I own a Sport S with soft top considering a new one with hard top

[Ghost Stingray]

I’ve found lots of answers on this site but haven’t found this one. How different is it to drive with freedom panels removed vs soft top open. Windows being open in both cases. I’m considering a joose gladiator and it looks great with matching hard top.

any insight would be appreciated

Sponsored

 

[Proximo]

Half open top vs. Full open top. In Michigan, I prefer soft top for 50° mornings and 80° afternoon. I found it annoying, in my JK, to pull the panels and store them for the ride home after work. Quickly went to Bestop for year around soft top. Ordered my JT specially with soft top. Some like the quiet ride of a hard top (like they don't have a radio to turn up)

 

[Dartboy]

I recommend getting both tops and seasonal swaps, only takes about 15 minutes once it's all set up. Though many people ride ST year round, I prefer HT in the Winter.

ST open is worlds different than just removing the freedom panels from a HT. It's much more open and airy with the ST. The airflow is much less turbulent with the ST rear window out, vs the tiny pass through window on the HT (which you can't reach to open from the driver's seat, BTW so if you want it open, you need to think of it before you get in)

I don't like to leave the top open while I'm parked (hot sun and bird poop) so I got tired pretty quickly of taking the Panels off and on a couple times a day. ST just flips open, if weather is nice, I leave the rear window out for extended periods. A Sunrider will do that job for you, but for a bit more $$, I prefer the full ST

 

[Ghost Stingray]

I recommend getting both tops and seasonal swaps, only takes about 15 minutes once it's all set up. Though many people ride ST year round, I prefer HT in the Winter.

ST open is worlds different than just removing the freedom panels from a HT. It's much more open and airy with the ST. The airflow is much less turbulent with the ST rear window out, vs the tiny pass through window on the HT (which you can't reach to open from the driver's seat, BTW so if you want it open, you need to think of it before you get in)

I don't like to leave the top open while I'm parked (hot sun and bird poop) so I got tired pretty quickly of taking the Panels off and on a couple times a day. ST just flips open, if weather is nice, I leave the rear window out for extended periods. A Sunrider will do that job for you, but for a bit more $$, I prefer the full ST

Thats why my current is a soft top. If it’s over 60 degrees that top is open. I was concerned about the air flow with the freedom panels out. Sounds like I need to stick to the soft top.

 

[Gvsukids]

Thats why my current is a soft top. If it’s over 60 degrees that top is open. I was concerned about the air flow with the freedom panels out. Sounds like I need to stick to the soft top.

With the back window open on the hard top, the noise isn't too bad. I like the soft top with back window removed for better airflow.

 

[DylanM]

I’ve found lots of answers on this site but haven’t found this one. How different is it to drive with freedom panels removed vs soft top open. Windows being open in both cases. I’m considering a joose gladiator and it looks great with matching hard top.

any insight would be appreciated

I would suggest a trip down to the dealership and ask to test drive a hard top JT with the freedom panels removed. The absolute best way to get a solid answer to your question is to go try it out for yourself.

 

[Ghost Stingray]

I would suggest a trip down to the dealership and ask to test drive a hard top JT with the freedom panels removed. The absolute best way to get a solid answer to your question is to go try it out for yourself.

That is a Good idea. It’s part of the plan but experiences from others is very helpful.
thanks all

 

[slowstang305]

It is not the same. I much prefer the soft top.

 

[ALT2870]

The soft top is great because you can just fling it back and go. Love that I can do that especially when you might have to leave panels at home otherwise and it might rain. Ya it sucks it doesn't drop into the bed but worth it. Plus with the back window it's just too easy. Look into getting a Hotheads headliner. I got one from a member here and the sound difference is insane.

 

[Gvsukids]

That is a Good idea. It’s part of the plan but experiences from others is very helpful.
thanks all

What makes the Jeep great is you can make it your own. A lot of what you do is subject to what you like and dislike. This is one of those times that you have to try and see because our perspective may not be how you see things. You can also buy a hardtop for your Jeep, without having
to buy a whole new Jeep.

 

[berb]

The one touch shy roof is an option you should consider. It's got hard sides with a soft top that slides all the way back with the push of a button. You can also only slide it partially back, so the opening is how big you want it.

The biggest difference between the hard and soft top is the back seat. Hard top stays in the shade when the front panels are off. This is good if you have young children who you do not want baking in the sun.

The soft top will give full sun to the back seat.

If you do not want the issue of storing the freedom panels you can get a flip sunrider top to replace the freedom panels. Bestop sells them.

Then the other part to consider is if you live in a cold climate and get snow. If that is the case a dual top is your best option. You don't want several inches of snow sitting on a soft top.

Good luck in your search.

 

[ChrisNLA]

My personal favorite solution is the Bestop Sunrider in place of the freedom panels on the hard top. I had that on my two door for a while.

But - as far as I'm concerned the doors and roof on my Jeep could be permanent because I'm never concerned with taking them off - so take my opinion with a grain of salt

 

[Supazuk]

My experience, its cheaper and easier to buy it with the hard top you want and later buy a aftermarket or used OEM softtop VS trying to find in, your case, a color matched hard top after you own it

 

[wolfdog]

Forget the soft top, HT panels off and invest in best option ever, Bestop Sunrider for HT!! You’ll love it!!!

if your a doors off perso , your problem means soft too!

luck!!!! Go Jeep!!!

 

[D_JT]

I like to remove the back window on those hotter days. When its to hot to fold the top back. But if you have a place to store a hard top. I would go with both. I have both a hard top and soft top for my Gladiator. Its awesome.

Sponsored