Help deciding on Roof Covering (MasterTop vs. BestTop vs. Sunshade)

[blau iii]

Hey all,

I'm trying to decide on my summer set up, plan to have the roof off for months at a time but def need something to help with the daytime sun and possible random rain... I've already had my Jeep baptism (a few times). With the new Gladiator, I'm looking for something, just can't decide. I haven't seen a ton of reviews or install videos but I'm down to three choices (or 4)..
- Bestop Header Sfari Bikini Top - $210 inc'l the channel. I like the look of this and the way it fits. I'd love to find someone getting rid of the softtop mounts so I could run the other version of this but either way... this seems to be my top pick but I can't find many reviews/pictures... Any feedback/thoughts? https://www.quadratec.com/p/bestop/header-safari-bikini-top-gladiator-jt
- MasterTop Bimini - Looks very similar to the Bestop but doesn't sit in the channel the same way... $60 cheaper though... Any feedback on this one? https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastert...diator-jt/msp-bimini-plus-summer-top-jt-twill
- SpiderWebShade, I'd go with the JTop but I don't like their big logo on the back..... This is my safe choice I think but it wouldn't provide any protection from random weather. https://www.quadratec.com/p/spiderwebshade/shadetop-gladiator-jt

Thanks!

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[Wholand]

Hey all,

I'm trying to decide on my summer set up, plan to have the roof off for months at a time but def need something to help with the daytime sun and possible random rain... I've already had my Jeep baptism (a few times). With the new Gladiator, I'm looking for something, just can't decide. I haven't seen a ton of reviews or install videos but I'm down to three choices (or 4)..
- Bestop Header Sfari Bikini Top - $210 inc'l the channel. I like the look of this and the way it fits. I'd love to find someone getting rid of the softtop mounts so I could run the other version of this but either way... this seems to be my top pick but I can't find many reviews/pictures... Any feedback/thoughts? https://www.quadratec.com/p/bestop/header-safari-bikini-top-gladiator-jt
- MasterTop Bimini - Looks very similar to the Bestop but doesn't sit in the channel the same way... $60 cheaper though... Any feedback on this one? https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastert...diator-jt/msp-bimini-plus-summer-top-jt-twill
- SpiderWebShade, I'd go with the JTop but I don't like their big logo on the back..... This is my safe choice I think but it wouldn't provide any protection from random weather. https://www.quadratec.com/p/spiderwebshade/shadetop-gladiator-jt

Thanks!

I'm looking myself. I actually came up with the same two - Bestop & MasterTop. So if it helps I deduced the same options as you. I think Bestop looks like it will seal and fit better. The Bestop looks like it comes off quicker to go naked. But the Mastertop appears it will come off quicker (no header channel) if I expect really foul weather and want the hardtop back on. And the Mastertop has the back window option. I'm on the fence. Hopefully someone who owns one or the other will chime in.

 

[metalry101]

I've been looking at this same stuff and haven't been super thrilled with my options.

I really like the idea of the Mastertop with the back window and all, but the execution of the idea seems to need a little improvement. I found a very useful review of it with a video....



I love my Bestop on my YJ, so I'm assuming I'd be happy with the quality of their top, but it's missing some features I want.

I'm also considering the Mopar Sunbonnet in sailcloth, but like the Bestop, it's missing some features I want. Still, I assume it would be quality and fit properly.

Honestly, right now, I'm thinking I might just keep waiting and see if someone comes out with something better. None of these seem like what I want so I might just spend the money on other mods and look into this again in the future.

 

[Jpmealor175]

I second bringing this topic back! What’s everyone rocking for the full coverage bikini/safari tops for sun and rain?
I’m leaning towards the sun bonnet.

 

[blau iii]

Wow, I forgot I had made this thread and ironically enough, I just installed the Rugged Ridge Voyager Soft Top two weeks ago. Yesterday I drove from Pittsburgh to Akron and back. The trip out, I had the roof up and got 17.3 mpg. The roof kept me dry in the few showers I drove through but the noise was almost unbearable. Without and supports, the roof flaps with the wind. Anything above 70mph and I had to blast the stereo. Not impossible by yourself but if you have a passenger, it would be impossible to have a conversation.

On the way home, I removed the back panel. Putting the side pieces under the rear seat and flipping the back window in between the two layers of the roof. I then folded the rear 1/3 over the soundboard and then the front section on top of that. I secured it with a strap around the sound bar for added insurance. My mpg on the way home was only 15.3. Not surprising but definitely a big difference. It was actually quieter at speed with the door windows closed and the roof folded.

When I came out of the office, it had rained all day and there were puddles on the roof. I noticed as I drove off, some water came in through the corner pieces where the zippers are. Not the end of the world, I certainly didn't expect it to be 100% water tight but it was close to the mdf speaker box I built behind the rear seat.

