Sun Rider, soft top, Mesh top combos?

[TROB]

Brand new Jeep Gladiator (2025 Sport) owner. I am looking at open air options. My wife wants a mesh top for sun protection, and noise reduction. We are looking at the Sun Rider top, or the OEM soft top.
I have tried to get ahold of Best Top for advice (impossible).
What mesh system works best with the Sun Rider, or the OEM Soft Top. I am concerned about installation issues. I am leaning toward the Mopar Sun Bonnet. On the Sunrider, I could make a hole to accommodate the front mounting screws, but the rear mounting plate looks like it may be an issue. Any advice?

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[rlpinegar]

I have the bestop sunrider for hard top on my '24 gladiator willys. It works great and is easy to install. I opted for the addon sunscreen which integrates well with the sunrider. Took me a little under an hour to install the whole thing by myself, although two people would have been easier.
https://www.bestop.com/products/sunrider-for-hardtop-jeep/?vid=171621

 

[TROB]

I have the bestop sunrider for hard top on my '24 gladiator willys. It works great and is easy to install. I opted for the addon sunscreen which integrates well with the sunrider. Took me a little under an hour to install the whole thing by myself, although two people would have been easier.
https://www.bestop.com/products/sunrider-for-hardtop-jeep/?vid=171621

Thanks for your reply.
How is the screen holding up?
I read some sketchy reviews.
My wife wants a full mesh screen if we can find one that works.

 

[heretic]

Would you want the mesh to be removable or a slightly more permanent solution?
Also how often would you use the freedom tops?

 

[TROB]

We would leave the mesh on. If we get a Sunrider top, I would install the Freedom Panels for winter use.

 

[heretic]

I thought about this for my jeep.
https://www.amazon.com/Shadeidea-Sh...3&sprefix=shady+idea+gladiator,aps,117&sr=8-3

 

[rlpinegar]

Thanks for your reply.
How is the screen holding up?
I read some sketchy reviews.
My wife wants a full mesh screen if we can find one that works.

I only use the screen on occasion, but it's held up fine so far. There are a couple of small gaps that the sun can leak through, but it's worked for what i need. I haven't had any issues. I just installed the whole thing in January. I live in Florida, so i'm not sure how things are going to go this summer. I may need to switch back out for the hard top due to heat. I'm looking into the hothead headliners for heat reduction on it.

 

[TROB]

Yep, me too.

 

[JoeJeep74]

I have a 2021 Sport S hardtop. I purchased and installed a Bestop Sunrider for hard top first spring. ( Live in MI ). I install an Alien mesh top in the sunrider opening after swapping T-Tops for Sunrider. Works well knocking down direct sunlight and lessens wind noise. ( Have to pull over for phone conversation if on highway). I
Can still sit in drivers seat and open and close Sunrider by pulling down front edge of mesh top to latch/unlatch Sunrider and use my long arm to raise/lower top.
The combination works well for me, not difficult or time consuming to switch out for t- tops when winter beckons.

 

[gravely]

I thought about this for my jeep.
https://www.amazon.com/Shadeidea-Shade-Gladiator-Sunshade-2-Pieces/dp/B08DKM5KXZ/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_maf_1?crid=2WACAWKVSTOI7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.y80LKQsVZTeQCszSOSayZWG62jAYF0E5wjGNcStCKqQ0EC_6z8IZPlwR_gkVRF4zXx03ns8M88G4o1YZXz7ynddoRmzaeTeTPeZNeAEqmjtDbb1Ks9641WElBL12wUtx64DY9pL5F2qTxPlcLTAz_FAejfXv6d4MvED37Z1Px23WVOV3lx6H9uHeCx1y-IQ8aTe4ro33zAKxCxWAmHNKrQ.d2ORIcauDDmPhCLfoXBA8OvyPrsLnSxotFB5fbrYO1A&dib_tag=se&keywords=shadeidea+gladiator&qid=1746807473&sprefix=shady+idea+gladiator,aps,117&sr=8-3

I have had two of these on two different jeeps. Never had issues with either. Would recommend

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I have a 2021 Sport S hardtop. I purchased and installed a Bestop Sunrider for hard top first spring. ( Live in MI ). I install an Alien mesh top in the sunrider opening after swapping T-Tops for Sunrider. Works well knocking down direct sunlight and lessens wind noise. ( Have to pull over for phone conversation if on highway). I
Can still sit in drivers seat and open and close Sunrider by pulling down front edge of mesh top to latch/unlatch Sunrider and use my long arm to raise/lower top.
The combination works well for me, not difficult or time consuming to switch out for t- tops when winter beckons.

