| sti_ln | 11-18-2003 11:24 AM |
STi Thule vs. Yakima
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Hi all, I'm going to get everyone's opinion on the Thule racks vs. the Yakima racks. I need something to transport snowboards and skis as well as a mt. bike or two in the summer. Here is what I think I know so far, correct me if I'm wrong.
They are both about the same price when it's all said and done(350 to 400 dollars.)
Yakima is a local company in Oregon. It doesn't have as many fit kits as Thule, hence they have more generic fits for the car. This means that whatever I buy might not fit the car as well as a Thule. However, the equipment to lock the snowboards, bikes, etc in is much easier to get in and out of.
Thule will fit the car much better, but will be more difficult to use. It is world reknown and might be more sleek and have better durability.
Thanks all!
They are both about the same price when it's all said and done(350 to 400 dollars.)
Yakima is a local company in Oregon. It doesn't have as many fit kits as Thule, hence they have more generic fits for the car. This means that whatever I buy might not fit the car as well as a Thule. However, the equipment to lock the snowboards, bikes, etc in is much easier to get in and out of.
Thule will fit the car much better, but will be more difficult to use. It is world reknown and might be more sleek and have better durability.
Thanks all!
| TopKatz | 11-18-2003 11:42 AM |
I just ordered a Thule set up for my 04 sadan from Rackattack. They had like %10 off and free shipping on all on-line orders. I talked with one of there reps for a bit, and he sugested the Thule set-up because of how easy it is to put on and take off.
I should be getting it soon and can post som impresions/pics when I get it all set up
I should be getting it soon and can post som impresions/pics when I get it all set up
| MINO | 11-18-2003 12:16 PM |
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=377611[/url]
I'd say use the OE subaru rack from the UK but I'm not sure if they have a bike attachment. Also it is not as interchangeable as thule or yakima. An added benifit is that the Subaru rack uses the OE mounting points and doesn't damage the pillar. (I have 1 friend with a yakima rack and has noticible denting on his 02 - Possibly an isolated incident). The price is also in the $400 range, shipped.
[IMG]http://www.shaneff.com/images/DSC00304.jpg[/IMG]
I'd say use the OE subaru rack from the UK but I'm not sure if they have a bike attachment. Also it is not as interchangeable as thule or yakima. An added benifit is that the Subaru rack uses the OE mounting points and doesn't damage the pillar. (I have 1 friend with a yakima rack and has noticible denting on his 02 - Possibly an isolated incident). The price is also in the $400 range, shipped.
[IMG]http://www.shaneff.com/images/DSC00304.jpg[/IMG]
| TopKatz | 11-18-2003 12:19 PM |
I almost bought one of those from the UK... but the rack is extreamly high(cosmetic?) and you are limited in the atachments(might not be an isue)...
this set up is actualy cheeper then the 3rd party ones.....
you do have to install some clips that sit under the rain gutter... somone has a pic of them floating around
this set up is actualy cheeper then the 3rd party ones.....
you do have to install some clips that sit under the rain gutter... somone has a pic of them floating around
| MINO | 11-18-2003 12:28 PM |
[IMG]http://www.shaneff.com/images/Bracketon.jpg[/IMG]
I think it was me that posted it.:D
Cosmetics - yes it sits high. But I like that my bindings have a nice distance from the roof.
Here's what I paid 2 years ago:
Load Carrier _$185.11
Snowboard rack $79.46
Freight _$109.02 approx
I think it was me that posted it.:D
Cosmetics - yes it sits high. But I like that my bindings have a nice distance from the roof.
Here's what I paid 2 years ago:
Load Carrier _$185.11
Snowboard rack $79.46
Freight _$109.02 approx
| CreoWRX | 11-18-2003 01:23 PM |
I went with the Subaru hitch and a Yakima hitch-mounted rack for easier access to my snowboards/bikes. Visually it's not too noticeable, and it's curved above the muffler/tip so nothing hits/rubs. I might have to fiddle with the mounting of my Blitz Nur Spec Touring when it goes on, but I have longer Kartboy hangers for that. ;) Plus, if I ever need to tow anything, I'm covered... :p
[IMG]http://www.mcnproductions.com/sti/zaino/zaino6.jpg[/IMG]
I don't have any pictures with the rack system on yet, but it's this model (ROC 4) plus the SnowROC;
[IMG]http://store5.yimg.com/I/rack-warehouse_1768_4548597[/IMG]
-Mike-
[IMG]http://www.mcnproductions.com/sti/zaino/zaino6.jpg[/IMG]
I don't have any pictures with the rack system on yet, but it's this model (ROC 4) plus the SnowROC;
[IMG]http://store5.yimg.com/I/rack-warehouse_1768_4548597[/IMG]
-Mike-
| sti_ln | 11-18-2003 01:50 PM |
CreoWRX, how much? Any issues with it putting weight on the back of the car? I never considered a rear mount, always thought roof was the way to go, but this might be better to keep scratches off the top. Ease of use?
