Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.
Thule Force 3 XL comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.7 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about skiers needing 200 cm ski capacity — read the strengths below before deciding.
The Force 3 XL is the ski-focused pick — Thule's longer cargo box for 200 cm skis.
The SkyBox Carbonite is the budget Yakima pick — older Yakima cargo box at $599.
Best for long skis. Less aerodynamic than Motion.
Budget Yakima. Carbonite texture. Lower capacity.
| Spec | Thule Force 3 XL | Yakima SkyBox 16 Carbonite |
|---|---|---|
| Ski | Up to 200 cm | — |
| Sizes | M-XL | — |
| Brand | Thule | Yakima |
| Tier | Mid | Budget |
| Capacity | — | 16 cu ft |
| Finish | — | Carbonite texture |