Kuat PISTON® PRO X vs NV 2.0 Bike Racks

[@kevinhill.8]

Deep dive into Kuat's two top-of-the-line hitch mounted bicycle tray racks, the NV 2.0 and the ultra-premium PISTON PRO X. We begin with all the deets, then cover pros and cons, and a few other topics, before handing over the reins to Alli for some serious user feedback. We wrap things up (right on time, as it got dark out) with a look at the lights on the PISTON PRO X. Hope this helps you with your decision. Please add comments, and don't forget to Like and Subscribe. Links and Timestamps below. Thx for watching! LINKS My Thule T2 Pro XT vs Kuat NV 2.0 video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWwYX2hrrOcmcU Kuat PISTON PRO X: www.kuat.com/product/piston-pro-x/ Kuat NV 2.0: www.kuat.com/product/nv-2-0/ TIMESTAMPS Intro 0:00 Price 0:47 Spec 1:19 Pro/Con 3:35 Rack Install 8:50 2" vs 1.25" 9:30 Tailgate Clearance 9:47 User Feedback (Alli) 10:40 Lights 17:59 Outro 19:11

[@antonroux6737]

can you compare the Piston Pro X with the Thule T2 PRO XTR and the 1UP EXTREME DUTY racks?

[@kevinhill.8]

@@antonroux6737 thx for your suggestion. I wish I could but I sold my Thule T2 and I don’t think I have access to the 1UP right now. Maybe in the future. I did make a video comparing the T2 and the Kuat NV 2.0, so maybe that will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWwYX2hrrOcmcUsi=YgsIhusy2JJUg060

[@craigs9595]

EXCELLENT PRESENTATION!!!! I enjoyed seeing your wife participating with the presentation and giving the practical demonstration. For me, I think your presentation and comparison was excellent. I think you answered all my questions and when I purchase our e-bikes I plan to get the Piston Pro X. The ease of use and safety features and the lights attracted me the most. I also like the fact that they enhanced the lock system for the rack and the bikes too. Well done, and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thanks for your nice comments! I’m glad the video was useful. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with the rack for your bikes. It’s not cheap, but it definitely has a lot of nice features, and it’s very well built, so it should last a long time and be a pleasure to use. 👍🏼

[@derekkuhl]

Best review and comparison on KZbin! You did an excellent job. Very thorough giving great real user information. Certainly better than the typical infomercials. I was not considering the Piston Pro but now I think I am going to go with it. Well done again!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx so much. I’m glad it was useful, and I really appreciate your comment. 🙏

[@russellhoge8002]

The NV 2.0 has place in the center of the tightening knob to use the included hex key to help tighten the rack another 1 or 2 turns.

[@kevinhill.8]

Very cool. Never knew that. Thx for sharing. 🙏

[@OntarioGuy430]

I was just watching the Thule T2 Pro XT vs Kuat NV 2.0 review and now I am here - super detailed and thorough reviews!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx much! I appreciate you watching and commenting, and I’m glad the reviews were useful.

[@1775R]

Thanks for the side by side comparison; very helpful. Ally's (sp?) demo sealed the decision. Both of my shoulders have been replaced and I am transitioning from a tailgate bike pad to the hitch. Pro X it is. The demo sold it for me. You're selling Küat's like it's cool. Too bad Küat isn't providing you a code for your viewers to use when you do sway your viewers (like you do); the product sell for the company; something for you and something for us. Capitalism is a wonderful thing when it's fair and everyone wins. Informative video and most helpful. And seeing the tailgate down helped a lot. Thanks, Ally, for the demonstration and costing me an additional $500!!

