What are The Best Soft Tops for Jeep Wrangler?

Jeeps are vehicles that can attract drivers from all walks of life. And, a lot of this has to do with their versatility. Just look at their convertibility. All Jeeps will come equipped with some form of a hard top or soft top cover. Hard tops are great, but it is the soft tops that win out with mover drivers in the end. This is probably because soft tops are more flexible and user-friendly. Whether you are replacing a top or just changing out your factory, you can really enhance your driving experience by opting for one of the best jeep soft tops.

Top 10 Reviews

1. Smittybilt 9970235 Black Diamond Replacement Top

The Black Diamond OE was specifically designed to be a complete OE replacement for your worn out or torn soft top. It boasts a marine grade vinyl coated fabric that is resistant to fading and stretching. This is one area where other manufacturers fail, but with over 50 years of experience in the industry, Smitybilt has learned to prevail where others fail.

Specs and Features

Every single seam on the Black Diamond OE is heat sealed to prevent leaking. The manufacturer even went a step above and sewed all the seams with wick stop threads to prevent moisture build-up. There are very few manufacturers out there that are willing to take this extra step but is just what Smittybilt does. The self-correcting zippers ensure that every zip runs smoothly and flawlessly.

The Black Diamond OE utilizes a zipper system, but it is a system that has been perfected over the years. The fact that the top fits original factory OE hardware or framework really makes up for the zipper system. And, it doesn’t hurt that the whole setup comes along with two upper replacement door skins, side windows, and rear window.

2. Bestop 54923-35 Diamond Trektop Glide NX

The Diamond Trektop Glide really is a different beat when it comes to soft tops. This bad boy combines fold-back convertibility with the popular slant-back style. The top features a zipper-less system that makes waterproofing the top easier than ever. However, do not be fooled by the zipper-less system because the windows are still easy and intuitive to remove. In fact, the Diamond Trektop Glide makes it almost effortless to remove the windows.

Specs and Features

One of the most notable things about the Diamond Trektop Glide is its new folding frame design. This design is totally unique as it allows the driver to quickly fold the top behind the seat for a little open air. If needed the top can quickly be sealed back up for a watertight fit. The top also comes pre-installed with overhead storage pockets so that riders and passengers can keep track of their small gear when they are out for a lazy Sunday afternoon drive. There is also a patented sun rider flip-back panel located right above the front seats where users can quickly latch and unlatch the opening.

Any user that wants to use a hard top in the winter will have to remove all the pieces of the NX Glide, but that doesn’t mean the Glide wasn’t installed to handle harsher weather conditions. In fact, the Diamond Trektop Glide brings together features that offer versatility, durability, and extreme ease of operation.

3. Pavement Ends Bestop 51197-35 Replay Soft Top

The Black Diamond Replay Soft Top is an impressive top designed and created by Pavement Ends. This specific top was designed with affordability in mind, but you should not let that fool you because it is extremely durable. One of the reasons that the top is so affordable and liked by Jeep owners is because the top doesn’t require any additional hardware installation. The Black Diamond Replay Soft Top utilizes the factory hardware for the installation of the top. This not only saves the manufacturer money, but it saves you time and money as well.

Specs and Features

The Black Diamond Replay Soft Top is constructed of fabric that is tough as they come. The fabric is not only 23 ounces, but it is UV and mildew-resistant. The vinyl coated polyester marine grade fabric cotton doesn’t hurt the overall durability of the product either. The zipper system utilizes heavy-duty OEM quality plastic teeth that were specifically designed with jam-resistant technology to prevent jamming and ripping. The rear and side windows come available in 18 percent tinted or standard clear 28-mil thick, DOT windows. The windows can also be easily removed and replaced thanks to the zipper system.

You will see that the Black Diamond Replay Soft Top features a zipper system, but it is one of a kind system that comes equipped with heavy-duty plastic teeth. These teeth are also specifically equipped with jam-resistant technology. What’s more impressive is that everything is backed by a one-year limited warranty.

4. Rough Country Replacement Soft Top 85460.35

Finding a soft top that looks great and can combat the elements can be a tough task, but this is where the Rough Country excels. It was specifically designed with premium fabric that meets or exceeds any factory quality specifications. However, things don’t just stop there. The material is also mildew and UV resistant. The manufacturer of the Rough Country Soft Top even went as far as to seals the seams with 135 gauge bonded thread.

Specs and Features

The Rough Country comes equipped with 30 mil thick lead proof windows and the rear and quarter panes get 31 percent tint. The Rough Country utilizes premium fabric that is constructed with 23 oz black vinyl coated polyester cotton. This is a type of material that is extremely durable and can fight UV rays and mildew. The 135 gauge bonded seams are covered with heat tape to ensure a 100 percent watertight seal.

