Soft top or hard top
JK Super Freak
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,813
Likes: 0
From: Nokesville, Va
I had both for a while. I sold the hard top this fall and haven't looked back. I have an aftermarket frameless soft top and it held almost two feet of wet snow a few weeks back with no problem. It's quiet, and easy to use. I liked the freedom top when I had it, and it is a great alternative to having the top fully on, however there is nothing quite like dropping the top all the way. I used the freedom top on the warm days during the shoulder seasons, however I found myself making the swap earlier and earlier in the spring and later and later in the fall till I realized I just didn't need the hard top anymore. I live in the rural mountains of Colorado, so security hasn't been an issue. I have to worry more about a bear breaking in to steal leftover food than some thug with a knife.
I hated my hard top though. It was nice and much quitter (I could talk on the phone while driving) but after being caught in a hurricane for 2 days last year I knew I wanted the soft top. I can take the doors and windows out and use it as a bikini top and if I'm caught in the rain it takes 2 minutes to fold it back up and drive on down the road. I didn't have a helping hand or a place for a lift for the hard top and I found myself feeling like I was driving a normal car again. If I ever buy another Jeep that isn't a Rubicon, I'll probably get both tops next time just to trade the hard top again right off the bat for other mods.
JK Junkie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3,703
Likes: 8
From: The Dirty South
I agree. I took my hard top off and after experiencing the soft top, I will never put it back on. Too much of a pain to remove and install the hard top all the time.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Chardon, Ohio
Hard Top
I for one prefer the hard top. My 1978 CJ7 was a soft top, so I do have some basis for comparison. I bought my 2010 JKU mainly for hauling camping, canoeing and fishing gear, and prefer the hard top for ease of carrying canoes with a simple roof rack, a bit more security for my stuff, and less noise on the highways. I guess it depends mainly on how you use your jeep.
Sponsoring Vendor
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 1
From: Pompano Beach, Florida
Trektop Pro
If it helps, the new Trektop pro is the best of both, soft top and hardtop, in one top -
Jeep Soft Top|Bestop Trektop Pro Soft Top|Morris 4x4 Center
No need to change from one top to another. :-)
...
Jeep Soft Top|Bestop Trektop Pro Soft Top|Morris 4x4 Center
No need to change from one top to another. :-)
...
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: archdale, nc
I'm not too far from you OP. IMO, a hardtop isn't necessary in our area. It just seems like a hassle to me without much payoff. The only advantage I could see is you open up more options for roof racks but personally, I'd rather be able to take the whole top off easily. Plus I prefer the Gobi rack over the rest and it doesn't attatch to the top. You should spend that money on a Gobi rack instead! I'm a genius!
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Kenmore, WA
Which top ?
Hard top gets my vote. Hands down. You can pop the front panels off in a few minutes and have a partial convertible. And the improvements in quietness, and security over the soft top just seal the deal.
One benefit to the soft top that the hard top can't match... is the ability to be off (almost) completely and yet not have to store the top somewhere in the garage or wherever. Because you can just peel the soft top back and it collapses on itself and stores on the vehicle.
One benefit to the soft top that the hard top can't match... is the ability to be off (almost) completely and yet not have to store the top somewhere in the garage or wherever. Because you can just peel the soft top back and it collapses on itself and stores on the vehicle.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 466
Likes: 1
From: Phoenix, Az
If it helps, the new Trektop pro is the best of both, soft top and hardtop, in one top - Jeep Soft Top|Bestop Trektop Pro Soft Top|Morris 4x4 Center No need to change from one top to another. :-) ...
I have had both tops over the years on different jeeps.
Hardtop.
Pros. Security, reduced noise
Cons. Pain to remove and store quickly Freedom top is novel, but never actually use it
Softtop
Pros. Open air
Cons. Security. If garaged and don't leave it out at night, you are probably okay
This new Trek top is intriguing. Trying to figure out what you do with the panels when you remove and are out and about. Also I saw an early video and the rear window looks like a pain. Need to get more details
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
You can't compare a CJ, YJ or TJ soft top to the current JK's. The tops are so much better and they don't flap like older Jeep tops. They still have wind noise but not that much and you can easily hold a conversation on the highway. I drove mine from Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale last Spring and it was fine even with my 35's. I only have the soft top but wish I had both. It comes down to looks for me more than anything. It doesn't get cold enough in GA to need a hard top but I like the way they look. The soft top keeps the inside warm enough in the Winter. My Jeep pretty much has the doors and top off most of the Summer.
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