I've actually had good experiences using the "blue foam" kayak carriers, especially for infrequent use. My straps did come with metal buckles. I found that the blue foam carriers held my boats very securely. The main drawback was that they contacted the car at so many points and tended to abrade the paint if any dirt got in the contact points.

That said, I now have a set of Thule bars and saddles that hold the boats rock solid at highway speeds.

> John