Bimini Mesh Top Comparison Showdown: Help!

[Moto26]

I have a JTop in my JLU and really like it. Besides the quality and coverage, one aspect that I highly prefer is how the design maintains a position at the top level of the rollcage. Many of the bungee-tight designs are they sit about mid-level of the rollcage thickness. Put another way, I have an additional 1-2in of headroom with the JTops in my Jeep compared to the Alien or Spiderweb versions that use bungees.

I'm not entirely sure if that's a similar story with the Bronco versions, but given there's no b-pillar crossbar in the bronco I highly suspect that sag will be an issue to be aware of.

Gear Shade is flush with the top of the cage. Plenty of headroom for me at 6’ tall…

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[JTopsUSA]

Gear Shade FTW.

I’d rather not stick a bunch of Velcro all over my nice paint. Bungee balls are quick, easy, and clean, and if they break, you can get replacements on Amazon that are super cheap and actually stronger than the original ones. By the way, Velcro wears out, too. And when you have to replace 20’ of sticky-back Velcro that’s been baking in the sun for a few years, have fun with that…

The Velcro is acrylic backed and proper removal is easy. We have used it on our headliners for 8 years with no removal issues.
Bungee balls will also scratch the painted surface when it’s flapping unless you put a protective film under them.

 

[Dez]

Very pleased with my Gear Shade so far.

 

[Bradley Thornton]

I had the gear shade at first then over time it was clear that the bungee balls weren't going to hold up long term. So I spent the money and bought the JTop this is night and day you can't really even compare the 2 but if your on a budget nothing wrong with the others except they are a lower quality look I'm not hating on the others you just get what you pay for.

 

[acarzt]

I have the Bestop with the zippers and the cross bar in the middle. I mostly like it... It stays in place, doesn't flap around, provides shade. With the top up, the zipper access provides extra storage for things like, blankets, towels, hoodies, etc.

I don't like the strap in the front that goes in place of where the soft top latches. The top is super tight and it's difficult to get the strap through enough to clip it.

It's not really quick and easy to remove any of it, there are some days when it's really nice out that I would like to remove the shade either partially or fully.

I would like to be able to stand up in my front seat to push the soft top back and stand in the rear to put the soft top back (really only applies with passengers). With the shade in place, you have to hang out the door to do it, which feels a little dangerous. Some kind of removal or better placed zipper sections would help with that.

 

[PAWBronco]

I have the Gearshade. Once it is installed, it has been easy to put the hard top back on and take it off. I was short a bungee cord and Gearshade was fantastic. They immediately sent me an additional 4 at no cost and they mailed it next day. The customer service was outstanding. I live in the Pacific NW so the coverage is great. I've been running it now for 2 months with no issues. It totally comes off in about 30 seconds.

 

[Jdc]

I only got my bronco a few days ago and I'm still waiting on the jtop. I ordered it because I don't plan on taking it off very often. My goal is to slap it and just leave it there

 

[Landin536]

I have the Bestop Bimini shade that I got from Ford Accessories. It fits excellent but after a few days, one of the rear attachment hooks came apart. It uses straps similar to a backpack and the plastic hooks are sewn on. The stitching came off and the strap loosened up and now its loose.

Going to see if the piece can be super glued back together.

I had the same thing happen to mine. Because it was added to the car at time of delivery and was on the Bronco’s buyer’s order it was actually covered under warranty for me.

 

[Broncogrrl]

New poster here. Saw this thread and was a good excuse to join. LOL

Have a JTops shade on my Jeep and just added one to my new Bronco. Shade is awesome in all the Florida sun!

Velcro works well, after a test dry fit. I was scared I wouldn't get it right. I did clean the crap out of my roll cage first, but the rest of my baby got a really good bath at the same time.

I like it for the same reasons I like my jeep shade: fits tight, stays on under my soft top, REALLY cuts down on the wind and sun (and helps protect my interior, too!). Had a SpiderWebShade on my jeep originally and didn't like the sag for DH and son. This one fits on top of the roll cage, just the same. Haven't had any sag on the jeep or the bronco shades yet.

Can't wait to take it to the beach!

 

[raynaldo]

I have the Jtop and I'm partially satisfied with it.

The front flap won't stay down which leaves the gap open and causes additional flappy noise while freeway driving and I've had nothing but issues with the velcro. I've replaced the velcro after it came undone on both sides. I received two new velcro strips from jtops and after cleaning thoroughly with 91% alcohol and leaving the mesh shade off for over 48 hours so the adhesive glue could set, the new pieces of velcro once again came undone.

I ordered the Bimini mesh from Ford 2 days ago. If anyone wants the Jtop shade, it's yours for $200 plus shipping.

 

[JTopsUSA]

I have the Jtop and I'm partially satisfied with it.

The front flap won't stay down which leaves the gap open and causes additional flappy noise while freeway driving and I've had nothing but issues with the velcro. I've replaced the velcro after it came undone on both sides. I received two new velcro strips from jtops and after cleaning thoroughly with 91% alcohol and leaving the mesh shade off for over 48 hours so the adhesive glue could set, the new pieces of velcro once again came undone.

I ordered the Bimini mesh from Ford 2 days ago. If anyone wants the Jtop shade, it's yours for $200 plus shipping.

This is Mike with Jtops. There are a couple of issues here and we apologize. There are simple things we can do to fix this.

First the two center front straps need to be cut off. They are hindering the magnets from holding the center down. We eliminated them because they are not necessary. That was pure overthinking when we added them for ease of use. We also have added 4 extra magnets to the front corners that increase the bond by 24 foot pounds. They can be added in the field. All new tops come with the extra magnets.
It’s also important that the top be mounted snug up against the windshield gasket. Looking at the pics the creases in the corners indicate the center part of the shade might have been pulled to hard to the back.

The Velcro issue can be easily remedied with the new Velcro replacement kit and the 3M adhesion promotor. Acrylic glue is very finicky and if when installing it it is pulled up to reposition it will not bond again even though it’s very sticky.

We take these issues seriously and will work with you to fix them. I am also available to help by phone 7 days a week.

[email protected]
Mike

 

[DarienJim]

I am back and forth between JTOP and Bestop. Most saying the quality is better on JTOP but I really did not want add those four Velcro strips to the frame.

Anyone do a real side by side comparison?

 

[KPLOBX]

I am back and forth between JTOP and Bestop. Most saying the quality is better on JTOP but I really did not want add those four Velcro strips to the frame.

Anyone do a real side by side comparison?

I’m interested in a comparison also

 

[Dmorty217]

Jtops. Best made option out there and you can get a custom one made. No issues at highway speed and flapping or trying to take off.

 

[FUB6G]

@jtopwhat is the lead time for the Stainless 2door top? Any discount codes for that?

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