All New Thule Aero Blades

16 11 2011

So here they are. The all new Aero Blades from Thule. These newly released load bars replace the original Thule Aero Bars.

At first glance it’s easy to see how the design has been improved. This bar has a much more streamlined “wing” shape to it which will significantly reduce unwanted wind noise.

What you may not notice are the additional features:

  • WindDiffuser™ is a textured surface on the t-slot cover that disturbs the airflow better than a smooth surface, greatly reducing wind noise.
  • BoxBeam™ – The sophisticated BoxBeam aluminum extrusion creates one of the strongest load bars in the market. Using a vertical load test, the AeroBlade can sustain over 800 lbf of force.
  • SmartSlide™ – The new SmartSlide™ is a molded measurement system providing a quick, no-hassle, tapemeasure-free foot installation. SmartSlide™ also covers the underbar slot to improve aerodynamics and noise diffusion.
  • SwingBlade™ – The new SwingBlade™ end cap pivots open to allow full access to the t-slot for easy accessory installs.

One of the best features however, is the fact that despite the radical difference between the Aeroblade and the Aero Bar, the Aeroblade will still use the existing Rapid Aero foot packs. So the 460R, 480R, 450R and even the now discontinued 430R and 400XTR. So if you have a Rapid Aero Bar set up already and would like to upgrade to the new Aeroblades, you can by simply purchasing the new bars and fitting them to your existing towers.

Although this particular system is a bit more expensive than the basic Thule steel load bar set-up, it is worth noting that over an average year of driving you would typically save the extra $100 or so in cost due to the fuel efficient nature of the Thule Aeroblades. With adding a fairing to the steel bar set-up typically bringing the cost up to around the same mark as the Aeroblade system, it’s easy to see why so many people are already making the choice to go with the Aeroblades.

And hey, why not? They look so much better too!

So come by Rack Attack Vancouver today and see for yourself.





Lexus ES 300 2002 – Thule 50″ load bar – Thule 430R Tracker – Thule TK1 tracker kit

1 06 2010

At Rack Attack we provide a wide range of service for vehicle, most notably the ability to combine many products to get exactly the shape, size and fit you desire for your vehicle. For this particular combo we are demonstrating the Thule LB50 inch load bars, Thule 430 Tracker II Foot Pack and the Thule TK1 tracker kit 1.

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430R-TK1-LB50

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430-TK1-LB50

The customer that came into Rack Attack was looking for an installation on their Lexus ES 300; the first thing we had to do was install roof rails for the foot packs to fit into. The one thing about this procedure that I want to mention is that the car itself has a sunroof, so anyone out there looking for a roof rack and curious as to if you can fit one, the answer is yes.

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430R-TK1-LB50

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430-TK1-LB50

The kit is easy to install for this model as it comes handy with grey buttons for clip in and out access making it far easier to work with than the non clip on versions which can take up to 1.5 hours. This customer was looking for a rail system to carry Kayaks and as he already had the square bars he went with the Tk1 and 430 to save money.

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430R-TK1-LB50

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430-TK1-LB50

The 430R is also aero dynamic for noise resistance and another thing to take note on is that Rack Attack offers a no leak guarantee with installation. Some factory spec notes to take with you; the Thule 430R works exclusively with aluminum load bars and product range fits more vehicle than any other rack manufacturer. The TK1 Tracker kit can be used in unison with either the 430R tracker foot pack or the 430 tracker II foot pack. The 50” load bars provided also have a carrying capacity of up to 165lbs which is great considering you could hook up a Thule 690XT MOAB Basket and load it up with all your camping gear for the summer.

Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430R-TK1-LB50
Lexus ES 300 w/Thule 430-TK1-LB50




Lexus ES 300 2002 – Thule TK1 kit 1 – Thule LB50 load bars – Thule 430R tracker foot pack

5 03 2010

At Rack Attack we provide a wide range of service for vehicle, most notably the ability to combine many products to get exactly the shape, size and fit you desire for your vehicle. For this particular combo we are demonstrating the Thule LB50 inch load bars, Thule 430R Rapid tracker foot pack and the Thule TK1 tracker kit 1.

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

The customer that came into Rack Attack was looking for an installation on their Lexus ES 300; the first thing we had to do was install roof rails for the foot packs to fit into. The one thing about this procedure that I want to mention is that the car itself has a sunroof, so anyone out there looking for a roof rack and curious as to if you can fit one, the answer is yes.

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

The kit is easy to install for this model as it comes handy with grey buttons for clip in and out access making it far easier to work with than the non clip on versions which can take up to 1.5 hours. This customer was looking for a rail system to carry Kayaks and as he already had the square bars he went with the Tk1 and 430R to save money.

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

The 430R is also aero dynamic for noise resistance and another thing to take note on is that Rack Attack offers a no leak guarantee with installation. Some factory spec notes to take with you; the Thule 430R works exclusively with aluminum load bars and product range fits more vehicle than any other rack manufacturer. The TK1 Tracker kit can be used in unison with either the 430R tracker foot pack or the 430 tracker II foot pack. The 50” load bars provided also have a carrying capacity of up to 165lbs which is great considering you could hook up a Thule 690XT MOAB Basket and load it up with all your camping gear for the summer.

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

Lexus ES 300 - Thule TK1 - Thule LB50 - Thule 430R

Before I leave you with this I would also like to add that with a small service and installation fee you can get your licence plate mounted onto your rack and if you would also like we could hook up the wiring to your middle plate light and install another light on the bracket holding the plate to the rack. This of course works well for longer trips as you probably would not want to hassle with moving the plate off the rack and back onto the car repeatedly.