Ordered and installed my Yakima TopWater Rod Box in July 2020 and overall, I'm happy to have it. I'm a YAK fisher and travel around the south fishing and this storage system is important to me. Good comments first: Installs like a breeze and the under-bar clamp secures the unit easily. I did order the Slot-T-Slot Kit 5 for my Thule YAK rack and this hardware is the bomb. It allows me to slide the box on and off from the end of each crossbar of my rack and allows me to remove the box when I'm not traveling. Also, makes it easy to remove if I need to run the pickup through a car wash. The locking mechanism is adequate, but make no mistake in thinking this is a safe, secure way to store your rods overnight in a hotel parking lot or somewhere similar. With a long screwdriver and not much effort, anyone can pry open the lid and make off with your gear. Yakima’s lock hardware and mechanics are designed to keep folks honest when you’re at the fishing resort, but you'll want to remove your rods if staying somewhere very public, overnight. The NOT SO GOOD part: The hinge system of the stay-up-lid is nice, but very fragile. Before making my purchase via Moosejaw.com, I read reviews that mentioned the spring(s) popping off when opening the lid and to be cautious of this. Well, the very first usage in the field of my TopWater, the left hand spring popped off before sunup and I had no idea how or why that happened. After getting home, I inspected the right side hinge spring, and it had bent nearly all the way and was holding by the bare minimum to the hinge hardware. One lid opening later, it popped and this is NOT something that should be happening to a brand new product of this cost. I contacted Yakima and they immediately offered to send new springs/hardware, however to my surprise, customer service offered ZERO explanation concerning how this may have happened, nor how I can try to avoid the issue in the future. I was really shocked that they offered no suggestions on how to open the lid differently, or more carefully than I currently do. Because I like to keep purchases for a long time, I manage the lid opening and closing gingerly, but that still didn't help avoid BOTH springs from failing within my first fishing trip. Lastly and somewhat negative, is that you can only unlock and lock the lid open or closed. To remove your key, you'll have to lock the lid back down and it's not possible to just close the lid and know that it's properly latched down. Yakima mentioned this was a design feature, to help prevent folks from leaving their car key(s) in the lock and later driving off. Can't say that I blame them for that, but it would've been nice to just be able to close and secure the lid, without having to have my keys available
Could you please do a video on specifically how do you fit your offshore setups. Because I would like to have an idea if I can fit my tuna jigging setups perhaps my avet 50 narrow etc. Great video and thanks!!
Cheers for the review on this Ryan. Was looking at getting one and this review has helped me make the decision to get it. $850 in Australia but like you said, breaking expensive equipment, something like a Zenaq or damaging a Saltiga, is a hell of a lot more expensive!..... Thanks!
I 100% agree with your review. I was planning to post my review after 3 months, and decided I would get it mounted on my kayak/camping/adventure trailer before doing so. Fast forward over a year, and the box is hanging in my garage, not being used. Reason for non-use is as you mentioned closing the box and locking the box. For the price paid it should be and needs to be better built. Another issue I have is the flimsiness of the bottom. I am always concerned when transporting rods (if I use it), the bottom is going to break. I think if I had it to do all over again, I would have custom built a better box. Cost would be higher, but quality and knowing it will not crack or break on the road would be worth it. Overall, yes I agree it is a good product. It needs to be deeper, as you mention, it is shallow for us who use big pit surf fishing spinning reels, etc. Noce review, well put. By the way, if you read this, what was your fix for storing those big pit spinning reels? Thanks. Tight Lines and Wet nets!
I have that same box and I can tell you from experience if they want it they will get it. This box is a deterrent it takes a screw driver to pry the 3 cheap locks apart and your stuff is gone. Take them to the room with you.
The flex in the lightweight box means the lid may not always come down evenly. Not really a big deal to pull down on the ends to get it to close and lock properly. I like mine. It's OK.
I just posted on another review to get the word out..Don't waste your money!! I purchased one from REI (Who no longer carries them, ironically after I posted a major complaint) and received it last week on a Monday. By Thursday both springs had stretched. One came off (broke) and the other stretched and barely holding on after opening just a few times. Never got a chance to use it so I returned it. The other 2 reviews on REI stated the exact same thing. I assumed Yakima corrected the issue. The locking mechanism is basic. No push button and you have to use the key to open it and close it\latch it. This means your keys are tied up if you have it on your key chain, or if someone else has the key or you misplace it, you have no way of accessing the box. Sometimes you want to latch it and not lock it...Common sense. The mounting system is the older u-bolt screw on type. Old engineering with a new, high price. Poorly designed and engineered. The box was somewhat warped as well and quite flimsy, however, I was surprised there was little wind resistance and noise on my 4-Runner. $550 is too much. I had a 20% coupon and it was still too much, but I needed something to get the rods out of the vehicle and splurged for a B-Day present to myself. A Skybox 12 is cheaper and stores more. Why not make a longer Skybox with a rod holder insert? A multi-use box with accessories is much more appealing. Something with compartments, etc. I own a Skybox, Space Booster box, bike rack and kayaak cradles, all Yakima. This product is subpar for Yakima. Extremely disappointed as they put no thought into this and pushed it out to loyal customers knowing they are the only company on the market with a product like this. There's a need and demand for this, and hoping competition will drive quality up and price down. I will wait for someone else to manufacture a better box with a better design.
