Thule Vs Yakima Roof Racks: A Buying Guide

Thule AeroBlade Edge Flush Mount Roof Rack

Thule AeroBlade Edge Roof Rack Bars are a great option if you’re looking for silent roof racks. These smoothly arched bars fit very low on the roof, so they might not work with cars that have sunroofs. You can still install these on any car, but you’ll need to check for clearance before opening the sunroof, since it may not be possible if you have these racks mounted to the car’s roof.

These roof bars from Thule are specific for two things – WindDiffuser technology and TrailEdge design. The former allows the bars to disturb the airflow in a way that reduces noise and drag, while the latter also helps reduce aerodynamic drag because it allows for clear air separation from the bar. The bars are pre-assembled and easy to install with the corresponding foot system.

The AeroBlade Edge roof racks from Thule are available in a wide variety of sizes, so it shouldn’t be challenging to find an option that’s a good fit for your vehicle. The maximum load of this roof rack bar is 165 lbs, which should be plenty for roof baskets, cargo boxes, and other loads.

Thule WingBar Evo Load Bars

Thule WingBar Evo Load is the brand’s best-selling roof bar. They’re sold in a set of two and you can purchase them in five different sizes, ranging from 43” to 60”. The roof bars are durable and lightweight thanks to the aluminum construction, and they’re available in two different colors.

The WingBar Evo Load racks from Thule feature the brand’s signature WindDiffuser and TrailEdge technologies. Both help reduce aerodynamic drag for improved fuel economy and a silent operation, ensuring that these bars don’t change anything other than the car’s amount of storage space.

These bars also boast a BoxBeam internal structure, which essentially means that they’re very strong and resilient. They also feature T-slots and T-tracks that are compatible with a wide variety of Thule accessories. This system makes it very easy to install any additional accessories to the roof of your car, while the SwingBlade end caps ensure everything stays in place.

Thule WingBar Evo Load roof racks feature a total load capacity of 220 lbs, which makes them the best option for people who need heavy-duty roof racks. These boast one of the highest load capacities you can hope for, and they’re not even that much heavier than the other options.

Thule SquareBar Steel Roof Rack

If you want heavy-duty roof bars with a great load capacity, go with the Thule SquareBar Steel Racks. They are made from steel, for excellent durability and performance. The bars are also coated with a polymer, which provides extra grip for all your rooftop cargo.

Also, this particular Thule roof rack comes in four different sizes (43″, 47″, 53″, and 60“), which are compatible with average-sized passenger cars.

The SquareBar rack is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable roof rack system. This is one of Thule’s cheapest roof bar systems, and it boasts excellent performance just like the much pricier alternatives. The low price is mostly due to the steel construction – the material is extremely durable, but also quite heavy.

That’s why these roof bars are heavier than their aluminum alternatives, but that shouldn’t be an issue unless your car has a low maximum load capacity for the roof.

It’s worth noting that other compromises were made on this roof rack, to keep the price so low. It’s not the most aerodynamic roof rack of the bunch, and it’s not entirely silent either. But if you don’t care too much about the detail and just want a sturdy rack with a high load capacity for little money, Thule SquareBar racks remain one of the top options!

Yakima EasyTop Instant Roof Rack

Yakima EasyTop Roof Racks are a great option for carrying long and flat loads. They’re designed for carrying boats, skis, boards, and ladders, so get them if that’s exactly the type of cargo you want to carry on the roof of your car.

These roof racks are easily secured through the door frames with integrated straps, meaning you can install them in just a few minutes. They also feature thick padding that protects both your gear and the car roof, as well as double-latching buckles that ensure the gear will stay in place.

The maximum load capacity of these Yakima roof bars is 80 lbs. It’s not a huge load capacity, but it’s more than enough for the type of gear these bars were designed for.

Also, it’s worth noting that, because of the different installation process, the Yakima bars can be fitted on cars of all shapes and sizes, except for those with sliding doors. They’re incredibly versatile, and you could even bring them on a trip and fit them onto a rental car!

Yakima JetStream Bar Roof Racks

The JetStream Bar Roof Racks from Yakima are great alternatives to Thule if you want a more affordable option. They’re significantly cheaper than Thule bars, but they boast similar designs and performances.

These roof racks are made from aluminum for maximum durability and minimal weight. They weigh around 4.5 lbs each and boast a maximum load capacity of 165 lbs, which is as good as it gets for the price. The JetStream roof racks are also compatible with T-slot attachments and all Yakima gear mounts, so they’re perfect if you’re not sure what you will be carrying on the roof of your car.

The bars also boast a strong teardrop shape for optimal performance and minimal aerodynamic drag. They’re virtually silent on the car, as well as very easy to install. It’s also worth noting that the Yakima roof racks are available in three different sizes (50”, 60”, and 70”), so finding an option that fits your car perfectly could be a bit challenging.

Yakima FreshTrack Roof Racks

The FreshTrack Roof Racks from Yakima are perfect if you need something to transport your skis and snowboards. These roof bars feature a unique design that allows them to fit up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards while boasting a universal mounting system at the bottom.

The mounting system will work with most aerodynamic roof racks and it includes a SkiLift attachment that adds clearance for very tall bindings. Also, the roof rack is easy to open with the push of a button, and you can easily operate it even when you are wearing gloves.

It’s also worth noting that the roof rack features an integrated Same Key System, which ensures the safety of your skis/snowboards even when you’re not around.

The main downside of this type of roof rack is that you can’t really use it for much else. If you need a roof rack specifically for skis, then the Yakima FreshTrack bars are an excellent option. Otherwise, pick up a more classic roof rack from either of the two brands.