Soft tops - What are the options?

[MeanPeachMojito]

Hey everyone. I've decided I'm in the market for a soft top. I have the JLU Sport S for the record. I like the Mopar option that's standard on most JL's, however I really dislike the price tag. I keep seeing people talking about Bestop and "fast back" styles, which seem more affordable to me. However, Bestop's website is garbage IMHO.

I'd like to see photos of your soft top in real life settings. Mainly, I'm looking for a top that can collapse 100% (like an old cabriolet). The Bestop Trektop photo's I've seen don't show that on their website. Is that because it's not possible?

Are there other brands you would recommend for the completely collapsed look? Whether it's a fast back/angled back or not doesn't necessarily matter. Loosing cargo space is only a tiny downside. Thanks!

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[jeepster345]

As of right now, there are only two options for the JL, Bestop Fastback and the Mopar top.

I really like the OEM top. The quality is great; I have the premium twill. The OEM folds down completely, while I do believe the Bestop one can only fold into the sun-rider position. If you wanted it down completely, you would have to take it off.

Both are made by Bestop, so realistically, it’s the style and design that’s different.

 

[MeanPeachMojito]

As of right now, there are only two options for the JL, Bestop Fastback and the Mopar top.

I really like the OEM top. The quality is great; I have the premium twill. The OEM folds down completely, while I do believe the Bestop one can only fold into the sun-rider position. If you wanted it down completely, you would have to take it off.

Both are made by Bestop, so realistically, it’s the style and design that’s different.

Thank you. So with the OEM, is it either 100% covering the cabin or 100% open? Are you able to have just the freedom panel area exposed?

 

[jeepster345]

Thank you. So with the OEM, is it either 100% covering the cabin or 100% open? Are you able to have just the freedom panel area exposed?

With the OEM you can either have it in the sunrider position with just the top section open, similar to removing the freedom panels, or you can have it completely down and folded like in the picture above.

 

[TA1ton]

@MeanPeachMojito @jeepster345; there is a third option! This company actually has two versions of its top.

http://www.thesuntop.com/products/jeep.aspx

There are one or two threads about this top...let me find one and I’ll post a link...

And here is your link:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/anyone-familiar-with-the-suntop.31725/

This thread has more info about it...

 

[MeanPeachMojito]

@MeanPeachMojito @jeepster345; there is a third option! This company actually has two versions of its top.

http://www.thesuntop.com/products/jeep.aspx

There are one or two threads about this top...let me find one and I’ll post a link...

And here is your link:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/anyone-familiar-with-the-suntop.31725/

This thread has more info about it...

Thank you. That’s one thing I hate about this forum. The search feature drives me nuts and I couldn’t find more clear cut info with regard to soft tops.

 

[TA1ton]

@MeanPeachMojito; no problem! The search feature could use some improvement...I find that including “jlwranglerforums” in a google search works pretty well.

 

[RubiSc0tt]

@MeanPeachMojito For the record: Bestop Trektop NX is a frameless softtop. Meaning, it has a header channel that clips to the windshield and door surrounds, and then straps to your roll bars, with two straps that hook to the rear tub to provide tension there. The windows come out, and leave the top (Canopy), or you can just flip back the front part for the "Sunrider" feature. IF you wanted the top, you would have to disconnect it, fold it up, and put it in the back tub of the Jeep. I had one of these on my '04 TJ Rubicon, and loved it, but I rarely took the top all the way down (only when I was on the trail or out and about on a mild day); mostly because my wife doesn't do as well as I do with the heat, and I do like the shade. It is a quick set up/ take down, but honestly, if you're looking for quick coverage in the event of a surprise rainstorm, the Trektop might not be the best option. I ran an OEM top on my '98 TJ and the frame helped save the inside of the Jeep from getting completely soaked in that scenario, and I feel the OEM top will be the same way for my JLU.

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