Soft Tops: Fastback vs Traditional Top

The noise at 70mph is no different than the OE framed top. IMO
It's not designed to be completely removed easily. It can be done but you wouldn't be able to easily store the top inside your Jeep on the trail. I think you'll find this is the case with all frameless tops.
 
Not a fan of my NX. I wanted an alternative to the hardtop so I could go topless on cross country trips. As others have said, you cant really take the whole thing off and store (easily). Storing the larger LJ windows in the Jeep isn't ideal either.
However, I do prefer the look. The reason is because it keeps the iconic CJ slanted rollbar profile.
I even had a fastback top on my CJ-5.
 
Not a fan of my NX. I wanted an alternative to the hardtop so I could go topless on cross country trips. As others have said, you cant really take the whole thing off and store (easily). Storing the larger LJ windows in the Jeep isn't ideal either.
However, I do prefer the look. The reason is because it keeps the iconic CJ slanted rollbar profile.
I even had a fastback top on my CJ-5.
You say "store (easily). that means that you can store it? Is there a video somewhere of somebody taking the whole top off ?
 
When you completely remove a frameless top you're left with a massive chunk of oddly-shaped vinyl (canvas). You could fold it into a manageable shape and then stuff it somewhere in the Jeep, perhaps behind the seats. The sail panels and rear windows don't fold easily, similar to the ones made for a framed-top. The main difference when looking at on-board storage is the factory framed top can be folded up around the frame that it's attached to as it pivots to the rear of the Jeep. The frameless top doesn't include anything to help keep its shape once its removed from the Jeep.
I'm not aware of any videos showing removal. Try googling the installation process though for a clearer picture?
 
Yes I seen a couple of videos but none tried to stored in the Jeep. but with your description " massive chunk of oddly-shaped vinyl (canvas)" haha. I get the picture, I guess you have to sacrifice something you can have it all.....

thank for your help...
 
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Yes I seen a couple of videos but none tried to stored in the Jeep. but with your description " massive chunk of oddly-shaped vinyl (canvas)" haha. I get the picture, I guess you have to sacrifice something you can have it all.....

thank for your help...
The Bestop NX has the front framework and header that will not fold, and not store well anywhere in the Jeep. The Rampage uses a similar plastic piece as the bottom edge of the side windows, and doesn't fold well.

After owning both brands, I'd 100% go with the bestop again, and never go with the Rampage again. The Rampage, at least here in S. FL. only lasted 1 year before the seams started popping, they warrantied it, and sent one they claimed was corrected, but same happened a little slower, like 1.5 years, and the fabric got brittle and started cracking/tearing.

Bestop you could immediately feel the difference in quality, doesn't need the windshield header slot, includes ALL hardware and bracketry to install, and warrantied for 5 years too. Sure, it doesn't have the built in storage, but the front opens like a sunrider, which I much prefer.

Most of the time, I pull the doors, and side/rear windows, and leave the safari/bikini style on, as I get shade that way. (and a little protection should a rain storm appear out of nowhere)
 
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Now one thing I've been meaning to try, is sides/doors/rear removed, and sunrider open...
It’s ok if you have the top strapped to the roll bar, I never do. I wouldn’t open it at highway speed, it turns into a parachute.
 
Now one thing I've been meaning to try, is sides/doors/rear removed, and sunrider open...

I've done that before with no issues. My top roll bar straps are always on and tight though. I didn't really find it all that great, a lot of flapping, so now I just keep the bikini on.
 
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I can’t add much here, but I do like my besttop NX. The fastback look is similar to the first CJ5 I had in high school, it had a slant soft top too!


Anyway, quality is excellent, it’s easy to use and during the warmer months my doors and windows are always off. I like the bikini top to keep the sun off me.

And pop for the twill material. It’s super quiet and nice. Chris turned me onto that.
 
Hey, I realize this is 3 years old, but I created an account just so I could thank you all for this discussion. I have been struggling with which one to get fastback style or an oem replacement top and this really helped me understand what I am getting into if I go with a frameless/fastback style...

Thank you all on this forum!!!!
 
Hey, I realize this is 3 years old, but I created an account just so I could thank you all for this discussion. I have been struggling with which one to get fastback style or an oem replacement top and this really helped me understand what I am getting into if I go with a frameless/fastback style...

Thank you all on this forum!!!!

We're all glad we could help out! Thanks for following along.
 
I Just wanted to share with this group that the decision was made and I went with the Bestop Trektop NX or what they have now renamed the "TREKTOP SLANTBACK SOFT TOP"
You all were insightful and I knew what to expect getting into it. Couldn't be happier:



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The top is great, worth the money and for anyone else searching the interwebs looking for an opinion I can share that this is a no brainer. its actually easier in my opinion than the accordion style roof the OEM top was to take down. I can take it off and get the jeep completely uncapped (doors and all) in 10 mins give or take and put it back up in the same time... Once the top settled in and relaxed (about a week in the Florida Sun) the zippers got easier too.

Thanks again to this thread!!!