[@kevinhill.8]

Haha, I like the way you think! Thanks so much for watching and commenting, and I’ll be sure to share your thoughts w Alli (and maybe Küat too). 👍🏼

[@Kevin-ok3sm]

One important key point about the lock is that the integrated lock is easier to steal for a thief that is familiar with kuat. Simply remove the arm with the lock and the bike can be had with the kuat arm. The semi integrated lock is harder to steal because it locks onto the base of the rack rather than an arm. Not everyone is familiar with removing the base since this isn’t required in the installation process.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx for sharing that fantastic point! 👍🏼🙏

[@MrRetluocc]

That's absolutely true, but if someone is going to all that (potentially noisy and visible) trouble, they could also just detach the base of the Piston Pro from the actual hitch mount at the pivot and take the whole thing with bike(s), cable lock, and rack base all at once. Get two guys, undo the one big allen bolt at the pivot, toss the whole thing in the back of a truck, and drive off. About the only way that you can be REALLY secure is to use a big-ass chain and secure it to the safety chain loops on the hitch itself. But I think the take-away should be: don't rely on anything keeping your bikes 100% safe on a rack.

[@jgrews2746]

this guy makes great reviews and has been super helpful tip for any quick info seacer, I tend to watch at 1.5 speed ;)

[@kevinhill.8]

Noted! Thx for watching and for your comment.

[@josedavidrobles7901]

Great review, and thanks for taking the time to produce such an in-depth video. Very helpful!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍🏼

[@saysthetedd]

Thanks for the info! Very helpful. Ordered the Piston Pro X

[@kevinhill.8]

Glad it helped. I think you’ll love it!

[@Coastal-rsidedown]

Fan of the Kuat racks, have the Sherpa 2.0 for one vehicle, looking at the NV 2.0 for the other. Noticed the sticker on your truck window then the Dark Star plate on the subby. Very Nice.

[@kevinhill.8]

Nice! 💀 The Sherpa is really nice for a simple and light rack. I think you’ll dig the NV as well. Super solid rack. 👍🏼

[@mak2969]

Excellent review. Important...One thing that NO ONE includes in their review is that while the NV 2.0 (2" model) is rated at 60 pounds per bike, the trail doc feature is only rated to 40 pounds. I wrote to KUAT asking for the rating and customer service responded to my question. This is important if you're buying the NV 2.0 to carry ebikes or other heavy bikes and expect to use the trail doc.

[@kevinhill.8]

Wow, that’s gtk. I never would have thought about that one, and def important with so many e-bikes out there nowadays. Seems like they should have built it to same capacity as the rack, imo. Thx for watching and commenting!

[@Chan1881]

It was great to hear from both of you. Excellent review. Thank you.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thanks for your comment! Glad it was helpful.

[@dennisy9969]

Thank you for an incredibly detailed review! It was great to see the practical comparison from an owner’s perspective.

[@kevinhill.8]

You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. 🙏

[@martingogo2083]

Well done reviews, I narrowed my decision on which to purchase based on this. Thank you!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx! I appreciate you watching and commenting, and I’m glad it helped out. 👍🏼

[@terryjohnson1632]

I used an NV2 for years and loved it. I’ve had the Piston Pro since they came out and love it too. I do miss the trail doc on the NV2 a lot. The Piston Pro is easier and doesn’t touch anything but tires, that’s a positive. The only negatives of the Piston Pro, in my opinion, is the lack of trail doc and I don’t feel like it holds onto road bikes as well. Maybe it does but the bike sure can wiggle around. The locking cable for the PP being separate is a bit of a pain to keep up with but it does work better than the integrated cable in the NV2.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx for watching and these insightful comments. Great points about the trial doc and locking cable differences. I’ve not had road bikes on the Piston, so sharing that here is much appreciated. 👍🏼

[@80sbmxkid]

Looked into this rack due to the total wheel locking system. Ultimately the price was just too much and went with the Thule xt pro. Seems like a great rack but damn is it expensive. Excellent reviews btw.

[@kevinhill.8]

That’s understandable. It is definitely expensive, even compared to other high end tray racks. The Thule is a nice rack too, and I’m sure will serve you well. If you haven’t already, you may want to check out my comparison btwn XT Pro and NV 2.0 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWwYX2hrrOcmcUsi=mXEUiAu144ro88KP

[@adamcaudell1643]

Outstanding and in-depth review!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍🏼

[@cavanaughpatrick3661]

I recently bought a Piston Pro and still have a NV2.0. So far I like the Piston Pro and part of the reason that I purchased a Piston Pro is that my NV2.0 was starting to rust on the arms and they do not collapse all the way along with outer tray is sagging. I am working with Kuat to have parts shipped to repair this and their warrantee department has been great. I have a wide variety of bikes - mostly mountain...3-29ers, 1-Fat Fire and 1-27.5 e-mountain bike along with a gravel and road bike and all fit nicely in new Piston rack. It appears to be built a little better than the NV rack. 1 negative that I thought of was the tightener that allows to snug up the rack to the receptor on the hitch...this is done with an Allen wrench on the Piston vs a knob that is on the NV Rack but this is minor.

