guy lost not only his gear, but the rack also. Most racks either clamp on the auto or vehicle or use a knob system with a key. That knob can be twisted off with a pair of good waterpump pliers when locked and the thief will have all the gear in one shot.
Locking racks are for the honest people, not the thieves. Just my opinion.

The idea is definitely to stop the grab and run, which is the most common form of fishing rod theft. The goal of locking rod racks, imo, is to enable you to walk into a gas station or out of the line of sight of your vehicle for moment and not be in constant fear.

Unless hacksaws or heavy bolt cutters are standard issue in your vehicle it's nearly impossible for an opportunistic thief to grab a rod and reel. Even with those items the theft will at least be conspicuous if not time consuming.

If you're foolish enough to leave rods and reels in locking rod racks where a thief has enough time and opportunity to do his thing, you were asking for it...

basswipe · 03-25-2007, 02:39 PM

The grab and run was also what I was referring to also.Like PeteG said give a thief enough time and.....................

quick decision · 04-02-2007, 11:36 AM

Works for me

Rappin Mikey · 04-02-2007, 12:18 PM

If your just looking for a rack for transporting and not locking, Berley makes one for about 8$. Have been using mine for 4-5 years. Still holding up fine.

ChiefLinesider · 04-02-2007, 08:02 PM

non locking- Fentress Roof racks (Basic transportation)

Top of the line, locking, Best on the market- Fishing Innovations roof racks.

http://www.lockingrodholders.com/

smac · 04-03-2007, 12:59 PM

I use the cheap horizontal Berkley racks. Mounted to a peice of wood which is mounted to the vehicle. I dont bring an excess of rods with me so I just toss a bungie over the rods to keep em down and thats that.

If I have to go into a store I just pop the rod out of the holder and stick it in the car (2pc rod).

chris L · 04-03-2007, 03:00 PM

I use a 6 rod surfcaster rack with out reel locks . which I may sell soon . I may change to a thule low boy rack

nightfighter · 04-03-2007, 04:00 PM

Pete,
Mike's product is nice, but at an average of $100/per rod, don't you think it's just a bit pricey??? At that price it should come WITH the reel covers. If I were in the market, my money would be spent on one with a box/cover, just so I wouldn't be advertising that I have a VS/Saltiga/stella/whatever reel, sitting out for all to see. If he wants to charge that kind of dough, he should cover that end as well, IMHO...

That said, I have the rodmount system for inside my Tahoe. Like it!

PurpelNoon · 04-03-2007, 04:10 PM

I live in NYC (Bronx to be exact) and theft is always on the top of my mind, considering I have been a victim many times in the past.

I have found the Hunter Rod Rack the best so far. You can lock two rods and reels easily. Thule or similar mounts will lock and work(for the mounting, or just use screws direct into the factory bars for permanent use. Make sure your factory roof rack is not one that can come off easily. I glued steel nuts into the rack so it can't be slid off. The important thing of the Hunter rack is that even is a rod is cut, the reel will not come off like will occur with a regular ski rack.

Pete_G · 04-03-2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nightfighter

Pete,
Mike's product is nice, but at an average of $100/per rod, don't you think it's just a bit pricey??? At that price it should come WITH the reel covers. If I were in the market, my money would be spent on one with a box/cover, just so I wouldn't be advertising that I have a VS/Saltiga/stella/whatever reel, sitting out for all to see. If he wants to charge that kind of dough, he should cover that end as well, IMHO...

That said, I have the rodmount system for inside my Tahoe. Like it!

Maybe. Maybe not. He's one guy building them mostly in his garage so they're just not going to be cheap. Machining, welding, anodizing, etc.

He's sold a lot of them priced as is, that's for sure.

Some people don't like the big piece of tupware that is the Thule solution, either.

Casting Z's · 04-03-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quick decision

Works for me

That set up locks and conceals the reels. That's nice!

quick decision · 04-04-2007, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casting Z's

That set up locks and conceals the reels. That's nice!

thanks, I like it a lot

lurch · 04-04-2007, 12:26 PM

does anyone have a system where they attach something to a ladder rack on a truck? I am looking into buying ladder racks for the truck to attach the rods to but not sure which solution is the best.

5/0 · 04-04-2007, 05:36 PM

I built this one three years ago,I designed it to hold convench & spinning gear.
It should keep people honest,so far it has been reliable and it allows me to leave it for a bit like get bait,quick eats or get a coffee.....If people really want to take the rods IM sure they'll figure a way,also both mine and the other guys lockable rod rack,do allow scum bags to steal parts off the reels like spools,handles,side plates ect.....

5/0