From Bestop to Smittybilt: Which Jeep Soft Top is Right for You

Picture this: it’s a gorgeous day outside and you’re off for another off-road trek in your Jeep. The sun’s rays are beaming down on you, and the rush of the open air keeps you from overheating. As you maneuver through the rugged terrain, there’s nothing to separate you from the heart of nature. But on the horizon, you see dark clouds looming, getting closer and closer, swallowing up that warm sun and shooting biting winds at you. Then the sky opens up and the rain comes pouring down, drenching you to the core. Teeth chattering, you race back to civilization, wishing there were something to protect you from the harsher side of Mother Nature.

It’s this kind of protection that a Jeep soft top offers because, unfortunately, we all know that the weather isn’t perfect everyday of the year and you should be able to use your Jeep even when the weather turns sour. But these days, the incredible variety that’s available can make it very difficult to decide which Jeep soft top is best for you. Here, we break down eight different types of Jeep soft tops into their basic features to help determine which one it best suited for you.

1. Bestop Replace-A-Top

   If your vehicle originally came with a Jeep soft top that has worn out over time (Jeep soft tops generally last 3-5 years), and you want to replace it with something as close as possible to the original, then the Bestop Replace-a-Top is your best bet. With just the fabric and windows, this Jeep soft top is held to factory standards, so you can continue on almost as if you hadn’t switched tops at all.

2. Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth

   This Jeep soft top takes the original Bestop Replace-a-Top and kicks it up a notch. Instead of using the standard 2-ply material, it upgrades to 4-ply fabric, which leads to several improvements. First of all, you won’t be bothered as much by annoying road noise caused by wind, cars, loose fabric, and other uncontrollable factors; this Jeep soft top reduces noise at highway speeds by 50%. Plus, it provides better insulation and temperature control, and it holds shape better over time. So if you’d like a Jeep soft top that’s pretty basic but has slightly better fabric, consider the Bestop Replace-a-Top Sailcloth.

3. Bestop Supertop

   Not all Jeeps automatically come with a top. If your Jeep belongs to that category and you’re now interested in purchasing a Jeep soft top, the Bestop Supertop is a great option because it comes with the windows, fabric, and the hardware that will need to be installed. Many other soft tops don’t come with the hardware because they assume you already have it from a previous top. Plus, the Supertop comes with all the great features of other Bestop soft tops including zip-out replaceable windows and a fabric that helps it maintain its shape in all temperatures.

4. Sunrider

   So let’s be honest – even though you know a Jeep soft top is a practical thing to have, you’re still always longing for the freedom and open air that a Jeep offers. With the Sunrider, you can get the best of both worlds. Just a quick, easy installation and you’re equipped with a standard Jeep soft top that also has a flip-back sunroof, so you can still enjoy the fresh air at every possible opportunity.

5. Tigertop

   Some people are purists at heart. They believe that just because something has new features added, it doesn’t necessarily make it better and a classic should never be touched. If you’re really into vintage Jeeps, then the Tigertop was made for you. It gives you the benefits of today’s technological advances while maintaining that classic vintage style, making this Jeep soft top the restorer’s dream.

6. Pavement Ends Jeep Soft Tops

   Are you shopping on a budget? Then meet your new best friend. Pavement Ends Jeep soft tops are definitely the most affordable choice available, and you still have options! The replacement top sticks to the basics, but still provides a great selection from which to choose. Or, if you’re craving something extra, you can get the flip top, which includes a sunroof. Whichever Jeep soft top you choose out of the array Pavement Ends offers, you won’t have to break the bank to get what you want.

7. Smittybilt Brief Tops

   The thing that sets Smittybilt apart from other Jeep soft tops is the durability of their material. Made from marine grade fabric, they just don’t get any tougher. As such, it’s more resistant to fading and stretching, and is less susceptible to the effects of the weather.

8. Rugged Ridge Jeep Soft Tops

   If you’re looking for something to really stand the test of time, consider Rugged Ridge Jeep soft tops. They have UV-treated plastic windows to resist sun damage, plus a 15 oz. vinyl coated polyester and cotton fabric that is heat sealed to keep moisture out. With all of these extra precautions, a Rugged Ridge Jeep soft top can be a wise investment.

As you can see, there’s a Jeep soft top for everyone, no matter what you’re looking for. Now that we’ve broken it down into the key features, it should be simple to figure out which one is just right for you. If you’re looking for something with even more bonus features and accessories, head over to our Jeep hard top article and discover what’s waiting for you.