[@kevinhill.8]

Good stuff! Thx for sharing your experience with the two racks, esp since you use them for so many different types of bikes. I’m glad to hear that Kuat Customer Service has been helping you out.

[@Kzuke]

Thanks for another excellent review which covers everyday use concerns. I just finished watching your Thule vs. Kuat review...

[@kevinhill.8]

Excellent. Thx for both your comments. I’m glad the reviews were helpful!

[@rextilian]

Great review thank you. How are you liking the Piston Pro a rear later?

[@WOV49]

I’ve had a ProX for a year now. The integrated lights stopped working about a month ago. Kuat sent a full rebuild kit that my LBS wasn’t able to install. I’ve been without a rack the whole time. Apparently Kuat has done a design change since I purchased mine. I’m more than a little disappointed in them. Also, the light cable is easy to pinch and short out when you put the rack in storage position. Finally, the tailgate of my Ram and F150 trucks won’t lower fully down in any of the unloaded positions. I worry about denting the tailgate.

[@kevinhill.8]

Bummer! Thx for adding this information to the comments so others can know ab your experience. I’m surprised your LBS can’t help w the lights. Is it that complex of a swap? As for the cable, I’ll have to look at mine and make sure it’s not as risk of getting pinched. Is it something that you can use the magnets that mind the cable to help prevent?

[@terryjohnson1632]

I bought one of the early versions and had the same problem. Kuat sent a new wiring harness which, after looking at how involved it would be to install, I took it to my LBS. they were able to do it but said it was a difficult project and not sure if they would do one again. Kuat did reimburse me for the shop cost.

[@JamieLow]

The 50 inch max wheelbase on the NV 2.0 wasn’t something I had considered; my Levo (S5) is slightly longer with the stock setting geometry, although it looks like it could still squeeze in that’s now something I’ll take a closer look at. Thanks!

[@kevinhill.8]

Glad it helped. You can definitely get away with a little over 50” with the NV, but might want to try before you buy. 👍🏼

[@HotNHorny]

Did you ever find out if your s5 levo fit? I have an s3 and thinking of getting this rack

[@wbrewski]

Thanks for a super informative video. The decision for me is clear - Pro X.

[@kevinhill.8]

Nice! Glad it was helpful. Enjoy the new rack. 👍🏼

[@OntarioGuy430]

Time to start saving up for the Piston model.

[@kevinhill.8]

Haha, yeah it is a pretty dope setup. They did it right! 😎

[@knotgleo6663]

Loved the review!!

[@kevinhill.8]

Nice! Thx for taking the time to comment. Glad it was useful. 👍🏼

[@DanMcLaughlin]

Great video thanks, lots of detail. If you could do a followup on your thoughts about this rack and bikes with fenders, and heavy bikes such as e-bikes that would be helpful.

[@kevinhill.8]

Glad it was helpful, and thank you for the suggestion regarding fenders and heavy/e-bikes. Those are two things that often go together and are growing quickly in popularity. I’ll see what I can do. 👍🏼

[@getreal7217]

Excellent review. Thanks.

[@kevinhill.8]

I’m glad it was useful. Thx so much for watching, and for your comment. Much appreciated!

[@eturnltube]

Awesome comparison, Thanks! Do you know if a tailgate on a full size truck would hit on the ProX? I know the Tacoma is marginally narrower, and perhaps that's why the edges clear?

[@kevinhill.8]

Thanks for watching and commenting. Unfortunately, I’m not sure about how it would fit. You might want to reach out to Kuat directly, with the make and model of truck, and see if they know. 🧐

[@frankschock9981]

I have a lower vehicle and was curious how far the base post sticks out from the hitch on the Piston Pro. NV 2.0 is 18" according to your other comparison video to the Thule XT (13").