My son and I are going to Bantam next Friday, driving up from SW PA, 2 hours or so on 79. I'm planning to test this with the rear window out and my doors off (weather permitting). I had previously had an amazon shade that saved my bald head. With this roof fully opened, I'm finding I need that shade again or risk some sun spots on my noggin. We'll see how it is in "safari mode".

Additionally, the RR instructions are chock full of testicular flavor. They are missing multiple steps and I assume several of the pictures are from the JL instructions. There's two rear straps that pull the rear of the top down to the belt of the tub. Either I have them hooked in the wrong spot or the straps about about 8" too long. I just can't see another place they logically go. The safety hook for when the front is folded is also a bit confusing in the instructions. The bend of the hook should be pointing towards the center of the truck. Half the bracket bags for the side pieces didn't have labels. I took an educated guess and lucked out. (Make sure your drill isn't on cave man mode).

I also noticed the fabric that wraps around the rear bar on the interior layer of fabric has already started to tear along the seam. Even if it goes the whole way, the roof will still function. I was just disappointed that it ripped this soon.

The biggest gripe that I have with this though.... The front two freedom panel clamps. I can't fvcking believe @ruggedridge would have sent this product out with such a phone-it-in solution as this. You unscrew the two bolts and place their clamp piece on top of the OEM one. You can't fully close the visor. I'm 6'1 an need every inch of windshield real estate I can get, this pushes the visor into the drivers line of sight. It's almost as if this part of the roof was designed on Friday afternoon and the sales team already confirmed the item would ship on Monday. Or maybe they let the interns handle this part. I tried with the OEM pieces removed but couldn't get a good seal on the windshield/roof connection.

Overall, this roof checked every box on what I wanted for a "summer top". I have a hydro blue hardtop for winter. I got this mainly for insurance in case I get caught in the rain. I've been baptized when naked, three days after I bought the truck with only 75 miles on it. I got a $200 rebate and got Quadratec to knock an additional $100 off because I saw the Rampage Roof on Amazon right after I ordered, for $100 less that they were selling the RR one. Both companies are owned by RealTruck best I can tell, they're the exact same product. I'm still on the fence about keeping it and may just go back to a sunshade and my rain gear cover in the bed. I don't know the return policy on something like this and so long as the rebate comes through, I think it's (barely) a keeper....

 

[Supazuk]

Nice review of the Rugged Ridge Voyager top! you nailed it on the front latches, I don't understand why they didn't integrate way the freedom panels latch.
I was looking for a full review before I ordered mine, I did Watch a couple installs on Youtube, But after a few (or 6) cold adult beverages on on my birthday, I pulled the trigger anyway (it got here last week and that box is big) It is now sitting in my garage, now waiting for a solid day off that is:
A: not raining
B: someone is around to help with the Hard top.

 

[Lunentucker]

I keep thinking that a fully motorized full coverage top that scrolls on and off like a rolltop desk should be doable. It can wind into a storage compartment mounted on the existing surface on the back of the cab where the hard top bolts down, and wire into an AUX switch or be activated via bluetooth relay. Aluminum or plastic tracks mount to the roll cage structure using existing bolt holes.

 

[Lunentucker]

Until then, the Sunrider is hard to beat for convenience and versatility.
Close or opened in seconds, waterproof, and can be used with or without the hardtop installed.

 

[GHWillys]

Wow, I forgot I had made this thread and ironically enough, I just installed the Rugged Ridge Voyager Soft Top two weeks ago. Yesterday I drove from Pittsburgh to Akron and back. The trip out, I had the roof up and got 17.3 mpg. The roof kept me dry in the few showers I drove through but the noise was almost unbearable. Without and supports, the roof flaps with the wind. Anything above 70mph and I had to blast the stereo. Not impossible by yourself but if you have a passenger, it would be impossible to have a conversation.

On the way home, I removed the back panel. Putting the side pieces under the rear seat and flipping the back window in between the two layers of the roof. I then folded the rear 1/3 over the soundboard and then the front section on top of that. I secured it with a strap around the sound bar for added insurance. My mpg on the way home was only 15.3. Not surprising but definitely a big difference. It was actually quieter at speed with the door windows closed and the roof folded.

When I came out of the office, it had rained all day and there were puddles on the roof. I noticed as I drove off, some water came in through the corner pieces where the zippers are. Not the end of the world, I certainly didn't expect it to be 100% water tight but it was close to the mdf speaker box I built behind the rear seat.

My son and I are going to Bantam next Friday, driving up from SW PA, 2 hours or so on 79. I'm planning to test this with the rear window out and my doors off (weather permitting). I had previously had an amazon shade that saved my bald head. With this roof fully opened, I'm finding I need that shade again or risk some sun spots on my noggin. We'll see how it is in "safari mode".

