!8: Prices Thule Locks: 2011

!±8± Thule Vs Yakima - Which Roof Rack Company Has the Best Reputation?

Asking which roof rack is better, Thule or Yakima, is like asking which of the top two teams in the NCAA tournament is the best. While they each have their unique strengths, they're also both at the top of their game.

The same is true of Thule and Yakima. Overall, Thule racks have a reputation for quality and durability. Similarly, Yakima racks are renowned for their strength. Though at first glance they may seem identical, each manufacturer offers a few unique differences within their products that may make a huge difference to you depending on how you plan on using your rack. Here are the most important things to consider when purchasing one.

A roof rack provides convenience and safety, allowing you to safely and easily transport your recreational gear to and from your destination while leaving extra leg room in the cab. High-quality roof racks, the perfect perches for mounting a Thule roof box or Yakima cargo carrier, are typically forged from steel tubing and capable of holding up to 300 lbs of evenly distributed weight. And, they're custom designed to work with your particular roof, so there's no drilling, no welding and no hair pulling required. Roof racks and their companion cargo carriers come complete with all the necessary hardware for a quick and easy installation. Plus, they're finished in a tough powder coating that resists corrosion, providing a long life of reliable wear.

Many rooftop carriers, like the Thule roof box, feature a snap-on mounting system that often works with your factory-installed roof rack, providing quick installation and simple removal for convenient storage between trips. Constructed from all-weather ABS, rooftop carriers come in a dizzying array of sizes and provide serious protection against sticky-fingered thieves. Unlike a standard roof rack, rooftop carriers allow you to lock your belongings when you stop to stretch your legs or head out on the trail, and a lock puts a serious cram on a crook's plans to yank your gear.

Here's where you'll find one difference between the two manufacturers. Aside from their sturdy construction, Yakima cargo carriers - like the Yakima SkyBox cargo carrier - provide an additional level of convenience. Featuring spring-loaded hinges, you can open the SkyBox from either side with just one hand. Plus, the cast-metal super latch automatically ensures a snug seal with a built-in lock that helps stop swindlers dead in their swindling tracks.

Unlike a rear-mounted rack, which often connects to your trailer hitch, roof racks (like the Thule bike rack, Yakima bike rack, Thule ski rack or Yakima ski rack) store bikes, boards, skis and all of your other gear up and out of the way without blocking your vision or obstructing access to the rear of your vehicle.