With my forray into motoring, I need to get the base rack and ski holders for my R60. Anyone buy a base that is NOT the mini base? From looking and calling around, it sounds like the yakima and thule bases are like $50 more than the mini base (which is super surprising to me...) . Anyone NOT use the mini base and be glad they did? OR vice-versa, anyone get the factory stuff and think an aftermarket would have been better for any particular reason? I need to carry 4 sets of skis.

 

I picked up the MINI base rack on eBay for $110 and I'm really happy with it--very good quality.

Can speak to a ski rack as I use mine for bikes.

eBay or craigslist are the way to go if you're not in a hurry.

 

I got the Thule rack on my countryman and so far have had no issues with it. On the past SUV's ive had i usually use the factory and overall works out fine.

I believe the aerobars are slightly wider then the factory bars which was why i dedicated to go that route and i felt that there would be less wind noise.. although im not really sure if its the same or less then factory.

In terms of usage ive so far only used it to carry a roof box and 2 bikes with no issues. Im looking to see if i could fit a alpine roof box and a basket on top as well for longer road trips. For a ski rack ive got a Thule Universal Flat Top 92724 (4 ski, 2 boards) .. although i havent had a chance to use it yet, when on the rack it took up about .. ~60% of the bar if i recall correctly.