well, i guess you don't have to show it, but i'd at least like to talk about it. i'm looking into getting a rack for my 05 wrx and wanted to know what folks think about their setup. i plan to use it for bikes exclusively now but maybe a snowboard setup later. so if you wouldn't mind answering a few questions for a rack noob:

why does yakima seem more popular than thule? function / form?
q-clips vs other mounts? pros/cons
security issues? anyone have their rack or rack parts stolen?

TIA!

 

i run yakima LP #11 on my bugeye and love it! i went with LP11 instead of Q-clips due to window visor obstruction. theres some fab that needs to be done. (tapping 4 holes). i ended up piecing my rack setup for $150 when BNIB they are easily $350-450

here is a pic of my yakima rack

 

I have a older thule rack on my 03 which I use for bikes and snowboards.

Mine uses the q-clips which work pretty well. The only problem is if they aren't adjusted right, you might have some window clearance issues when you close the door. The top of the window will get hung up on the clip, but it's not like it'll shatter your window. And since my car is white, leaving the towers on for an extended period of time will stain the paint a little. The new style bars/ towers do look better.

I haven't had any problems with anyone trying to steal anything from my rack. I've had it on my car for over a month now and I drive it everywhere. They do have locks.

 

when I got my kayaks, i had the J bars on the subaru aero bars for the ride home, but my kayaks are a bit big and i felt the aero bars flexed too much and i was afraid of them breaking.
so i ended up buying:
-Malone Universal Cross Rail System 50" MPG202 - (amazon) $85
-Malone SeaWing/Stinger Combo Saddle Style Car Rack Kayak Carrier with Load Assist Module MPG113MD - (amazon) $149 a set

the seawing/stinger combo allows me to load a kayak myself.




and also a couple extra 12' straps to go around the kayak then around the stock rails on the car for added comfort



pics of the malone rack

 

Here's mine. I love how easy it is to take on and off with the "landing pads". I have the fatcat 6 snowboard holders also but the basket is great for summertime car meets. I usually put chairs and a skateboard up there.

 

I wish they had those landing pads on the earlier models.

 

+1. i leave my mounts attached during winter and simply snap on crossbars

 

My Thule feet, fit kit, load bars, side arms (2), and fairing should be here this evening for my Foz. Can't wait to be able to go ride again without bumming my wife's 4Runner.

 

I use this for surfing Thule 480XT

 

 

DIY Yakima Landing pads:

 

Best looking Subaru rack in my opinion!!! Lol

 

I was gunna say... it can be done

Heres mine:

Stock vs what I got made


stock in the roof


mine

 

I have an Inno with a Yakima Big Powerderhound snowboard rack. I'll put it on right now and take a picture in the morning.

I have the without rain gutters one.

 

this is probably the route i'll take. looks so much cleaner than the q-clips.

what are the parts needed? crossbars, control towers, landing pads, +??

also, am i right that 48" is the correct size crossbars for my 05?