The catch
Thule Force 3 L Sport
Longer touring and Nordic skis exceed its 175 cm ski limit.
Side by side
Force 3 L Sport vs Horizon Alpine: Horizon takes skis above 175 cm, and Thule opens on both sides in a shorter shell
Quick verdict
Horizon Alpine is the pick for skis over 175 cm or for the narrowest shell. Force 3 L Sport is better for access from both sides and a shorter box, as long as your gear fits its 175 cm limit.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Long-ski capacity settles it
At the same 11-cubic-foot nominal volume, Horizon Alpine adds 35 cm of ski capacity.
Where this comes from
210 - 175 = 35 cm. 11 cubic feet is listed for both boxes.
The catch
SportRack Horizon Alpine
Its narrow 11-cubic-foot interior rules it out as a family luggage box.
Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Why pick it
- Loading has to work from both sides of the vehicle
- A shorter shell suits the roof, and your gear fits within 175 cm
- The catch
- Longer touring and Nordic skis exceed its 175 cm ski limit.
SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Why pick it
- Your skis run as long as 210 cm
- A narrower, lighter box next to a bike is the goal
- The catch
- Its narrow 11-cubic-foot interior rules it out as a family luggage box.
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What this page compares
When another carrier shares the rack, how do Force 3 L Sport and SportRack Horizon Alpine compare on ski limits, roof width, empty weight and access?
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Loading has to work from both sides of the vehicle
Force 3 L Sport can be opened from both sides, whereas Horizon Alpine opens only from the passenger side.
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Better fit
- SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Not suitable
Your skis run past 175 cm but not past 210 cm
Horizon Alpine lists 210 cm, whereas Force 3 L Sport stops at 175 cm.
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Not suitable
- SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Better fit
A shorter shell suits the roof, and your gear fits within 175 cm
Outside, L Sport is 13.55 inches shorter. Horizon is five pounds lighter yet takes up more roof length.
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Better fit
- SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Good
Skis over 175 cm and up to 215 cm mean you need dual-side access
The length requirement is missed by L Sport, and dual-side access is missed by Horizon. Motion 3 XXL Low combines both, with a wider shell that needs its own fit check.
- Thule Force 3 L Sport
- Not suitable
- SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Long-ski capacity settles it
At the same 11-cubic-foot nominal volume, Horizon Alpine adds 35 cm of ski capacity.
How we worked this out
210 - 175 = 35 cm. 11 cubic feet is listed for both boxes.
The slimmest shell is longer too
Horizon is 3.7 inches narrower but 13.55 inches longer.
How we worked this out
Width: 24.7 - 21 = 3.7 inches. Length: 88.75 - 75.2 = 13.55 inches.
Access may matter more than five pounds
Dual-side access comes with Force, against passenger-side opening on Horizon, which is five pounds lighter.
How we worked this out
34 - 29 = 5 pounds. The opening sides are the configurations documented by the manufacturer.
Option A
Thule, 645650
Force 3 L Sport
Built for smaller loads that share the roof with other gear, this narrow box uses the Force 3 mounting and locking hardware.
- Best for
- Leaving space on the crossbars for a bike carrier
Facts we checked
- Advertised volume of 11 cubic feet
- Published maximum ski length of 175 cm
- Measures 75.2 by 24.7 by 16.7 inches outside
- Empty: 34 pounds
- Published internal height of 14.4 inches
Option B
SportRack, Horizon Alpine SR7011
SportRack Horizon Alpine
Gear up to 210 centimeters long fits in its 11 cubic feet.
- Best for
- carry skis with the seats up and stay under a light roof-load limit
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 11 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 210 centimeters long fits.
- It opens on the passenger side.
- Published exterior dimensions are 88.75 x 21 x 15.75 inches.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Force 3 L Sport | SportRack Horizon Alpine | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum ski length | 175 cm | 210 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 75.2 in | 88.75 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 24.7 in | 21 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 16.7 in | 15.75 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 34 lb | 29 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Force 3 L Sport
- With a 20.2-inch interior that is narrow, wide suitcases fit poorly.
With SportRack Horizon Alpine
- Loading only from the passenger side is less flexible than opening on both sides.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Skis over 175 cm and up to 215 cm mean you need dual-side access
Neither model fits. Dual-side access and a 215 cm ski allowance come together in Motion 3 XXL Low. Its wider shell, roof-load use and hatch clearance must suit the vehicle.
Decision guide
How to decide
Long-ski capacity settles it
Narrow carriers are often bought for winter sports, so begin by measuring your longest skis. Despite the Sport name, the Force does not take longer skis. Its shorter interior is better for compact alpine equipment.
The slimmest shell is longer too
That brings a genuine tradeoff for your vehicle. The Horizon leaves more bar width for a bicycle, yet it extends farther along the roof. Check hatch clearance and bicycle handlebar clearance before you count the narrow profile as a full fit solution.
Access may matter more than five pounds
When the bicycle blocks the passenger side, the Horizon gets awkward to load, whereas the Force offers a second way into the box. Think about which side faces the curb at home, and whether the other roof accessory can sit away from the opening.
What this page can’t tell you
- Wind noise, fuel use and the way a given bag packs around the mounting hardware are things cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict.
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the roof cargo boxes we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
How many fit
18 of the 26 models checked meet every need here: “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”.
18 models fit, out of 26 checkedShow the facts and the math
How we countedThe count uses each product's current fit ratings for “Haul camping gear” and “Load from both sides”. A need with no documented match is not counted.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Force 3 L Sport |
|
|
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| SportRack Horizon Alpine | None of these needs is a documented match |
|
Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Force 3 L Sport
Loading has to work from both sides of the vehicle
See price & reviews on AmazonSportRack Horizon Alpine
Your skis run as long as 210 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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