Versitile, well-built, and great looking
Written: Oct 12 '00
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Pros: Multi-purpose, versitile, great-looking, durable, and not to tall
Cons: Looks skinny on Full-Mid size suv's, and short on Suburbans, wind noise, a bit heavy
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| SLTahoe's Full Review: Yakima Load Warrior |
I own a 94 Ford Explorer and I wanted to increase carrying capacity, but at the same time hold my toys (bikes and boards). The Load Warrior is a dream come true.
I went looking for options on how i could hold all my stuff. I own 2 mountian bikes, numerous snowboards, and camping equipment. My options were buy a big and tall box for the roof and a bike holder for the hitch or get a Load Warrior. I like the fact that in a box you can lock up stuff and hide it from onlookers, but found the height of a box too tall for the public garages i live near. I also didn't like the fact that a box would take up alot of garage space at home and was a burden to remove and put back on. I also found the rear bike mount undesirable because of the many expensive parts i have on my mountian bike that could be easily stolen.
I went with the Load Warrior. I purchased the Load Warrior on sale for $200.00. I also purchased 2 Boa bike mounts on sale for $35 a piece and a cargo net made espicially for the rack $28.
I went with the Loadwarrior because it was short on height, versitile, and its cool looks.
The Load Warrior works well for all your outdoor toy carrying needs. 2 mtn. bikes,2 sleeping bags, and a med. cooler fit nicely on top. They are secured down by the cargo that is custom made just for the Load Warrior.
All yakima products can be mounted to the basket via the 2 yakima spec round bars at each end. The Basket itself needs no special mounts or rack to attach to the car. If you have a factory rack, it will mount. That was a big bonus not to buy additional rack bars and feet.
The basket is made on high quality steel. The texture is a rough black coat. The paint seems to be holding up well in adverse weather and to rocks. In addition Yakima provides a wind buffer for the front of the basket. I found that feature attractive, but felt that it would look better if it wasn't transparent (but its a great place to put stickers).
I love this product it works well and is compatible with all yakima products. I have gotten random comments on it (hey nice rack!!!..ahh thanks?!) and felt it was money well spent. It really sets you apart from the crowd with their cheap weak looking baskets and ski/bike racks. On a compact (Explorer's...yeas its rated as a compact in truck rules) or Sub-Compact SUV the rack looks nice and porportion. But on Mid-size to Full-size the rack looks like its not wide enough for those super wide roofs expeditions and Suburbans haves . Also on a Suburban it looks really short. A lenght extension is available, but the width stays the same.
Another problem you might find is wind noise. But i Have to say it's not that bad with that wind buffer up there. But still noticiable increase in wind will be present. I also found it a bit hefty to toss on the roof. But its still easier then a removing a Rocketbox.
Overall this is a great product and a great value...but don't buy it!!! I like being the only person in town with one!
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 200.00
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Epinions.com ID:
SLTahoe
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Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
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