Pros
- Useful & well-made
- Lightweight & compact
- Fair price
Cons
- Water leaks into the car when raining due to straps
How’s the build quality?
Overall product score: 7.5/10
What the darn heck is a HandiRack? ‘Normal’ roof racks can be cumbersome, annoying to store away when not used, and a pain to fit when you want them back on. This is an inflatable system, which has easy fitment, takes up very little room, and is lightweight. These are not permanent sets and are more a temporary solution.
HandiWorld states the HandiRack can be used on 3 or 5-door solid-top vehicles, as long as on the 3-door car, the rear windows will open. A 3-door Mitsubishi Pajero we were using as a test bed had no rear-opening windows but luckily had built-in roof bars running the length of the roof on each side. However, HandiWorld did say their HandiRacks were not designed to strap to these types of roof bars, but we used them anyway by looping the strap under and over the bars, and we never had a single problem
The material surrounding the inflatable tubes is certainly tough and durable. The stuff used is actually much like a German-made inflatable boat we bought – ultra-resilient and has survived a load of heavy-use trips. A good thing. If you like high-grade gear, you’ll love this product.
All the straps and metal rings running down the two inflatable sections which are used for strapping your stuff down, are the same high quality, with heavy-duty stitching too.
What we liked most
We were very happy with the materials Handiworld has used on this product, and the way it’s all put together is commendable. The guys at HandiWorld have made sure their gear is really good quality, and this is not some cheaply-made item – just the opposite in fact!
As mentioned, the fitment of the HandiRack is quick and easy. We recommend putting them on two or three times to get used to the way they work first, then they should only take a few minutes after that. The air pump is great if a little cheaply made, but the two-way system makes for fast inflation. The HandiRack deflates to super-compact size and takes up hardly any space in a car. Afraid they’ll get stolen? Simple solution: park up, take off the HandiRack, deflate it, and put it in the trunk.
Even though they don’t look strong, this system can hold an impressive 80kg (176 lbs). We loaded them to nearly that weight, and there were no problems.
Some drawbacks and negatives
The HandiRack is such a good system, but we were disappointed by a rather major flaw. After a heavy rainstorm, we found the front seats in the truck were wet, not soaked, but certainly very damp. This is why; The belt that is inside between the doors to hold the racks down is similar to safety or seat belts. These soak up water and that, alongside the belt nipping the door seals, makes the water run along the strap, which then drips down onto you, or your seat. If the belts were coated in plastic or rubber, this would almost certainly be the answer to stopping it.
Another issue; The HandiRack left fine scratches on the paintwork of the roof. This is unfortunately normal – as detailing enthusiasts we know that even on dry, clean paintwork, rubbing anything other than a good microfibre cloth across it will cause fine scratches and swirl marks. Our answer? Put a couple of soft microfibre towels the full way under each rack. Problem solved.
Worth the price?
We feel the $99.99 (dependent or the reseller) for the HandiRack is almost right. The system is cheaper in the U.K. though, due to it being a British firm. We cannot quality of this system, and although there’s that water problem, they are still priced reasonably. A set of normal metal secure roof bars costs $30 – $40 more at least, but then you have to store them, etc.
So, who is this for?
If you don’t use roof racks very often, and just want an easy solution for carrying something too large for the trunk – and also a product that’ll store anywhere – then the HandiRack will do you nicely. They’re also stylish, for you ‘boarding dudes too. If you’re planning a long trip though, a set of normal bars will be better overall.
Learn more at HandiWorld
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