Thule Unveils AeroBlade™ Load Bar at Summer Outdoor, Retailer – No Other Rack System is Quieter

Thule is proud to announce the launch of the AeroBlade™; the most complete rack system ever developed. Silent, strong, and safe, it works seamlessly with a wide variety of Thule’s bike, ski, cargo and water sport accessories. Simple to install on nearly every vehicle, the Thule AeroBlade will change the way you think about rack systems.

Developed from the ground up by Thule engineers and independent aerodynamic experts, the AeroBlade features WindDiffuser™ technology; a textured surface on the t-slot which disrupts the airflow, greatly reducing wind noise. It has been tested in the lab, on the road and on a vehicle in a state of the art wind tunnel simulating road noise. The results proved that no other rack is quieter. Compared to previous Thule aerodynamic bars, the AeroBlade produces 90% lower sound energy, 55% less drag, and is 13 decibels quieter.

Extruded out of high-strength aluminum, the AeroBlade features the sophisticated BoxBeam™ design creating one of the strongest load bars on the market. Using a vertical load test, the AeroBlade can sustain over 800lbs of force. In addition, it is 40% stiffer than other aerodynamic load bars creating a stronger platform for accessories.

Thule AeroBlade has also been determined to be one of the safest roof racks on the road. It has passed Europe’s City Crash Test which simulates automobile accidents at 18mph and measures the impact on the roof rack and the vehicle.

Thule has made the installation of the AeroBlade easier with the addition of the SmartSlide™. This system provides a quick, tape measure-free installation. SmartSlide also covers the under-bar slot to improve aerodynamics and noise diffusion.

- “We are very proud of all the work and testing we have done with the Thule AeroBlade. This complete rack system combines all the features a consumer is looking for; Aerodynamics, strength, ease of installation and compatibility with carriers and accessories. In addition, the AeroBlade works with existing Thule Rapid Aero™ foot packs so upgrading is simple and cost effective,” remarked Tripp Wyckoff, Thule’s Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Service.

The Thule AeroBlade will be available September 6, 2011 through Thule retailers nationally at MSRP $149.95.

In addition, to see the AeroBlade in action, please visit - http://thule.basilicon.tv/aeroblade/v/thule_aeroblade_v5.mp4