I prefer DirtyDog's tighter fit to the side and its 3-pieces configuration for 4 doors, so I can put the shade only to the backseat and cargo for the complaining passengers and I enjoy the sun at the front. Attached some pictures for the fit.
You can't do that with Spiderweb as it only has shade for front seat or shade for both front and back in 1 piece. DirtyDog is more expensive though.
I got and use both. The Dirtydog is a better fit and finish. It clips to the front and it uses bungie hooks instead of balls. However it lets in 30% of the light vs. 10% with the Spydershade. I bought the Dirtydog first and found it let in too much light and was refracting and bouncing down through my sunglasses at the top of the glasses. Then got the Spydershade and tried that much better in terms of the light, then figgered I'd put the other on top of it which I liked even better. Spyder uses these stupid balls on its bungies which are annoying to use. Dirtydog uses simple hooks which are not. Plus as in the above pic, it clips to the front which provides a better shielding. I use it with my hard top and had to clip and cinch the backs as it fluttered too much.
I bought the Dirtydog shade only after reading how the side coverage is better. I can say that I'm not impressed with how much light comes through...it shades a little, but not nearly enough to what I'd like.
If the Spiderweb shades better, I'd forgo some side coverage, but I haven't seen where anyone has ever done a side by side comparison of the two.
The fit of the Dirtydog is excellent. I don't know anything about the spider balls, but Dirtydog's hooks are very simple to use.
Checking this out I could buy enough fabric for a two piece top for like 35 bucks, plus bungees and grommets maybe 50 bucks... Eh who am I kidding I am not going to spend the hours and hours trying to sew it up perfect for a savings of like 50 bucks.
I found the gaps around the Spidershade edges were of no concern in use. I also unhook the front ties and tuck it back over the remaining attached section over my head if I want free view upward and also when I have the hard top on. I used the Spidershade for a 9 day trip in Moab and CO mountains in early September (lots of sun and 96F temps) and used no sunscreen other than occasionally for my arm hanging out the window. I had no sunburn problems, yet it was enough to see and feel most of the breeze. I leave it on all the time, hard top and soft top.
Does DD have a UV protectant? I thought UV protection on the Spidershade was a gimmick. However I can tell you it works.
It is a double edged sword- it does take away from the open feel- maybe the DD is better for this reason. I take mine off once it cools down. Recently we had a freak 90 degree day. I couldn't figure out why I was so hot with the top down. Then it dawned on me- I didn't have the shade on. Really big difference.
Main reason why I decided against going for either the Spiderweb Shade or DD. I'd rather go with either the full cage or partial netting by Safari Straps. I want/need the open feel during the summer
uugh. I didn't know about dirtydog until now. I want one to replace my spiderweb shade...the fit looks like it covers all the areas mine currently doesn't!
Has anyone seen either brand in one of the colors they offer besides black? Not sure I would get anything besides black for my white JKU but it would be nice to see a pic of one.
I Think i have made my dicesion. Going with Spydershades. One piece almost half the price and oh yeah American made not sure but it looks like Dirty Dog is from our northern neighbors.
I have the spiderwebshade and I really like it. Never used the dirty dog on however. The gaps on the side are no big deal and the balls on the buggies aren't either. Really good sun protection (I live in the tropics). Its good quality and seems like it will last a long time. If you go with it I'm sure you won't be unhappy.
No flapping.
If you're on the tan side of pasty- get the Spidershade. Yes there is a slight gap. But I've gotten Jeep Spidershade tan lines. Ie: forearm (on the door) burnt- the rest of me (under the shade) stays just as pasty white as when I started the drive.
I bought it in the hopes of it cooling off the Jeep- now I'd buy it for the UV protection.
no flapping here. Properly installed it should be stretched tight. The back touches the roll bar pad the way I have it attached. Sides too tight to flap. Front no wind to make them flap.
Anyone been able to make a 4 door Spiderweb shade fit with a Trektop NX?
I have a brand new, never been used Trailmesh shade sitting in a box in my garage waiting for spring, but it sounds like I won't be able to use it with a Trektop....
Hello,
I purchased a Spiderweb shade a few months ago, and I'm looking forward to putting it on. However, I'm also in the market for a Trektop NX soft-top. I've read on a few forums that a Trektop cannot be used with a Spiderwebshade. Do you know if that is correct, or if there is some sort of work-around?
-----------------------------------
I am not sure where you heard that however, it is not true. The SPIDERWEBSHADE will work just fine under your Trektop.
I just went through the same debate last week. Researched, pictures, read forums,etc. To be honest there was not a clear winner from my research. There is some UV difference as mentioned above with SS. I ended up purchasing DD because I liked the 2 piece set-up. It just gives you more options. I can see in my mind where I want my kids to be covered in the back and my wife and I wanting the full sun (especially wife) in front. Or, for longer trips we can put both in for a full piece. I did read that some did have flapping issues with SS as well. All in all I don't think you can go wrong though. Depends on the buyer and if you want to buy American. I just wanted the best product to fit my lifestyle and the 2 piece with possible less flapping sold me.
I just went through the same debate last week. Researched, pictures, read forums,etc. To be honest there was not a clear winner from my research. There is some UV difference as mentioned above with SS. I ended up purchasing DD because I liked the 2 piece set-up. It just gives you more options. I can see in my mind where I want my kids to be covered in the back and my wife and I wanting the full sun (especially wife) in front. Or, for longer trips we can put both in for a full piece. I did read that some did have flapping issues with SS as well. All in all I don't think you can go wrong though. Depends on the buyer and if you want to buy American. I just wanted the best product to fit my lifestyle and the 2 piece with possible less flapping sold me.
Yeah, I had originally intended to buy a take-off Mopar soft-top and use the Spiderwebshade with that. But I missed out on deal, and with spring around the corner, they are getting harder to find on CG. Plus, there was an awesome deal on Trektop NX's that was hard to pass up....so now I wish I had the Dirty Dog instead.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Ask a question
Ask a question
Jeep Wrangler Forum
9M posts
468K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Jeep Wrangler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about reviews, performance, trail riding, gear, suspension, tires, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, for all JL, JT, JK, TJ, YJ, and CJ models!