I’m not quite ready to pull the trigger on one of these, so hopefully they will address some of the issues they are having by the time I am, but I do have one question. It is possible to put more rods on the bottom as well, or are you pretty much limited to the 8 that it can hold?
Thanks for the review. It appears that its just an okay option. Its a design failure when you can't lock it the way it was designed to. Yakima can do better.
Good review. A lot of money but against what you're attempting to protect and secure over many years, not really out of line. I've looked around and not seen many boxes as good or better than this. RodMaker Magazine.
Word of warning , if you put cork handle rods in this box they will be damaged !!! All 5 rods i put in it were damage on the first trip with it and now after numerous emails with yakima I am being ignored by yakima warranty . Buyer beware I'm now out the near 600$ I paid for the box and the near 500$ in rods.
amhouston2520 all good man, thx for looking out. In this case I didn’t test everything so whatever info people can provide we welcome as long as their not jerks about it. Now if they talk shit about any other video that’s not a review I would appreciate them to shut it. Lol thanks bud for the support. Are you on Instagram if you are hit us up I’ll send some stickers or something.
Update , yakima customer service ( though very slow ) is addressing the issue and are reimbursing me for the box as well as damaged rods, and will be sending me a new box once design flaws are corrected.
![Blox Fruits Dragon Rework Update [Full Stream]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EqDAp8udhm0/mqdefault.jpg)
Ordered and installed my Yakima TopWater Rod Box in July 2020 and overall, I'm happy to have it. I'm a YAK fisher and travel around the south fishing and this storage system is important to me. Good comments first: Installs like a breeze and the under-bar clamp secures the unit easily. I did order the Slot-T-Slot Kit 5 for my Thule YAK rack and this hardware is the bomb. It allows me to slide the box on and off from the end of each crossbar of my rack and allows me to remove the box when I'm not traveling. Also, makes it easy to remove if I need to run the pickup through a car wash. The locking mechanism is adequate, but make no mistake in thinking this is a safe, secure way to store your rods overnight in a hotel parking lot or somewhere similar. With a long screwdriver and not much effort, anyone can pry open the lid and make off with your gear. Yakima’s lock hardware and mechanics are designed to keep folks honest when you’re at the fishing resort, but you'll want to remove your rods if staying somewhere very public, overnight. The NOT SO GOOD part: The hinge system of the stay-up-lid is nice, but very fragile. Before making my purchase via Moosejaw.com, I read reviews that mentioned the spring(s) popping off when opening the lid and to be cautious of this. Well, the very first usage in the field of my TopWater, the left hand spring popped off before sunup and I had no idea how or why that happened. After getting home, I inspected the right side hinge spring, and it had bent nearly all the way and was holding by the bare minimum to the hinge hardware. One lid opening later, it popped and this is NOT something that should be happening to a brand new product of this cost. I contacted Yakima and they immediately offered to send new springs/hardware, however to my surprise, customer service offered ZERO explanation concerning how this may have happened, nor how I can try to avoid the issue in the future. I was really shocked that they offered no suggestions on how to open the lid differently, or more carefully than I currently do. Because I like to keep purchases for a long time, I manage the lid opening and closing gingerly, but that still didn't help avoid BOTH springs from failing within my first fishing trip. Lastly and somewhat negative, is that you can only unlock and lock the lid open or closed. To remove your key, you'll have to lock the lid back down and it's not possible to just close the lid and know that it's properly latched down. Yakima mentioned this was a design feature, to help prevent folks from leaving their car key(s) in the lock and later driving off. Can't say that I blame them for that, but it would've been nice to just be able to close and secure the lid, without having to have my keys available
Could you please do a video on specifically how do you fit your offshore setups. Because I would like to have an idea if I can fit my tuna jigging setups perhaps my avet 50 narrow etc. Great video and thanks!!
Cheers for the review on this Ryan. Was looking at getting one and this review has helped me make the decision to get it. $850 in Australia but like you said, breaking expensive equipment, something like a Zenaq or damaging a Saltiga, is a hell of a lot more expensive!..... Thanks!
Ya man thanks. Tight lines!!!
Top notch review. I want one for all the same reasons that you did, problem is just finding one right now in stock.
William McDonough ya man thanks good luck in your search
How is manipulating the strap between the yakima box and the kayak when attempting to strap down the kayak? Is it a pain in the butt? Hard to reach?
