Main trade-off
Thule Pulse 2 M
It cannot take ordinary adult-length skis above 155 cm.
Head-to-head
Thule Pulse 2 M vs Force 3 M: Force adds six pounds for SlideLock, both stop at 155 cm skis
The short answer
Choose Pulse 2 M for a lighter occasional-use box. Choose Force 3 M for SlideLock if that handling detail matters more than the six-pound increase. Both stop at 155 cm skis.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
The six-pound saving is sizeable here
Pulse 2 M weighs 31 pounds against 37 for Force 3 M.
What this is based on
37 - 31 = 6 pounds. 6 / 37 × 100 = 16.2% less empty weight.
Main trade-off
Thule Force 3 M
Its 155 cm ski limit excludes most adult skis.
Thule Pulse 2 M
- Choose it for
- You remove the carrier after occasional holidays
- Your small car has limited roof-load allowance
- Main trade-off
- It cannot take ordinary adult-length skis above 155 cm.
Thule Force 3 M
- Choose it for
- You want the Force SlideLock mechanism
- A small difference in interior width does not affect your bags
- Main trade-off
- Its 155 cm ski limit excludes most adult skis.
About this comparison
Compare Pulse 2 M and Force 3 M by handling weight, overhead height, usable interior and locking at their shared 14-cubic-foot capacity.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
You remove the carrier after occasional holidays
Pulse 2 M weighs 31 pounds against 37 pounds for Force 3 M.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 M
- Good
You require the Force SlideLock mechanism
Force provides SlideLock while Pulse uses a central locking system.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 M
- Better fit
Your small car has limited roof-load allowance
Pulse consumes six fewer pounds of the roof-load allowance before cargo. The total must still remain within every vehicle and rack limit.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Force 3 M
- Good
Your skis are longer than 155 cm and no longer than 175 cm
Both M sizes stop at 155 cm. Pulse 2 L extends the allowance to 175 cm.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Force 3 M
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
The six-pound saving is sizeable here
Pulse 2 M weighs 31 pounds against 37 for Force 3 M.
How we reached this conclusion
37 - 31 = 6 pounds. 6 / 37 × 100 = 16.2% less empty weight.
The lower shell still has a tall interior
Pulse is 0.8 inches lower outside yet has 0.2 inches more published internal height.
How we reached this conclusion
17.4 - 16.6 = 0.8 inches outside. 15.3 - 15.1 = 0.2 inches inside.
The ski ceiling does not change with trim
Both M sizes list 155 cm, excluding a 165 cm ski by ten centimeters.
How we reached this conclusion
165 - 155 = 10 cm beyond both published ski limits.
Choice A
Thule, Pulse 2 M
Thule Pulse 2 M
The box holds 14 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- keep the rear hatch clear and work with a shorter roof
Checked facts
- The box holds 14 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 68.9 x 32.1 x 16.6 inches.
Choice B
Thule, Force 3 M
Thule Force 3 M
The box holds 14 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- keep the rear hatch clear and work with a shorter roof
Checked facts
- The box holds 14 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 155 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 69 x 32 x 17.4 inches.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Thule Pulse 2 M | Thule Force 3 M | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty box weight | 31 lb | 37 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
| Exterior length | 68.9 in | 69 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Exterior width | 32.1 in | 32 in | This consumes crossbar room that might otherwise hold a bike carrier. |
| Exterior height | 16.6 in | 17.4 in | Overall shell height helps compare bulk but cannot establish installed garage clearance. |
| Internal height | 15.3 in | 15.1 in | The tallest suitcase or boots must fit beneath the curved lid without forcing it closed. |
What you give up
Every choice has a cost
If you choose Thule Pulse 2 M
- Fourteen cubic feet fills quickly with four travelers' luggage.
If you choose Thule Force 3 M
- The tall 17.4-inch profile adds more garage height than low-profile boxes.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Your skis are between 156 and 175 cm
Choose neither. Pulse 2 L extends the documented ski allowance to 175 cm and raises volume to 16 cubic feet.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
The six-pound saving is sizeable here
A compact carrier often goes on and off more regularly than a permanent road-trip setup. The lighter shell is useful during removal and leaves six extra pounds for contents under an unchanged vehicle limit.
The lower shell still has a tall interior
The numbers illustrate why exterior size cannot be used as a substitute for internal fit. Both interiors remain curved, so a bag close to the published limit needs a real check. Pick the shell around your luggage rather than a taller exterior alone.
The ski ceiling does not change with trim
If this box is meant to carry adult skis, verify lengths before choosing between lock systems. Many common alpine skis exceed the M limit. A small shell that fits the car beautifully can still be the wrong shape for the only equipment you intend to carry.
What this comparison cannot tell you
- Cargo dimensions and manufacturer load ratings cannot predict wind noise, fuel use or how a particular bag packs around mounting hardware.
What the facts say
What the comparison shows
Useful conclusions from the current roof cargo boxes comparison, followed by the checked facts used to reach them.
Compared set
18 of 26 models checked match every need here: “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”.
18 matching models from 26 checkedSee the checked facts and calculation notes
Match countThe count uses the current product-to-need assignments for “Carry camping gear” and “Open it from either side”. A need with no documented match does not count.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Pulse 2 M |
|
| |
| Thule Force 3 M |
|
|
Ready to choose?
Check the price. Read the owner reviews.
Open either model on Amazon to check the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
Thule Pulse 2 M
You remove the carrier after occasional holidays
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Force 3 M
You want the Force SlideLock mechanism
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.