Dakine Tailgate Pad Reviews & Buying Guide For 2023

The tailgate pad is a well-known term among cyclists that use pickup trucks to get to the trail. It’s because these thick foam paddings protect your bikes, cycles, and even your vehicle from damage such as scratches and dents.

However, with so many tailgate pad manufacturers, it can be difficult for customers to find the right tailgate pad for their needs. Dakine is one such reputable brand, and their tailgate pads have grown in popularity among users due to the unquestionable quality of the products they provide.

Now that the manufacturer offers a wide range of tailgate bike pads, it’s difficult for common people to find their ideal pad without sifting through a plethora of product details and reviews.

So we have compiled a list of all the Dakine Tailgate Pads, together with their specifications, advantages, and disadvantages, so you can compare them and make an informed decision.

Dakine Tailgate Covers

The Dakine offers a wide range of bike tailgate pad models in various sizes, features, and colors. There are two distinct colors and sizes of Dakine Tailgate Bike Pads for two bikes. For new trucks with rearview cameras, there are small and large Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pads ideal for 5-7 bikes.

Dakine DLX Curve Pickup Tailgate Pads also offer rearview cameras and curved tailgates for new pickups. This style is also available in small and big sizes, with a maximum capacity of 5 to 7 bikes. This brand also offers bike pads for old trucks. The Dakine Pickup Tailgate Pads for old trucks come in two sizes: small (5 bikes) and large (7 bikes).

Dakine HalfSide Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad

The Dakine Half Side Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad includes a one-year warranty and 3D molded plastic protection. These bike pads have just enough space for two bikes and will fit in any pickup truck. The design also ensures that the tailgate handle and backup camera are easily accessible. It’s also a fantastic alternative for a bike pad in the truck because of the lateral and medial side protection, as well as the articulated thigh paneling.

The two colors are available in S, M, L, and XL sizes, and the pair weighs roughly 1.2 pounds. The pad also has adjustable thigh and calf straps with silicone gripper elastic, making it more user-friendly.

Related reading: Fox Tailgate Pad Reviews & Buying Guide

Black

Dakine Pickup Pad Halfside BlackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

The Dakine Half Side Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad is incredibly simple to use. The frame straps have a length that is sufficient enough to go around the battery frame of the bike. The straps are also adjustable to accommodate a typical frame size of bike. Furthermore, the padding is thick enough to keep the bikes safe from scratches. Furthermore, these bike pads are water-resistant.

Ashcroft Camo

Dakine Pickup Pad Halfside Ashcroft CamoCHECK CURRENT PRICE

This is another color variation of the Dakine Half side Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad. It has a perforated and breathable construction with an upper shin protection shield. The shield protects the bike from hard bruises and scratches.

Moreover, the bike pad works best on all tailgate designs and is perfect for two individual bikes. Also, the two web cinch straps secure the pad with the vehicle perfectly, so there is nothing to worry about.

Product details

• 30 x 29 x 4 inch dimensions
• Weight 1.9 lbs

Pros

• Mat padding was thick enough not to scratch the truck or the bikes.
• Perfect for transporting two bikes.
• Excellent quality
• Tailgate protection with padding
• 2 separate bike anchor straps
• 2 web cinch straps
• Handles and rearview cameras are not covered by the half-sized pad

Cons

• Does not work well with all pickup

Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad Small

Dakine Pickup Pad DLXCHECK CURRENT PRICE

The Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad Small has a two-year warranty, best used on new tailgate designs. Its features set it apart from the models. For instance, its compact dimension supports five bicycles. Furthermore, the four web cinch straps make attaching and removing it from the bike easy for even first-time users.

This version is also available in two colors and has a 54-inch width, making it perfect for your small to medium-sized pickups. Among the available color, there is Ashcroft camo for those who love the prints and black color for those who prefer solid colors. The material and stitching on these pads are so durable that customers swear by them.

However, the pad doesn’t fail to secure the bike in the truck bed and protect the wheels from scratching the vehicle. Moreover, this bike pad variant includes a big access flap for tailgate handles and rearview cameras.

Product details

• Polyurethane material
• 30 x 18 x 10 inches dimensions
• Weights 2 Pounds

Pros

• It’s easy to set up.
• Holds bikes in position securely
• It effectively protects both the bike and the tailgate.
• Have tailgate protection with padding
• Separate bike anchor straps for each bike

Cons

• The pad has a proclivity for slipping down

Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad Large

Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad Bike Rack, Ashcroft Camo, LargeCHECK CURRENT PRICE

The Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Pad also comes in another size variation for the larger pickups. These large sizes have a width of  60 inches which can easily attach 7 bikes at a time, making it perfect for owners who have more cycles or bikes. This model also comes in two different colors, one in black and another in Ashcroft camo, so you can choose according to your preference.