The Rough Country might not fit a four-door and it might require all the original factory hardware, but it is backed with a three-year warranty. If anything goes wrong with that top in the first three years of ownership the manufacturer is going to correct the problem most of the time no questions asked. When you combine this with the tinted windows, UV and mildew-resistant fabric, and heat taped seams, you are truly looking at one durable top capable of handling some of the harshest weather and road conditions.

5. Besttop 54853-17 Trektop Pro Hybrid Soft Top

Any driver looking for the next level soft top should consider taking advantage of the Trektop Pro. This soft top is a pioneer of its kind and a true hybrid. It brings together the best features that Jeep drivers want in a top, but with a price that is hard to argue with. Don’t worry about messing with those pesky zippers anymore because the Trektop Pro does away with them. In fact, this is the industry’s first soft that offers a rear glass hatch.

Specs and Features

The Trektop Pro includes a rear glass hatch that can easily be removed with one hand thanks to the gas-assist hitch struts. The Trektop Pro is specifically designed so that drivers looking to let in a little sun can do so by removing the rear hatch and side panel with ease. However, there is an exclusive flip-back panel for anyone that wants to let in sun without completely removing the top. The Trektop Pro weighs less than a hard top and is specifically designed to handle an array of harsh elements.

Factory and hard tops are great, but they can really be a pain to remove. When one’s take in a little sun in their Jeep or needs to quickly cover up due to unsuspecting rain you want to be able to do so quickly. That is exactly what the Trektop Pro is offering plus tons more. It can quickly be converted into a Safari Bikini Top, the side windows come equipped with extra ventilation in the back, and the Trektop Pro is the first ever soft top with a glass rear window. The side windows might not be glass, but this is a moot point considering that they are tinted.

6. Pavement Ends Bestop 51148-35 Soft Top

Pavement Ends is one of the most affordable soft top manufacturers available today. They have been designing a line of products have been meeting Jeep consumer’s need for more than 60 years. The soft top was specifically designed to fit over all the factory hardware so that users can quickly and easily install the top using the existing factory frames/bows and hardware. This without a doubt makes installation and the cost of production cheaper.

Specs and Features

The Pavement Ends Top is constructed with a fabric that is tougher than life. It is 23 ounces, mildew-resistant, coated with polyester marine grade fabric, and designed specifically to resist UV rays. The zipper teeth are designed with quality heavy duty plastic teeth and feature a jam-resistant technology. The side and rear windows come available with the option of 28-mil thick, DOT approved tinted windows. The windows for the Pavement Ends are completely and easily removable and replaceable. In addition to this, Pavement Ends backs everything with their one-year limited warranty.

The Pavement Ends might feature a zippered window system, but it is designed with heavy-duty plastic teeth that feature jam-resistant technology. Perhaps, one of the most impressive things about the Pavement Ends is its ability to utilize the factory hardware. This makes installation and removal a breeze. This is assuming that the original factory hardware is in good working condition. The top is covered by a limited one year warranty.

7. Bestop 54823-17 Supertop NX Black Twill

The Supertop NX is an out of this world top with superior capabilities. The exclusive 30-ounce triple-black twill fabric not only has superior durability, but it looks just as impressive. The top is certainly a head turner. The Supertop NX is unlike other soft tops because it comes equipped with an adjustable bow system. This system helps ensure that the fabric stays stretched tight at all times. In addition to this, the top arch bars provide support to the top where wrinkles and water puddling usually occur with inferior tops. Simply put, with the Supertop NX, you never have to worry about wrinkles or loose fits.

Specs and Features

The TJ, TJD, and JK models of the Supertop NX also feature a Sunrider sunroof that allows for open-air driving. The YJ models, on the other hand, stick to the original factory hardware design and function. The Supertop NX is constructed of high-grade premium fabric that was specifically designed to maintain its shape when exposed to different weather conditions. Along with this, the top is mildew-resistant and comes equipped with UV inhibitors to protect against the sun’s harsh rays. All the hardware included within the kit is constructed of higher strength steel and OEM style thermoplastic polymer hardware. When looking for convertible top operation the driver can quickly and easily fold the Supertop NX right behind the rear seat.

By now it should be pretty apparent that the Supertop NX was designed to holds is shape throughout the years, It doesn’t matter if it is exposed to harsh temperatures or water, the Supertop NX was designed with superior material and components that will help the top tight taut and untouched at all times. The side and rear windows might be installed with zippers, but they are easier than ever to remove and replace.

