Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars

Updated 03/30/2024 | Published 02/23/2019

Question:

apart from the name change what is the difference between these two bars. what benefit would i get from switching

asked by: Ades

Expert Reply:

Aside from a slight change in the appearance of the crossbar (the WingBar Evo has some boxed edges as opposed to the completely smooth front of the AeroBlade) the biggest differences are the rubber strip on top of the crossbar and the weight capacity.

The older AeroBlade crossbars have a solid rubber strip that inserts into the top channel which would need to be cut for accessories to fit. Thule eliminated the need to cut the rubber strip on the WingBar Evo, like part # TH711420) by using a 2-strip design where the mounting hardware for accessories that fit in the T-Slot fit between the rubber strips.

The WingBar Evo crossbars have a weight capacity of 220 lbs whereas the AeroBlade weight rating was at 165 lbs. Part of this was due to most vehicles having a max rating of 165 lbs for the roof though so a lot of roof rack manufacturers didn't even test past 165 lbs. Thule has done extensive testing on the WingBar Evo so that it can withstand higher weight ratings when necessary.

I have attached pictures of both the WingBar Evo and the AeroBlade as well as review videos so that you can see the slight design change and the difference between the top rubber strips.

expert reply by: Jon G

click to enlarge

Marc-antoine M.

4/24/2020

HiAre the slots under the bar still the same lenght ?

Chris R.

4/24/2020

The strips themselves are different (as Jon explained above) but the length remains the same. They don't run the entire length of the bar like some from other manufacturers.

Mike

8/9/2020

Hi, recently bought the Thule Evo wingbar, but would like to know does Thule make a fairing to work with the wingbar? Btw, I have 2016 Honda CR-V; thanks for the help

Jon G.

8/19/2020

According to Thule the correct AirScreen for your 2016 Honda CR-V is the 38" part # TH72WV.

Mike

8/20/2020

@JonG Awesome, thanks Jon! I did notice on the Thule site that it mentioned your answer but a lot of their sites state you can’t use a fairing or it’s not clear if you can use a fairing. Good to have reassurance there is a fairing out there

Bart

11/29/2020

I just installed the Wingbar Evo 135 on my 2015 Honda Accord and I would like to purchase a fairing. The Thule website says their fairings do not fit the Wingbar Evo. Is there a Thule option that would work? Thanks.

See All (8) Replies to Mike ∨

Smj

3/14/2024

Will the Thule Evo Flush Rail towers work with the older Aeroblade bars?

Jon G.

3/14/2024

@Smj I've been told by Thule that the AeroBlade crossbars won't fit with the newer Evo legs, but the WingBar Evo crossbars have been paired with the older style of legs pretty consistently by Thule. I personally haven't been able to test backwards compatibility with the AeroBlade bars and Evo Legs so I unfortunately can't give my honest findings other than that Thule says they won't work together.

I W.

3/30/2024

I test with Aeroload and Aeroblade is work perfectly

Jon G.

3/30/2024

@IW Awesome, thank you so much for the feedback!

Two K.

3/30/2024

two think the problème the wingbar 1- the strip on top when a have pression is broke very easy and is 50$ to replace but the old is more strong. 2- the majority fit kit with the foot the max 75kg or 165 lbs