Hard Top or Soft

[Benbean66]

My $.02... soft top all the way. I have the sailcloth on my sport, and I love it. Quiet, and it takes but a few seconds to flip it back and strap it down. And you have more options with the soft top, as you can take the back window out or leave it in with the top retracted or closed. Also, I take the entire assembly off all the time, and I only use the rear two bolts to hold it in, so it takes nearly no time to remove the "manbun". My GF has the hard top on her JLUR, and is jealous of my soft top.

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[Indavis01]

I have both tops, If you have the space; get both. I love the look of the matched Hard top, but being in East Texas you absolutely need a full waterproof top at a moment's notice. It takes approximately 2 seconds to drop the top and cruise without it up. The sides and back window are a bit of a PIA but I put I'll keep the soft top on though October and the hard top on through March.

There is very little noise difference between the two tops. I have the Premium soft top and I have no issue with road noise and speakerphone. The Top is very impressive and compared to my JKU removing the hard top is a piece of cake. You can step up in the back and put your arm through the window and lift it off yourself.

 

[eaglerugby04]

My $.02... soft top all the way. I have the sailcloth on my sport, and I love it. Quiet, and it takes but a few seconds to flip it back and strap it down. And you have more options with the soft top, as you can take the back window out or leave it in with the top retracted or closed. Also, I take the entire assembly off all the time, and I only use the rear two bolts to hold it in, so it takes nearly no time to remove the "manbun". My GF has the hard top on her JLUR, and is jealous of my soft top.

you actually strap yours down? I lost the straps that came with mine. I have monitored it and can't really figure out why they want those. Maybe in the event I drive in reverse at 30MPH it might pop up? lol

 

[eaglerugby04]

I vote hard top, the soft top flipped back looks retarded and I really don't like the look of the soft tops on the JT's, just looks awkward. I can have my hard top off in 10 minutes or less, freedoms panels out 2 minutes or less. With a Bedcover you can store the freedom panels in the rear easily without messing them up, they fit perfect back there. The rear of the hard top only weighs about 20lbs, it's not like the JKU hardtop, it's really light, I am only 5ft 4 and I can pick it up and walk right off the bed of the truck carrying it and I'm lifted 2.5" on 35's. I just set it on the floor in the garage until I'm ready to put it back on. I got a soft top as well but it will never be used and it will never come out of the box it came in.

Never knew the JT top was that light. I dread my dad's JKU one when he decides to use it such a pain to lift off by myself.

Luckily we don't have to look at it while driving. I like the flexibility of being topless 95% of the time in the summer and not worry about a random rainstorm.

So true, rarely ever have to look at the man bun, and the bun comes off easily if you don't want it. Topless season is also so long here in SC as well. I even had my doors off in December and then again in March.

 

[TRI-JAB]

I now have both tops (just got the soft top). We did a trip the beach this weekend with the soft top - it was awesome! The convenience is great to just flip the top up or down. When I was driving thru town on short trips I kept the rear window installed, but for the ride there and back it was out. Even the Mrs. loves it. I like the look of the hard top more, but the soft top has definitely grown on me.

If I only was able to have one top, it would be the soft top. I would not have give you that answer a month ago.

 

[Benbean66]

you actually strap yours down? I lost the straps that came with mine. I have monitored it and can't really figure out why they want those. Maybe in the event I drive in reverse at 30MPH it might pop up? lol

Haha! That'd be kinda funny to see in person. I just use the two Velcro ones on the sides of the frame. They help holding it all together when I take the entire assembly off, too. I've tried to figure out where exactly the two elastic straps with the snap on them go. They went flying off the first time I tried them, lol!