| ej20love | 11-18-2003 03:35 PM |
got the yakima. thay are practically the same w thule but yakima has a much wider base so it could keep whatever u have to transport much sturdier.
| ej20love | 11-18-2003 03:35 PM |
got the yakima. thay are practically the same w thule but yakima has a much wider base so it could keep whatever u have to transport much sturdier.
| ej20love | 11-18-2003 03:35 PM |
got the yakima. thay are practically the same w thule but yakima has a much wider base so it could keep whatever u have to transport much sturdier.
| DISCOPOPE | 11-18-2003 03:41 PM |
i had the thule system with my v40.
no complaints at all.
carried snowboards, bikes, and my kayak... just not all at once.
no complaints at all.
carried snowboards, bikes, and my kayak... just not all at once.
| CreoWRX | 11-18-2003 03:48 PM |
The main reason(s) I went with the hitch-mount, was because I have the Subaru side visors so I couldn't use roof mount and I didn't want to accidentally be opening the trunk/wing onto my snowboards and getting scratches (did that a couple times with my old WRX wagon).
This is probably the more expensive way to go... ;) I believe the hitch was ~$175, and the ROC4/SnowROC was ~$300 for both (not incuding shipping). It's fairly easy to put on/take off once both pieces are assembled. The bar can be unlatched to swing down, so you can access things in the trunk easily. The hitch install was cake, using a jack and some ramps. It does require some slight trimming of the underside of the bumper on the muffler side, but nothing noticeable.
I haven't noticed any handling changes with the installation of the hitch. However, I have been using my winter wheels/tires since I installed it, so I'll have to wait until next spring/summer to really test it out (although I don't expect any differences). I only plan to attend a few driving schools a year as well, and will be going snowboarding/biking more. :p
-Mike-
This is probably the more expensive way to go... ;) I believe the hitch was ~$175, and the ROC4/SnowROC was ~$300 for both (not incuding shipping). It's fairly easy to put on/take off once both pieces are assembled. The bar can be unlatched to swing down, so you can access things in the trunk easily. The hitch install was cake, using a jack and some ramps. It does require some slight trimming of the underside of the bumper on the muffler side, but nothing noticeable.
I haven't noticed any handling changes with the installation of the hitch. However, I have been using my winter wheels/tires since I installed it, so I'll have to wait until next spring/summer to really test it out (although I don't expect any differences). I only plan to attend a few driving schools a year as well, and will be going snowboarding/biking more. :p
-Mike-
| e_a_olson | 11-18-2003 04:46 PM |
I think it should come down to personal preference, but I bought the Thule system and I'm happy with my purchase. I also bought the Evolution 1600 Roof Top Box. It's pretty slick on top of the RS.
[IMG]http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p860587a1b8094759c7ccd4e89b05acd9/fa865c50.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p860587a1b8094759c7ccd4e89b05acd9/fa865c50.jpg[/IMG]
| sti_ln | 11-18-2003 05:12 PM |
I think I'm leaning towards Yakima. Most of my friends have it and everyone seems to agree that its on par with Thule and works good. And I am going to go with the rood mount vs. the hitch mount. So my next question is, did anyone have any issues with this rack scratching up the top of the car? Especially with the wind fairing? I am a little hesitant on my STi. Maybe I could lay some 3M rock and chip guard down in those spots first, or maybe no concerns?
| e_a_olson | 11-18-2003 07:40 PM |
Ah.. here's a monkey wrench. The new Thule fairings have a protective edge to them now. Not sure if Yakima does.
| c_hunter | 11-18-2003 09:48 PM |
I used to sell both, and recommend Yakima -- I just like their gear better.
Believe it or not, Yakima is usually faster to market with new clips and accessories for the US market since they are a US company. Some of the Thule stuff comes straight from Sweden.
Craig
Believe it or not, Yakima is usually faster to market with new clips and accessories for the US market since they are a US company. Some of the Thule stuff comes straight from Sweden.
