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Which is easier to use? OEM vs Bestop Trektop

3K views 18 replies 9 participants last post by  1995droptopz 
#1 ·
Looking for some user experiences here. I have a hardtop currently and want to get a soft top for the spring/summer. Originally I planned to just find a good deal on a used OEM soft top, but then I came across a potentially good deal on a Bestop Trektop. I understand the trektop doesn't fold completely down (haven't yet decided if that's a deal breaker for me) but the windows can come out and the front section folds back for sunrider style

What I want to know is which top is easier to work with as far as going to "topless" mode?


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#3 ·
I like my Trektop NX for the most part. However i always keep my top on as bikini. Side and rear windows are very easy to remove and put back. If you like to be able to completely go naked then its not for you. I also prefer the slant look of Trektop NX. With that said, i wouldn't mind having OEM soft top too. Trektop NX is just half the price. I'm looking forward for new Trektop Glide from Bestop which comes out in spring. It has slant look, no zippers and can completely fold down like OEM soft top.
 
#8 ·
The OEM top is only marginally easier to go completely topless. The only real difference is the frame stays attached so its easier to "stow-n-go".

For the Trektop you simply need to roll it, rear to front, unhook the header bar (just like the OEM) and pull two spring pins for the sunrider arms. You can then put it in the same location the OEM top folds down to. Only additional thing would be a pair of bungees or other straps to hold it down/secure.

Why do many of us think the Trektop is better? It's quieter - the basic OEM top gets stretched out by the frame then flops and flaps. Material weight is between the basic OEM and premium top so it's a bit more robust. The slant back. And the safari/bikini mode kicks butt. I live close to Galveston, TX so run most of the summer in safari mode - the extra shade is nice when it's blistering hot and we also get pop-up rain storms out of nowhere and this helps to save the radio, clock spring, and avoid severe swamp ass when you get caught in one!
 

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#17 ·
I had both the factory and the Trektop NX on my JK. Found that the Trektop was much easier to put up/take down than the factory top, and it did not make my cargo area useless when the top was down.

I found that I ran the Jeep with the sunrider back and the rear windows out most of the time, and the bikini section over the rear seat did not bother me much. Only issue I had was the bikini portion would flap a lot in that configuration, and much worse when the doors were off.
 
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