If you own a Jeep Wrangler, it’s already a pretty special vehicle. Did you know you can enjoy an open-air experience with it at will? Of course, you may quickly tire of the factory top that comes with your Jeep Wrangler JL, and desire something a bit more versatile. This is where 4 Wheel Parts comes into play.
In this article, we will take you through the three types of tops or roofs, namely soft top roofs, hard top roofs, and bikini tops. We’ll present the pros and cons of each class, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Looking to purchase a soft top, hard top, or bikini top? If so, just hit up our Tops section, where you’ll find a broad array of all three types of top, as well as accessories such as cargo nets, cab covers, window nets, wind jammers, wind stoppers, dusters, covers, and miscellaneous accessories.
Pro & Cons of Bikini Tops
The bikini top, as the name would suggest, is the most open and airy of all tops available for your Jeep Wrangler. This style of top uses a mesh-like material to let air in but keep some weather elements out. Have a look at our selection of bikini tops, as we carry options from brands such as Smittybilt, Rampage, Rugged Ridge, Bestop, MasterTop, Dirty Dog 4×4, and more. Let’s look at some pros and cons of the bikini top.
Pros of Bikini Tops
- Relatively cost-effective to purchase.
- Easy to store when not in use.
- Fantastic for driving in warm and pleasant weather.
- Offer the best airflow, resulting in an airy feeling when you’re out and about on the trails.
- You can choose to install the removable windows as well or leave them off for maximum freedom.
Cons of Bikini Tops
- Offer relatively little weather protection.
- Cannot be your Jeep Wrangler’s sole top option, so you should ideally have a hardtop or soft top as well, depending on the weather and seasonality where you live.
- You may need to purchase the windows separately, as they may not be included in the kit.
- Noise levels when cruising at higher speeds will be higher than a soft or hard top.
- While bikini tops can fend off a brief, moderate rain shower, getting caught in a sudden tropical deluge can leave you and your occupants more than a bit soaked.
- They do not offer protection from cold, so you cannot use a bikini top in winter or when the temperature drops beneath what is comfortable to drive around with an open top.
- Thieves or vandals can break into your vehicle with almost no effort since it’s wide open, or a little slice with a knife will get them through the soft side windows.
Pro & Cons of Soft Tops
A step up from the bikini top is the soft top. This is more akin to a convertible top that you’d find on a sports car. Made from similar materials with multi-layer construction, these tops can be used all year round during milder winters. Have a look at our selection of soft tops and pick from a range of products by Smittybilt, Rugged Ridge, Bestop, MasterTop, Rampage, Pavement Ends, and more. Let’s look at the pros and cons of soft tops.
Pros of Soft Tops
- Offer more weather protection than a bikini top.
- Some offer power retraction and closing, saving the effort of manually operating the top.
- Still offer a relatively free open-air experience when open, albeit less than a bikini top.
- Most kits include windows, which may be tinted, and upper door skins as well.
- Can serve as the sole top for your Jeep if you live in a place with mild winters and low to moderate rainfall.
Cons of Soft Tops
- More expensive than bikini tops.
- You will still need a separate hard top if you live in an area with moderate to harsh winters and medium to high levels of rainfall.
- Noise levels when cruising at higher speeds will be higher than a hard top.
- Thieves or vandals can damage the top with a cutting implement to break into your vehicle.
Pro & Cons of Hard Tops
The hard top, as the name suggests, is the sturdiest and most secure option. With a hard top on your Jeep Wrangler JL, it’s ready to tackle all seasons and weather conditions, regardless of what it’s like outside. Of course, you miss out on the open-air experience unless you take the time to remove and install it all the time. This is why some Jeep owners with Wranglers tend to have a hard top and a bikini or soft top in their garage. Have a look at our selection of hard tops, with offerings from brands such as Smittybilt, Bestop, Rally Tops, DV8 Offroad, and Jeep. Here are the pros and cons of hard tops.
Pros of Hard Tops
- The most secure option for your Jeep.
- Can handle any weather and climate.
- Best noise insulation when cruising at higher speeds.
Cons of Hard Tops
- Most expensive type of top.
- Will require significant storage space in your garage if you have a soft top or bikini top as well.
- Takes two people to install and remove.
- You lose out on the open-air experience.
Tops And More From 4 Wheel Parts
Don’t blow your top off searching for the best top for your Jeep. We at 4 Wheel Parts carry an ample array of options for you to choose from. In fact, we’ve got thousands of items covering every type of component you’re bound to need for your Jeep or other off-roaders. Browse our website from wherever you are, and you can view, compare, and purchase.
If you’re the physical shopper sort, visit one of our 100+ stores located nationwide, there’s bound to be one within driving distance. Whichever avenue you prefer, discover competitive pricing, a price matching policy, top-notch after-sales service, all applicable warranties, and friendly expert advice. Choose 4 Wheel Parts, and you’re set.
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