Ski Rack on Mazda 3 Thule Roof Rack or Factory Original?

[aka_blackangus]

Hi,

I'm a total newb on roof racks and i drive a mazda 3 hatchback. I wanted a rack to carry snowboard/skis in the winter and I was wondering what the difference is between the original factory roof bars and getting the recommended Thule Set online:

400XT Aero Foot | LB50 Load Bars | 2135 Fit Kit + Thule 91725 Ski-Snowboard Rack.

How differnet would it be if i got the factory rack and attached the Thule 91725 SKi-Snowboard Rack on instead since that might be a cheaper alternative.

Thanks!

[ORS_techhead]

Honestly there just isnt any information out there on the Mazda 5 door hatchback model with a factory rack. Most models on the road have no rack at all installed, and Thule Racks only offers up the Thule 400XT roof rack system as the only option for your situation. I can tell you the Thule 400XT Aero is very popular on the Mazda 3 and works really well. It also provides the multi-purpose foundation for carrying all kinds of gear if you ever decide to carry stuff other than skis / snowboards. The Thule 725 ski-snowboard rack will then mount right to the Thule 400XT Aero car rack cross bars.

In all likelihood it probably isn't all that more expensive than the Mazda 3 factory rack model offered (would be interested on what the actual price is). If you do decide to go with the factory rack instead, be sure to find out what the maximum weight carrying capacity of the crossbars are. You'll want them to be able to handle at least 100 lbs to be safe.