# 1
Rhino-Rack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards
Good locks, secure and tight. I easily fit two snowboards with two pairs of skis. Seems like it would fit on many rack/bar systems. I use them on the rhino aero vortex bars. They are pretty noisy on my f150 trucks roof. I’ve tried moving them around to many different positions, there always seems to be a worse vibrating wind noise around 45-55 mph which is even worse when the boards/skis are off the truck. I would not recommend this setup for anyone with a pickup truck.
Shipping was quick! Usually, since quarantine, factory shipments have been getting delayed but not this one. The carrier came already constructed, so all I had to do was lock it into place on the roof rack system. Overall, very satisfied with my purchase!
# 2
SportRack Groomer Deluxe Ski and Snowboard Carrier - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Snowboards
We have now owned this rack for one year, two ski seasons. It easily holds six sets of skis; no one in our family snow boards, so I can't speak to snow boards, but I believe four would fit, at least it looks like they would. We drive a minimum of an hour and a half to the slopes, and the carrier makes almost no wind noise, even at 80mph. The rack is easy to open and close, even in gloves, and the lock can be a little difficult to get the key into when it has a lot of salt on it, but I would imagine any lock has that issue. The nice thing is that once you get the key in, the lock turns easily, regardless of the amount of salt on the exterior of the unit. We have used this on a Chrysler Pacifica and a Volkswagen GTI, and it works great on both. We do remove the unit when it's not in use, so I can't speak to how it would survive if left on the vehicle year round, but there is nothing I can see that would rust or otherwise be at risk, minus the impact of UV rays. We live in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
I use this rack on a Chevy trailblazer for carrying fishing rods. It works perfectly keeping them secure on the roof allowing me to put more bags, coolers and tackle inside the vehicle. Also keeps expensive rods from being bundled on top of each other preventing scratches, tangles and undue wear.
# 3
Thule SnowPack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Silver
Better than I expected. Only comes with four core locks so be aware of that if you want six like I did. Bought two more locks from Thule with the same key #. Mounted this carrier on my Rhino Rack. Perfect fit and looks great. Would highly recommend.
So easy to install onto Thule AeroBlade. Quality materials and convenient design. No significant noise noticeable from wind resistance when driving. etrailer provided great shipment/notification support and was great resource for how-to videos, commentary.
# 4
Yakima FatCat EVO 6 Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Black
Just got my Yakima Fatcat EVO 6 ski carrier (black finish) and I am stoked. Note that this is different than the Fatcat 6 (non-EVO, previous generation) carrier. This is my first ski carrier, but I and/or my kids ski about once a week at Alta and Snowbird when the lifts are running, so I expect it to get lots of use. Etrailer shipping was fast and item was packed in a sturdy secondary box. PROS: 1. I love the sturdy build and quality finish of the carrier. 2. The design allows many micro-adjustments to fit to your vehicle and to fit the skis. For instance the spring-loaded hinge on one end and the lock on the other end can naturally accommodate different thickness skis. 3. Carrier has a usable width (i.e. width of skis side by side) of 32.75 inches (832 mm). For those that are not skiing on 75-mm-wide skis from 30 years ago, this carrier might actually allow you to fit 6 pairs! 4. Separate mounting brackets for aero or for square/circle cross bars. The aero brackets fit securely on my Acura/Honda OEM cross bars. The flat part of your skis will be about 3 inches (76 mm) above your cross bars. 5. A built-in lift bracket that lifts by an additional 3 inches (76 mm) the hinged end of the carrier, if you have really tall bindings (I don't think I'll need to use it). 6. The aero brackets use a rubber coated steel strap to wrap under your cross bars. This strap has a quick release cam on one end that can be operated when the carrier is not key-locked. This means you can remove or install the carrier without tools in about 4 minutes, once you've done the initial install-related tuning. While the carrier seems sturdy enough to leave on the vehicle all winter, I expect I'll only install it on ski days. This feature really sets this model apart and for me was its biggest selling point. 7. Yakima packages the carrier in a nice-looking sturdy cardboard box with a flap lid. I can fit the two parts of the carrier in the box, with the brackets/straps still installed, for convenient storage (see picture). CONS: None so far, though I haven't yet actually hauled skis up the mountain! After this ski season is over and eTrailer asks me for a follow-up review, I'll let you know. I'm also thinking about seeing if the ski carrier can be attached to my small hitch-mounted cargo carrier. That would make loading and unloading the skis easier than on the roof.
First off...you can't beat the service of etrailer.com. I was looking for a ski rack for my son's 2012 Subaru Impreza with the factory roof rack (base model not the sport). I could find no reviews of anybody installing one of these on one of those. I took the plunge and will say that I am very happy with the outcome. The installation is a bit tricky and four hands help, but after the first one was installed we had the hang of it and the second one went on very quickly. Even with the expedited shipping this rack was about $50 cheaper than the Subaru ski rack. Again the etrailer.com service is fantastic. I have purchased products here before and will do so again.
