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Bestop acquires Softopper

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by mcharfauros, Jun 4, 2019.

  1. Jun 4, 2019 at 8:38 AM
    #1
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    Been looking into a Softopper as an option, definitely see the benefits of the versatility in a great product. In looking into options I came across a post via Bestop’s social media. Not sure what this means, so gonna make an inquiry with Bestop to see if they have acquired Softopper. Either way, definitely sold on the Softopper, as feedback regarding use, fit, finish, and durability has been pretty awesome.


    “It’s not official til' its Facebook official.
    From all of us here at Bestop, we would like to officially welcome Softopper to the Bestop Premium Accessories Group family!

    “The light-duty pickup truck market is booming, and Softopper will be a great compliment to Bestop’s Supertop for Truck product line,” says Bestop CEO John Larson.” 97465EB3-3ADF-4901-B98A-447955E8D391.jpg

    @toysrgood dropped the link for an announcement

    https://www.pehub.com/2019/06/kinderhook-backed-bestop-buys-softopper/#
     

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    Last edited: Mar 24, 2020
    whatstcp likes this.
  2. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:03 PM
    #2
    Switchback

    Switchback Well-Known Member

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    Interesting.

    I just installed a Softopper on my truck yesterday, after previously having one on a previous truck, and just like last time I was amazed at the quality. They really do have a great product, and I always worry when companies that do great work independently get absorbed into much bigger companies. I'll hope that the brand continues with what I've personally come to regard as top-of-the-line quality.

    Also, I hope the owner(s)/founder(s) get bucket-loads of money from the deal, and the employees get some tangible benefits as well. Always like seeing "little guys" make it big when they can.
     
  3. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:06 PM
    #3
    Beretta4x4

    Beretta4x4 What makes the green grass grow? TTC#0114

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    Ditto. I'm very impressed in the quality of my Softopper. Hopefully, quality is unaffected by this. Looks like Baja Designs is part of that group, and their quality is top notch, so not too worried.
     
    mcharfauros[OP] likes this.
  4. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:13 PM
    #4
    whatstcp

    whatstcp currently drunk so don't listen to me

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    Hopefully it works out by streamlining and expanding the manufacturing process, pushing prices a bit lower without sacrificing the quality. Or be able to devote more attention to R&D for new and improved products.
     
  5. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:15 PM
    #5
    Beretta4x4

    Beretta4x4 What makes the green grass grow? TTC#0114

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    Yes. That would be nice. The only issue I've had with the Softopper is the lack of blind spot visibility. I'd love their fitment and quality, but with side windows.
     
  6. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:18 PM
    #6
    Gunshot-6A

    Gunshot-6A Prime Beef

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    PRP seats are no joke either.
     
  7. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:19 PM
    #7
    honda50r

    honda50r Not a Mallcrawler

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    If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em
     
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  8. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:20 PM
    #8
    Beretta4x4

    Beretta4x4 What makes the green grass grow? TTC#0114

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    Nice. I'll need to check them out.
     
    mcharfauros[OP] likes this.
  9. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:31 PM
    #9
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    I basically asked them via Instagram DM how long before Softoppers will be available via Bestop. This is the response I got. So maybe there is something good in terms of Softopper still operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Bestop. Fingers crossed, hopefully we can all experience the same great quality Softopper products as some of you have enjoyed pre-acquisition.

    BA130978-7F58-46C2-B065-FB0E4430C559.jpg
     
    Beretta4x4 likes this.
  10. Jun 4, 2019 at 1:32 PM
    #10
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    :thumbsup::oldglory:
     
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  11. Jun 21, 2019 at 11:36 AM
    #11
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    I hit up The Softopper Group on FB a few days ago, asking dimensions of their shipping boxes, since I couldn’t find anyone who still had them.

    While there I asked about the Softopper sale and acquisition. This is the message I got.