Nevertheless, the four web cinch straps make the bike easy to attach and remove. It also keeps the bike securely in the bed of the truck and prevents the wheels from damaging the truck even on bad roads. This one also has a large access flap for tailgate handles and rearview cameras. Moreover, the material and the stitching of these pads are sturdy. However, this bike pad works best on new tailgate designs.

Product details:

• Made of Polyurethane
• Has the dimension of 60 x 29 x 3 inches
• Weights 2 pounds

 

Pros

• It’s easy to set up.
• Holds bikes in position securely
• It effectively protects both the bike and the tailgate.
• Have tailgate protection with padding
• Separate bike anchor straps for each bike

Cons:

• The pad has a proclivity for slipping down.

Dakine DLX Curve Pickup Tailgate Pad Small

Dakine Pickup DLX Curve Small Pad Bike Rack for Trucks with Curved TailgatesCHECK CURRENT PRICE

This is the one for those who have a curve shape pickup back and are struggling to find the right bike pad for them. The 54-inch small tailgate pad is ideal for securing up to five bikes in one go, just like any other model from this brand.

The curve shape is designed exclusively for truck models and includes a huge spare flap that allows you to fully utilize your back camera.

However, it comes with a two-year warranty and four web cinch straps that make the bike attaching and removal procedure easy and durable. This one is also available in two colors, one in black and one in Ashcroft Camo.

Product details

• Available in two colors.
• Made of Polyurethane.
• Has dimensions of 56 x 10 x 3 inches
• Weights 3 Pounds.

Pros

• Perfectly fits the curved tailgates of late-model Ford and Dodge trucks.
• Comes with padded tailgate protection.
• Have a Large access flap for tailgate handles and rearview cameras.
• 5 separate bike anchor straps.
• Four web cinch straps

Cons

• Not Foldable.

Dakine DLX Curve Pickup Tailgate Pad Large

Dakine Pickup DLX Curve Large Pad Bike Rack for Trucks with Curved Tailgates Fire MountainCHECK CURRENT PRICE

This one is a larger version of the same DLX curve pickup tailgate pad design. It has a 60-inch weight capacity and can instantaneously secure up to seven individual bikes. It is composed of polyurethane and comes in two colors.

However, this one isn’t foldable. But it does have four web cinch straps, just like the previous one, to aid beginners’ easy installation and removal process. The product also comes with a two-year warranty and works best on tailgates that have recently been designed. A big access flap for tailgate handles and rearview cameras is also included on this one. If the price range corresponds to your budget, then you can give this bike pad a shot.

Product details

• Available in two colors.
• Made of Polyurethane.
• Has dimensions of 56 x 10 x 3 inches
• Weights 3 Pounds.

Pros:

• With a simple design adjustment appear and operate considerably better.
• Simple installation and removal procedure.
• Holds bikes in position securely
• Effectively protects from scratches and dents.
• Have tailgate protection with padding
• Separate bike anchor straps for each bike

Cons:

• Not enough adjustability for a single bike

Dakine Pickup Tailgate Pad Small

Dakine Small Pickup Tailgate Pad Bike Rack Ashcroft CamoCHECK CURRENT PRICE

If you own a mid-size pickup, then this Dakine Pickup Tailgate bike pad should be in your consideration. This one has a 54-inch width and is UV and water-resistant. Like other Dakine small bike pad types, this one can support up to five bikes at once.

The pad also does not need to be adjusted even when off-roading. The material of the pad is made of soft but at the same time provides the highest protection to your bike or truck. This model does not have exceptional color variations. So it is available in black and Ashcroft camo. But the tailgate handles of this bike pad are accessible through a little flap. In addition, it restricts access to the rearview camera.

Product details

• Available in two colors.
• Made of Polyurethane.
• Has dimensions of 56 x 10 x 3 inches
• Weights 3 Pounds.

Pros

• Padding is more than adequate.
• Easy to install.
• The bikes remain secured.
• Effectively protects both the bike and the tailgate from damages.
• Have tailgate protection with padding
• Separate bike anchor straps for each bike

Cons

• The back tire sometimes may bounce around.

Dakine Pickup Tailgate Pad Large

Dakine Pickup Large Tailgate Pad Bike Rack BlackCHECK CURRENT PRICE

The Dakine Pickup Tailgate variant is also available in large sizes, making it ideal for huge trucks. It has a 62-inch width and can fit seven bikes in it without scratching the vehicle or the motorcycles. The pad’s three straps make it simple to secure it to the tailgate. Bicycles are locked in separate loops to keep them from rubbing against one another.

