Ho Stevie!
Surfboard/SUP Round Roof Rack Pads are a straightforward buy if you need padding for boards on round or square crossbars.
They are built around a simple job: add protection, stay put, and install fast.
Roof Rack Pads Review Summary
If your vehicle already has crossbars and you want an easy way to carry a surfboard or paddleboard, this Ho Stevie! setup makes sense.
The listing is clearly aimed at drivers who want basic, durable padding without a fussy install, and that is the strongest reason to consider it.
It suits people who already know their bar style and want a pad set they can leave in place through ordinary use.
It is less compelling if you have aero-style bars, because the listing specifically points those buyers to the brand’s Aero Pads instead.
Review Scorecard
| Category | Score | Why it earns that score |
|---|---|---|
| Crossbar compatibility | 9/10 | Works with round and square crossbars, including common factory and universal setups. |
| Installation ease | 9/10 | Wrap-and-velcro design keeps setup simple and avoids removing the bars. |
| Weather durability | 8/10 | 600D polyester and UV protection are practical signs of outdoor durability. |
| Board protection | 8/10 | Padding and a no-slip top are aimed at reducing movement and contact. |
| Fit flexibility | 7/10 | Two lengths help, but buyers still need to match pad size to bar width and load. |
| Long-term convenience | 8/10 | The listing says they can stay on the rack and handle car-wash use. |
Key Features and Specifications of Roof Rack Pads
The main appeal of these pads is their compatibility.
The listing says they are designed for surfboards and paddleboards on vehicles with built-in racks, round crossbars, square crossbars, or other round/square tubing such as truck lumber racks and ladder utility racks.
That broad fit is the main reason this product is more versatile than a narrow, vehicle-specific accessory.
The pads use a wraparound design with velcro closure, so installation is meant to be quick.
You do not need to remove the crossbars to mount them, which makes them a better match for buyers who want a low-effort accessory they can set up once and keep using.
The material callout also matters.
Ho Stevie! lists heavy-duty weatherproof 600D polyester with UV protection, which suggests the pads are built to resist fading and ordinary outdoor wear.
The brand also says the pads can be left on the roof rack permanently and even through a car wash.
Other useful details from the listing:
- Sold as a set of 2 pads
- Available in 28-inch or 17-inch lengths
- The 28-inch option is presented as the better default for most buyers
- The 17-inch option is useful when you already have padding on one side or need a shorter fit
- The top construction is described as no-slip to help keep boards steady
- The brand suggests pairing them with tie-down straps
The most important practical note is the sizing choice.
This is not a one-size-fits-all item, and the listing makes that clear.
Buyers should think about crossbar width, how much rack space they actually need to cover, and whether they are padding one side of a rack or both.
Pros and Cons of Roof Rack Pads
Pros
- Broad compatibility with round and square crossbars
- Fast wraparound install with velcro
- Weatherproof 600D polyester with UV protection
- No-slip top construction is built for board stability
- Two length options help match different rack setups
- Designed to stay on the rack for convenience
Cons
- Not the right choice for aero-style crossbars
- Buyers still need to choose the correct length
- The listing is focused on utility, not premium padding depth or extra features
- Better as a practical rack accessory than a complete transport system
Who Should Buy Roof Rack Pads?
Buy these pads if you carry a surfboard or SUP on a rack with round or square bars and want something simple.
They make the most sense for people who value easy installation, weather resistance, and compatibility over elaborate design.
They are also a good fit for owners of truck lumber racks or ladder utility racks who need a similar padded contact point.
The listing’s compatibility language makes them useful beyond just surf and paddleboard setups.
Skip them if your rack uses aero-style crossbars, because the product page points you toward a different pad design for that bar shape.
You should also look elsewhere if you want a more specialized system with added structure or integrated tie-down hardware.
How the Padding and Fit Work
Round and Square Bar Use
The biggest advantage here is that the pads are built for common round and square bar shapes.
That matters because many rack accessories are picky about profile, while these are meant to cover the standard tubing buyers already have.
17-Inch vs 28-Inch
The size choice is the main decision point.
The 28-inch version is positioned as the better default, while the 17-inch option is for tighter setups or partial coverage.
If you are unsure, the longer pad is the safer starting point unless your rack space is clearly limited.
Everyday Stability
The listing’s no-slip top construction is aimed at holding boards in place during highway driving and turns.
That is exactly the kind of feature that matters in real use: not flashy, just enough grip to reduce shifting and contact wear.
Durability for Outdoor Use
Weatherproof 600D polyester and UV protection are sensible material claims for a rack pad.
They do not turn this into a premium expedition product, but they do suggest the pads are made for ordinary sun, weather, and repeated use.
Alternatives to Roof Rack Pads
If you want to compare before buying, these are the most logical alternatives on Amazon:
- Ho Stevie! Aero Pads for aero-style crossbars
- Thule roof rack pads if you want a major rack-brand option
- Yakima roof rack pads for another established rack-accessory line
- soft roof rack pads if you want to compare generic universal pads
The main comparison point is fit.
This Ho Stevie! set is strongest when you need round or square bar compatibility, while the alternatives are worth checking if you have aero bars or want to stay inside a rack brand ecosystem.
Is Roof Rack Pads Worth It?
Yes, if you need a practical pad set for round or square crossbars and want a fast, no-drama setup.
The product’s value is in its simple fit, basic durability, and easy installation, not in extra complexity.
If your rack shape matches, this is a sensible buy for carrying a surfboard or SUP without overthinking the hardware.
If your bars are aero-shaped, or if you want a more specialized solution, you should choose a different pad style instead.