Additionally, the RR instructions are chock full of testicular flavor. They are missing multiple steps and I assume several of the pictures are from the JL instructions. There's two rear straps that pull the rear of the top down to the belt of the tub. Either I have them hooked in the wrong spot or the straps about about 8" too long. I just can't see another place they logically go. The safety hook for when the front is folded is also a bit confusing in the instructions. The bend of the hook should be pointing towards the center of the truck. Half the bracket bags for the side pieces didn't have labels. I took an educated guess and lucked out. (Make sure your drill isn't on cave man mode).

I also noticed the fabric that wraps around the rear bar on the interior layer of fabric has already started to tear along the seam. Even if it goes the whole way, the roof will still function. I was just disappointed that it ripped this soon.

The biggest gripe that I have with this though.... The front two freedom panel clamps. I can't fvcking believe @ruggedridge would have sent this product out with such a phone-it-in solution as this. You unscrew the two bolts and place their clamp piece on top of the OEM one. You can't fully close the visor. I'm 6'1 an need every inch of windshield real estate I can get, this pushes the visor into the drivers line of sight. It's almost as if this part of the roof was designed on Friday afternoon and the sales team already confirmed the item would ship on Monday. Or maybe they let the interns handle this part. I tried with the OEM pieces removed but couldn't get a good seal on the windshield/roof connection.

Overall, this roof checked every box on what I wanted for a "summer top". I have a hydro blue hardtop for winter. I got this mainly for insurance in case I get caught in the rain. I've been baptized when naked, three days after I bought the truck with only 75 miles on it. I got a $200 rebate and got Quadratec to knock an additional $100 off because I saw the Rampage Roof on Amazon right after I ordered, for $100 less that they were selling the RR one. Both companies are owned by RealTruck best I can tell, they're the exact same product. I'm still on the fence about keeping it and may just go back to a sunshade and my rain gear cover in the bed. I don't know the return policy on something like this and so long as the rebate comes through, I think it's (barely) a keeper....

This will be my 3rd summer running the Rugged Ridge top. My rear straps are also too long. It was one thing I couldn't figure out, but I just wrapped the excess around the strap coming down and looped it through the velcro closure to secure it. I don't notice it flopping around when I have the rear window and side panels removed.

For the wind noise, the only way I could make it bearable at highway speed was to remove the plastic freedom panel connector and bolt the Rugged Ridge latch directly to the rollbar. It gave a much tighter seal and reduced the drumming of the top at higher speeds. I am still limited to about 75mph depending on wind conditions before the drumming becomes unbearable for long stretches. (The visor still will not fully close, but it will provide a little more clearance.)

Overall I am happy with the top, I run it in "safari mode" with the back window out as often as I can depending on the rain forecast here in SE PA.

*As an aside, Hydro Blue is the best color.

 

[Florida Mojave]

Have not heard from anyone using your 3rd choice - the spiderweb shade.
Is that as tight as it looks, or does it flap around in the wind???
Asking for a friend....

 

[blau iii]

Have not heard from anyone using your 3rd choice - the spiderweb shade.
Is that as tight as it looks, or does it flap around in the wind???
Asking for a friend....

I had an amazon knock off one and it worked really well. I would suggest the 2 piece one v. the 1 piece, looks way cleaner. I may add it back on next year before I put the soft top back on in the spring. it's tight, doesn't make much noise or flapping. I shave my head so blocking the sun is paramount.

 

[GHWillys]

Have not heard from anyone using your 3rd choice - the spiderweb shade.
Is that as tight as it looks, or does it flap around in the wind???
Asking for a friend....

I have the 2 piece Alien Sunshade. It is tight and does not flap at all in the wind. It is kind of a pain to install with all of the bungees so I just leave it on under both my Rugged Ridge soft top in the summer and when I put the hard top back on for winter.

It makes a little more more work to open the front of the soft top but I think the shade is worth the trade-off. Plus my wife had melanoma removed last year so I need to provide the shade for her.

 

[blau iii]

I have the 2 piece Alien Sunshade. It is tight and does not flap at all in the wind. It is kind of a pain to install with all of the bungees so I just leave it on under both my Rugged Ridge soft top in the summer and when I put the hard top back on for winter.

It makes a little more more work to open the front of the soft top but I think the shade is worth the trade-off. Plus my wife had melanoma removed last year so I need to provide the shade for her.

i was just wondering that. I have a 1 piece generic Amazon one and was thinking about putting it of for when I’m at bantam this Friday.

 

[danimal2000]

I've been eyeing the voyager top but decided against it, and after these reviews I think I'll pass

For shade I got the rugged ridge eclipse full length. Pretty happy with it when I take my hard top off. It's easy to install and doesn't flap too much on the hwy. I just check the forecast and take my chances from there for the daily commute. Garage parked at work and home so it's worked fine for me

I tried a 2 piece shade first, and didn't like it with all the extra straps and bungee.

Really though, hardtop with sunrider has been easiest and "safest" when it comes to weather. I see they have a rollout shade that works with it now, but if the sun is too hot I just close the sunrider

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