# 5
Yakima FreshTrack 6 Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards
# 6
Yakima HitchSki Snowboard and Ski Carrier for Hitch Bike Racks - 6 Pairs of Skis of 4 Boards
First and foremost, this is my third order from etrailer.com and it is the absolute best online company with which I have dealt...bar none (no pun intended, but I did buy roofbars)! I have installed a trailer hitch and Malone roofbars on my 2011 Volvo XC90. With the Malone roofbars, I lost a rubber piece....totally my fault. I contacted etrailer and they contacted Malone and Malone sent me a replacement piece direct from the factory (even though it wasn't a part Malone sold separately). Outstanding service from both etrailer and Malone. I haven't been able to post this outstanding customer service work until I bought something else, so I thought I'd be remiss if I didn't take the opportunity here. [Side note on the Malone roofbars and the rubber pieces: I have since Gorilla glued all of them to the respective pieces on the bar and they'll never be lost again.] For this Yakima HitchSki rack, I ordered it at 8:30 AM and it had shipped by 11:38 the same day. I chose this rack for several reasons. First, I have a low garage, so anything on my Toyota Landcruiser's roof would have to come off before driving in and out (I only have a 7 foot garage in my house in Canada, but could drive in my 8 foot garage in Virginia in the Toyota with the roof box). I want to be able to load up all the ski stuff the night before and leave it in the garage so it doesn't get stolen....couldn't do this on the Toyota because with nothing on the roof, I only have about 3 inches of clearance now. In the Volvo, I don't quite make the garage clearance either with the roofbox, so the roofbox becomes less of a convenience (but often a necessity). Second, with five kids, each of my cars is packed with people so I need my roof box (didn't buy it from etrailer because I was overseas at the time and hadn't learned of etrailer yet), so skis on the roof doesn't help me space-wise with all the other crap I have to throw up there. Third, every ski day day is a game time decision on whether to to drive the Toyota or the Volvo depending on what other people in the family are doing that day; the ease of just unplugging the bike rack with the skis all mounted, resting it against the wall in the garage all week and then plugging it in and going in either car was the big sell. Finally, in the off season, I may just be able to leave all the skis in the rack and hang it horizontal from the garage ceiling to keep them all out of the way....not sure, but will certainly try. My bike rack is one I have had for years [again, pre my days of knowing about etrailer, it's an XSport four bike holder] and it did not measure exactly the 17.25" needed, but it was close enough and secured down just fine. I wrapped the HitchSki with foam insulation to add some rubber and grip inside the bike rack when clapped down (and scratch protection). Now for two big buts...less of a review but more of a consideration for purchasers. I bought this rack because I have 7 in my family. The skis are tall and skinny and hard to fit in the car(s), hence my Hitch Ski rack. But skis are just one piece of skiing equipment. Add helmets, boots, jackets, ski pants, etc. and that's a lot of space. So, in my Volvo XC90 or Toyota Landcruiser, while they both seat 7 people, it's very tight with two teenagers and two car seats (and one pre-teen...just so you know I'm doing the math right). If all seven of us go skiing, I still need the roof box for all the other equipment. If we go on a skiing vacation (overnight), I need other luggage too. Thankfully, Friday night and Sunday ski lessons are just for three kids, so the others will probably not always come. With the back seat down, no problem for all the other stuff. So, a Thule Transporter Cargo Box in my future? Stay tuned. Final, and most important but, I had to return the HitchSki rack because my skis didn't fit. When you have racks on the roof, they are generally 30+ inches apart. For this rack, the distance between the two racks is 17 inches. I could not, for the life of me, get the skis to fit in the racks without going through or over the ski bindings, hence, I was unable to get it closed and secured. I't s product of having so many different ski sizes (from my 4 year old to my 48 year old self). I was disappointed in myself that I didn't forecast this problem as I over thought everything else.
I have been using it for the second season (I know I'm late With the review ). The hitch fits my bike rack and saves space for the kids in the car. Easy to install and worth the price.
# 7
Thule Tram Ski and Snowboard Carrier Adapter for Hitch Bike Racks - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards
This rack works well. I did however need to manufacture a rubber wedge to go between the lower cross bar (TH9033) and the bike rack so the attach point would lay flat against the bike rack. Many thanks to Cathy at etrailer.com for the excellent customer service she provided.
I sold this product. It was very unstable when the wind would catch the skis and snowboard.