    CEA194E5-387A-4E59-BE6E-A711CF2132A1.jpg
     
    doublethebass likes this.
  12. Aug 2, 2019 at 11:19 AM
    #12
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    Forgot about the thread. I gave up hopes and dreams finding a used one in great shape, at a steal of a deal. Ended up ordering one. Arrived on 23July2019, diggin it so far!
    Drove around 1500 miles round trip to Texas, and then some. Really diggin’ it.

    2A46C035-6EE9-4AC1-ACC9-76B53249D775.jpg 5399ADFA-1888-48C3-A35F-112C008DE428.jpg
     
  13. Nov 15, 2019 at 4:45 AM
    #13
    RobP62

    RobP62 NVR20LD

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    Mornin' Gentlemen,

    Major factors for me to consider a soft top like most is convenience, versatility and cost. Like so many before me, I'm definitely considering a soft top instead of a hard top.

    As Josh @Beretta4x4 said, I would lean more towards the Bestop for the side windows to eliminate the blind spots but I'm weighing the differences between the two brands.

    I've been told that those side windows can be a negative factor to consider if you need to collapse the top frequently in extreme cold. I suppose a way around this would be an option to replace the window sides with solid canvas sides during the winter.

    Would adding those little convex spot mirrors be a logical choice and alternative? They could likely be helpful in most Offroad situations too.

    Would having a short bed (picking mine up tomorrow) over a long bed make a considerable difference in choice? In regard again to blind spots.

    Then there's the security aspect. I've never seen a Bestop or Softopper in person so I'm wondering, how easy is it for someone to look into the bed from the outside? More windows allow more light. I park in a public garage downtown for work.

    Then there is the fit. I know it shouldn't matter but every image of the Bestop I've seen looks like the gap between it and the cab, and even the angle is greater than the Softopper. This to me is like forcing a 2nd gen hard top onto a 3rd gen. The lines are just not as seamless.

    And like you Mike, I will happily put a used, in decent shape soft top on but maybe it's better to have new, especially on a new truck, if not to just ensure longevity then also for the warranty, and overall appearance. Especially when it comes to the window panels, which from what I'm seeing on the used market can be either in great condition or not. If you have to replace them much sooner than expected then it negates the good deal of a used version.

    Thanks for the info and insight guys.
    Rob
     
    mcharfauros[OP] and Beretta4x4 like this.
  14. Nov 15, 2019 at 7:18 PM
    #14
    5nahalf

    5nahalf I build dumb things

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    The new bestops dont have side windows anymore, its also a different shape than the first version. It looks much better than before.

    Check out their website for current design.
     
    mcharfauros[OP] likes this.
  15. Mar 24, 2020 at 4:51 PM
    #15
    mcharfauros

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    $50 off and Free Shipping on a new Softopper
    Ends 31Mar2020

    Code: MAR2020

    8B0AC1BD-2001-45E1-AC4D-18480FB5692F.jpg
     
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  16. Mar 31, 2020 at 3:29 PM
    #16
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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  17. Mar 31, 2020 at 3:31 PM
    #17
    fatfurious2

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    I dont like that bestop sides dont roll up. Always been a Softopper fan
     
  18. Mar 31, 2020 at 3:40 PM
    #18
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    Saw a 2nd gen with the new Bestop on a couple of weeks ago, in the eye test alone, I definitely lean to the Softopper side of the house. Hopefully I can get a pic of it when this whole thing settles down.
     
  19. Mar 31, 2020 at 4:56 PM
    #19
    mcharfauros

    mcharfauros [OP] IG: mcharfauros

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    Effective 01APR2020-30APR2020

    45E8A4D3-A436-4DF5-BE5D-D094FCD258B4.jpg

    :oldglory:
     
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  20. Apr 16, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #20
    5nahalf

    5nahalf I build dumb things

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    Bestop sides roll up, and they unzip... they do both.

    You undo both side zippers and leave the top one. Then you roll it up and there are snaps to hold it up.
     

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