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Malone

Malone

Specializes in kayak, canoe, and SUP carriers.

mid_range TierUSAEst. 2002
Products20
Categories3
WarrantyVaries by product
WebsiteVisit site

About Malone

Malone is the Portland, Maine kayak and canoe carrier brand founded in 2002. They specialize in J-cradles, saddle mounts, stackers, and trailers β€” everything you need to get a boat from your driveway to the water.

The MegaSport is Malone's bread-and-butter trailer, a two-kayak trailer that's the default choice for paddlers who can't fit boats on their roof. The J-Pro 2 and DownLoader are their most popular roof mounts β€” both priced below comparable Thule and Yakima products while working just as well.

For kayak and canoe carriers specifically, Malone is almost always the best value. They don't make roof bars or bike racks β€” just water-sport gear β€” and the focus shows.

Did you know?

Malone was founded in 2002 in Portland, Maine by a pair of commercial fishermen who got tired of losing boats off their pickup trucks. The original "Malone" name came from a fishing dory that a co-founder's grandfather built in the 1940s.

Top Malone racks compared

Malone DownLoader J-Style Kayak Carrier

88/100
Weight Capacity
80.0
Weight
12.2
Length
17.0
Width
6.0
Height
19.5
Material
Steel
Mounting
Roof Crossbar
Installation
Basic Tools
Noise Rating
Moderate
Value Score
90
Ease of Use
88
Build Quality
78

Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Kayak Carrier

86/100
Weight Capacity
80.0
Weight
11.5
Length
20.0
Width
6.0
Height
16.5
Material
Steel
Mounting
Roof Crossbar
Installation
Basic Tools
Noise Rating
Moderate
Value Score
88
Ease of Use
86
Build Quality
78

Malone MegaSport 2-Boat Trailer

86/100
Weight Capacity
80.0
Weight
300.0
Length
168.0
Width
86.0
Height
56.0
Material
Steel
Mounting
Hitch Receiver
Installation
Basic Tools
Noise Rating
Silent
Value Score
81
Ease of Use
86
Build Quality
78

Malone J-Loader

86/100
Weight Capacity
80.0
Weight
13.6
Length
20.0
Width
6.0
Height
16.5
Material
Steel
Mounting
Roof Crossbar
Installation
Basic Tools
Noise Rating
Moderate
Value Score
91
Ease of Use
86
Build Quality
78

Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier

86/100
Weight Capacity
70.0
Weight
11.6
Length
27.5
Width
6.0
Height
4.5
Material
Steel
Mounting
Roof Crossbar
Installation
Basic Tools
Noise Rating
Moderate
Value Score
88
Ease of Use
86
Build Quality
78

All Malone Products(20)

Malone DownLoader J-Style Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
88/100

Malone

Malone DownLoader J-Style Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$149.00MSRP
Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone J-Pro 2 J-Style Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$109.00MSRP
Malone MegaSport 2-Boat Trailer β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone MegaSport 2-Boat Trailer

Kayak & Canoekayak_trailer
$1,099.00MSRP
Malone J-Loader β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone J-Loader

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$89.00MSRP
Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone SeaWing Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoesaddle_mount
$199.00MSRP
Malone MicroSport Trailer - Main product photo
86/100

Malone

Malone MicroSport Trailer

Kayak & Canoekayak_trailer
$699.00MSRP
Malone ClipperTRX-2 Deluxe Cart β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone ClipperTRX-2 Deluxe Cart

Kayak & Canoefoam_block
$149.00MSRP
Malone Stinger Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone Stinger Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoestacker
$79.00MSRP
Malone SeaWing Saddle-Style Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone SeaWing Saddle-Style Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoesaddle_mount
$199.00MSRP
Malone Stax Pro 2 Universal Car Rack Folding Kayak Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone Stax Pro 2 Universal Car Rack Folding Kayak Carrier

Kayak & Canoestacker
$89.00MSRP
Malone Telos XL Load Assist Module β€” product detail (Malone)
86/100

Malone

Malone Telos XL Load Assist Module

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$349.00MSRP
Malone J-Pro2 J-Cradle β€” product detail (Malone)
79/100

Malone

Malone J-Pro2 J-Cradle

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$109.00MSRP
Malone AutoLoader XV J-Rack β€” product detail (Malone)
77/100

Malone

Malone AutoLoader XV J-Rack

Kayak & Canoej_cradle
$199.00MSRP
Malone Saddle Up Pro β€” product detail (Malone)

Malone

Malone Saddle Up Pro

Paddleboard Carrierssup_saddle_mount
$149.95MSRP
Malone Standard SUP Foam Block Kit β€” product detail (Malone)

Malone

Malone Standard SUP Foam Block Kit

Paddleboard Carrierssup_foam_block
$55.43MSRP
Malone Deluxe SUP Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)

Malone

Malone Deluxe SUP Carrier

Paddleboard Carrierssup_foam_block
$79.95MSRP
Malone Maui-2 SUP Carrier β€” product detail (Malone)

Malone

Malone Maui-2 SUP Carrier

Paddleboard Carrierssup_saddle_mount
$169.95MSRP
Malone Malone SUP 30" Rack Pads - Main product photo

Malone

Malone SUP 30" Rack Pads

Paddleboard Carrierssup_roof_pad
$34.95MSRP
Malone Malone AirFlow2 Aluminum Cross - 50"

Malone

Malone AirFlow2 Aluminum Cross - 50"

Accessoriesaero_crossbar
$242.95MSRP
Malone FoldAway-5 Multi-Rack β€” product detail (Malone)

Malone

Malone FoldAway-5 Multi-Rack

Paddleboard Carrierssup_j_cradle
$239.95MSRP

Prices may vary. Prices and availability are subject to change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malone

Malone is a strong mid-range choice specifically for kayak and canoe carriers. Their J-Pro 2 and DownLoader models are well-regarded in the paddling community for ease of loading and solid construction at $100–$250. Where they're weaker: their crossbar and universal fit systems are less refined than Thule or Yakima. Stick to their water sport carriers β€” that's where they excel.
Malone kayak carriers deliver about 85% of Thule's functionality at 50–60% of the price. The Malone DownLoader J-style carrier ($120) vs. Thule Hull-a-Port ($200) is the classic comparison β€” both work well, Thule has slightly better padding and finish. For your first kayak rack or occasional use, Malone is excellent value. For daily use or premium kayaks, Thule's extra protection may justify the price.
Malone is ideal for paddlers β€” kayakers, canoeists, and SUP boarders who want a reliable carrier without premium pricing. They're the go-to recommendation in paddling forums for first-time rack buyers. If you're primarily carrying bikes, skis, or cargo boxes, look at brands that specialize in those categories instead.

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