Wade J - 01/13/2016Not a snatch to assemble, but once in place, appears to work well. Capacity less than advertised, especially if full-size skis and platform mounted bindings: these will only fit single not paired (too thick). Stable at highway speeds. Weakest link appears to be the hinge/swivel ... will see how long that lasts with open/closing over skis. All-in-all, a good way to "dual use" the Thule bike during the winter!
# 8
Thule SnowPack Extender Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Slide Out - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Silver
Last year it worked great for all our snowboards (up to three for us). Being able to slide made it so much more convenient. The quality was good, though it makes the car louder at highway speeds.
Work great. I can fit one snowboard and four sets of skis.
# 9
Kuat Grip Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Slide Out - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Black
These were installed on a 2020 RAV4 Hybrid. Pros: Sharp looking Clear instructions Relatively quick and straightforward assembly and installation Slide-out is handy on taller vehicles Smooth, sturdy action on all hinges, latches, and slide-out Quick removal after initial assembly and install They take about 30 minutes to assemble out of the box (for a first-time roof rack purchaser). All tools (two hexes and lock keys) are included. I assembled mine at our dinner table, so there isn’t any grease that will get messy. The instructions don’t show that you have to use the keys to unlock the different latches, so heads-up on that. Installation on a new and taller vehicle took a little time so as to get them centered and not scratch the roof. I needed a boost (in height) to be able to tighten down the hex bolts that tightens the straps around the cross-bars. I was using the Toyota cross-bars on my vehicle, and they’re quite a bit smaller in diameter than the preset strap lengths on the Kuats, so it took me about another 30ish minutes to situate the racks and then tighten (with included hex key) the car and lock them down (with the included keys). Following the ski trip, I unlocked the strap latch locks, lifted the racks off, and put them on a shelf. Removal time was about 3 minutes, and the straps are pre-sized for our next trip. I prefer to spend a little more for nicer stuff up front that works well and is sturdy and thoughtfully engineered. These racks do all the things you want them to without any real gotchas. While these are a bit more expensive than other alternatives, these are a worthwhile long-term investment for me.
Thank you, Matthew (Rep), for your diligence in keeping me posted on my order. I am grateful that this Kuat Grip Ski and Snowboard Carrier came on a timely basis. Although it is a Christmas gift and will not be opened until then, the tracking of this package and the excellent email correspondence was exceptional. Can't wait to give this gift as all of the products seem to be good quality. I am waiting for two more items to arrive and will comment once their arrival is here. Thank you for keeping me posted each day on my purchases!!!!
# 10
RockyMounts LiftOp Biggie Ski and Snowboard Carrier - 5 Pairs of Fat Skis or 4 Boards
I was looking for an affordable board rack and stumbled upon etrailer and these Rockymount Biggie. What a great rack. Carries our 4 boards easily, locks down great, releases easily, and locks work perfectly with the keys(2 keys). Extremely happy with this purchase.
Great ski racks! Easy to install (interesting design) and fits all the boards we need! The customer service was fabulous! Thanks for the fast shipping, awesome product and wonderful customer service!!
# 11
Inno Gravity Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Channel Mount - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards
I love my new roof rack along with the ski/snowboard carrier! I have been using it a lot since I received it and it works perfectly!! I received all of my items when they said I would and everything was packaged very well. Would definitely order again from etrailer!!
Worked out great. Love the ease of installation and the quality of the product. I was able to fit 2 snowboards and 1 junior skis without staking. It does cause some wind noise at 65+ mph, but that's to be expected.
# 12
SeaSucker Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Vacuum Cup Mounted - 4 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards
Well I have driven about 50 miles locally with a set of old skis incase they would fail, and absolutely no issues. What I would like to see is some system ie :lock on each cup so that they can’t be removed and stolen ? We r headed on a 4 hour ski trip next week so I’m confident we won’t have any issues ....
The product is great, I was nervous in the beginning but it held the 3 skis on the worst wind/ snow/ ice conditions on the 1000+ road trips. It was easy to assemble on my Tesla ‘s glass roof top. The product arrived with a slight crack on the plastic where the lock is located but didn’t bother me. I guess the small plastic area could be more sturdy
# 13
Thule SnowPack Ski and Snowboard Carrier - Locking - 6 Pairs of Skis or 4 Boards - Black
Just put this snowboard rack on my 2011 4runner mounted to Thule Aeroblade roof rack. Easy to install and use. Quality seems good. Like the look. No noise issues when driving. No complaints so far. Overall satisfied!
Excellent service and quick shipping!
The Fatcat EVO 6 worked great all of last ski season in Utah. I routinely carried 2-5 pairs skis. Even though it is relatively easy to install/uninstall, I decided to leave it on the roof rack all winter, and it held up well. Only complaint is that sometimes the key-locking mechanism would be stiff. Otherwise was convenient and durable.