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.452736

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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.

Dean - 11/21/2018

45929

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.233662

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Overall a great product. Instructions were easy to follow and set up was a breeze. The clamps fit well in the roof racks and look sharp. I put my snowboard in the clamps and couldn't get it to slide around or budge so they hold tight. Would recommend to friends.171095

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by: D - Aspen, CO08/28/2017

Excellent product. Easy install on a 2003 Honda CRV. Very easy to load and unload Skis and Snowboards. 1 year of use and still great.426048

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Recieved this product and looks fantastic on my new forester. Installing was a breeze and delivery was quick and fast560798

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I have a Chevy Silverado with a short bed and a DiamondBack cover and needed a way to securely carry my fishing rods on my way to and from my boat storage location. These fit the bill perfectly. 138302

After a year, the racks are working perfectly. I just got back from a trip to the Keys and they carried 8 rods perfectly. Easy to install on the truck and securely transports the rods.

Scott L - 06/30/2015

12927

This was my first purchase from eTrailer and I have been very pleased with my new rack and the service provided. Setup was easy and only took me about an hour start to finish. I just got back from a long drive to and from Killington Vermont (about 1,000 miles round trip) and although I was nervous pretty much the entire time, the boards didn't budge an inch! Most of the trip was on fairly major highways and I was going 70-75+ mph. For most of the trip there were four boards in the rack (no issues at all) and for the very first hour and very last hour I was in the car by myself and my board didn't move at all when it was in there by itself. With the weight of four adults, all of our gear and the boards on top we averaged 23.1 mpg which is exactly what I averaged over the last 2,500 miles before the trip so fuel efficiency isn't really affected too terribly much. 10/10 would buy again and would recommend to a friend. Only time will tell if these will hold up over the years but they certainly made a good first impression.181362

by: Steven12/13/2018

Great rack. We took it off after last season and it was very easy to put back on this season. We've held boards on the racks over 15 times in the last year and have had no problems with it. My only note to the manufacturer would be the lock. When trying to lock the mounts, if you have 4 boards on there you have to put alot of effort to lock the rack which makes it seem as though the key will break in the lock. Has not happened yet, though.590476

by: Judi12/07/2021

My son is very pleased with his Yakima Rack. Glad HE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE ! Iam back on line to order his bike attachments.1219581

by: JL01/06/2017

Happy overall. Easy to install - no more than 15-20 min. Has key to lock equipment. The only small issue - it is noisy when driving, however I mounted it on top another rack, so that could be the reason. 330414

by: Ryan 11/07/2021

Low profile. Love these. 1197512

Easy to install! Seems like decent quality. I searched the internet for the best deal, and etrailer was the cheapest. Very quick delivery too. Overall pleased, and would buy from etrailer again!330128

by: MIKE E. ROLLINS12/04/2016

I bought this ski rack for my wife's Mazda CX5 . It works GREAT!! Easy install, no parts missing, and as always the best price!, Anywhere period!322141

by: Daniel05/07/2016

We have been using this for our wakeboard, and it works very well. It was easy to install, and it is easy to load and unload the wakeboard.248969

Exactly what we needed. Easy to attach and remove, and it keeps our wakeboard secure.

Daniel - 05/08/2017

23712

Stayed attached as my sport rack flew off my car!!
So I would defiantly say this thing is DECENT937290

by: Bonnie09/05/2017

Great ski carrier. Easy to install and simple to use. 429000

by: PK07/18/2019

Only used it to hold fishing rods so far and it does that very well. The soft rubber cushion prevents any scratches. 671845

They were just what I was looking for. I was impressed with the expedition of my products. I will be visiting etrailer regularly.
Thank you 28241

Quick delivery, great resources on the site. Their site really helped me make an educated choice. I highly recommend. 328713

The product was easy to install and fit our 2012 Honda Pilot perfectly.

Highway noise is minimal and holds 6 pairs of skis. 236264

very pleasedGreat Prices, Fast shipping... I'll continue ordering from etrailer 4034

Quick shipping and great product!! 642569

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by: tom01/02/2017

a great carrier built by a solid company sold by a great company329322

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