Oh man... I'm about ready to go get my JK and one of the most difficult decisions for me are the top choices... This will be my first Jeep so I have no experience but for all I've read and thought about them here is where I'm at: -- please set me straighten me out if need be!!

Hard Top -- Good: Better in winter as you have glass/defroster
Bad: If you want anything more than a manual sunroof (with LONG
screws) forget it! Take that rear top off and leave it where?? Who
is helping? How much is a lift? And what if it rains or you buy
something of value. Go buy a Jeep Liberty with the $1200 Top!

Soft Top -- Good: Far and away the best (and least expensive single top option -- Flip
it back -- 2 rows of seats exposed to the sun! And this process is
only 5 minutes! Flip it all the way back and you're totally exposed!
If it rains, put it back up! Plus it looks like a Jeep!

Bad: Windows scratch (but replaceable) Someone could "cut in".

Dual Top - Good: You have both -- every November, put it on - and you have a
better winter top - if it is warm for a day, at least you have a
sunroof option.
Bad: $1600 -- Whoa! Forget this! And where do I keep the hard top all
Spring/Summer/Fall??!@? (Again -- Jeep Liberty!)

 

Dual top. It's worth the $1600 to have either option depending on the season and/or expected use of the rig. As for storing the hardtop, you can put it in a shed, or garage, or outside (although I would be afraid of the windows getting busted).

 

I struggled with this decision because I needed the hard top to mount a simple roof rack to and wanted the security of it for road trips, but definitely wanted the flexibility of the soft top so I got the dual top option, which is a decent deal for the $$ I think. Anyway - if you don't have any space (garage, side yard, etc..) to store the hardtop in when not in use, then you're limited. There's hard top storage options in a few threads on this forum ranging from $20 ratchet straps & 2x4's (what I'm going to use) to "commercial grade" brackets and electric hoists and everything in between. Just do a search for "hard top storage." I understand removing/storing the hard top can be a PITA compared to just flipping the soft-top back, but not a huge deal and well worth it if you want the best of both worlds.

 

I say HARDTOP!

I got both tops when I bought my Unlimited in July. I've only had the softtop on twice. I found it harder to take on and off than the hardtop. And, of course, it's much louder.

Both tops is the way to go, but I'm a hardtop fan!

 

I had a CJ w/only a soft top... it was only OK... windows scratch too easily, can't scrape your windows if you have frost.

Personally, I run w/the hard top in the cold months and just go w/the bikini for the warm months.

I have no experience w/the JK soft top... so if it is easy to put up and take down I guess that might not be too bad. I just prefer the bikini and no doors in the warm months.

 

I have to say dual tops. I almost went with one or the other at various times during the decision making process and I have to say getting both was one of the best options I got and well worth the money, I believe. Both tops have there downsides but by getting both you eliminate the bad points. You have so many options between partially down, front panels off(one or both)etc,etc. Those choices are what makes it a wrangler. The money isnt much when you look at the time you will have and enjoy it. And just read this forum some and you will see people that regret not getting an option or two now. Dont regret, just pony up and enjoy your JK.

 

I went hard top route initially with plans to buy the soft top later (which I did). Looking at the price of the hard top + installation, it was cheaper to have it from the factory and get the soft top later. However, I do love the soft top. I like it more than the hard top. With cooler weather coming, the hard top will soon be back on for all the previously stated and obvious reasons.

 

Go all the way or go home - dual tops for the win.

 

I agree get the dual tops then you can decide and if you dont want to keep both you can easily sell one of them

 

Wow, ok. First, welcome, there are very nice folks here... I guess I'm the only one who just went for the soft top only. I love the hard top, it looks cool, and as everyone said, it is better security. But, I opted to just get the soft top-- I love having the convertible effect, I wouldn't know where to put the hard top when it is off (my garage is already full). It is a lot more weight.

I live in Colorado, so I'll know soon enough how all the snow and ice affects my choice, but the Jeep's heater is basically a small thermo-nuclear device and just blasts the heat into the cabin, so what could be bad? The top is very well designed (though some say it dumps rain right onto the floor when you open the door- but not much rain here), and is taught and very secure feeling. I know anyone could zip or cut it, but they could break your window too, so what are you gonna do?

After all this, the point is, get what you like, you can't go wrong. I love this Jeep more than any vehicle I've owned in a long time and it just keeps on pleasing. Cheers!