However, we haven’t experienced any extra road noise as a result, and the extra height is great news for snowboarders or vehicles with low crossbars (there’s more than ample clearance between the Küat and our rooftop to accommodate an upside-down board). from mounts to top, while the Switch is 6 in.), giving it a rather ungainly appearance. It sits much higher off the crossbars than most racks (the sleek Grip below measures 4½ in. The Switch 6’s tall, folding profile is one of its most defining features, and both a blessing and a curse. And unlike any other model here, the Switch rotates to lie flat when not in use, which both looks great and is a saving grace for aerodynamics and wind noise. Installation was painless and took us a grand total of 12 minutes from start to finish (we didn’t even open the instruction manual), and the rack is a breeze to operate with large, glove-friendly handles and sturdy yet smooth-operating locks. For just $249, the Switch is simple yet sleek, with high-end materials that offer a far better user experience than popular models like the Thule SnowPack ($330) or Yakima FatCat ($379). It’s odd to see a ski rack article topped by a name other than Yakima or Thule, but we’re whole-hearted fans of the Switch for a number of reasons. Widely known for their selection of premium bike racks, Küat recently dropped into the snow sports world with the Grip (below) and Switch here. What we don’t: Tall profile and doesn’t lock to crossbars. What we like: Great build quality for less than the competition folds down when not in use. Best Ski Rack for Vehicles Without Crossbars: SeaSucker Classicīest Overall Ski/Snowboard Rack 1.Best Budget Ski/Snowboard Rack: Rhino-Rack Carrier 27'.Best High-End Ski/Snowboard Rack: Küat Grip 6.

Best Overall Ski/Snowboard Rack: Küat Switch 6.For more details, check out our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. Our list below offers a comprehensive look at the market for winter 2023-2024, from high-end models to budget designs, including popular all-rounders that you see dotting the parking lots at most resorts. These sleek pieces of gear accommodate up to six pairs of skis or four snowboards, feature glove-friendly handles and secure locks, and installation is (generally) pretty painless on any vehicle with pre-existing crossbars. If you’re an avid skier or snowboarder, a functional rooftop rack can be well worth its weight in powder turns.

Yakima skybox 16