Bestop soft-top choices

[AdventurePig]

Good morning,

Shopping for a Soft top. We're looking at these two:

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1. The Classic Supertop Squareback - P/N 54709-15 (in black denim)
2. The Supertop Squareback NX - P/N 54720 -15 (in black denim)

Some data points for me:

• The classic is similar to the one we put on our CJ5 - we liked it just fine, but we're open to improvements?
• I do not think we'll be taking the top down very much at all, but I DO think that we'd be zipping the windows in and out quite often to take advantage of good weather and for that "open air" feel. Makes me think the sunrider "sunroof option" would be pretty cool for when we wanted to see the stars/sky?
• We plan on trailering our TJ on longer trips, so long drives and overall road noise are not really a big concern for us.

Questions:

• Any big advantages of the newer vs. older Supertop styles?
• Any big disadvantages? I've read about a few issues with the plastic parts on the new model, but I'd assume Customer service could send us out new parts if needed, even if it's at our cost?
• Price is almost the same right now online and both look to be available? Might just give Bestop a call to verify this.
• Where do folks store their windows when removed when you have 4 folks onboard? are there any storage bags that can be strapped to a rear tire carrier or maybe on the roof for low-speed travel?

 

[DaveC]

I've had the OE versions of both. Mine came with the OE version of the 'classic' with clear windows. While searching for some tinted windows, I ran across a smoking deal on a hardly used OE version of the NX with tinted windows and the Sunrider feature, which I bought.

• Putting the top up/down is no easier/more difficult between the two.
• I rarely use the Sunrider feature; I prefer to pull out all the windows and go 'safari mode'.
• The one thing that's nice about the NX version is the corner stiffeners that go in the rear; they make the top fit much more snugly, which in turn, made it a bit quiter than my standard top. Without those panels in the rear on the original top, with the windows out, the rear corners would flap quite a bit when driving at any speed - to the point I was always concered about them coming undone from the tub.

My OE Supertop NX is still going strong, but if I needed to replace it, for the $100, I'd definitely go with the NX version based on the above. As for storing the windows when out, I use one of these and it's worked well. It can be rolled up in either direction.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastertop/soft-top-window-protection-roll-76-06-jeep-cj-wrangler

 

[AdventurePig]

I've had the OE versions of both. Mine came with the OE version of the 'classic' with clear windows. While searching for some tinted windows, I ran across a smoking deal on a hardly used OE version of the NX with tinted windows and the Sunrider feature, which I bought.

• Putting the top up/down is no easier/more difficult between the two.
• I rarely use the Sunrider feature; I prefer to pull out all the windows and go 'safari mode'.
• The one thing that's nice about the NX version is the corner stiffeners that go in the rear; they make the top fit much more snugly, which in turn, made it a bit quiter than my standard top. Without those panels in the rear on the original top, with the windows out, the rear corners would flap quite a bit when driving at any speed - to the point I was always concered about them coming undone from the tub.

My OE Supertop NX is still going strong, but if I needed to replace it, for the $100, I'd definitely go with the NX version based on the above. As for storing the windows when out, I use one of these and it's worked well. It can be rolled up in either direction.

https://www.quadratec.com/p/mastertop/soft-top-window-protection-roll-76-06-jeep-cj-wrangle

Thanks for the feedback - Much appreciated.

Also, that window roll is exactly what I was looking for. Gracias!

 

[MikekiM]

I have a Trektop Nx. I use the Sunrider nearly every day in the warm weather and often use it even when it's cold with the soft windows and door windows closed.

Tons of options.

I leave the corner stiffeners out. Makes it easier to roll the windows to store them. Can't recall it being any quieter with the stiffeners in. It's not drum tight at the corners, but side and back windows are tight and largely wrinkle free, and it's far easier to zipper all the windows.

 

[AdventurePig]

I have a Trektop Nx. I use the Sunrider nearly every day in the warm weather and often use it even when it's cold with the soft windows and door windows closed.

Tons of options.

I leave the corner stiffeners out. Makes it easier to roll the windows to store them. Can't recall it being any quieter with the stiffeners in. It's not drum tight at the corners, but side and back windows are tight and largely wrinkle free, and it's far easier to zipper all the windows.
View attachment 488143

Thanks for the feedback!

If they offered the frameless trektop in a full “supertop” profile rather than just a fastback, we’d definitely consider it. Just don’t prefer the look/profile and we need all the interior room we can get for our kiddos.
I DO like the ability to leave the rear passenger window area’s open without a bar across the opening, tho.

 

[MikekiM]

Thanks for the feedback!

If they offered the frameless trektop in a full “supertop” profile rather than just a fastback, we’d definitely consider it. Just don’t prefer the look/profile and we need all the interior room we can get for our kiddos.
I DO like the ability to leave the rear passenger window area’s open without a bar across the opening, tho.

Worth noting.. the fastback frameless doesn't allow you to roll up the rear window and strap it up. I miss that option. There just isn't room for the rolled up window.