[@kevinhill.8]

Sry for the delay. I had to find time to measure this for you. The Piston Pro X sticks out about 13”, so similar to the Thule T2 Pro XT. This can vary a little, depending on how far into the receiver the pin hole is on your hitch. It’s about 15” from the hole to the back of the rack, so for most receivers (where the hole is inset about 2-2.5”) it will stick out about 12.5-13 inches. Hope that helps.

[@frankschock9981]

​@kevinhill.8 Awesome thanks for checking that! I'm suprised it's that short. Looks like it sticks out as far as the NV 2.0 minus the knob on the NV. Maybe I'll get the Piston Pro then.

[@kevinhill.8]

@frankschock9981 yeah, I was a little surprised too, but getting that knob off the end def helps. Pro X is a sweet rack; I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. 👍🏼

[@josephchung3298]

I have the NV 2.0 and a Mazda CX-5. When the rack is in the upright position I'm still able to open the trunk with a little bit of clearance without hitting the trail doc. Do you know if the Piston Pro X will have more or less clearance in the the upright position?

[@kevinhill.8]

Wow, great question. I never compared the height when folded up. I’m guessing the NV sticks up more w the trail doc, but I can’t be sure and I no longer have the NV to compare. Might give Kuat a call at 877-822-5828 or send an email to [e-mail].

[@WeberWoodworking]

Nice review, have you considered the Kuat 10" Hi-Lo Extension? I have a Tacoma as well, and hoping the extension adds enough clearance to open the tailgate. Thanks again for the review!

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx for watching and commenting. That’s a great idea, and one I had not really considered for tailgate clearance. I think it would def do the trick. Rack would prob be a little more wobbly when sticking out further, but I doubt it would be a problem. 👍🏼

[@joeg9171]

Loved your videos! I recently purchased 2 Velotric Discover 1 Step Thru Bikes with the Front Basket & Rear Rack options for long touring trips. Is there enough room for the 2 bikes on either of these 2 racks without the bike rubbing/touching or you need to add the 3 bike option? If so, I'm worried about weight capacity of the racks.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thanks for watching and commenting. I don’t think you would have issues with the bikes rubbing, but you might with their weight. The NV 2.0 has a max of 60# each for two bikes, and the Piston Pro X is 67 each. Hope that helps!

[@MiGz1979]

So based on this comparison, and if money wasn’t an issue, it is safe to say the extra $500-$600 for the new Piston Pro is worth it?🤔

[@kevinhill.8]

Definitely. It’s super nice. Easily the best rack I’ve ever used. 👍🏼

[@josephdunbar2105]

Can you speak to the cable lock insert? No protection from mud, dirt, water freezing into ice. If it’s all gummed up what do you do? No rubber cap to protect it. It’s a big deal for me so please let us know if it’s been a problem. Thx

[@kevinhill.8]

I had one other person ask about this so double checked and it’s just an open hole that goes into the rack itself. I even poured water in and it flows out from any number of large openings in the rack itself. So no worries re water, ice, mud, etc. in my opinion. Hope that helps.

[@josephdunbar2105]

Thx

[@bertborzoi]

Excellent review as are your others. Do you know if the Piston light system works with a Tesla Model Y? It has a 7 pin flat connector.

[@kevinhill.8]

Thx! It’s a 4-pin, so I think you’ll need a 7 to 4 adapter.

[@brendan1]

How do these racks hold up to winter weather transporting heavy fat e-bikes? I have a Thule XTR Pro and it has corroded from the salt on the roads.

[@kevinhill.8]

That’s a good question, but unfortunately it’s one I can’t help with since I’m in OR where it only snows at elevation and they don’t use salt on the roads. My old stomping grounds were WI though, so I know what you mean about how much that salt can take a toll on things. I’m guessing they would do ok since they have auto quality finishes, and the Pro has an even more durable coating, but I can’t say from experience.

