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
@antonroux67377 ай бұрын
can you compare the Piston Pro X with the Thule T2 PRO XTR and the 1UP EXTREME DUTY racks?
@kevinhill.87 ай бұрын
@@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
@OntarioGuy4303 ай бұрын
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.83 ай бұрын
Thx much! I appreciate you watching and commenting, and I’m glad the reviews were useful.
@derekkuhl Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Thx so much. I’m glad it was useful, and I really appreciate your comment. 🙏
@craigs9595 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@Kevin-ok3sm Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Thx for sharing that fantastic point! 👍🏼🙏
@MrRetluocc11 ай бұрын
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.
@russellhoge8002 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Very cool. Never knew that. Thx for sharing. 🙏
@jgrews274611 ай бұрын
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.811 ай бұрын
Noted! Thx for watching and for your comment.
@mak2969Ай бұрын
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.827 күн бұрын
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!
@dennisy99693 ай бұрын
Thank you for an incredibly detailed review! It was great to see the practical comparison from an owner’s perspective.
@kevinhill.83 ай бұрын
You’re welcome! Glad it was helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment. 🙏
@1775R7 ай бұрын
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.87 ай бұрын
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). 👍🏼
@cavanaughpatrick36618 ай бұрын
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.88 ай бұрын
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.
@josedavidrobles790111 ай бұрын
Great review, and thanks for taking the time to produce such an in-depth video. Very helpful!
@kevinhill.811 ай бұрын
Thanks so much! I’m glad it was helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to comment 👍🏼
@Coastal-rsidedown Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Nice! 💀 The Sherpa is really nice for a simple and light rack. I think you’ll dig the NV as well. Super solid rack. 👍🏼
@saysthetedd11 ай бұрын
Thanks for the info! Very helpful. Ordered the Piston Pro X
@kevinhill.811 ай бұрын
Glad it helped. I think you’ll love it!
@80sbmxkid2 ай бұрын
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.82 ай бұрын
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
@Chan1881 Жыл бұрын
It was great to hear from both of you. Excellent review. Thank you.
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for your comment! Glad it was helpful.
@Kzuke5 ай бұрын
Thanks for another excellent review which covers everyday use concerns. I just finished watching your Thule vs. Kuat review...
@kevinhill.84 ай бұрын
Excellent. Thx for both your comments. I’m glad the reviews were helpful!
@martingogo20835 ай бұрын
Well done reviews, I narrowed my decision on which to purchase based on this. Thank you!
@kevinhill.85 ай бұрын
Thx! I appreciate you watching and commenting, and I’m glad it helped out. 👍🏼
@JamieLow Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Glad it helped. You can definitely get away with a little over 50” with the NV, but might want to try before you buy. 👍🏼
@HotNHorny10 ай бұрын
Did you ever find out if your s5 levo fit? I have an s3 and thinking of getting this rack
@WOV49 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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?
@adamcaudell164311 ай бұрын
Outstanding and in-depth review!
@kevinhill.811 ай бұрын
Thank you! Glad it was helpful. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. 👍🏼
@daddykiller5835 Жыл бұрын
Actually the Küat NV/2.0 has a built-in bike stand and you can buy a Swing out adapter called the Küat Pivot 2. To convert your bike rack to swing out for $398.00
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
Yes, it does have a bike stand, which I believe I showed in the video. I used to own a Pivot, and they are def nice in certain applications, but also add quite a bit of weight and because they put the rack farther back they can cause increased issues w scraping on inclines. That said, they can be super handy since you can attach any rack to them and swing them well out of the way quite easily. 👍🏼
@OntarioGuy4303 ай бұрын
Time to start saving up for the Piston model.
@kevinhill.83 ай бұрын
Haha, yeah it is a pretty dope setup. They did it right! 😎
@getreal7217 Жыл бұрын
Excellent review. Thanks.
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
I’m glad it was useful. Thx so much for watching, and for your comment. Much appreciated!
@knotgleo6663 Жыл бұрын
Loved the review!!
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
Nice! Thx for taking the time to comment. Glad it was useful. 👍🏼
@wbrewski Жыл бұрын
Thanks for a super informative video. The decision for me is clear - Pro X.
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
Nice! Glad it was helpful. Enjoy the new rack. 👍🏼
@DanMcLaughlin Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@MiGz1979 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Definitely. It’s super nice. Easily the best rack I’ve ever used. 👍🏼
@WeberWoodworking5 ай бұрын
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.85 ай бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@joeg91717 ай бұрын
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.87 ай бұрын
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!
@josephchung3298 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 info@kuat.com.
@eturnltube7 ай бұрын
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.87 ай бұрын
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. 🧐
@brendan13 ай бұрын
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.83 ай бұрын
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.
@josephdunbar21054 ай бұрын
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.83 ай бұрын
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.
@josephdunbar21053 ай бұрын
Thx
@latoya3696 Жыл бұрын
Great review on both! So would you suggest the Piston for bikes with fenders?
@kevinhill.8 Жыл бұрын
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.
@bertborzoi9 ай бұрын
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.89 ай бұрын
Thx! It’s a 4-pin, so I think you’ll need a 7 to 4 adapter.
@itsarubiconday6 ай бұрын
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.86 ай бұрын
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. 👍🏼
@itsarubiconday6 ай бұрын
Thanks Kevin! Appreciate the reply and checking that out for me!
@kevinhill.86 ай бұрын
@@itsarubiconday you bet. Happy to help. Thx for watching and commenting. 👍🏼
@frankschock99815 ай бұрын
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.85 ай бұрын
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.
@frankschock99815 ай бұрын
@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.85 ай бұрын
@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. 👍🏼
@TheLeesto5 ай бұрын
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.85 ай бұрын
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. 🤷🏼♂️
@kimromen1304 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@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 Жыл бұрын
@@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!
@antonroux67377 ай бұрын
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.87 ай бұрын
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.
@chewchew745 ай бұрын
These rack companies aware of customers get violation ticket... 'obstructed license plate view'
@kevinhill.85 ай бұрын
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. 🚨