Craig
| remowgn | 11-19-2003 01:29 AM |
I just put a yakima rack on my wagon, and while not all the attachments are the same.. it's good stuff. I ended up having to use some of the sedan mounts in the front to get the rack far enough forward, but it worked out just fine. In fact, here's a pic:
[IMG]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/half/DSC02821.JPG[/IMG]
Here's a link to a bigger version of the pic:
[url]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/DSC02821.JPG[/url]
I went with the yakima instead of the thule because, frankly, I liked the look and feel of the yakima fork mount bike carriers better. As a huge plus, you can remove the bike carrier in about 2 minutes to throw on ski attachments instead. I'm not sure how easy it is with the thule.
[IMG]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/half/DSC02821.JPG[/IMG]
Here's a link to a bigger version of the pic:
[url]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/DSC02821.JPG[/url]
I went with the yakima instead of the thule because, frankly, I liked the look and feel of the yakima fork mount bike carriers better. As a huge plus, you can remove the bike carrier in about 2 minutes to throw on ski attachments instead. I'm not sure how easy it is with the thule.
| remowgn | 11-19-2003 01:30 AM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by sti_ln [/i]
[B]I think I'm leaning towards Yakima. Most of my friends have it and everyone seems to agree that its on par with Thule and works good. And I am going to go with the rood mount vs. the hitch mount. So my next question is, did anyone have any issues with this rack scratching up the top of the car? Especially with the wind fairing? I am a little hesitant on my STi. Maybe I could lay some 3M rock and chip guard down in those spots first, or maybe no concerns? [/B][/QUOTE]
The yakima comes with little foam pads as well as some clear guard tape that you put on the paint where the pads contact. I haven't had any problems with scratching so far.
[B]I think I'm leaning towards Yakima. Most of my friends have it and everyone seems to agree that its on par with Thule and works good. And I am going to go with the rood mount vs. the hitch mount. So my next question is, did anyone have any issues with this rack scratching up the top of the car? Especially with the wind fairing? I am a little hesitant on my STi. Maybe I could lay some 3M rock and chip guard down in those spots first, or maybe no concerns? [/B][/QUOTE]
The yakima comes with little foam pads as well as some clear guard tape that you put on the paint where the pads contact. I haven't had any problems with scratching so far.
| skdmarx | 11-19-2003 02:53 AM |
Yakima is more adjustable
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Thule uses square cross bars and Yakima uses round bars. With round bars, you have infinite adjustability if you need to "angle" your ski/snowboard racks or bike mounts to fit your equipment better.
If you want to put a bunch of stuff on there at the same time, like bike mounts and ski mounts together, you can adjust a little more to fit everything.
When you are not carrying skis/snowboards you can loosen the mount and angle it back to lessen wind drag (if you don't feel like taking the ski mounts off all the time). With Square bars, the mounts are either straight up or straight back, and you can't just turn them back you have to take them off and on.
Both are superior products to anything else out there, just my 2 cents as to why I recommend Yakima.
If you want to put a bunch of stuff on there at the same time, like bike mounts and ski mounts together, you can adjust a little more to fit everything.
When you are not carrying skis/snowboards you can loosen the mount and angle it back to lessen wind drag (if you don't feel like taking the ski mounts off all the time). With Square bars, the mounts are either straight up or straight back, and you can't just turn them back you have to take them off and on.
Both are superior products to anything else out there, just my 2 cents as to why I recommend Yakima.
| BlckRabbt | 11-19-2003 02:41 PM |
I have A yakima rack on MY02 WRX and it works like a charm, The only attachment I have for it is a bike rack. Yakima makes a great products all the way around, solid stuff. Go for the yakima.
-Matt
-Matt
| blukestrel | 11-19-2003 03:38 PM |
Yakima is good stuff, good vibe, good people (I'm from California, so that's important!).
I used my old Yak rack with some cheap Mighty Mounts to put on the stock crossbars- a little clunky, but easy to do- there's a good thread describing the parts needed to do it. The Sub crossbars are more flexible than the Yaks, and result in some wobble with bikes up there, but it works fine. I can put on/ take off the rack in the time it takes to loosen four big wingnuts.
Be sure to get a fairing- the wind noise is annoying without, negligible with.
I used my old Yak rack with some cheap Mighty Mounts to put on the stock crossbars- a little clunky, but easy to do- there's a good thread describing the parts needed to do it. The Sub crossbars are more flexible than the Yaks, and result in some wobble with bikes up there, but it works fine. I can put on/ take off the rack in the time it takes to loosen four big wingnuts.
