Yakima Big PowderHound Carrier

Price Paid:  $99.00 from REI Seattle

Year / Model Reviewed:
 Big PowderHound

Strengths:
Didn't have a chance to find out.

Weaknesses:
Poor spring design to keep jaw open when loading.

Summary:
I recently purchased a Yakima rack system for my new car and went with the Big PowderHound because it was $20 cheaper than the newer LiftTicket 6 model and the differences between the two weren't compelling enough to spend the extra money. I've since ended up returning the PowderHound and have a LiftTicket 6 en route to my local REI store. I returned the Big PowderHound (and advise you all to NOT buy one) because of what appears to be a defect that I have not seen reported here, but I have confirmed at REI. The problem I had was with the spring that holds the jaw up and open when the lever is released -- it just didn't work. This made it difficult to load up the rack the one time I used it. I went to REI to ask them about fixing the problem (I figured I had popped the spring out of place somehow), and they suggested I just exchange it for a new one. While exchanging the unit at the Customer Service counter I decided to check how well the new set worked and it had the same problem. At this point I figured I'd spend the extra $20 bucks and get the LiftTicket. Well, they didn't have one in stock, so I just got my money back and ordered the LiftTicket. The woman at the Customer Service desk mentioned to me that in the short time she'd been working at REI she'd seen the unit come back a few times from customers who had found it too difficult to use. I'm not sure if this is a manufacturing flaw or if I just got unlucky twice, but if you do decide to go with the PowderHound (or any rack, for that matter) do a quick test in the store to make sure it works as expected. My folks have had Yak-racks for 15 years and haven't had one problem, so I'm sticking with Yakima and hoping the best with the LiftTicket model.

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $80.00

Year / Model Reviewed:
 2000

Strengths:
Ease of use, convinience.

Weaknesses:
Locking system desing flaw.

Summary:
When I initially bought the Big Powderhound I couldn't be happier - it did the job, looked great and was easy to use and install. I used it with the lock cores which I bought separately. However, on my second season of usage the plastic area that surrounds the lock holder cracked and finally broke leaving me unable to lock it. Couple of weeks later the second part broke in the same manner.

I spoke to Yakima representative and he said that he's heard of this problem before. I went back to the dealer (Campmor in NJ) and even though I didn't have the receipt they were willing to exchange it for a new one (kudos to Campmore!). Then I carefully looked at the demo model that they had on display and it was cracked on the same exact spot where my rack broke. That didn't inspire confidence considering that there were not much abuse that demo model had and it's already broken. Overall, I have to say that it is definitely a design flaw. The whole locking system should have been made of stainless steel. That plastic is very thin and there is no way it will survive for long. At the end of day, I took the "Promo" instead which is just a renamed version of "Button Down Six". Its locking system features all metal parts. I don't think Yakima makes this model anymore though (it's not on their website), so I got lucky that Campmor had some in stock from previous years. Another thing is that Promo didn't have the "ski-lift" raisers - I had to steal them from my old broken Powderhound before returning it (sorry, Yakima, but I think I deserved them).

Also, please note that at least two reviews before me refer to original Button Down Six which doesn't have the problem I described.

The bottom line is: Consumer, don't buy Big Powderhound if you're planning to use it with SKS locks. Yakima: shame on you for the obvious design flaw. You have to fix it quickly. And when you do, you may send me one pair for testing - free of charge, for drawing your attention to the problem ;-)

Similar Products Used:
None.

Price Paid:  $80.00

Strengths:
Still works like its supposed to after years of use.

Weaknesses:
paint is chipping

Summary:
I've had mine for 7 years, I got it when it was called the Button Down 6. It works great and I've gotten a ton of use from it with no problems. I like the fact that you can put a snowboard in a bag and put it in the rack. The black paint is chipping from the aluminum but its only a cosmetic flaw.

Similar Products Used:
None

Strengths:
Does its job of carrying snowboards and skis.

Weaknesses:
I hate the whole lock thing. Not sure how to improve it, but it gets annoying that everytime you buy a new part, you're lockless. Who has enough money, or farsightedness to buy all the lock cores they'll ever need?

Summary:
Bought it because. . .well, I have a Yakima rack system. It seems to work well enough. I can carry 4 snowboards, or a 4-5 pairs of skis. It seems to hold up well under lots of use, and unlike some of the other Yakima parts, it doesn't really have anything to rust or break.

Similar Products Used:
Just Yakima

Strengths:
I have used the previous model of the powder hound (i forget the name off hand) and it has worked out well. I usually have any where from 2-4 boards on it and have had lots of luck with it. I was very happy when i bought my Nissan xterra and i was able to order the mighty mounts from yakima very quickly.

Weaknesses:
I only had one problem where the locking spring snaped apart but it was replaced with in 2 weeks

Summary:
Over all it is a great product and would reccomedn it to those that have sever boards or skis (or a combination) to haul. I like the ida on the powder hound release button. with a taller suv it is great being able to release it by pushing it up from below.

Similar Products Used:
none