The catch
Thule Pulse 2 M
Ordinary adult skis longer than 155 cm will not fit.
Side by side
Thule Pulse 2 M vs L: L fits skis above 155 cm, while M makes tight hatch-clearance planning easier
Quick verdict
Skis beyond 155 cm or broader family packing call for Pulse 2 L. The M is the choice when short gear and compact luggage fit, particularly with limited hatch clearance.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
Volume rises faster than empty weight does
In return for a 4.3-pound increase, L adds 14.3% nominal capacity.
Where this comes from
Capacity: (16 - 14) / 14 × 100 = 14.3%. 35.3 - 31 = 4.3 pounds.
The catch
Thule Pulse 2 L
Many adult skis are longer than its 175 cm ski limit.
Thule Pulse 2 M
- Why pick it
- Your compact luggage fits within 14 cubic feet
- A shorter shell works better on your hatchback
- The catch
- Ordinary adult skis longer than 155 cm will not fit.
Thule Pulse 2 L
- Why pick it
- Your skis run 156 to 175 cm
- More horizontal room is what your load requires
- The catch
- Many adult skis are longer than its 175 cm ski limit.
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What this page compares
Pulse 2 M and L differ in luggage volume, ski length and shell weight, and gaining two extra cubic feet takes more roof length.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
Your compact luggage fits within 14 cubic feet
M has 14 cubic feet and 4.3 pounds less empty weight. Two more cubic feet come with L.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Good
Your skis run past 155 cm but not past 175 cm
M tops out at 155 cm, and L adds 20 cm to the published ski allowance.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
A shorter shell works better on your hatchback
Outside, M is 7.8 inches shorter. Even a shorter shell still needs a real hatch-clearance check.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Good
Your skis run past 175 cm but not past 180 cm
A 180 cm maximum is listed for Motion 3 L. Neither compared Pulse size meets this requirement.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
Volume rises faster than empty weight does
In return for a 4.3-pound increase, L adds 14.3% nominal capacity.
How we worked this out
Capacity: (16 - 14) / 14 × 100 = 14.3%. 35.3 - 31 = 4.3 pounds.
The longer box may sit lower
On the outside, L is 7.8 inches longer and one inch lower.
How we worked this out
Length: 76.7 - 68.9 = 7.8 inches. 16.6 - 15.6 = 1 inch.
Adult skis cross a line at 155 cm
L has 20 cm more maximum ski length.
How we worked this out
175 minus 155 is 20 cm.
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, 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.
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | Thule Pulse 2 M | Thule Pulse 2 L | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft | 16 cu ft | Once each bag's dimensions are checked, compare the space they need. |
| Maximum ski length | 155 cm | 175 cm | Any ski longer than this documented limit calls for a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 68.9 in | 76.7 in | Look at where the shell sits on the roof, how the hatch moves and where it is stored. |
| Exterior height | 16.6 in | 15.6 in | Overall shell height is useful for comparing bulk and says nothing certain about installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 31 lb | 35.3 lb | Before you allocate cargo, take the shell and rack off the vehicle roof limit. |
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 Pulse 2 L
- Its central locking is more basic than the SlideLock feedback system on the Motion.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
Your skis run from 176 to 180 cm, and the same 16-cubic-foot capacity is enough
Neither model fits. In a similarly compact overall footprint, Motion 3 L lists 180 cm skis.
Decision guide
How to decide
Volume rises faster than empty weight does
For lightweight holiday luggage, moving up is a sensible step. Since the gain is mostly interior length, lay the bags out and check their total length before expecting the L to fix a height problem.
The longer box may sit lower
A bigger size label does not mean more overhead obstruction. The L can fit better vertically, though it takes more roof length. Check the published hatch boundary and the permitted crossbar position instead of deciding on roof height alone.
Adult skis cross a line at 155 cm
The M guidance excludes a 170 cm pair and the L guidance covers it. That is a firmer reason to size up than a vague wish for flexibility later. Even when luggage volume would be enough, longer skis still need a different carrier.
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 checkedThe gap in numbers
Thule Pulse 2 L lists 16 cu ft for listed cargo volume, 14% more than the 14 cu ft on Thule Pulse 2 M.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- 14 cu ft
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- 16 cu ft
- Models with this figure
- 20 of 26
Show 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.
How we calculatedFigures are the published exterior-category volume. Shape, mounting hardware and long gear can leave less room to pack. For context, 20 of 26 models publish comparable figures.
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Pulse 2 M |
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| Thule Pulse 2 L |
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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
Your compact luggage fits within 14 cubic feet
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Pulse 2 L
Your skis run 156 to 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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