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Thicker Soft Tops vs Hard tops

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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 08:04 AM
  #1  
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Default Thicker Soft Tops vs Hard tops

Hope this is the right place to throw out this question. I have a 4 door jk that I'm looking at a new top for. I was originally looking at a hardtop as my best bet, then I saw Bestop was coming out with their twill material at SEMA last year. Does anyone have one of these thicker and quieter tops. Are they worth the cost in your opinion? Any other tops that are "better than stock"? Or do you thinks its better if I just go with the original plan of a hardtop. My jeep is not a daily driver, and is garage kept if that helps. Thanks
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 09:10 AM
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Something I like about a hardtop is the security. Anything made of fabric is an easy target for would be thieves. Something to think about.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 09:17 AM
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Ultimate goal would be to have both. But If I could only choose 1. Hard Top would be the choice for many reasons. Security, comfort, road noise, looks, and they last forever.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 09:45 AM
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The hard top (Freedom 3 piece hard top) has removeable front panels that give the best of both worlds.Open for nice weather, secure and weather tight in seconds.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 09:51 AM
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My biggest issue with my soft top was security, thick material or not. I also didn't enjoy the lack of thermal or noise protection as a daily driven rig.

My new Jeep has a hardtop and while I know i'm giving up a true topless experience unless I unbolt the thing, the freedom panels are a great compromise.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 10:50 AM
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I live in Ohio and just traded my hard top. I hate the hard top. I like the top down in the summer. And for security I have a garage to park in. And my soft top is not loud. And I go through car washer and get no water inside. I personally like the look of soft top.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 11:26 AM
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I have the new soft top. I don't think it's very loud at all and insulates pretty well. The only down size is access to the cargo area is limited to just the door if the top is on but not enough of a down side for me to want a hard top. As far as security, if someone wants what you have, they'll take it. Hard top or not. Vehicles are stolen and broke into every minute of every day and 99 percent of them aren't soft tops.
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 11:51 AM
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I was wondering about the thicker soft tops as well since they also have thicker windows....i feel either soft or hard tops both can be just as secure since all you have to do is smash the hard top windows and your in, just takes more time than unzipping the windows
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by Samuno
I have the new soft top. I don't think it's very loud at all and insulates pretty well. The only down size is access to the cargo area is limited to just the door if the top is on but not enough of a down side for me to want a hard top. As far as security, if someone wants what you have, they'll take it. Hard top or not. Vehicles are stolen and broke into every minute of every day and 99 percent of them aren't soft tops.
U can unzip the windows from both sides. But yes it is a pain. My next top with be the new top like u have
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Old Feb 22, 2013 | 12:17 PM
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Originally Posted by Ryan0260
Something I like about a hardtop is the security. Anything made of fabric is an easy target for would be thieves. Something to think about.
Youre "security" is a delusion. I can smash a window as quick as I can cut a plastic one. Just be smart and dont leave valuables in the open.
To the OP, you said this wasnt your DD, then dont waste your $$ on something that will be rarely utalized. If you have situation where a colsed car is more appropriate, then take your other vehicle.
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