Product Reviews > Accessories > Thule Glide-N-Set

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03-08-2010
Submitted by: jen724 - Rating: 10 of 10
     Excellent product. Somewhat expensive, but comes with ratcheting bow and stern tie-downs as well as regular tie-down straps. The rear saddles have a felt covering that allows the kayak to slip on easily. These saddles have spring tensioning to conform to hull shape. The front saddles have a rubber surface to grip and also adjust to conform to hull shape.
If you have to load your kayak solo, this is an excellent option.

09-21-2009
Submitted by: Karnook - Rating: 9 of 10
     After uncounted hours researching how to secure my 17.5' Anadyr onto heavy duty Westin racks atop a Tacoma cap, Thule Glide-n-Set got the call.
Efficient function, secure performance and economical price (compared to yakyma charging for every single component, thus costing a fortune). Loading and unloading are a breeze. Only a mentally challenged spammer spreading FUD would have problems with this rig.
Nothing created by man is perfect, so I rate it 9.

02-12-2008
Submitted by: kenrose1 - Rating: 10 of 10
     I started out using one Thule 883 Glide-n-Set system with my Current Designs Kestral TCS 14'kayak. It took a while to figure out I needed a mat on the back of my 2005 Chevy Equinox SUV and a rug or two under the stern. The technique became to lift the bow way up and than work my way to the back of the 'yak and tilt it up the rest of the way. I then added a Yakima J-bar for my friend's Kestral (same model boat, different color). There wasn't enough room on the factory rack for two Glide-n-Sets side by side. I had great difficult loading the second kayak by myself as it tended to twist as I was shoving it into position. The final concern about the J-bar was one of the mounts almost twisted off the bar during a heavy gust of wind while driving over a very high bridge even though I had it secured fore and aft as well as to the J-bars. Scary!

So I added a Thule rack with a 65" crossbar system which accommodated a second set of Glide-n-Set. Just came back from a 500 mile trip which entailed removing and mounting both kayaks many times for paddling. The side by side setup was as solid as a rock at highway speeds, over bumpy road and through rain.

I would hardily endorse them. Note that the mounts worked equally well with my wide factory crossbars and the square Thule crossbars.

11-29-2007
Submitted by: rickschuster - Rating: 10 of 10
     Thule Glide-n-Set works great on our Highlander to carry our 14'-8", 75 pound Nicky Manitou II tandem kayak. I can easily load and unload the kayak by myself, though I'm not terribly strong (though I am 6' tall, which helps). Using a bath mat set over the rear edge of the roof/rear hatch door, I can lift the front end of the kayak up onto the mat, then hold the kayak steady as I move back to the rear of the kayak still sitting on the ground, lift it and easily slide the kayak forward onto the front "Set" part of the rack, which grabs the kayak securely. Adjusting the position is as simple and pulling down on the rear of the kayak to lift the front end slightly and easily sliding it forward or back. It takes a little time to get the tie-down straps around it and get it secured, but I don't know of any way that it could be done more easily. I always use front and rear tie-down ropes with tightening ratchets, as well. The large size of both the front and rear parts of this set seem like they cause less warping of the polymer kayak that the wheels of a Hully-roller would, but I still try not to tighten the straps too much, or leave the kayak on for too long, especially in hot weather. I use the Thule rectangular bars with their roof mount system that easily mounts to the side-rails of the factory rack. Mounting and removing the entire rack is much easier than removing the Glide-n-Set components from the rack, so I just put the whole rack on only when using it. I also use Thule Port Side J-style carrier next to the Glide-N-Set to hold a 13' solo kayak.

05-14-2007
Submitted by: judiski - Rating: 10 of 10
     We purchased the Thule Glide-n-set to carry two Tarpon 16 ft SOT kayaks on a medium sized SUV. They are mounted on a set of Thule racks attached to our factory side rails. Once installed these are very easy to use. It takes a little practice and creativity to determine the best way to run the straps, but once a system is developed this becomes quite easy. Since we drive mainly on interstates we always use front and rear tie downs. You'll have to look hard to find a spot to hook these to metal on some cars. (For a Toyota Highlander we discovered there was a screw in "tow hook" that went into the front bumper. By ordering a second hook from our dealer we had great front hooks.) We remove the kayak saddles when not in use and reattaching them to the racks is a quick process if you mark their locations on the bar with paint or tape. The wing nuts do mean that someone could take them if they wanted. We lock our kayaks to the car by running bike cables through the scupper holes and around the roof rack. We are very pleased with these racks and easily give them a 10.

09-05-2006
Submitted by: Kurt - Rating: 9 of 10
     I just got the 883 Glide N Set two weeks ago but I am very pleased. It has made loading my 69 lb. tandem rec kayak doable by myself on the top of my SUV. The saddles attached right to my factory rack and are easy to adjust. Comes with nice tie straps and bow and stern tie downs (which I have not had to use yet). It takes up more room on the top than the J racks but it's much easier to load I believe. Feels very secure when it's all tightened.

I would give it a 10 except that I feel I need to replace the Thule wingnuts with something that requires a tool in case someone tries to steal it. Thule should give you the option of either way (quick adjust or security).

12-16-2005
Submitted by: aorourke - Rating: 10 of 10
     We have this set installed on Thule square bars. Installation is quick and easy. There is no movement - the set is very secure. I like the hydro-glides - I have to say I prefer them to the hully rollers that we also own. The kayak moves pretty effortlessly onto the hydro-glides which are installed at the rear of the vehicle. The set-to-go saddles are on the front, and they're adjustable, so you get good contact with the kayak. Definitely recommended. I'm pretty sure you can't install these on Yakimas though.

04-14-2005
Submitted by: BIRDZONE - Rating: 4 of 10
     On the advice of a dealer who carried both brands, I purchased a pair of Yakima bars, Q-Towers and Thule Glide N Set kayak racks.

Not a good combination. The Q-Tower rack system is actually very good, solid and easy to put on and take off.

The Glide N Set kayak racks are another matter. Mostly plastic, cannot be tightened enough to stay put on the bars. The tie-downs are extremely time-consuming to tie the kayaks down.

I needed the Q-Tower system for my racks due to the vehicle I use (F-150 SuperCrew). I should have insisted on Yakima kayak holders even though the Thule's are supposed to work on the round bars.

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