[@TheLeesto]

have you gone through a touchless car wash with the piston on? you aren't supposed to do that with an NV but I've done it forever with no issues.

[@kevinhill.8]

No, I’ve never tried that! Does make sense that tray racks might be fine with touchless since the rack is pretty large and solid, so the sensors probably detect it. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@latoya3696]

Great review on both! So would you suggest the Piston for bikes with fenders?

[@kevinhill.8]

I think it depends on how long the fenders are (i.e., how far down they go). The Piston could be better if the rear fender isn’t too low, since with the Piston you’re clamping both the front and rear tire, whereas with the NV, the rear is just being looped to the base. However, if the rear fender goes really far down, that could actually be better.

[@JeffGuest]

Which do you personally like to use more?

[@kevinhill.8]

Piston for sure. It’s the one we kept and use regularly. It’s easily the better of the two, but it’s also a lot more money and the NV 2.0 is no slouch. Good luck with your decision.

[@itsarubiconday]

Thanks for the review. Looking at the top of Piston Pro, I see a big hole where the lock cable goes. Is there a plug for that? Or does the rack just fill with water? Is there a drain hole elsewhere? Thanks in advance for any info.

[@kevinhill.8]

Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I needed to go out and actually look at the rack. Turns out that hole is completely open and goes into the body of the rack. I poured some water in there to test it out, and it simply runs out of an open area a little further towards the hitch, which is a nice simple solution. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any other questions. 👍🏼

[@itsarubiconday]

Thanks Kevin! Appreciate the reply and checking that out for me!

[@kevinhill.8]

@@itsarubiconday you bet. Happy to help. Thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼

[@kimromen1304]

I find that my situation is different since I'm carrying four bikes. I bought the 1Up and many people love it but with 4 bikes (or even just the rack with attachment for 4 bikes alone without the 4 bikes) is so hard for me to get into a position to tilt it that my 18 yo has to do it for me but he won't always be there so I'm sending it back and thinking of getting the kuat pro x. I love the 1 Up in every other way pretty much. I think it didn't stick out as much and has a place for the license plate. I don't see a place for the license plate on the Kuat. Do u have experience with carrying 4 bikes or know anyone who does? Does the tilt mechanism still tilt easily (besides the weight of the bikes) and is it easy to reach after putting on the attachment? thx! great video! Love the license plate and GD sticker :)

[@kevinhill.8]

Kuat came out with a license plate mount for the Pro X since my review came out. You can view it here: shop.kuat.com/License-Plate-Mount-Adaptor As for the four bike setup, I’ve not used it, but the release lever on the Pro X is easier than the NV 2.0. That said, you obviously still need to support the bikes as you release it, and the lever is between bikes 1 and 2, so I’m sure it’s a bit of a reach while set up with four bikes. You might want to consider the Thule T2 Pro XTR since it has a release handle at the end, and it stays at the end, even with four bikes. I did a comparison btwn the Kuat NV 2.0 and the Thule T2 that may be helpful. Check it out here, if interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnWwYX2hrrOcmcU

[@kimromen1304]

@@kevinhill.8 I haven't looked at Thule at all since people say there is a lot of plastic. I'll check out your video!!

[@kevinhill.8]

@@kimromen1304 it’s true that it does have more plastic, but it’s still a solid rack. I used it for years without issue, and the handle at the end is definitely a nice feature. I would imagine with four bikes it’s even nicer. Good luck!

[@antonroux6737]

also what's the point of having a pickup truck if you still need to get a bike rack? pick ups are already ridiculously long vehicles and adding the rack turns it into a bus

[@kevinhill.8]

Haha, 🚌. Most people don’t want to lay their bikes in the bed and have them bounce around and get scratched up. There are racks made that fit in the bed though, or pads to hang the bikes over the tailgate. However, it’s also nice to have the bed space open for storing other stuff. Everyone has to figure out what works for them.

[@chewchew74]

These rack companies aware of customers get violation ticket... 'obstructed license plate view'

[@kevinhill.8]

Probably. They do offer a license plate adapter: shop.kuat.com/License-Plate-Mount-Adaptor I’ve never been harassed, but could def see it happening. 🚨