Let's compare soft tops

[TJim]

Hey guys!

I decided that I want to swap from hard top to soft top. I live in Greece, so I have mostly very good weather so why not?

Tell me:
Which soft top do you run?
Some cons and pros.

What should I am aware of?

Thanks!

 

[Chris]

Well, plain and simple, if you're looking for the best soft top there is, it's Bestop, plain and simple.

Not only is their customer service top notch, but they are the OE supplier to Jeep, which means all the factory soft tops on Jeeps (both old and new Jeeps) are made by Bestop.

If you want to replace your soft top once and not worry about it again for 10-15 years, buy a Bestop.

If you want to replace your soft top and want to deal with a warranty issue or replacing it again in 3-4 years, but a cheaper top (Smittybilt, etc.).

That's the name of the game here, buy once, cry once.

Now as for what kind of top you want (frameless or frame), that's entirely personal preference. I prefer frame soft tops.

 

[TJim]

Well, plain and simple, if you're looking for the best soft top there is, it's Bestop, plain and simple.

Not only is their customer service top notch, but they are the OE supplier to Jeep, which means all the factory soft tops on Jeeps (both old and new Jeeps) are made by Bestop.

If you want to replace your soft top once and not worry about it again for 10-15 years, buy a Bestop.

If you want to replace your soft top and want to deal with a warranty issue or replacing it again in 3-4 years, but a cheaper top (Smittybilt, etc.).

That's the name of the game here, buy once, cry once.

Now as for what kind of top you want (frameless or frame), that's entirely personal preference. I prefer frame soft tops.

Thanks Chris!

Really helpful response! Are all the factory soft tops that came originally with the TJs Bestop?

 

[primetime4]

Specs for the factory tops have changed over the years but as far as I know, they were all made by Bestop. When I replaced the factory top from my 2001 with a Bestop, the only difference was the little velcro tab that ties into the rear bar was missing from the new top.

I'm a stickler for detail and actually called Bestop to ask what was up. They said that only the tops they make for the factory are allowed to have that tab for whatever reason to differentiate the but they did in fact make the originals.

 

[qslim]

Frame vs frameless is a personal preference like Chris said. Also like Chris said, get a Bestop.

I got a frameless soft top because I like having a Safari top with the doors off in the summer to keep the killer sun off my face. If it looks like it's going to rain I can just zip on the 3 windows and then have a full soft top. The first time install was a real pain in the ass because the thing REALLY fits like a glove, but once its on there for a bit it stretches out and gets easer to zip the windows on. I also got it because it's easier for my kids to get in and out over the rear wheel without the frame being in the way. Plus, I like the fastback look of the frameless soft tops. 100% personal preference.

From what I understand of the framed soft tops, you can fold the whole thing back and go completely topless, but you'll be limited on what you can have in the cargo area because that is where the soft top is stowed. I haven't ever owned a framed top though so someone who has one might chime in.