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Curve Lockdown Surfboard Racks

About.com Rating 4.5 Star Rating
User Rating 5 Star Rating (1 Review) write a review

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Surfers have done it all when it comes to finding a way to get to the beach. Stuffing multiple boards and bodies into compact cars (fins and arms hanging out the windows), frying and drying in the open bed of a pick-up truck, or lashing a pile of board bags to the roof are all surf travel standards. Heck! I’ve hitch hiked or paid off strangers just get from the airport to the beach many times. I’m sure others have done even more extreme or dastardly deeds, but times are easier these days if you have the cash.
Therefore, among the many accessories surfers must pack in their sack, a pair of soft racks is a brainless addition. There are tons of different variations of racks; however, most are simply the 10 year industry standards. There has been no real innovation in surf rack technology, and today’s standard soft rack still allows boards to move around quite a bit (mostly side to side). It’s question of security, really. Surf taxis and boat tours cater to those among the upper echelon, but the rest of us lacking a little “flow” still need a way to get our boards on the road and to the beach.

So what you’re looking for in a good surfboard travel rack would have to be “no movement,” and that is what I’ve found the Curve Lockdown racks deliver.

Many times the slogans and claims of surf companies are suspect. For example, take a look at this one from Curve: “Quite simply the strongest, simplest and most protective soft racks you can buy.” This begs the following questions.

Are the Curve Lockdown racks strong?

The 900D PU coated water resistant fabric, zinc plated spring loaded lock, and solid steel load hook not only look tough but (during my trial test) have also been hanging tough for over three months of almost constant use. I generally load three boards (one being a large 9 ft. Supersoft for my kids), and the Curve Lockdown is showing no sign of wear. According to their website, the Lockdown is suitable for 1-6 surfboards.

Are the Curve Lockdown Racks simple?

The Lockdown racks are super simple. There are literally four steps to loading and securing your boards. Lay your racks on the roof; feed the strap through the lock; place your board into the padded strap; then pull tight.

Are the Curve Lockdown Racks protective?

This is where I see the biggest advantage to the Lockdown. The 25mm foam padding protects surfboard rails by not only enveloping them in padding, but also by tightening around all sides of the surfboard. There is a downward force that secures your boards like no other rack I have tried.

So in summary, the Curve Lockdown surfboard racks are solid and live up to the company’s claims. At about $50, they are a tad pricier than some of the lesser quality racks. However, based on my several month trial, I would say that they are worth the extra coin.

User Reviews

 5 out of 5
Curve Lockdown Racks are awesome!, Member Saildoggie

Curve Lockdown Racks are the best qualilty and best designed soft rack on the market by a long shot! I searched high and low on the internet, visited several surf shops and got a feel for what was available, many companies selling the same basic product then I saw the Curve product, wow, over the top awesome, no comparison at all with the other racks that are on the market. I purchased the racks for my newbie surfer daughter, 16 years old, she can easily and safely load her board and her buddy's boards in no time and be on their way to the waves! Don't look any further, these racks ROCK!

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