Fly Rod Carrier Comparison: Thule vs Yakima
Thule
Thule has taken their vehicle rack and carrier expertise to the fly fishing world with two rooftop fly rod carrier systems. Thule offers the Thule RodVault 2 that can hold two fully rigged fly rods and the Thule RodVault 4 which can hold four fully rigged fly rods. These aircraft-grade anodized aluminum rod tubes coupled with a heavy duty reel case, ensures that your fly rods are transported safely to and from the water. Combined with the locking reel case as well as the ability to lock the rod rack to your vehicle, the Thule RodVaults will protect your beloved rods from the elements and theft. The long history of effective car top storage and accessories made by Thule shows in their effective and practical fly rod carriers.
Yakima
Yakima is another respected brand specializing in car racks who has entered the fly fishing industry with their own rooftop fly rod carrier. The Yakima DoubleHaul is an innovative fly rod carrier system that can hold up to 4 fully rigged rods up to 10’ long. Unlike other brands, the DoubleHaul is designed so that the rods and reels sit sideways in the carrier to reduce wear on your rods stripping guides and eyelets. The reel case comes with custom-fitted felt padding for protection and is able to fit most reels up to 12-wt. To make the DoubleHaul even more reliable, the Yakima SKS (Single Key System) is included which keeps your rods locked inside while also locking the DoubleHaul to your roof rack. With this rod carrier, your rods will be safe and sound to and from the water.
Choosing the Right Fly Rod Carrier
To help you become more familiar with the Thule and Yakima brands of fly rod carriers, we've put together a list of features below:
Thule Product Features - ACCOMMODATES REEL DIAMETERS UP TO 4.25
- HOLDS RODS UP TO 10’ SECURELY
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM
- POLYPROPYLENE LINED ROD TUBES FOR ADDED PROTECTION
Yakima Product Features - ABILITY TO HOLD 2 SPEY RODS IN UPPER SLOTS
- YAKIMA SKS (SINGLE KEY SYSTEM)
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTAIN HARDWARE FITS MOST ROOF RACKS
- PLASTIC-LINED ALUMINUM ROD TUBES
- ACCOMMODATES REEL DIAMETERS UP TO 4.25
- HOLDS RODS UP TO 10’ SECURELY
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTING SYSTEM
- POLYPROPYLENE LINED ROD TUBES FOR ADDED PROTECTION
Yakima Product Features - ABILITY TO HOLD 2 SPEY RODS IN UPPER SLOTS
- YAKIMA SKS (SINGLE KEY SYSTEM)
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTAIN HARDWARE FITS MOST ROOF RACKS
- PLASTIC-LINED ALUMINUM ROD TUBES
- ABILITY TO HOLD 2 SPEY RODS IN UPPER SLOTS
- YAKIMA SKS (SINGLE KEY SYSTEM)
- UNIVERSAL MOUNTAIN HARDWARE FITS MOST ROOF RACKS
- PLASTIC-LINED ALUMINUM ROD TUBES