8. Smittybilt 9070235 Replacement Top

The Smittybilt 9070235 is without a doubt an impressive top for the price. The top was specifically designed to fit like a glove and when properly installed that’s what it does. The windows look great and the window even though they utilize a zipper system work and function as they should. The marine grade fabric was specifically designed to resist stretching and fading.

Specs and Features

All the seams on the Smittybilt 9070235 are heat sealed to prevent leaking and moisture build up. The threads are all sealed with wick stop thread to ensure even more protection against the harsh elements. The Smittybilt 9070235 features a patented sun rider that can easily and quickly be flipped back like a sunroof.

Most Jeep owners don’t really like the zipper systems installed on the soft tops and this is completely understandable. However, it is safe to say that Smittybilt has really perfected the design. The side and rear windows can easily zip out when ventilation is needed.

9. Pavement Ends Bestop 56845-35 Frameless Sprint Top

With the Diamond Frameless Sprint Top Jeep owners never have to worry about durability or moisture penetration thanks to durable material and construction of the product. The top is double stitched and heat sealed to stop any moisture penetration. The top also utilizes the original factory door surrounds, windshield header, and tailgate bar, so you don’t have to worry about installing any additional hardware. Another aspect that makes the installation a breeze is the fact that you don’t have to deal with an awkward, unwieldy top bow.

Specs and Features

The Diamond Frameless Sprint Top is backed with an impressive 3-year warranty. Within the first three years of owning the product, if you experience any problems or technical difficulties, you can contact the manufacturer and they resolve the issue. The top does utilize a zipper system, but it is one of the best systems available. The windows are not only easily removable, but they installed with 28-mil vinyl and 18 percent tint to help keep the interior cooler during the warm weather. All the windows are also completely 100 percent sealed to ensure that isn’t any moisture penetration.

Most Jeep users don’t like zipper systems, but the YKK scoop-counted zippers are one of the best systems available. The flip-back panel and frameless design make things even more enjoyable.

10. Sierra Offroad Soft Top

The Sierra Offroad Top is unique in its own right as it was specifically designed as a replacement for the factory TJ OEM frame models. The problem with tops for 97-06 Wranglers is that most manufacturers offer a one-size-fits-all top. Sure, this is much easier for the manufacturer, but the Jeep owner really has to sacrifice in terms of fit. This is where Sierra took a different approach. They started offering custom patterns that were specifically designed to the original factory frame by model year.

Specs and Features

The fabric of the Sierra Offroad Top is marine-grade vinyl coated. This is an extremely durable type of material that is used in the most treacherous weather conditions. It was specifically designed to resist heat fading. In addition, this seams and stitches are sealed with color-matched wick stop thread to ensure that moisture is never a concern. The Sierra Offroad Top also boasts heavy-duty self-correcting zippers that ensure smooth operation every use.

Most Jeep drivers aren’t too fond of zipper systems, but Sierra has changed a lot of minds with their innovative self correcting zippers. These zippers ensure smooth operation at all times. Most people still might be deterred by the zipper system, but the tops other assets more than makeup for the zipper aspect. Just look at the marine grade vinyl coated fabrics and wick stop threading

Things To Keep In Mind When Buying Soft Tops For Your Jeep

There are a number of things that one must always keep in mind when shopping for soft tops.

Jeep Wrangle Model

The first and probably most obvious thing is the Jeep year and model. There are really no one-size-fits-all solutions out there and if you want to get a cover that provides a tight fit, you need to make sure that it is matched to your Jeep’s factory specifications.

Framed Vs Frameless

Another major consideration will be the framed and frameless models. Do you want a top that is easy to disassemble? Do you want a top that is easier to store? Then maybe you should opt for a framed top. If you are looking for something that is easier to remove and install then opt for a frameless.

Climate Conditions

Climate is also a major factor. Do you live where the weather is mostly hot all year round or do you live in cooler climates? If your top is going to be constantly exposed to extreme temperatures then you are going to want to opt for a top with some kind of UV resistance.

Materials

materials and features will also factor in. Tops come with a plethora of materials and features. Some offer sunroofs while others are created with marine grade fabric. Just make sure you know what’s available to you and what best suits your needs.

Features

Finally, make sure you consider the features that are provided. Make sure that you get everything you need from the beginning. Otherwise, you may end up spending too much on aftermarket products to enhance your Jeep’s appearance, performance, and functionality.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you are going to have a number of soft tops to choose from, but if you want to find a suitable soft top for your Wrangler, you are going to want to seek out the qualities mentioned above. It really doesn’t matter what manufacturer you go with or what price you pay. As long as the soft top meets the qualities mentioned above and your own specific specifications, you are going to be satisfied. Soft tops were designed to make your life easier so make sure you choose one that offers features that will do just that. Also, remember that every soft top will have a flaw or two, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be perfect for you.