Topic: Ski rack - Thule or Yakima?

[carcrazy]

I'm looking to get a ski rack, 4 pair, lockable. I have OEM-like crossbars (wide and flat). Any opinions on which model/brand is better? I’m looking at Thule and Yakima.

I need to carry 4 pairs of skis (adult), so I wonder if the 4-pair model could really fit 4 pairs of skis or it could be too tight if some skis are wider; in this case should I get the 6-pair?
I need to get one over the weekend.... I'm thinking to check out Rack Attack for better selection (hope) and perhaps knowledgeable staff.

[vdk]

I would get the Thule. My skiing friends love them.

[Careener]

I'm looking to get a ski rack, 4 pair, lockable. I have OEM-like crossbars (wide and flat). Any opinions on which model/brand is better? I’m looking at Thule and Yakima.

I need to carry 4 pairs of skis (adult), so I wonder if the 4-pair model could really fit 4 pairs of skis or it could be too tight if some skis are wider; in this case should I get the 6-pair?
I need to get one over the weekend.... I'm thinking to check out Rack Attack for better selection (hope) and perhaps knowledgeable staff.

There is a Thule wizard online that will help answer your carrier config questions

http://www.thule.com/en/US/FitGuide.aspx

[carcrazy]

I'm looking to get a ski rack, 4 pair, lockable. I have OEM-like crossbars (wide and flat). Any opinions on which model/brand is better? I’m looking at Thule and Yakima.

I need to carry 4 pairs of skis (adult), so I wonder if the 4-pair model could really fit 4 pairs of skis or it could be too tight if some skis are wider; in this case should I get the 6-pair?
I need to get one over the weekend.... I'm thinking to check out Rack Attack for better selection (hope) and perhaps knowledgeable staff.

There is a Thule wizard online that will help answer your carrier config questions

http://www.thule.com/en/US/FitGuide.aspx

I know what I need, but what I'm trying to find out is pros and cons for each model, from first-hand experience.

I'm looking at the these models:

Thule: http://thule.com/en/CA/Products/Snowsports/SkiCarriers/91725%20Universal%20Flat%20Top.aspx

Yakima: http://yakima.com/shop/snow/top/big-powderhound-wlocks

From the description, one potential advantage of Yakima is that it comes with ski lift kit to accomodate high bindings (which I don't have, but it's nice to have the option).

[johngenx]

I have a roof box, and would never put my skis in one of those clamp-style carriers.  That said, Thule is quality gear.  I tossed the POS OE Subaru roof bars and replaced them with Thule units, and they're great.  All my chums have roof racks for bikes, skis, etc, and Thule is the brand of choice.  I don't have a Thule roof box, but would have had I not scored a crazy deal on the Mont Blanc I have.

[Sir Osis of Liver]

I've got a Thule carrier box and use the flat Subaru crossbars that came with the car. I'm very pleased with it. The clamps are a bit fiddly, but will pretty much accommodate any configuration of crossbars.

[quadzilla]

I have a roof box, and would never put my skis in one of those clamp-style carriers.

That is a great point. Why not buy a roof box as it can do more than carry skis and still be useful in other seasons..

[Railton]

Agree with John and Quad - box FTW.
Railton

[carcrazy]

A roof box would be an overkill for my needs.

I looked at Thule and Yakima side-by-side in a Rack Attack store and talked with the sales rep. I decided to go with Thule - nicer construction IMO.
Indeed, the 4-pair model does not fit 4 pairs of skis; I went for the 6-pair Thule and it's now installed on the Outlander.

Thanks everyone for your feedback.

[tortoise]

A roof box would be an overkill for my needs.

But your skis (and more importantly bindings) won't be destroyed by salt if they're in a roof box.  At least put your skis in a bag.

[johngenx]

At least put your skis in a bag.

Yeah.  The other day as we headed to the mountains, I realized that our three pairs of skis would cost considerably more to replace than the Forester!  No way I'd expose them to road debris and salt.

[PlanB]

I have a roof box, and would never put my skis in one of those clamp-style carriers.  That said, Thule is quality gear.  I tossed the POS OE Subaru roof bars and replaced them with Thule units, and they're great.  All my chums have roof racks for bikes, skis, etc, and Thule is the brand of choice.  I don't have a Thule roof box, but would have had I not scored a crazy deal on the Mont Blanc I have.

You must have your reasons, but I must disagree with some of what you have said from personal experience.

First of all, I have been using my factory Subaru aero-bars since day 1 with absolutely zero issues. 

Second, I have used a flat-top carrier (pictured below) or the like for over 7 years now to carry my snowboards to/from the hill also with zero issues. 



I like to take care of my equipment and use quality boards and have never had an issue.  I live in Northern BC and last year made over 45 trips to the hil (between 45min and 2hours drive one-way to the ski hill). 


Anyway...
I use Thule racks for my snowboards in the winter and two thule side-arm bike carriers for the bikes in the summer.  I would have no problems recommending Thule products to anyone who asked, but I realize that Yakima is the other big-supplier out there and no matter what anyone says, BOTH are equally good IMO. 

[johngenx]

Your Scoob is a 2006 and not a 2001.  In 2001, the OE roof bars sucked donkey balls, and were nothing more than something to be thrown out.  The locks failed almost immediately and the tensioning mechanism breaks right after that.  Junk.

To each their own, but the thought of three or more pairs of precious Dynafit bindings being exposed to flying road grime (including the rocks that Alberta thinks is sand, as well as the copious amounts of salt that no one in Alberta admits we use) makes me ill, so inside a box is a must for me.  I drop the rear seat and put them inside the car whenever possible, but the reality of backcountry skiing is that you need partners, so we typically have no vacant seats, so inside the box is where they go.

[tortoise]

IMO there's a huge difference between carrying snowboards and skis exposed on the roof.  Ski bindings have many moving parts that are designed to release under very specific forces.  This is the primary reason I won't expose them to salt and sand.  Snowboard bindings on the other hand just need to keep you attached to your board and are thus less sophisticated in their action.

[ktm525]

I once lent my older Thule ski box to a relative who promptly ran it into a low clearence beam in a parkade. Other than some scratches the box was fine. Built like a brick s@#$ house.