If you don’t have a lot of time and just want to get the gist of this article, here’s the summary:
From what I’ve gathered, the Ascent 1100 is a robust roof box that seems to offer a lot for certain travelers. Its expansive storage space, ability to hold multiple skis or snowboards, and dual side openings for easy access make it sound like a dream for families, winter sports enthusiasts, and heavy packers. The Quick Grip™ mounting system and compatibility with most vehicle racks are other key features that caught my attention. Plus, the safety feature of the Central-locking One Key System™ and the durable ABS plastic construction appear to be promising for those concerned with security and durability.
However, it might not cater to everyone’s needs. Light packers, solo travelers, and those living in cities with low clearances or harsh weather conditions could find its size, weight, and construction a bit impractical. Also, frequent vehicle swappers might find the mounting system more of a hassle than a help.
In the end, these are just my views, and it’s important to do your homework and check the Thule Rack Fit Guide before making a decision. The Ascent 1100 could be a gem for some but not the best for others, depending on individual needs and circumstances.
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Thule Ascent 1100 Roof Box Review: Who is it for?
Based on my understanding of the Thule Ascent 1100, I reckon it could be a great asset for a variety of users. In my humble opinion, it’s a solid pick for those who frequently travel and require extra storage space. Its whopping gear capacity of 311.5 liters, or 19,008 cubic inches, can easily accommodate a multitude of items.
The Ascent 1100 is also a dream for skiing enthusiasts. With the capacity to securely hold 5-6 pairs of skis, it’s an excellent option for families or groups looking to hit the slopes. I’m not an expert, but I’d say that’s quite a lot of room. Snowboarders haven’t been left out either – the roof box can also accommodate 2-3 snowboards.
Despite its generous capacity, the Ascent 1100 doesn’t compromise on accessibility. The dual side openings allow users to access their gear from either side of the box. This is a feature I believe can be particularly useful when the car is packed, and you need to reach your stuff quickly.
People often worry about the hassle of installing such equipment. But, it seems like Thule has addressed this concern with its innovative Quick Grip™ mounting system. Specified to be a one-handed motion that locks the clamp into place, it sounds like it could be a real game-changer for those who dread time-consuming installations. I appreciate this feature as it sounds like you could be ready to hit the road in seconds.
The Ascent 1100 also appears to have a high compatibility rate as it mounts to most factory-installed racks and after-market systems. This is a notable point for those considering this roof box but are unsure about its fit.
In terms of security, the roof box features a Central-locking One Key System™. According to the feature list, the built-in safety feature only allows the key to be removed when the box is fully closed. This, in my opinion, is a thoughtful touch to prevent accidental loss of items during transit.
Despite all these impressive aspects, I find it noteworthy that the Ascent 1100 has been constructed with impact-resistant ABS plastic. It suggests that the roof box can handle the usual wear and tear of travel while keeping your belongings safe.
I also noticed that it’s made in the USA, which for some, could be a positive point considering the reputation for quality control and labor standards.
Finally, consider its weight – 31 pounds. It’s not the lightest thing on the market, but given its features, I believe its weight can be justified.
In conclusion, I think the Ascent 1100 may be well-suited for families, travel enthusiasts, and those into winter sports who require secure, accessible, and ample storage space on their trips. Remember, these are just my thoughts, and it’s essential to check the Thule Rack Fit Guide before making a decision.
Thule Ascent 1100 Roof Box Review: Who isn’t it for?
Now, let’s talk about who the Ascent 1100 might not be for. Again, just my humble opinion here.
First off, I think it could be an ill-suited choice for individuals who don’t travel with large amounts of gear. Yes, its 311.5-liter gear capacity is impressive but let’s be honest, not everyone needs that much room. For those who primarily pack light or go on short trips, the Ascent 1100’s size may seem excessive.
And then there’s the height – 12.4 inches. It’s not exactly low-profile, and for those with a tight garage or frequent low clearance areas, it might pose a problem. I’m picturing those with city living conditions or covered parking – the added height could potentially limit where they can park or drive.
Also, the weight of 31 pounds might be a deterrent for some. If your car’s roof capacity is on the lower end or you’re not comfortable lifting that much weight onto the roof of your vehicle, then this might not be the right choice for you. I mean, the Ascent 1100 seems sturdy and solid, but it does come with a bit of heft.
If you’re more of a solo traveler, or maybe a couple without the need to transport multiple skis or snowboards, the ski and snowboard load capacity could be overkill. The fact that it can hold 5-6 pairs of skis and 2-3 snowboards is great, but only if you need that kind of capacity.
And while I mentioned earlier that the Quick Grip™ mounting system sounds like a breeze, it’s worth considering if you switch between vehicles frequently. Since the roof box mounts to most factory-installed racks and after-market systems, it could potentially be an issue if you frequently change vehicles and those vehicles have different rack systems.
Lastly, the ABS plastic construction, while impact-resistant, might not hold up as well under extreme weather conditions compared to other materials. If you live in a region with harsh weather conditions, it might be worth considering a roof box with a more weather-resistant material.
So, there you have it. I reckon the Ascent 1100 might not be the best fit for light packers, city dwellers with low clearance issues, individuals uncomfortable with the weight, solo travelers, or those frequently switching vehicles. And potentially, it might not be for those living in harsh weather areas. But hey, these are just my thoughts. Always do your homework before deciding. And don’t forget to check the Thule Rack Fit Guide!
Thule Ascent 1100 Roof Box Review: Conclusion
From what I’ve gathered, the Ascent 1100 is a robust roof box that seems to offer a lot for certain travelers. Its expansive storage space, ability to hold multiple skis or snowboards, and dual side openings for easy access make it sound like a dream for families, winter sports enthusiasts, and heavy packers. The Quick Grip™ mounting system and compatibility with most vehicle racks are other key features that caught my attention. Plus, the safety feature of the Central-locking One Key System™ and the durable ABS plastic construction appear to be promising for those concerned with security and durability.
However, it might not cater to everyone’s needs. Light packers, solo travelers, and those living in cities with low clearances or harsh weather conditions could find its size, weight, and construction a bit impractical. Also, frequent vehicle swappers might find the mounting system more of a hassle than a help.
In the end, these are just my views, and it’s important to do your homework and check the Thule Rack Fit Guide before making a decision. The Ascent 1100 could be a gem for some but not the best for others, depending on individual needs and circumstances.