Used to have Thule and switched over to Yakima (currently on a Passat and a Volvo - don't have anything on our X yet). Why? Yakima is more innovative and has a better range of attachments. www.yakima.com On the website, you can use their configurator to pick all the equipment that is appropriate for your vehicle, as well as accessory attachments, and print a complete component list with pricing.

I have to admit though, the interior bike rack for the X3 is totally cool.

I would have to disagree with you here. I've have looked at both the Yakima and the Thule racks prior to making my final decision on Thule (I saw them in a store where they had both brands of racks with the snowboard add-on attachments side by side). The footpack attachment to the roof rail of the Thule is a far superior designed than the Yakima...plus the square bars of the Thule will prevent any added on attachments from rotating from their original position. Not being bias or anything, but if I felt Yakima had the better product, I would have bought it in a heartbeat...especially when it cost much less than the Thule; but that wasn't the case.

As far as printing out all the configuration and parts list with prices...you can do the same on the Thule website.

hmmmmm

i still say yakima

I'm a hybrid user.... I MUCH prefer the Yakima rack system -- I have Low Rider mounts with 2 sets of bars (different lengths). I use the Yak fairing (this REALLY helps with the noise), kayak saddles, bike rack and ski rack but I have a Thule Evolution cargo box. At the time, The Thule box was superior to the Yak boxes, but they have a comparable box now... I've used Yakima racks for about 15 years, and I just don't think you can beat them. The bars are strong as hell. I have seen a more than one set of bent Thule bars. I looked at the BMW rack system, but those things just sit up too high, IMHO.

-- Kelly

Thule Snowcat 5401

Have 2 of them or both x5s and they work great. 1 piece design that fits onto the cars rood racks. Holds like 2 boards and 3 pairs of skis at once.

Funny how this post was resurrected after so long. Ultimately, I ended up with the Thule loadbars. Very easy install, fits perfectly and easily-no problem. I coupled it with their "hang two" surfboard carrier. Easy to use and works like a charm.:thumbup:

Definitely been a long time. Now that's it's summer, the X feels somewhat naked without the roof/snowboard rack. Here are a couple of pictures showing the Thule rack.

Ah the Thule Racks vs Yakima Racks debate lives on! I'd have to say this gives coke vs pepsi a real run for the $$$. Personally I think it's up to the individual's sense of style. Yakima has their round bars and Thule has their square bars. But both have car rack systems that otherwise are very similar, and both now offer a lifetime warranty on their stuff so how can you go wrong with either one??? The one legitimate point I'd have to give Yakima Racks is that you can tilt down most of their roof mount gear attachments because of the round bar design. You can't do that on the square Thule bars. So if you have a carriers like the Yakima Stacker kayak rack, spare wheel holder, any ski racks etc you can tilt them down when not using them for better aerodynamics.

I use my Yakima racks for skiing, mountain biking, and general hauling of anything else that won't fit inside the X. I sawed off about a foot of each bar to have it conform to the roof line. I've used the same system for over 10 years on several different cars and never had a problem.