Be sure to get a fairing- the wind noise is annoying without, negligible with.
| mdlorenz | 11-19-2003 04:53 PM |
I have a Thule that is about 5 years old (was on an old audi). I got a new fit kit & thought I was going to be fine. Had the rack on the car for about 2 months, took it off to wash & noticed scratches & indentations where the rack was. The scratches were on both the paint on the roof & on the moldig for the doors where the clips hook into. I haven't put it back on, & probably won't. I have been researching other ways to get a rack on my 02 sedan & there is a post on cobbs site wrxforum.com about modding a wagon rack to fit a sedan. The guy hasn't completed it yet, but sounded encouraging.
IMHO any aftermarket rack looks out of place & although it adds functionality, it's not worth the damage it might cause... For the winter I plan on putting my skis in the trunk (through the back seat), & once spring comes around figure out what to do for my bike.
The factory UK rack, although very large & gaudy, seems like the best other alternative, as it mounts to stock clips & actually looks as if it is rectangular like Thule bars & would fit their accessories....
There is also a guy who sent me pics of a Yakima that he mounted to the rain gutters...they are here...
[url]http://homepage.mac.com/mdlorenz/PhotoAlbum3.html[/url]
...Still holding out to see if the wagon rack can be modded to fit the sedan though...that woudl be sweet...& stock looking...:cool:
IMHO any aftermarket rack looks out of place & although it adds functionality, it's not worth the damage it might cause... For the winter I plan on putting my skis in the trunk (through the back seat), & once spring comes around figure out what to do for my bike.
The factory UK rack, although very large & gaudy, seems like the best other alternative, as it mounts to stock clips & actually looks as if it is rectangular like Thule bars & would fit their accessories....
There is also a guy who sent me pics of a Yakima that he mounted to the rain gutters...they are here...
[url]http://homepage.mac.com/mdlorenz/PhotoAlbum3.html[/url]
...Still holding out to see if the wagon rack can be modded to fit the sedan though...that woudl be sweet...& stock looking...:cool:
| awdwrxluvr | 11-19-2003 05:10 PM |
I just bought a Yakima setup and it didnt come with pads or 3m tape.:mad: The instructions said they are sold seperately. The salesman neglected to tell me this.
| InTheFresh | 11-19-2003 05:14 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by remowgn[/i]
[B] I just put a yakima rack on my wagon, and while not all the attachments are the same.. it's good stuff. I ended up having to use some of the sedan mounts in the front to get the rack far enough forward, but it worked out just fine. In fact, here's a pic:
[IMG]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/half/DSC02821.JPG[/IMG]
Here's a link to a bigger version of the pic:
[url]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/DSC02821.JPG[/url]
I went with the yakima instead of the thule because, frankly, I liked the look and feel of the yakima fork mount bike carriers better. As a huge plus, you can remove the bike carrier in about 2 minutes to throw on ski attachments instead. I'm not sure how easy it is with the thule. [/B][/QUOTE]
Is that the 44" fairing?
[B] I just put a yakima rack on my wagon, and while not all the attachments are the same.. it's good stuff. I ended up having to use some of the sedan mounts in the front to get the rack far enough forward, but it worked out just fine. In fact, here's a pic:
[IMG]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/half/DSC02821.JPG[/IMG]
Here's a link to a bigger version of the pic:
[url]http://apex.3wheel.net/pics/wrx/DSC02821.JPG[/url]
I went with the yakima instead of the thule because, frankly, I liked the look and feel of the yakima fork mount bike carriers better. As a huge plus, you can remove the bike carrier in about 2 minutes to throw on ski attachments instead. I'm not sure how easy it is with the thule. [/B][/QUOTE]
Is that the 44" fairing?
| tm999xxx | 11-19-2003 06:24 PM |
[IMG]http://www.savepic.com/freepicturehosting/is.php?i=27776&img=Yakima.jpg[/IMG]
This is what i have been looking for. Anyone know where to get this mount and what its called?
This is what i have been looking for. Anyone know where to get this mount and what its called?
| PARANOID56 | 11-19-2003 08:07 PM |
yea, i want to know too. It looks a lot like my Qtowers but with a different clip. i want this :D
as for a stock wagon rack fitting on a sadan, it wont work. I tried this, and because of the curvature of the roof, you have to place the things too close together. and you end up with a bar that is only 1ft long :lol:
Shane
as for a stock wagon rack fitting on a sadan, it wont work. I tried this, and because of the curvature of the roof, you have to place the things too close together. and you end up with a bar that is only 1ft long :lol:
Shane
| mdlorenz | 11-20-2003 08:51 AM |
Here's a couple other threads to look at...