The bicycle’s front wheel does not need to be removed. This one is available in two hues, with a limited edition in each of them. The rearview camera is not accessible through the pad gas little access flap for tailgate handles.

Product details:

• Available in two colors.
• Made of Polyurethane.
• Has dimensions of 61 x 18 x 4 inches
• Weights 3 Pounds.

Pros:

• It can be locked with a large grommet, making it more difficult to steal.
• Installation and removal process is easy.
• Perfectly holds bikes in position even off-road.
• Effectively protects both the bike and the tailgate.
• Have tailgate protection with padding
• Separate bike anchor straps for each bike

Cons:

• Inadjustability for a single bike.

Dakine Tailgate Pad Guide

Before purchasing the Dakine Tailgate Pad, it is necessary to understand the many sizes and colors available. Additionally, the number of bikes that can be attached varies by the available size of the pads. So, these features must be fully comprehended before purchasing.

We’ve discussed them here in categories so you can have a side-to-side comparison of the bike pad model features from this brand.

Sizes

The bike pads are available in three distinct sizes. There are two options from Dakine HalfSide Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad for half size. However, the Pickup Pad DLX Curve, Pickup Pad DLX, and Pickup Pad also come in two different sizes.

There is a small size with a dimension of  56 x 10 x 3 inches in all the 3 mentioned models. And the larger one has a dimension of  61 x 18 x 4 inches.

Number of Bikes

Now with the different sizes of the pad, the number of bikes that could be attached also varies. For the half sizes, 2 bikes at maximum can be attached.

But for the small sizes of Pickup Pad DLX Curve, Pickup Pad DLX, and Pickup Pad model, a maximum of 5 bikes can be securely attached and carried. And for the large sizes, at best 7 bikes can be attached securely and carried.

Colors

All the Dakine Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad comes in two different colors. Be it Pickup Pad, Pickup Pad DLX, and Pickup Pad DLX Curve; you will get each of these available in Black and Ashcroft Camo color. Also, the limited edition of Dakine Pickup Tailgate Pad comes in black and Ashcroft Camo colors.

Related reading: Evoc Tailgate Pad Reviews & Buying Guide

Material

The different bike pads from Dakine are made up of different materials. The Dakine HalfSide Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad is made up of Molded Polypropylene cup with a 4-way stretch AriaprenePro™ that consists of 85% Polyester, 10% Nylon 5% EVA foam. The Dakine DLX Pickup Tailgate Black Pad is made up of 1000D Recycled Polyester with UV/weather-resistant coating, whereas the same variation in printed Ashcroft camo color is made up of 6000D Recycled Polyester.

However, the  Dakine DLX Curve Pickup Tailgate Pad’s black and Ashcroft camo colors have no difference in them. Both are made of  1000D Recycled Polyester with UV/weather-resistant coating. And similarly, the material of the Dakine Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad is made up of the same 1000D Recycled Polyester material.

Securing

The pad is usually secured to the vehicles using web cinch straps. So it is an important part of the bike pads. The web cinch of Dakine is a built-in security grommet that lets you lock it to your truck using a cable lock. However, the different Dakine bike pads come in with different straps. The Dakine HalfSide Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad has two web cinch straps in both colors available. But, the Pickup Pad, Pickup Pad DLX, and Pickup Pad DLX Curve all have four web cinch straps in every color and size available. However, the Dakine Pickup Tailgate Pad Bike Rack comes with three web cinch straps even in the limited edition it has.

Opening and Access Flap

The DLX models, including the Pickup Pad DLX and Pickup Pad DLX Curve, include a big access flap for tailgate handles and rearview cameras. Other models, such as the HalfSide Pickup Tailgate Bike Pad and Pickup Tailgate Pad Bike Rack, only have a small flap for the handle.

Convenience

The Dakine Tailgate Pad’s web straps are usually tightened at the ends for quick and easy installation. And the cam-action buckles are incorporated for swift removal. So people using these bike pads, even for the first time, do not face any issue understanding the procedure. Thus, the models are more customer-friendly than other bike pads available in the market.

Conclusion

Now all the Dakine bike pads may seem similar in features and details. Yes, they have a lot of common features in each model of the bike pad as they are from the same company. But the minor changed details and features in each of them make them unique, serving specific needs.

So take time and go through them all in this article and do a bit more research if needed. And after all, when you have decided, buy the bike pad that will perfectly meet your requirements.