 

[BAT]

Thanks for the feedback. Had a talk with the family. My daughter is all for the soft top and while my wife likes the idea she is really not looking forward to me getting rid of the Ram 1500 Crew Cab since it has so much room and drives better than most cars. Thing is I have always bought vehicles to accommodate the family. From Van due to kid and dogs, to big truck to give plenty of room for family, etc. But now my daughter will likely get my wife's car since she will be driving next year, my wife can get new car that she likes. So the truck is mine now for the most part. I don't need the big truck but still need a truck to haul my kayak and gear plus other odd jobs. At 58 I want a fun truck I can still do truck things but go on possible outback camping trips that they would never go on. They do glamping only (LOL). So based on feedback and things I have seen think I will go soft top especially if I have to order what I want. We have so many months of top down ability here hard top just doesn't make sense if heat is not a big factor as I seem to be hearing. Just the instant rain storms that pop up any time you need the ability to pull over and close the top quick. Only chance I go hard top is if a spectacular deal fell my way and then would just have to buy a soft top. I wish I had the storage I would do a dual top but there is just no place for it with all my kayak and camping gear as well as the wife's holiday spectacular display decorations. I can't even go up since I have big storage bins on the ceiling of the garage. Maybe in the next house a 3 car garage (LOL).

 

[sarcasm]

I have both tops and if I had a choice of only one it would be the soft top. I purchased it in January and thought the Sunrider would have been a better choice because of how quickly you can flip it down but after putting the soft top on It would not be the same. The airflow with the top down is much different. Plus just taking the back window out with windows down is great not to mention the option of taking the doors off. Putting the top down is easy compared to the JKU I have but it still takes a few minutes to put it back and store the rear window. (Not seconds) It also requires a bit of strength to move. (Wife complains)

Man-bun: Ya it does look funny with the top down but I don't bother removing the plastic pillars when I put the top down and it looks much better like that.

 

[1OffCraz]

Having had both hard and soft tops, I don't think you'll regret the soft top choice.
IMO, The biggest pros to the soft top:
1. Quickest way to go topless
2. Rear seat passengers also enjoy topless.
3. Nothing to store unless you remove window and corners too. ( still easier if you do )
4. Soft top makes quick rain cover, or shade cover in seconds.

 

[eaglerugby04]

Haha! That'd be kinda funny to see in person. I just use the two Velcro ones on the sides of the frame. They help holding it all together when I take the entire assembly off, too. I've tried to figure out where exactly the two elastic straps with the snap on them go. They went flying off the first time I tried them, lol!

I might try this now if I find a large enough parking lot. Never thought of it to hold it all together that makes a ton of sense.

I lost one of the elastic straps before I knew what it was for. lol

 

[Capt. B]

Get the hard top and you can have my soft top. The hard top is easy to pull off and keeps the noise out.

 

[Cincinnati Brian]

I agonized over the decision but opted for the soft top. I’ve had my Overland for about a week and haven’t driven with the top up once. It’s always down. I agree it looks a bit goofy but who cares. It’s a personal decision and I personally wouldn’t trade it. I think it looks best with the rear window and side panels off. Best of luck with your decision. Enjoy!

 

[aj8544]

I've had all options- bought with hard top, added sunrider for hardtop, then found a deal on a premium soft top. If I could only have 1 it would be the soft top. It is an excellent design as far as ease of removing rear window and corner panels- literally 1-2 minutes tops. If maximizing top off time is your priority (it is mine) then the soft top is the only way to go. Ill still use my hardtop for the NY winters, I sold the sunrider.

And remember- for those that don't like the look of the soft top folded above the rear seat- you can remove the whole thing with 4 quick bolts. Easy to do by yourself in less time than removing the hard top, and it fits easily in the bed, even under a tonneau.

 

[Twizzler]

3rd Jeep, 1st hardtop. I’m happy with it. I put the panels in the bed that includes the tri-fold cover.

I kind of like leaving the back half of the top on. It keeps my young kids cool, shaded, and they prefer it that way during June-August.

That being said, if a total fold down top is ever introduced I’ll consider it. Winters in Maryland are not bad at all, and soft top is nice during the cooler months.

 

[JkJT84]

I’d say wait and see if they come out with the one touch power top like they have for the JL

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