Soft Tops: Fastback vs Traditional Top

[Chris]

Wow, what did they do to you? I have loved mine, and (with the exception of Rampage lack of quality) never had issues. Other than requiring a couple extra straps to remove to go fully topless, there's less to store, no pinched fingers from the bows, no top fluttering around on the tailgate. Most times I only ever drop the windows and doors, and leave the top for shade.

I've owned both, and after owning both I see how much better the framed top fits and how much easier it is to operate.

If yours works for you, that's all that matters. I personally would never run a Trektop again though

Why

Because I know now how much easier a framed top is to use.

 

[JDS123]

I have had no problems with my current Trektop NX. The first top I bought had some problems but Bestop quickly sent out a new one and I haven't had trouble since. I run without the windows all summer and then zip it back up for the winter. I have a habit of waiting too long to get my top back on, so I'm often doing it in 30 or 40 degree weather. It is much more difficult in the cold but it isn't impossible.

My next top with be a factory style top just because I like the look better. I have no functionality problems with the Trektop. From what I remember about the factory softtop, the Trektop is much easier to use for my purposes.

 

[Apparition]

I have the factory soft top also and it stays in my garage. I much prefer my NX on the LJ and usually pop the windows off and go.

Once the windows are off it’s like 15 seconds to toss the remainder of the top in the garage. I’ll throw the trail cover in if I’m worried about rain.

 

[williambmac]

I have a hardtop and factory soft top for my LJ. My soft top has seen better days. I haven't had it on in the past couple years. I have been trying to decide whether to get a replacement top or a fastback style top.
A Bestop replace-a-top is 899.00 and currently out of stock. Rugged Ridge makes two different replacement tops, one @ 399.00 and one @ 599.00.
The Bestop Trektop NX is also 899.00. Biggest complaint that I see is it's a PITA to install the first couple of times, until it stretches and rear window fitment.
There are a number of other companies that make a fastback style top but not sure of the quality.
I would be curious as to Blaines reasoning about them belonging in the trash alongside hawiian pizza.

 

[il buono]

I'm not really a fan of the Trektop look. I don't really mind it as much on a TJ, but I would never install it on my LJ. The way they designed the large side windows on the LJ version looks awkward. The TJ Trektop windows are pretty well proportioned to the rest of the top and body.

The factory style soft top is my favorite look, but I prefer to run the hardtop.

 

[JeepingNet]

Once the windows are off it’s like 15 seconds to toss the remainder of the top in the garage. I’ll throw the trail cover in if I’m worried about rain.

Does the trail cover fit over your nx top with the windows removed? I wasn't sure about that rear enforcement the top has.

 

[Apparition]

Does the trail cover fit over your nx top with the windows removed? I wasn't sure about that rear enforcement the top has.

Not sure that I’ve tried that. I think it would mostly cover if it didn’t fully.

The trail cover is pretty snug but it’d be better than nothing if you got caught and didn’t want everything to get wet.

 

[JDS123]

I have a fully custom rain cover for when I'm running without windows.

 

[jeepguy03]

For a trail rig, my answer would be the cheapest that still keeps it dry.

I prefer the look and function of the factory style soft tops, but I own a TJ not an LJ. I recently replaced my soft top with a Bestop factory style one, and had looked into the Fastback, but for the models I researched it seemed like they required more storage to go fully topless. You could remove everything, but the top part needed to be stored somewhere. I have a metal trunk enclosure, so storing it in the trunk wasn't an option, and I didn't feel like putting it in the backseat if I had passengers. Like I said, a trail rig is different and I'd just get whatever is cheapest, but it's hard to beat the convenience of a factory style top.

 

[rasband]

Since I’ve not found an OEM soft top yet, next spring I plan to get the Supertop on my LJ. I think they look weird stock, but on a built rig they’re not bad.

 

[SvtLdr]

I switched to a Rampage frame less top this year and really like it. The top has a storage solution built in for the side panels and rear window.

 

[Durmam]

I'm also in the market for a soft top...
Going fully topless it's is my first reason why I love JEEP .. But I really like the way the fastback looks.
How hard is to take off completely and stored in your jeep on a trail ?
Does somebody have pictures of a LJ with both soft tops ?

 

[JDS123]

You will not be able to comfortably store a trektop in your Jeep while on the trail. I like my trektop NX, but only because I basically never take the bikini portion off. I just take the windows out. If you want a top that easily folds down for the full open air experience, I wouldn't get a trektop.

 

[Apparition]

You will not be able to comfortably store a trektop in your Jeep while on the trail. I like my trektop NX, but only because I basically never take the bikini portion off. I just take the windows out. If you want a top that easily folds down for the full open air experience, I wouldn't get a trektop.

Same, if it all comes off then the trail cover goes and the Trektop stays at camp, in a hotel room or at the house.

 

[SvtLdr]

Same thing for the Rampage frameless top, it isn't designed to be easily removed. There are a couple tops that have the fastback look with a sunrider option. That's not quite the same thing as fully removeable though.

 

[Apparition]

Same thing for the Rampage frameless top, it isn't designed to be easily removed. There are a couple tops that have the fastback look with a sunrider option. That's not quite the same thing as fully removeable though.

The Trektop NX has that sunrider option. It is quick to remove/install (not when new) but it’s not well sized for leaving in the back of the Jeep.

My Trektop NX

 

[Durmam]

Yes definitely I like this look better than the traditional, how about the windows if you take them off you can store them in your jeep on the trail,

 

[Apparition]

Yes definitely I like this look better than the traditional, how about the windows if you take them off you can store them in your jeep on the trail,

I roll mine up in a clover patch bag.

I could likely stick them above my spider we shade if I wanted. But then you risk dust and scratches.

 

[SvtLdr]

Yes definitely I like this look better than the traditional, how about the windows if you take them off you can store them in your jeep on the trail,

The Rampage top has a storage solution built in for the side panels and rear window.

 

[Durmam]

The Rampage top has a storage solution built in for the side panels and rear window.

OK that's actually clever... two questions:
how's the noise going 70 miles on the highway?
what about going completely topless can you take it off easily and stored in your jeep on the trail?