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Soft Top vs. Mesh Top

4K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  razrrila99 
#1 ·
I've been in Phoenix for three years but have only had a TJ since Dec. Today I'm running topless but then it's not summer yet. Is a mesh top like a Spider Shade TJShadeCage worth the money or is the sun just too hot in the summer for a mesh top?
 
#3 ·
I have a Spiderwebshade on both my JKUs. I have a shaved head too, and I am comfortable with the mesh top, not so much with no top at all. That being said, the black shade on my Commando Green seems like it keeps the interior cooler than the orange shade on my wife's Sunset Orange. The Spiderwebshade is the only other top I have other than the factory hardtop. I would totally recommend it.
 
#4 ·
I also have the Spiderweb mesh top and really like it. I have a really fair skinned girlfriend who used to fry when the top was off and a black German Shepherd who would overheat and now they both stay much more comfortable on extended trips without the top on. Additionally, the mesh top cuts down on the wind at highway speeds and can be left on when you put the roof back on.
 
#6 ·
I have a spiderweb shade and love it. But I had to put the top back on Its just getting too hot at 103 lately. Does anyone else put there tops back on in the summer time in AZ.
 
#8 ·
Now you tell me, the day after I drop $190 on a spider cage. :)

Well, I don't have a hard top and I don't have a commute, so we'll see how it works out on the trails. I can always put the soft top back up and turn on the AC.

Happy Trails,
Bob
 
#9 ·
My Jeep is only 3 weeks old and has only had the top off 3 days. It's not too hot, but then again, I park in the garage at home and covered parking at work. So far, it's not a problem with the heat. I do suspect it will get to the point of top back on. I don't think I can see a way past that in the AZ heat; we will see.
 
#15 ·
@CoachLuke - for me the SpiderWeb top allows me to run topless without the fear of burning my scalp. I call it "scalpsaver" so to speak. To the person not really looking for this, its probably not special. However for the one who is looking for a mesh top, its great.

Still have the advantages of being topless (wind through hair)
Actually kills some of the road/wind noise from running topless
Dont have to worry about burning your scalp
If you have a dog you are worried about jumping out the back, the shade cage will help keep him in.

Its quite a personal decision. So what makes it special is going to change from person to person.
 
#16 ·
I agree with Razrrila99 completely. My concern when I started this thread was if the Arizona sun would overpower the shade advantage and require me to put the top up in 'poor man's safari mode' to block it out. At the time I was considering doing the 'safari' with the addition of a rear webbing to restrain the dogs. As it is, I went for the shade cage opton in stead and it has been great so far. But now the heat is upon us and I'll see how it does in the rush hour traffic as well as on the trail.

Happy Trails,
Bob
 
#18 ·
Ive been more than impressed with the results. I wish I had a solid bimini style top to pull over the whole top for mornings like today though. So instead of 10 minutes to put the top up, I pulled the Impala out. I think I prefer driving the jeep.
 
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