Roof Rack

[occman]

Can anyone recommend and link a nice roof rack for 2016

[SportVier]

Basic tried-and-true Yak Q-Tower and 48" round bar set up here. Very solid and super flexible in terms of accessories. I regularly carry bike+board+box and cruise at 90+mph. In Mexico. On R-rated snow tires.

[mungie]

I got the Thule Aerobars. Whistles a bit, but it's to be expected.

You can get parts on ebay for cheaper

aeroblade ARB53 $170
fit kit 1462 $90
rapid traverse 480R $200

(Ski rack)
Pull Top 92726 $200


It's not flush, but I actually bought the rack for a g37, and only replaced the fit kit to fit the S4.

Looks similar to this

[SportVier]

If you go that ^ route definitely get the black Aeroblades...

[SteveYem]

I have the Yakima Whispbars "flush mount" kit, Whispbar size S5 (which has nothing to do with the Audi S5) with Thule Universal carriers, modified to be flush-mounted to the Whispbars. I am fairly happy with this setup, but keep in mind that the Thule Universal racks are only wide enough to fit two snowboards side by side, and my setup does not sit high enough off the roof to put skis/snowboards in upside down because the bindings would contact the roof. In my case, it's only ever me and my wife going snowboarding together in this car, so a two-board setup is adequate.
Modifying the Thule Universal carriers to be flush mounted was a bit of a bitch but worth it in the end, especially since they were $100 versus the Whispbar-specific racks for $200+.







Whispbars, no racks:

[mungie]

That looks really clean!

Shame about the rack height though.

[audibmi]

if you choose the thule aeroblades, my recommendation is to select the ARB47 (47" bars) rather than the ARB53 to minimize the overhang.

[collins4]

+1 for the Yakima Whispbars. I found have the "Through bars" (S16 bars), which in theory offer a more mounting space on the outside of the mounting bracket. I don't need the room, but its there.

I actually found my S16 bars on Craigslist used from an Audi Allroad for $150, then i had my local rack shop price match the Yakima 390 Fitkit off Amazon for $55. Installed myself and couldn't be happier. $205 total cost. The fitment is spot on and very secure. The setup is not noisy, but I also have non-resonated AWE touring exhaust and i listen to my music fairly loud.

I paired the Whispbars with the Yakima FatCat6. It has lots room for equipment and i'd highly recommend it as a ski rack. Most of my buddies and I are skiers and have zero issues fitting 4 pairs of skis.

Good luck!

[SportVier]

FWIW I've found that a box is a much more space efficient and secure way to carry skis than a rack mount, and it can be used for hauling lots of other stuff when needed. Also keeps the road grime out of your binders.

A relatively narrow box like the Thule Pulse Apline works really well. You can throw in multiple pairs just for yourself so you're ready for any mission. Firm? Deep? In bounds? Back country? It's in the box.

[jokingjimmy]

+1 Whispbars. They were designed by a Rolls Royce engineer, then Yakima bought the Whispbar company. Quality design, good support.

Just make sure if you get them you don't install then backwards. Believe it or not people do. Should face like an airplane wing.