Luggage basket v luggage pod?

[Road_Warrior]

I'm currently looking at buying some sort of roof storage solution for my car (BA sedan) and the current Repco sale which includes Rola products has hastened my decision.

Question is - what do I buy? A rack-style rootop cage thing or one of those luggage pods?

I like the idea of the racks because you can fit outsized or bulky items for travel, but there is obviously no protection for the items in bad weather (unless you get one of those covers) and there is no theft protection at all.

But I also like the idea of the pod/box because it's enclosed and secure, but is dearer than the rack and you wouldn't be able to fit oddball shaped or sized stuff in one.

Both are only rated to around 50kg.

Have you used either of these, and why did you make the choice you did? (ie pod or rack)