Review on Thule Rapid Aero Rack System: Efficient and Versatile Roof Rack Solution by Richard Bowens

Pros: Good looks, aerodynamic. Cheaper than Yakima. Cons: Poor quality. Cheaper than Yakima. Used for 17ft fiberglass kayaks. We bought a Thule Aero system for our Prius to transport our touring kayaks because it was significantly cheaper than the Yakima. Proper operation requires purchasing the correct Fit Kit for a specific vehicle; This fit kit attaches to the foot with a plastic grip screw. The metal parts in the latch handles bent during installation, and a cheap rivet attaching one of the handles to the latch was cut in two. The handles have plastic tabs that should fit into the slots on the fit kit pieces, but 3 of the 4 tabs have broken off. Luckily, the locks still hold the handles on the legs. The dimensions given did not fit our Prius and we had to improvise. Another disadvantage is that the aerobars have to be parallel to the ground, which doesn't happen when the car roof is curved (think Prius or VW again). Error.) This doesn't seem to be a problem until accessories are added to the bars and they are tilted front to back and parallel. As this results in only one point of contact on the hull of the boat, undue stress is placed on the kayaks as well as the fittings that hold the mounts to the handlebars. In this case, a round bar is ideal as you can rotate the accessory until it is parallel and horizontal, supporting the boat throughout the site. Due to poor contact with the racks, the boats are not fixed in the rack and sway slightly 12 inches from side to side. Also the pressure needed on the straps to keep the boat as light as possible in the cradles deforms. Our pickup has a Yakima trunk and it works great. I regret not having bought a Yakima carrier for a Prius instead of a Thule. If you have a flat-roof car like a station wagon or SUV, the Thule Aero system will probably suit you well. Domed roof, think round poles instead.