Yakima versus Thule (Again, I know)
 

Sorry to come back to an old topic, but in deciding between Yakima and Thule for a roof rack system, the choice seems to come down to square versus round crossbars. I'm leaning toward Yakima (can't say why exactly) but found one posting that suggested the square crossbars on Thule are more secure (particularly for kayaks, which I'll transport from time to time, though my main interest is in transporting bikes). Anyone else have an opinion on this (beyone what's already in the forums)? Thanks.

yeah, peruse Craigslist and buy the one you get the best deal on!

They're both great. They both sell for a song used.

HTH,

M

I've used both. Both are good systems and most add on carriers (bikes, kayaks, skis etc) have adapters to let them go on either.

Currently have a Yakima and have for a while. Can't remember why I decided to go with round this time; maybe it was a better deal when I got it years ago.

Either, our main system is Thule, but we have a couple Yakima accessories. Both are top quality.

John

Thanks to all who replied.

I used to be a Yakima guy, but since I've installed a few racks working at REI, I now say go Thule. Yakima's quality seems to be dropping - we've had some problems with Q-towers not wanting to work properly. Also, I had a Viper and the metal clip that clamps the front of the carrier to the bar snapped off. If this had happened while my bike was on it, I would be extremely pissed off. I returned the Viper and got a V2 (which will fit either system). Much better design. If you are concerned about where they are made, Yakima is an American company but the parts are made in Mexico. Thule is Swedish but has a factory in the USA.

Depends on the car and the fit kit.

It used to be tha Yakima tended to fit american cars better, and Thule foreign cars better. This may or may not still be the case, and probably varies from car to car. Some makers work with Thule to put special locations (with pins or markings) to indicate where to mount it.

I'd look at the fit kit for both and go with the one that is more secure on your car.

An example is for my saturn SW wagon, the Yak is a way better fit. the clips go under the plastic molding and grab steel. The thule grabs the outside of the plastic roof molding and compresses it-- I've read stories of them coming off that particular car. Other cars it will be the other way around, and Thule will be way better.

As far as hitch racks go I've had both and I think the Thule is a better built rack. The Yakima rack I had wouldn't even fit my truck because the bar that went into the hitch was too short. I also like the cradles better.

I've been using the Yakima system for over 20 yrs. In fact, the rack below was one of my first ones. It still works today although the bolt heads have a little rust on them (easily fixed with a few coats of Rustoleum paint). The components are all well thought out. They are pricey, but then again 20 yrs of sun, rain, and snow......

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/5968/imgp08330vy.jpg

Genious. A flat bed tow-bike.

How do you like the OMM front rack?

I like it. It's sturdy and stable. I use waterproof front panniers from Nashbar. The rack was made to accomodate disk brakes, so it utilizes additional mounts that provide the necessary clearance. These mounts are held into place by the QR. My only gripe is when you need to remove the front tire, it becomes somewhat of a chore.