The catch
Thule Pulse 2 M
Ordinary adult skis longer than 155 cm will not fit.
Side by side
Thule Pulse 2 M vs Force 3 M: SlideLock costs Force six extra pounds, and both stop at 155 cm skis
Quick verdict
Pulse 2 M is the lighter box for occasional use. Pick Force 3 M for SlideLock if that handling detail matters more to you than the six-pound increase. Both stop at 155 cm skis.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Six pounds saved counts for a lot here
Force 3 M comes in at 37 pounds, against 31 for Pulse 2 M.
Where this comes from
37 - 31 = 6 pounds, and 6 / 37 × 100 = 16.2% less empty weight.
The catch
Thule Force 3 M
Most adult skis are longer than its 155 cm limit.
Thule Pulse 2 M
- Why pick it
- The carrier comes off after the occasional holiday
- Roof-load allowance on your small car is limited
- The catch
- Ordinary adult skis longer than 155 cm will not fit.
Thule Force 3 M
- Why pick it
- The Force SlideLock mechanism appeals to you
- Your bags are unaffected by a slight gap in interior width
- The catch
- Most adult skis are longer than its 155 cm limit.
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What this page compares
Pulse 2 M and Force 3 M share a 14-cubic-foot capacity. See how they differ in handling weight, overhead height, usable interior and locking.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
The carrier comes off after the occasional holiday
Force 3 M weighs 37 pounds, while Pulse 2 M weighs 31 pounds.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 M
- Good
You need the Force SlideLock mechanism
Pulse uses a central locking system, whereas SlideLock comes with Force.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
Roof-load allowance on your small car is limited
Before cargo, Pulse uses six fewer pounds of the roof-load allowance. The total still has to stay within every vehicle and rack limit.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 M
- Good
Your skis run past 155 cm but not past 175 cm
Neither M size goes past 155 cm. Pulse 2 L stretches the allowance to 175 cm.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 M
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Six pounds saved counts for a lot here
Force 3 M comes in at 37 pounds, against 31 for Pulse 2 M.
How we worked this out
37 - 31 = 6 pounds, and 6 / 37 × 100 = 16.2% less empty weight.
A lower shell can still have a tall interior
Outside, Pulse is 0.8 inches lower, and its published internal height is 0.2 inches more.
How we worked this out
Outside: 17.4 - 16.6 = 0.8 inches. Inside: 15.3 - 15.1 = 0.2 inches.
Trim level does not raise the ski limit
The 155 cm listed for both M sizes leaves a 165 cm ski ten centimeters out.
How we worked this out
165 - 155 = 10 cm over both published ski limits.
Option A
Thule, Pulse 2 M
Thule Pulse 2 M
This box offers 14 cubic feet, and gear can be up to 155 centimeters long.
- Best for
- fit a shorter roof and leave the rear hatch free
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 14 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 155 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Published exterior dimensions are 68.9 x 32.1 x 16.6 inches.
Option B
Thule, Force 3 M
Thule Force 3 M
It holds 14 cubic feet, and the longest gear it accepts is 155 centimeters.
- Best for
- suit a shorter roof and stay clear of the rear hatch
Facts we checked
- Capacity is 14 cubic feet.
- Gear up to 155 centimeters long fits.
- Dualside access is how it opens.
- Its published exterior size is 69 x 32 x 17.4 inches.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Pulse 2 M | Thule Force 3 M | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty box weight | 31 lb | 37 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
| Exterior length | 68.9 in | 69 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior width | 32.1 in | 32 in | It takes up crossbar room that could otherwise go to a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 16.6 in | 17.4 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
| Internal height | 15.3 in | 15.1 in | Your tallest suitcase or boots have to fit under the curved lid with no need to force it closed. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With Thule Pulse 2 M
- Fourteen cubic feet goes fast once four travelers pack their luggage.
With Thule Force 3 M
- With its tall 17.4-inch profile, it adds more garage height than low-profile boxes do.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your skis fall between 156 and 175 cm
Neither model fits. Pulse 2 L raises the documented ski allowance to 175 cm and lifts volume to 16 cubic feet.
Decision guide
How to decide
Six pounds saved counts for a lot here
Compact carriers tend to be mounted and removed more often than a permanent road-trip setup. The lighter shell helps at removal time, and it frees up six more pounds for contents while the vehicle limit stays the same.
A lower shell can still have a tall interior
These figures show why outside size cannot stand in for interior fit. Both interiors are curved, so a bag near the published limit needs a real check. Choose the shell to suit your luggage. A taller exterior alone is not a reason.
Trim level does not raise the ski limit
Should this box carry adult skis, check their lengths before you compare lock systems. Plenty of common alpine skis are longer than the M limit. A small shell that suits the car perfectly can still be the wrong shape for the only gear you plan to carry.
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 M |
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| Thule Force 3 M |
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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 M
The carrier comes off after the occasional holiday
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 M
The Force SlideLock mechanism appeals to you
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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