I 100% agree with your review. I was planning to post my review after 3 months, and decided I would get it mounted on my kayak/camping/adventure trailer before doing so. Fast forward over a year, and the box is hanging in my garage, not being used. Reason for non-use is as you mentioned closing the box and locking the box. For the price paid it should be and needs to be better built. Another issue I have is the flimsiness of the bottom. I am always concerned when transporting rods (if I use it), the bottom is going to break. I think if I had it to do all over again, I would have custom built a better box. Cost would be higher, but quality and knowing it will not crack or break on the road would be worth it. Overall, yes I agree it is a good product. It needs to be deeper, as you mention, it is shallow for us who use big pit surf fishing spinning reels, etc. Noce review, well put. By the way, if you read this, what was your fix for storing those big pit spinning reels? Thanks. Tight Lines and Wet nets!
Badass. I kept looking at it while you were loading your rods at SLR. I was impressed. 😁👌🏼
I have that same box and I can tell you from experience if they want it they will get it. This box is a deterrent it takes a screw driver to pry the 3 cheap locks apart and your stuff is gone. Take them to the room with you.
The flex in the lightweight box means the lid may not always come down evenly. Not really a big deal to pull down on the ends to get it to close and lock properly. I like mine. It's OK.
Love your setup! I have a 2014 tundra with the same kayak and your setup is what I’m aiming for.
How bout if i store rods with reels attached? Will it be alright?
Great review, I noticed the decals on the inside but was wondering how the outside is as far as putting decals, I like decals.
The texture of the carrier doesn’t really allow it.
I just posted on another review to get the word out..Don't waste your money!! I purchased one from REI (Who no longer carries them, ironically after I posted a major complaint) and received it last week on a Monday. By Thursday both springs had stretched. One came off (broke) and the other stretched and barely holding on after opening just a few times. Never got a chance to use it so I returned it. The other 2 reviews on REI stated the exact same thing. I assumed Yakima corrected the issue. The locking mechanism is basic. No push button and you have to use the key to open it and close it\latch it. This means your keys are tied up if you have it on your key chain, or if someone else has the key or you misplace it, you have no way of accessing the box. Sometimes you want to latch it and not lock it...Common sense. The mounting system is the older u-bolt screw on type. Old engineering with a new, high price. Poorly designed and engineered. The box was somewhat warped as well and quite flimsy, however, I was surprised there was little wind resistance and noise on my 4-Runner. $550 is too much. I had a 20% coupon and it was still too much, but I needed something to get the rods out of the vehicle and splurged for a B-Day present to myself. A Skybox 12 is cheaper and stores more. Why not make a longer Skybox with a rod holder insert? A multi-use box with accessories is much more appealing. Something with compartments, etc. I own a Skybox, Space Booster box, bike rack and kayaak cradles, all Yakima. This product is subpar for Yakima. Extremely disappointed as they put no thought into this and pushed it out to loyal customers knowing they are the only company on the market with a product like this. There's a need and demand for this, and hoping competition will drive quality up and price down. I will wait for someone else to manufacture a better box with a better design.
Very well done. Excellent review.
Ya man thanks
Nice review!!! Super helpful thank you!
How did you get the outback on your roof and secure it? I'm looking to do the same on my Tacoma? TIA
Great review Ryan, thanks!
Might fish this Saturday again at kings
@@AboveTheHook Would like to get back there. Keep me posted.
I’m not quite ready to pull the trigger on one of these, so hopefully they will address some of the issues they are having by the time I am, but I do have one question. It is possible to put more rods on the bottom as well, or are you pretty much limited to the 8 that it can hold?
I am sure you can put rods on the bottom no problem they just not be secured.
Thanks for the review. It appears that its just an okay option. Its a design failure when you can't lock it the way it was designed to. Yakima can do better.
Good review. A lot of money but against what you're attempting to protect and secure over many years, not really out of line. I've looked around and not seen many boxes as good or better than this. RodMaker Magazine.
Lost me at 550 bucks
Word of warning , if you put cork handle rods in this box they will be damaged !!! All 5 rods i put in it were damage on the first trip with it and now after numerous emails with yakima I am being ignored by yakima warranty . Buyer beware I'm now out the near 600$ I paid for the box and the near 500$ in rods.
Still out here talking smack about this product? Post your own video review instead of bashing other RUclipsrs channels.
I appreciate the information, I don’t own a single cork grip rod so I never knew that would damage them. Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
amhouston2520 all good man, thx for looking out. In this case I didn’t test everything so whatever info people can provide we welcome as long as their not jerks about it. Now if they talk shit about any other video that’s not a review I would appreciate them to shut it. Lol thanks bud for the support. Are you on Instagram if you are hit us up I’ll send some stickers or something.
Maybe one should consider soft towels at the pressure points at the rods, so the brace and rubber strap don’t put pressure in isolated areas
Update , yakima customer service ( though very slow ) is addressing the issue and are reimbursing me for the box as well as damaged rods, and will be sending me a new box once design flaws are corrected.