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 L: L fits skis above 155 cm, M eases tight hatch-clearance planning
The short answer
Choose Pulse 2 L for skis beyond 155 cm or broader family packing. Choose M when short gear and compact luggage fit, especially if hatch clearance is limited.
Before you choose
The reasoning and the trade-offs
Volume grows faster than empty weight
L adds 14.3% nominal capacity for a 4.3-pound increase.
What this is based on
(16 - 14) / 14 × 100 = 14.3%. 35.3 - 31 = 4.3 pounds.
Main trade-off
Thule Pulse 2 L
The 175 cm ski limit is short for many adult skis.
Thule Pulse 2 M
- Choose it for
- Your compact luggage fits 14 cubic feet
- Your hatchback favors a shorter shell
- Main trade-off
- It cannot take ordinary adult-length skis above 155 cm.
Thule Pulse 2 L
- Choose it for
- You carry skis from 156 to 175 cm
- Your load needs more horizontal space
- Main trade-off
- The 175 cm ski limit is short for many adult skis.
About this comparison
Compare Pulse 2 M and L by luggage volume, ski length, shell weight and the roof length needed to gain two extra cubic feet.
Winner by situation
Start with what you need it to do
Your compact luggage fits 14 cubic feet
M provides 14 cubic feet with 4.3 pounds less empty weight. L adds two cubic feet.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Good
Your skis are longer than 155 cm and no longer than 175 cm
M stops at 155 cm. L extends the published ski allowance by 20 cm.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Better fit
Your hatchback favors a shorter shell
M is 7.8 inches shorter outside. A shorter shell still needs a real hatch-clearance check.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Better fit
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Good
Your skis are longer than 175 cm and no longer than 180 cm
Motion 3 L lists a 180 cm maximum. Neither compared Pulse size meets this requirement.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- Not suitable
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- Not suitable
What matters in practice
The differences that matter
Volume grows faster than empty weight
L adds 14.3% nominal capacity for a 4.3-pound increase.
How we reached this conclusion
(16 - 14) / 14 × 100 = 14.3%. 35.3 - 31 = 4.3 pounds.
A longer box can actually be lower
The L exterior is 7.8 inches longer and one inch lower.
How we reached this conclusion
76.7 - 68.9 = 7.8 inches. 16.6 - 15.6 = 1 inch.
Adult ski fit changes at 155 cm
L adds 20 cm of maximum ski length.
How we reached this conclusion
175 - 155 = 20 cm.
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, Pulse 2 L
Thule Pulse 2 L
The box holds 16 cubic feet. It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- Best matched use
- carry skis without folding the seats and keep the rear hatch clear
Checked facts
- The box holds 16 cubic feet.
- It accepts gear up to 175 centimeters long.
- The box uses dualside access.
- Its published exterior size is 76.7 x 33.2 x 15.6 inches.
Meaningful differences
What changes the fit
| What changes | Thule Pulse 2 M | Thule Pulse 2 L | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cargo volume | 14 cu ft | 16 cu ft | Compare the space needed by bags after checking their individual dimensions. |
| Maximum ski length | 155 cm | 175 cm | A ski longer than this documented limit needs a different carrier. |
| Exterior length | 68.9 in | 76.7 in | Check roof placement, hatch movement and storage space for the shell. |
| Exterior height | 16.6 in | 15.6 in | Overall shell height helps compare bulk but cannot establish installed garage clearance. |
| Empty box weight | 31 lb | 35.3 lb | Subtract the shell and rack from the vehicle roof limit before allocating cargo. |
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 Pulse 2 L
- Central locking is simpler than Motion's SlideLock feedback system.
Recommendation switch
The decision flips if...
Your skis are 176 to 180 cm and the same 16-cubic-foot capacity is enough
Choose neither. Motion 3 L lists 180 cm skis in a similarly compact overall footprint.
What matters in practice
How to make the call
Volume grows faster than empty weight
This is a plausible upgrade for lightweight holiday luggage. The gain is mainly a longer interior, so lay out the bags and check their total length before expecting the L to solve a height problem.
A longer box can actually be lower
A larger size label does not imply more overhead obstruction. The L can be the better vertical fit while asking for more roof length. Confirm the published hatch boundary and the permitted crossbar position rather than deciding from roof height alone.
Adult ski fit changes at 155 cm
A 170 cm pair is outside the M guidance and inside the L guidance. This is a stronger reason to size up than a vague desire for future flexibility. Longer skis still need a different carrier even if the luggage volume would otherwise be enough.
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 checkedMeasured difference
Thule Pulse 2 L lists 16 cu ft for published cargo volume, 14% above Thule Pulse 2 M at 14 cu ft.
- Thule Pulse 2 M
- 14 cu ft
- Thule Pulse 2 L
- 16 cu ft
- Comparable models
- 20 of 26
See 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.
Calculation noteThis compares published exterior-category volume. Shape, mounting hardware and long gear can reduce practical packing space. 20 of 26 models have comparable published figures for context.
| Product | Needs matched | Checked facts | Source records |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thule Pulse 2 M |
|
| |
| Thule Pulse 2 L |
|
|
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
Your compact luggage fits 14 cubic feet
See price & reviews on AmazonThule Pulse 2 L
You carry skis from 156 to 175 cm
See price & reviews on AmazonLinks open in a new tab.