The catch
Thule Pulse 2 L
Many adult skis are longer than its 175 cm ski limit.
Side by side
Thule Pulse 2 L vs SkyBox NX 16: Pulse is lighter to lift, and SkyBox needs less roof length for its flat-floor layout
Quick verdict
Pulse 2 L is the choice if you want a substantially lighter box. SkyBox NX LG fits better when its shorter exterior length and flat-floor layout suit your car and luggage.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Same volume, different load on the roof
Pulse is 11.7 pounds lighter at the same 16-cubic-foot capacity.
Where this comes from
47 - 35.3 = 11.7 pounds, and 11.7 / 47 × 100 = 24.9% less empty weight.
The catch
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
Skis of 180 to 200 cm will not go in.
Thule Pulse 2 L
- Why pick it
- The box gets moved from car to car often
- A limited roof payload needs protecting
- The catch
- Many adult skis are longer than its 175 cm ski limit.
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Why pick it
- A shorter shell works better on your vehicle
- A removable torque knob and flat floor are your preference
- The catch
- Skis of 180 to 200 cm will not go in.
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What this page compares
Pulse 2 L and SkyBox NX LG share a 175 cm ski allowance. See how they differ in empty weight, exterior dimensions and mounting approach.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
The box gets moved from car to car often
At the same 16-cubic-foot nominal volume, Pulse is 11.7 pounds lighter.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Good
A shorter shell works better on your vehicle
Outside, SkyBox is 1.2 inches shorter and 1.8 inches wider. Hatch fit still has to be measured.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Depends
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Better fit
A limited roof payload needs protecting
Of a fixed roof-load allowance, Pulse leaves 11.7 more pounds for cargo, subject to all vehicle and rack limits.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Good
Your skis run past 175 cm but not past 180 cm
Neither compared model exceeds 175 cm. Motion 3 L lifts the rating to 180 cm at 16 cubic feet.
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Not suitable
- Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Same volume, different load on the roof
Pulse is 11.7 pounds lighter at the same 16-cubic-foot capacity.
How we worked this out
47 - 35.3 = 11.7 pounds, and 11.7 / 47 × 100 = 24.9% less empty weight.
The shorter one is wider
Outside, SkyBox is 1.2 inches shorter and 1.8 inches wider.
How we worked this out
Length: 76.7 - 75.5 = 1.2 inches. 35 - 33.2 = 1.8 inches.
A matching ski ceiling takes away one reason to upgrade
A 180 cm ski requirement is solved by neither, since both manufacturers list 175 cm skis and 16 cubic feet.
How we worked this out
180 - 175 = 5 cm past both stated limits.
Option A
Thule, Pulse 2 L
Thule Pulse 2 L
Inside you get 16 cubic feet, and the length limit for gear is 175 centimeters.
- Best for
- carry skis with the seats left up and stay clear of the rear hatch
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 175 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Published exterior dimensions are 76.7 x 33.2 x 15.6 inches.
Option B
Yakima, SkyBox NX 16 LG
Yakima SkyBox NX LG
Volume is 16 cubic feet, and it takes gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- Best for
- carry skis while the seats stay up, and keep clear of the rear hatch
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 16 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 175 centimeters long fits.
- The documented crossbar spread runs from 24 to 36 inches.
- The box uses dual-sided access.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Pulse 2 L | Yakima SkyBox NX LG | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior length | 76.7 in | 75.5 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 33.2 in | 35 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 15.6 in | 16 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 35.3 lb | 47 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Maximum ski length | 175 cm | 175 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Pulse 2 L
- Its central locking is more basic than the SlideLock feedback system on the Motion.
With Yakima SkyBox NX LG
- Lifting the 47-pound shell on or off by yourself can be awkward.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your skis come in between 176 and 180 cm
Neither model fits. Motion 3 L extends the rated ski length to 180 cm and still has 16 cubic feet.
Decision guide
How to decide
Same volume, different load on the roof
Saving weight helps with repeated lifting and on vehicles whose dynamic roof ratings are modest. Either way you still need a full rack-and-cargo calculation, since a box cargo rating cannot override a lower vehicle limit.
The shorter one is wider
Where hatch geometry is the issue, go to the model-specific clearance chart and do not treat the small reduction in overall length as automatic approval. With a bicycle on the roof too, the wider Yakima shell may be the dimension that counts more.
A matching ski ceiling takes away one reason to upgrade
With short skis, compare how bags sit around the mounting hardware. With longer skis, start looking at a longer-rated model right away, because picking between these two on nominal volume will not fix a hard length mismatch.
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 Pulse 2 L |
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| Yakima SkyBox NX LG |
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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 Pulse 2 L
The box gets moved from car to car often
See price & reviews on AmazonYakima SkyBox NX LG
A shorter shell works better on your vehicle
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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