Leer and ARE topper types/questions

Can anyone explain how the topper packages from Leer and ARE are tiered? They all look the same to me on the Web page.
Also curious on fit. Some models tend to fit flush while others hang over the bed sightly.
If you have either brand please post pic with model type etc.
Looking to pull the trigger some time next month.

 

My ARE was a flush fit, which i appreciated. The differences in models were mostly to-do with how it was shaped from there...flush height with the cab, bump up, etc. Then there are always the options you can add on - different doors, different windows, cab pass through, or solid rear window. the list goes on.

there are subtle differences, but enough to make the research worth it, imo

 

What model was yours?

 

I had an MX i believe (i had the slight bump to make it higher) - i didn't buy it, it came with the truck. ...back door (above the tailgate) was missing, otherwise i would have been tempted to keep it on the truck. It was solidly built and would have worked well for truck-bed camping. I ended up going with a Bestop so i can drop the top most of the time, and cover when i need to.

here a non-complete comparison chart of some of the other features of ARE toppers http://www.4are.com/pdfs/ARE_CH_Comparison.pdf

 

Anyone else?

 

You might find the Best topper/camper shell features thread useful. As I posted there...

The final "candidates" from which I chose were a Snugtop Super Sport, Leer 100XL, and an ARE Z-Series. IMO, they're all good choices and offer similar features. In the end, however, I went with ARE for the following reasons. First, price - Snugtop was ~20% more expensive than Leer and ARE, which were within ~$50 of each other. ARE's hinges appear to be the biggest/strongest of the bunch. ARE's tip-out window and rear door glass have the "cleanest" appearance, with no externally-visible rivets/connectors. ARE's (hardware) warranty is a little better/longer.

 

I have the ARE Z series, it is a good fit and keeps the bed dry. I started with the X series and it leaked around the rear door, no adjustment capabilities on the door so there was nothing they could do to prevent the leakage - they bumped me up to the top of the line Z series for my troubles - great customer service.

 

Leer 100xl w/ Thule rack. Mine hangs over the sides slightly. Had to replace the struts and brake light which i hear are common issues, but other than that i love it.

 

My Leer 100xl gas shocks died after about a month and won't lift the hatch all the way open on their own anymore. I've yet to go back to the dealer but is there a better shock to put on that I should look at.

 

Leer 100xr. The premium for higher models were just to much for me to swallow and I wasn't patient enough to wait for one to pop up on Craigslist. I do wish I opted for windoors though.

 

$24 Suspa C16-22331 15.7" Gas Prop/Strut 45 lbs - Set of Two | Made in USA

https://www.amazon.com/Suspa-C16-22...qid=1480774327&sr=8-1&keywords=suspa+c1622331

I used these