Yakima or Thule Ski Rack?

[ls2goat]

Just picked up an 09 premium QTIP, and I'd like to take it up to the snow! What do you guys have for ski racks?

Also, I remembered seeing the Thule/Audi ski rack for sale a couple months ago for the B8, but forgot the site. Anyone remember what this site was, or any other sites it may be on sale?

Thanks!

[SWCroaker]

I purchased a Thule system from Rack Attack, which has locations in a number of major cities, although not in CA. The system has three parts: 1) 4 feet designed to clamp onto the rails, 2) 4 towers that go onto the feet, and 3) 2 cross bars (aero or rectangular; choosing the aero can limit compatible devices that you can bolt on). I've got a 2011 Avant, so my feet kit might not be the one you need, but I'm pretty sure they have one designed for '09s (the Thule site has a configuration tool that can help you figure out exact part numbers). The whole system goes together pretty smoothly (the feet/tower combos are no taller/bulkier than single pieces specifically designed), the grip on the rails is bullet proof without any chance of touching/scratching the roof, and you can put a pretty large variety of things up top (bikes/skis/cargo). I looked into the Audi dealer OEM rack solution, and opted for Thule because of the huge variety of choices I get with the latter. The dealer version really restricted my options by comparison, and was very expensive even after a pretty large discount.

If you are wanting to do skiing, you might want to consider the cargo option rather than just plain ski clamps. The newer styles of cargo boxes can hold a bunch of skis/board/poles along with boots etc, and protect everything from rocks/snow/grime/theft to boot...

PS. Looked at the Yak system for my 2011 initially, as I had an older Yak system that I wanted to reuse parts from. The recommended Yak clamps did *not* fit the '11 flush rails very well at all, and looked to me to be sure to bang/rub the roof paint if fully installed. I returned them and kept looking, and eventually ended up with the Thule. This may only be an issue with the '11 rails, and not with your '09, but keep an eye out for the quality of the fit. The Thule system that I ended up with looks to my eye to be *exactly* designed to mate with the Audi rail shape. It is clean, and hangs awesomely tight with no muss or fuss.

[dascsh]

OEM + Winter Mode

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e300/dascsh/DSC01585.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e300/dascsh/DSC01592.jpg

[ls2goat]

That's a great looking setup. What size are those wheels? Are those VMR?

[inNout]

I have the Thule rack, which I also purchased from Rackattack for a grat price.
The only complaint i have is that the rack sits relatively high because of the rubber spacer between the roof and the brackets. The rack looks rather disconnected from the body because of the rubber spacer.

[joeyo]

I'm using the OEM base carrier bars with a Thule 91725 universal ski rack. Doesn't look as good as dascsh's set up, but it's just as functional.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v334/gkracer98/DSC_0377.jpg

[dascsh]

Wheels are reps from usarims.com paid $600, I did not want to spend $1k on my winter setup.

Car is lowered on stasis springs.

[pf_lewis]

dascsh, I can't exactly tell from the pics- but do you have enough room to fit one of the thule fairings up front with your set up?

[mmurph318]

I just got the Whisbar rack for 09 p+ sedan. There was great write up on here and Audi World forum about Whisbar vs. stock. Whisbar has recently been bought by Yakima. I got mine from REI (spoke with rep as too new for website ). They honored 20% off of Yakima sale from winter sale. Shipped for free to their store. I bought the through bar which comes with feet.. You need separate fit kit (k390 I think) that has custom rubber pads and brackets that fit into the pre-existing holes in the door frame used by OEM rack. I have a Thule box but did also purchase the Yakima Fat Cat with the sale. The fat cats will go on t-reg b/c the Thule box will not fit in the garage when on suv. I actually like the fat cats low profile with the look of whisbar system. I will try to include picture later.

[Wah]

http://s651.photobucket.com/albums/uu233/rbyor/?action=view&current=IMG-20110218-00177.jpg

Pretty convenient rack though I did get mixed feelings towards the resulting look of the car.
I liked it. It looked aggressive.

[Speycaster]

Thule Rapid Aero Load Bars with a Thule Ascent cargo box. I just chuck everything up there, Skis, boots, poles, boards, even the suitcases.