The J cradles I use(d) are from Thule. They work fine but are kind of
a struggle to get the kayak loaded. It weighs 63 pounds and I can't
do it alone. On my new Explorer its even worse because the J's are a
little further from the edge. We went to saddles from Thule (or
anyone else) and I can load it it my self without too much struggle.
Using J's frees up some room between the two boats and you can put a
tent or possibly a third boat up there so they have some advantages.
Al


(LLutton) wrote in message ...
I wonder if the J-cradles are in fact harder to load a kayak onto. I have a 62
pound recreational 2-man kayak. I use a Thule outrigger to assist in getting
the kayak on the roofrack. It seems easier to me to keep the kayak flat on the
rack rather than placing it on it's side. I'm talking about a Pontiac Montana.
A vehicle that isn't as tall should be easier but I have a hard time
visuallizing me placing my kayak in a J-cradle. I load it without help.
Lynn

I've got the malone cradles and really like them. They are sturdy, easy to
use, and aren't huge. Yakima nd Thule both now sell j-cradles as well. I've
not seen anybody with the yakima set yet as they just camed out this year. I
know two people using the Thule set who like them. Personally I think they
are just too tall and tubular.