Putco Element Sky View

[ek1]

https://www.putco.com/product/element-sky-view-for-the-jeep-wrangler/

So who's going to be the guinea pig to try this out? I want to try a clear freedom top panel and was planning to get Clearlidz in the spring, but now this popped up.

Just looking at photos and info on the web, there are several pros and cons of this vs. ClearLidz.

• ClearLidz uses a separate set of spacers that needs to be installed on the Jeep before the actual panel. More parts, more chances of leaking, more things to rub against each other and squeak/rattle, more annoying. SkyView has spacers permanently attached.
• ClearLidz uses bolts with covers that can be turned by hand (a.k.a. "NO TOOLS to install"). SkyView requires a tool/screwdriver. Super annoying, but not the end of the world.
• From the looks of it, ClearLidz panel has a brown-ish tint. SkyView is more gray-ish. Personal preference, each one will have it's fans.
• VLT (visible light transmission). ClearLidz has 16% listed on their web site and SKyView has 18%, which is pretty much the same. The only issue is that Quadratec's page for ClearLids says "allowing 60% of visible light to pass through", so who knows which info is correct?
• Price: ClearLidz is $1,399, SkyView is $1,347, so Skyview is cheaper AND also includes a free storage bag, which ClearLidz sells for an extra $59.
• Warranty is 3 years for both products.
• Both panels have raised edges to prevent water from flowing down the doors, but it looks like the edges on SkyView are slightly taller, which is better.
• Attachment hardware: This is a big one and is also a deal breaker for me. Both panels use latches that attach to the panel with bolts going through the panel, but there is one BIG difference. Skyview uses 10 concave depressions (without drainage), so the metal bolts will be submerged in pooled water for hours (or days in wet climates). As a cherry on top, the bolts themselves are hex socket bolts, which means they will collect standing water inside the opening. This is going to do wonders in coastal areas. As a "bonus", the concave areas around bolts will collect crud, dirt and dust, which will be clearly visible from the inside and thus will require constant cleaning. Definitely a moronic design decision on part of whoever designed the SkyView. In contrast, ClearLidz has no concave areas and uses a combination of rounded stainless steel bolts and a flat bolts (possibly with a plastic cap):

Skyview:

ClearLidz:

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[weeitsmikelee]

Spoke to a Putco rep who said they have better tint and quality ??‍ not sure how substantial 16 vs. 18 % is but he did mention the bolts have a rubber surround and the wind should clear the dipped areas.

Having said that, I’ll probably go clearlidz despite the slightly higher price tag.

 

[ek1]

Spoke to a Putco rep who said they have better tint and quality ??‍ not sure how substantial 16 vs. 18 % is but he did mention the bolts have a rubber surround and the wind should clear the dipped areas.

Having said that, I’ll probably go clearlidz despite the slightly higher price tag.

When I have an extra $1,5K, I'll go with Clearlidz as well. Seems like a better design and the arguments that Putco rep provided do not sound legitimate. The "better tint" statement is subjective without any info to back it up - I have yet to see a company that said their product is "worse" than a competitor's product. Not sure what he meant around bolts having rubber surrounds - their pics clearly show metal bolts. Maybe rubber gaskets? That's even worse. The wind argument is not valid either. Obviously the dirt and crud accumulate in depressions only when the Jeep is parked.

 

[AFD]

Just came across this one today and overall, I do like the tool-less design of the Putco a lot better with no need for additional spacers above the doors. Not really a fan of all the recessed attachment points that will inevitably collect rain/snow/dirt, but mostly because it just ruins the cleaner look of an OEM Freedom Panel. The Clearlidz looks a lot nicer in this regard.

Raised edge aside, I really wish both companies still would've added side drainage channels, solely to match the existing lines of the OEM hardtop. Might be unnecessary, but it just looks incredibly mismatched and a bit lazy for a $1,400 product.

And while not panoramic, I'm still not sure why either of these cost so much when a no-core set of JeeTops custom installed in OEM panels with paint is only $2,100 in comparison. Not sure if they still have the cracking problem (uses acrylic vs polycarb), but just seems like there's a lot more time and labor involved.

 

[Jeepiner]

$1400 for a Tupperware Jeep lid?..

 

[weeitsmikelee]

Just came across this one today and overall, I do like the tool-less design of the Putco a lot better with no need for additional spacers above the doors. Not really a fan of all the recessed attachment points that will inevitably collect rain/snow/dirt, but mostly because it just ruins the cleaner look of an OEM Freedom Panel. The Clearlidz looks a lot nicer in this regard.

Raised edge aside, I really wish both companies still would've added side drainage channels, solely to match the existing lines of the OEM hardtop. Might be unnecessary, but it just looks incredibly mismatched and a bit lazy for a $1,400 product.

And while not panoramic, I'm still not sure why either of these cost so much when a no-core set of JeeTops custom installed in OEM panels with paint is only $2,100 in comparison. Not sure if they still have the cracking problem (uses acrylic vs polycarb), but just seems like there's a lot more time and labor involved.

Agreed, Putco's integrated spacer is a better look in the interior but I went ahead with Clearlidz anyways since they don't have exposed bolts and I preferred the brown-ish tint over the blue/gray. They don't come with a drainage channel simply bc I don't think they want anything mounted there but it definitely would've completed the look.

It's been a while since I spoke with Chris @JeeTops but you also have to factor in freight which is ~$300 each way.

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