Thule Evo WingBar vs Yakima JetStream - Pics or thoughts?

[westwind77]

I need to either install the Thule WingBar or the Yakima JetStream system onto my 4R as I am going to be transporting an item (occasionally) that exceeds the width of the rails.

At the end of last year I strapped two 2"x 3"'s to the rails as a quick solution, but not something I want to continue this summer.

I have a friend who has the Thule system on his, does anyone run the Yakima JetStream system?

I think their cross bar 'blades' are similar enough to both be somewhat quiet on the highway so my main interest is the rail mounting system between the two.

Any pics or experience with this would be great! Thanks!

 

[jcage89]

I bought the Jetstreams. See discussion in this thread...

OE Crossbars Useless on 2018 TRD Pro Factory Roof Rack....

They are solid but certainly not low profile as with the useless OE crossbars. Doubt Thule is much different in this regard vs. Yakima. I bought the Yakima at REI during 30% winter sale and chose Yakima only because that's what I have always owned without problems (Skybox, Ski racks, Bike Racks, etc.).

The Jetstreams are light and aluminum so won't rust. They are solid and hold my heavily loaded Skybox just fine without signs of flex under wieght unlike the garbage OE crossbars. They are also quiet without any perceivable wind noise. Only complaint is the raised nature of the Jetstreams because of the towers they sit on add 2-3" height over roof vs. OE setup and also the finish got scratched up easy just from placing and removing the Skybox a couple times. Not like the cosmetic issue is a huge deal since it doesn't affect the function and you can't really see it since it is on top above the roof.

I'd say the Jetsreams are fine and can still get in the garage with them on but forget about parking in the garage if you have anything actually on them (i.e. ski racks or even empty cargo basket like Offgrid you have to take that stuff off first to park in garage because setup sits up so high). Can't speak to Thule or whether they are better or worse in any of these aspects than Jetsream.

Hope this helps.

JC

 

[Harrisnc]

I have the Yakima core bars on mine. They’re the cheaper version of the JetStream. It’s a lite weight steel covered in some kind of thick black coating. I have them where the factory rails says no noise. I have yet to hear them.

 

[SnowYeti]

I have Yakima Jet Streams on our JK and ready to mount on my Runners Rhino Pioneer Backbone as well. They are very quite compared to round bars. Plus I really prefer the Yakima designs for all the accessories, just better designs and not so fugly.
The exceptions might be the Kuat bike mount and ski / snowboard rack mounts, they are pretty cool.