KCS lifting straps for kayaks test and review.

These straps were developed after an idle chat I had with Ronnie Weir of KCS. He asked how I liked the new Ultralight P&H Volan 160. As I enthused about its 16kg weight, which makes it easy to handle singlehandedly, I also told him that I wished it had something better than the cockpit rim to hold it by. I had visions of lightweight alloy handles such as on my carbon fibre surfski.

A few days later these straps with lifting handles arrived in the post with a card from Ronnie asking "Will these do the job?"

My goodness they were perfect!

I use them to load my Ultralight kayak onto the car roof rack single handed. I use a rear loading method with KCS V bars. I leave these lifting straps on the kayak while it is on the car roof. I have cut the loose ends of the straps to save them flapping.

These lifting straps are yet yet another great kayak handling solution from KCS!!

KCS compact day trolley for kayaks with broader sterns (such as the P&H Volan 160,) test and review.

I previously posted a very favourable review of the standard KCS compact day trolley that fitted traditional longer kayaks with slimmer sterns such as the P&H Cetus MV, Valley Nordkapp LV, Northshore Atlantic, Rockpool Alaw Bach, Evolution Nomad 18 and similar models.

However, it did not fit the squatter stern of my P&H Volan 160. Fortunately KCS have now started manufacturing a version to fit the new breed of shorter kayaks with broader sterns, such as the P&H Volan.Well this was certainly well worth waiting for. It was a perfect secure fit for the Volan 160. It is beautifully made in Scotland from robust materials that resist sea water. It is very well padded, which helps give a secure fit.

A single short strap secures the trolley to the stern. I just left the strap permanently attached to the trolley as I found there was no need to undo it and thread it through the deck lines.

I found it best to put the compact trolley on the stern and to push the trolley stern first from the bow. It was tested on grass, paving, tarmac road, gravel road and firm sand. It worked very well on all these surfaces but failed on soft sand and fine shingle. KCS are currently setting up to manufacture their own broader wheels for better soft surface performance.

The sharp eyed may notice that this is an Ultralight version of the Volan. As it is only 16kg, I can easily carry it to the beach from the car. However, I prefer to use the trolley,  especially when there are other people or vehicles about. Think of the Laurel and Hardy sketch carrying a plank and turning round!!

If you have a rear loading roof rack system, another use of the compact trolley is to strap it on to the kayak while it is still on the car roof. This protects the stern as you slide the kayak off the rack.

All in all, this is yet another well designed and made and very practical product from KCS.