I too had a disappointing experience with the 2nd generation Chosen Valley yoke that Mossback mentions. I purchased it after the yoke I used for 20 some years failed on a Q-trip. The company that made it was out of business so I replaced it with a Chosen Valley Pedestal yoke. The sling pads are uncomfortable for any portage beyond 40 rods and over time became more uncomfortable. As Mossback noted it was prone to coming lose. On the second Q trip I took it on it failed and I had to send it back for a replacement. The replacement failed on its first Q trip- replaced again and this one had a manufacturing defect that made it nearly impossible to secure. Not to mention that clamping the yoke firmly damages the sliding seat making it unworkable.

Luckily I happened upon someone who had bought out the manufacturer of my original yoke and was able to secure replacement parts. The Chosen Valley yoke gathers dust in the garage. The yoke I use is quick to attach [when tripping I leave the metal tabs on the canoe, they drop out of the way- attaching is just a matter of sliding the tabs into the slots of the yoke- takes seconds]. My head is clear of the canoe for good sight lines and no interference from the seat. The yoke accepts whatever pads are preferred- currently it has some big rectangular blocks like the ones on Magicpaddler's

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