Dakine Aero Rack Pads Review

Average price$48Range $39–$55 across 3 retailersSee sources

The Dakine Aero Rack Pads are foam crossbar pads for carrying surfboards on an existing roof rack. Dakine positions them as a more aerodynamic option than a full wrap pad, covering only the top of the bar and closing with hook and loop.

View on Dakine

Quick specs

Type: Roof rack crossbar pads
Sold as: Set of two
Length options: 18", 28", 34"
Bar fit (18"): 5.5" to 8" (14 to 20 cm) circumference
Material: 100% recycled 600D polyester
Closure: Hook and loop

Dakine describes the Aero Rack Pads as the answer to a more aerodynamic foam pad for existing roof rack crossbars. The 18 inch set is listed with upper padding and a hook and loop closure, sold as a pair and offered in two size bands for different bar circumferences.

Longer options extend the same design. The 34 inch pads are described as fitting most factory car racks and suited to larger SUVs and trucks, while the DLX 28 inch version adds an expandable hook and loop closure that converts from standard to wider or thicker crossbars.

Pros & cons

Pads only the top of the bar, so the rack stays lower profile
Three published lengths cover small cars through to larger SUVs and trucks
Recycled 600D polyester outer with a UV resistant finish
DLX version adds an expandable closure for thicker crossbars

Top-only coverage leaves the underside of the bar exposed
The 18 inch fit band is limited to 5.5 to 8 inch bar circumference
No published customer rating on the manufacturer listing
Dakine flags that the item contains PFAs and cannot ship to some US states

How it surfs

Because these pads cover only the top of the bar, they work best with straps run over the boards and through the car, which is standard practice for soft rack setups. Pair them with a padded board bag if you regularly drive long distances.

For travel days, a well-protected board matters as much as the rack. Our surfboard travel bag guide covers the padding levels worth paying for.

Volume & sizing chart

Use the chart below as a starting point. Add half a litre if you are less experienced, subtract half a litre for a looser feel.

Size	Volume	Rider weight	Best for
18"	Set of two	Compact cars and standard racks	1 to 2 boards
28"	Set of two	Wider racks, longer boards	2 to 3 boards
34"	Set of two	Larger SUVs and trucks	Multiple boards

Verdict

A straightforward, well-documented set of crossbar pads. Check your bar circumference against the published fit band before choosing a length.

Independent source check

Estimated from 3 independent sources — see full list below.

What reviewers around the web are saying

Surfex does not test gear directly. Below are independent retailer and editorial sources. When a source publishes a numeric score, it is normalized to a five-point scale; otherwise the source is listed without a score.

Sources checked

Source	Score	Summary
Dakine Aero Rack Pads 18" listing	No numeric score	"The Dakine Aero Rack Pads are the answer to a more aerodynamic foam pad for your existing roof rack crossbars."
Dakine Aero Rack Pads 34" listing	No numeric score	"Our new 34 inch pads fit most factory car racks, and are perfect for larger SUVs and trucks."
Dakine Aero Rack Pads DLX 28" listing	No numeric score	"Expandable hook and loop closure converts from standard rack cross bars to wider or thicker rack cross bars."

Where to buy & average price

Listed prices come from verified retailer pages. The average price below is an unweighted mean of verified retailer prices — converted to USD (≈) when retailers list in different currencies. Click any retailer to verify the native-currency price.

Average price

$48

$39–$55 · 3 retailers

Retailer	Price	vs. average
Dakine (18 inch)	$39	-$9	Visit
Dakine (DLX 28 inch)	$50	+$2	Visit
Dakine (34 inch)	$55	+$7	Visit

Frequently asked questions

What size Dakine Aero Rack Pads should I buy?+

Dakine lists 18, 28 and 34 inch lengths. The 18 inch set fits bars with a 5.5 to 8 inch circumference and suits smaller cars, while the 34 inch pads are aimed at larger SUVs and trucks.

Are the Aero Rack Pads sold as a pair?+

Yes. Each listing is sold as a set of two pads.

What are the Aero Rack Pads made from?+

Dakine lists 100% recycled 600D polyester with a non fading, UV resistant finish and a reflective printed logo.