Malone Roof Rack Vs. Thule Roof Rack
Question:
Can you compare the quality of the materials used crossbars and foot kits/towers for Malone universal crossbar system and Thule Crossroads 450 with square bar? Is quality why Malone is so much less expensive?
asked by: Michellle
Expert Reply:
The Malone Universal Crossbar System # MPG201 is a more economical choice but it still does a good job. The design and quality of Thule's system is why they have such a large difference in price. Whether you go with the Thule Crossroads system # TH712400 and TH450R (discontinued) or Thule Evo system # TH712400 and # TH710401 they both are going to be a high quality roof rack system. The Thule racks both have a weight capacity of 220 lbs compared to Malones 165 lbs capacity. You should still check with your Impreza owners manual to see your roofs weight capacity and go with whichever is the lowest.
From my experience with all of these systems, the Malone bars do the job of giving you a roof rack and safely hauling your gear but Thule has a better fit with a sleeker design. The quality of the foot pack for Malone leaves a lot to be desired compared to Thule. It has more open spots where the pieces don't quite fit flush. These areas are prone to producing louder wind noises. No roof rack system will be completely quiet and Thule is no different but it is not as loud compared to the Malone roof rack and it looks better. One thing I would consider is a fairing for square cross-bars. The Thule AirScreen XT Fairing # TH82WV is a good option.
Products Referenced in This Question
Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Square Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Malone
more information >
Evo Raised Rail Feet for Thule Crossbars - Factory Raised Rails - Qty 4
- Roof Rack
- Feet
- 4 Pack
- Thule
more information >
Thule SquareBar Evo Crossbars - Steel - 53" Long - Qty 2
- Roof Rack
- Crossbars
- Square Bars
- 53 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Thule
more information >
AirScreen XT for Thule Crossbars - 44" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Roof Rack
- Fairings
- 44 Inch Long
- Thule
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 50" Long
- Roof Rack
- Complete Roof Systems
- Square Bars
- 50 Inch Bar Space
- 2 Bars
- Overhang
- Black
- Malone
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Black
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 50" Long - Silver
- Video: Malone AirFlow2 Universal Roof Rack Installation - 2020 Jeep Cherokee
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Silver
- Shop: Curt Roof Rack for Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - Black - 53-3/8" Long
- Shop: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack - Aero Crossbars - Raised Side Rails - Aluminum - 58" Long - Black
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Rack For A 2024 Subaru Forrester Wilderness
- Shop: Malone SteelTop Roof Rack - Square Crossbars - Raised, Factory Side Rails - Steel - 58" Long
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Vortex Aero Crossbars - Aluminum - Black - 49" Long - Qty 2
- Video: Best 2023 Subaru Forester Roof Rack Options
- Search Results: roof rack
- Video: Malone AirFlow2 Roof Rack Crossbars Towers Replacement Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Comparing Thule AeroBlade Crossbars vs WingBar Evo Crossbars
- Article: How Level Should a Tow Bar Be When Flat Towing
- Video: Malone DownLoader J-Style Kayak Carrier Review - 2020 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Malone Roof Rack Compatibility With Thule Components
- Video: Malone AirFlow2 Universal Roof Rack Installation - 2017 Toyota Sienna
- Q&A: Comparing Curt and Malone Roof Racks for a 2017 Subaru Forester
- Q&A: Roof Rack Recommendation for 2004 BMW 325xi for Thule Ski Rack
- Video: Thule WingBar Evo Crossbars Review
- Q&A: Recommended Roof Weight Limit of 2010 Toyota RAV4
- Video: Malone Roof Rack - Complete Roof Systems - MPG215 Review
- Q&A: Will The Thule Pulse large Rooftop Cargo Box Mount On Factory Crossbars
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: c18118
- Search Results: malone airflow 2
- Search Results: curt crossbars
- Search Results: apogee trailers
on Roof Rack