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=146476&highlight=cheam+motors[/url]
This is the guy (wrxsurfer) who is trying to mod the wagon roof rails to fit the sedan...
[url]http://www.wrxforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003949#000000[/url]
The guy who is trying the wagon rails said you will need 4 front mounts from the wagon (I guess the curvature thing...) then cut the rail down to fit... It'd be great if it worked...emailed him a couple days ago...haven't heard back...maybe he wasn't successfull...we'll see....
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=146476&highlight=cheam+motors[/url]
This is the guy (wrxsurfer) who is trying to mod the wagon roof rails to fit the sedan...
[url]http://www.wrxforum.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003949#000000[/url]
The guy who is trying the wagon rails said you will need 4 front mounts from the wagon (I guess the curvature thing...) then cut the rail down to fit... It'd be great if it worked...emailed him a couple days ago...haven't heard back...maybe he wasn't successfull...we'll see....
| classvi | 11-20-2003 10:30 AM |
I have the Yakima (wagon) and I also sell the Yakima systems, I would suggest it over Thule as I have also used them both before. As long as you don't over tighten it and install it properly you won't have any issues with chips/dents. It is also very quick to take on and off (think 20 seconds). As already stated as well the benefits of round bars are a big plus.
| mdlorenz | 11-20-2003 10:40 AM |
....when you mount the rack directly on the paint you will always run the risk of scratches. Also the rubber where the clips hook under (over the windows) creates a slight indentation, which will only get worse over time. This happens without overtightening too, I think the rubber is just soft...
There has to be a better option. The pic shown above is definately the way to go if you don't like the larger UK rack, or don't want to spend the time to figure out how to mod a wagon rack to fit.
There has to be a better option. The pic shown above is definately the way to go if you don't like the larger UK rack, or don't want to spend the time to figure out how to mod a wagon rack to fit.
| StewedSquirrel | 11-20-2003 11:21 AM |
I have the factory crossbars. Though I don't have a Rex, I think they are a factory accessory option on those too.
With those, you can use the FM-1 clamps from Thule to mount pretty much any of their racks.
Eric
With those, you can use the FM-1 clamps from Thule to mount pretty much any of their racks.
Eric
| insanesuby | 11-20-2003 11:39 AM |
Heres the thread where I had the pics of my subie with a yakima rack.
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=356697[/url]
[url]http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=356697[/url]
| mdlorenz | 11-20-2003 11:48 AM |
Wagon = clean, stock looking rack.
Sedan = aftermarket, non stock rack.
I'd really like to try to get the wagon rails to fit the sedan....
To those who woudl like to know more about mounting the yakima in the rain gutters on the roof (like the picture above) check out those other threads...it was a guy named Sage. Email him, I'm sure he'd give you more details about the install....
Think he just modded the clips to hook under the rain gutters....
Sedan = aftermarket, non stock rack.
I'd really like to try to get the wagon rails to fit the sedan....
To those who woudl like to know more about mounting the yakima in the rain gutters on the roof (like the picture above) check out those other threads...it was a guy named Sage. Email him, I'm sure he'd give you more details about the install....
Think he just modded the clips to hook under the rain gutters....
| remowgn | 11-20-2003 04:42 PM |
[QUOTE][i]Originally posted by InTheFresh [/i]
[B]Is that the 44" fairing? [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes it is. Due to the fact that I used Q-towers in the front, the 44" fairing was a better fit than the 32".
[B]Is that the 44" fairing? [/B][/QUOTE]
Yes it is. Due to the fact that I used Q-towers in the front, the 44" fairing was a better fit than the 32".
| sti_ln | 11-24-2003 04:37 PM |
Thanks for everyones feedback. I ordered up a Yakima set from [url]www.rackwarehouse.com[/url] this weekend. They have a 20% off sale on Thule and Yakima through the end of November. I decided on Yakima because it sounds like it will be easier to get things on and off the roundbars. Plus they are a good local Western company. If anyone wants to know how the rest goes drop me a PM.
| Redneck Ricer | 11-24-2003 08:35 PM |
little known fact. Thule and Yakima ar the same company. At least three years ago when I sold the stuff they still were.
| apv | 11-25-2003 02:54 AM |
I have a Thule, I am able to fit two mountain bikes and two 17 ft sea kayaks on at the same time.
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