I had a Spiderweb sunshade in my prior two JTs. i did not have sunrider with those but REALLY liked the looks of the sunshade - it was blue on those blue trucks.
To get my tonneau cover I was forced into a combo - and chose the sunrider for kicks and it was a grand cheaper than the other package I would have had to choose.
I have not installed the sunrider and am avoiding doing so because of no sunscreen and do not like their solution - I want something there at all times like the Spiderweb sunshade was, and, the Bestop solution takes up a chunk of the opening when the the top is open, sort of defeating the point and making me ask - why bother? I don't want that bulky roller up there, and don't want to have to pulled a screen forward or release it back. I just want something there, always.
In my other trucks it added color, made it look more finished inside and was simply there shading my balding head when I pulled the tops.

So looking for something that can be installed and left installed and works with the sunrider.

I have not installed the sunrider - but it would seem that anything that attaches to the roll cage area - is the same place the sunrider bolts to and the cords that attach a screen would prevent the sunrider from bolting down solid to the roll cage.

 

[JoeJeep74]

I had a Spiderweb sunshade in my prior two JTs. i did not have sunrider with those but REALLY liked the looks of the sunshade - it was blue on those blue trucks.
To get my tonneau cover I was forced into a combo - and chose the sunrider for kicks and it was a grand cheaper than the other package I would have had to choose.
I have not installed the sunrider and am avoiding doing so because of no sunscreen and do not like their solution - I want something there at all times like the Spiderweb sunshade was, and, the Bestop solution takes up a chunk of the opening when the the top is open, sort of defeating the point and making me ask - why bother? I don't want that bulky roller up there, and don't want to have to pulled a screen forward or release it back. I just want something there, always.
In my other trucks it added color, made it look more finished inside and was simply there shading my balding head when I pulled the tops.

So looking for something that can be installed and left installed and works with the sunrider.

I have not installed the sunrider - but it would seem that anything that attaches to the roll cage area - is the same place the sunrider bolts to and the cords that attach a screen would prevent the sunrider from bolting down solid to the roll cage.

I had a Spiderweb sunshade in my prior two JTs. i did not have sunrider with those but REALLY liked the looks of the sunshade - it was blue on those blue trucks.
To get my tonneau cover I was forced into a combo - and chose the sunrider for kicks and it was a grand cheaper than the other package I would have had to choose.
I have not installed the sunrider and am avoiding doing so because of no sunscreen and do not like their solution - I want something there at all times like the Spiderweb sunshade was, and, the Bestop solution takes up a chunk of the opening when the the top is open, sort of defeating the point and making me ask - why bother? I don't want that bulky roller up there, and don't want to have to pulled a screen forward or release it back. I just want something there, always.
In my other trucks it added color, made it look more finished inside and was simply there shading my balding head when I pulled the tops.

So looking for something that can be installed and left installed and works with the sunrider.

I have not installed the sunrider - but it would seem that anything that attaches to the roll cage area - is the same place the sunrider bolts to and the cords that attach a screen would prevent the sunrider from bolting down solid to the roll cage.

Papa, my Alien sunshade installs with bungee cords that go over the installed Sunrider arms. You work around assist handles if installed. I have handles and side window fold down visors and I make it all work.

 

[danimal2000]

I tried a few different things and returned a few. The shade idea 2 piece mesh, too many bungees and not an easy quick enough on-off for my liking.

JTopsUSA looks pretty quality with many colors and designs, but pricy, so I wanted something cheaper to at least decide what style i wanted.
I went with rugged ridge eclipse, it's full length. I don't leave it on with sunrider though, but I think others have there's youtube videos on it. I only use when full top is off but it works well. I have the rugged ridge bikini top rolled up in the bed in case of unexpected rain, that connects with 2 bolts and velcro straps so it's quick to do in parking garage at work or at home garage.

 

[Y-Guy]

JTopsUSA looks pretty quality with many colors and designs, but pricy, so I wanted something cheaper to at least decide what style i wanted.

I have the JTopsUSA for a few years and it is solid as a rock. I had a SpiderWebShade on my previous Wrangler but it would flap at highway speeds. I just did a 420 mile drive yesterday with the top off and my JTopsUSA on (done similar drives but not as long) and no flapping whatsoever. As you said, its not cheap but IMHO once you know what you want give it another look. I just bought same brand for my wife's new Wrangler.

 

[danimal2000]

I have the JTopsUSA for a few years and it is solid as a rock. I had a SpiderWebShade on my previous Wrangler but it would flap at highway speeds. I just did a 420 mile drive yesterday with the top off and my JTopsUSA on (done similar drives but not as long) and no flapping whatsoever. As you said, its not cheap but IMHO once you know what you want give it another look. I just bought same brand for my wife's new Wrangler.

Ha I'm actually giving it a look at this moment

Yea I used the eclipse all last season and decided that full coverage is what i wanted. JTop back on the table for sure

How easy is it to install and remove? I don't think id leave it on under the hard top

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