Funny how opinions can differ so much. I can definitely see how a hard top could be a pain if you didn't have a garage to hang a nice lift from. My old garage had a nice high ceiling and I could lift the top high enough to walk under it without hitting my head. In my current garage the ceiling is only 8', and just high enough for me to take it off, and pull the jeep nose first back under it to park. About twice a year I'll be sweeping (not looking) and walk smack dab in to the top just hanging there. Other than that, I find the hard top so much easier do deal with.

I think a lot of the decision comes down to how often you think you'd be topless. If the top is off for extended periods of time, the hard top is nice as you don't have a folded down top sitting on your tailgate. If you're hardly ever topless, the hard top is nice as it's more durable, quieter, safer in regards to theft, and better insulated. If you can't just leave the top off for extended periods, maybe a soft top is a more convenient way to go topless from time to time. If budget allows, owning both tops is best, but obviously you have to accept there are some wasted funds that could be put towards other upgrades just sitting idle as you don't use one of the tops.

 

I have had both and the hardtop for me is the only way to go.

 

I have just the premium softtop on my '15 Rubicon and love it. One downside someone mentioned though is accessing the rear. I just open the tailgate and my GSD jumps in thru that opening because unzipping, rolling up and rezipping is PITA. I usually find away not to unzip it as doing so goes from a 10 second task to a 3 minute hassle. Still, love taking a couple minutes, at most, and throwing the top back on surprise sunny days then closing it when I get home. I wouldn't end up doing that with a hard top, would end up being a closed up SUV. I sold my bike last year so opening the top gives me the open feeling again.

 

IMO if you only had one, I would recommend the hard top. It is quieter, more secure & so forth, but if you can swing it get both.

 

I have both which is nice but if I had to choose one it would be the soft top with out a doubt. What's a Jeep without having the top down and doors off in the nice weather????

 

I have a soft top of my Wrangler, and I love it. It retains sound very well, retains heat very well, and it's a blast on warmer days.

A lot of your choice should be based on where you live. If you live in Colorado, a hard top is a better choice, but if you live in Texas, like me, then the Sunrider soft top is a much better choice. Being able to take of the top and put it on in under 5 minutes each is a blessing on hot days, and yes... I have timed it

Some days it's nice to flip up the sunrider 'sunroof' and just let the air flow. Also, keep in mind if you do want to be able to flip open the top without having to take off the freedom hard top sectionals, you can buy a sunrider addons from bestop.

Hope this helps!