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Bestop vs Softopper

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by blueburban6, Jan 17, 2012.

  1. Sep 19, 2013 at 6:59 PM
    #61
    EngiNerd

    EngiNerd That There Guy

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    Bestop, back-up lights, bed lights
    Just got an installed my Bestop and I am liking it. Simple enough to put on and fold down. I am got it because I am moving some stuff soon and am tired of tarps. Only a couple of questions for other owners...
    From inside I can see through some of the stitching, is that an issue with leaking? Is there something I can use to seal it that will not mess with the canvas?
    The front corners have gaps between the sire rail and front flap that I can fit my pinky. Not huge, but again, I don't want leaks.

    Any thoughts or tips are appreciated.
     
  2. Feb 18, 2014 at 8:19 PM
    #62
    ASUAviator

    ASUAviator Well-Known Member

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    Bestop has the windows that slide in and out. Do they make a black canvas option to slide in and out too?? Would it be easy to rig up some shades if not??
     
  3. Feb 18, 2014 at 8:59 PM
    #63
    gb42

    gb42 Well-Known Member

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    Almost a year later I ended up going Bestop after seeing a softopper in person. I like the windows and I felt the softtopper shape wasn't aesthetically pleasing.
     
  4. Feb 18, 2014 at 9:15 PM
    #64
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (Prev 09 Access Cab V6 4X4)
    Starting over with a new GMC AT4 Satin Steel Metallic Softopper, Bilstein 5100's @ 1.75 in the front, TSB Rear, 17x8.5 Lvl 8 Guardians, 265/70-17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W, Scooped, Anytime fog mod, Osram Nightbreakers, LED Interior lights, Debadged, Painted valance, Removed rear head rests, De-flapped, Hidden Hitch installed, Weather Techs, Flyzeye'd A/W/A, Cover Kings.
    I bought my softopper a year ago and love it. It still looks brand new. Personally I'm not a fan of the look of the bestop with the windows in, looks thrown together to me like it's made out of different pieces. Softoppers are hand made in the USA and the guy who answers the phone is the guy who made mine. Awesome service.

    [​IMG]

    I currently have mine tucked away with the cover that came with it, extra.

    Looks like this:

    [​IMG]
     
  5. Feb 18, 2014 at 9:15 PM
    #65
    ASUAviator

    ASUAviator Well-Known Member

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    ^ Do you know the answer to my question?
     
  6. Feb 18, 2014 at 9:19 PM
    #66
    Fightnfire

    Fightnfire Recklessly tired

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    2021 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4 (Prev 09 Access Cab V6 4X4)
    Starting over with a new GMC AT4 Satin Steel Metallic Softopper, Bilstein 5100's @ 1.75 in the front, TSB Rear, 17x8.5 Lvl 8 Guardians, 265/70-17 Falken Wildpeak AT3W, Scooped, Anytime fog mod, Osram Nightbreakers, LED Interior lights, Debadged, Painted valance, Removed rear head rests, De-flapped, Hidden Hitch installed, Weather Techs, Flyzeye'd A/W/A, Cover Kings.
    I'm not sure about black canvas but I do know they have screen/mesh inserts you can get.
     
  7. Feb 18, 2014 at 9:32 PM
    #67
    schwangster

    schwangster Well-Known Member

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    Don't think they have those anymore. Or canvas windows.
    But replacement windows are available and pretty reasonable, if you want to try modding them to what you want.
     
  8. Feb 18, 2014 at 9:41 PM
    #68
    ASUAviator

    ASUAviator Well-Known Member

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    Thank you. One would think they have the option. gotta find time away from work that I could call and find out
     
  9. Feb 18, 2014 at 10:16 PM
    #69
    schwangster

    schwangster Well-Known Member

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  10. Feb 19, 2014 at 6:16 AM
    #70
    TugBoatTrash

    TugBoatTrash Face first!! Hammer down!!!

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    Do dents and scratches count?
    I'm trying to decide which one to purchase. My main purpose for buying one is hauling the dog around. Right now he rides in the cab and those coonhound hairs are driving me crazy! I am leaning towards the softtopper but am wondering if you can drive around with it as a canopy, say up to highway speeds. Does anyone know if this is possible?
     
  11. Feb 19, 2014 at 7:24 AM
    #71
    gb42

    gb42 Well-Known Member

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    I can't speak from experience on the softopper but I would be willing to bet my left testicle you can. I drive on the highway with my bestop-aint no thing but a chicken wing.
     
  12. Feb 19, 2014 at 9:18 AM
    #72
    schwangster

    schwangster Well-Known Member

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    Bestop here. Just drove from Cabo San Lucas to Vancouver Canada, on the I-5 at 70-80mph all the way. No flapping. Handled like part of the truck.
    The only time I've had an issue is when I take all the windows out and drive it at highway speeds. Sometimes the back end will unclip if I don't have the tension up. Just flaps around until I reattach it.
     
  13. Jul 17, 2014 at 11:02 PM
    #73
    wyoming4x4

    wyoming4x4 Member

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    nothing yet but I get with you guys on this project. Want to keep it resonable.
    Which one would hold up better in cold weather is my question. Both look great but wyoming winters. Thanks from wyoming.
     
  14. Jul 18, 2014 at 4:10 AM
    #74
    EngiNerd

    EngiNerd That There Guy

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    Bestop, back-up lights, bed lights
    The windows do get brittle as they get really cold, but they are pretty solid. Since Bestop is the same company that makes the Jeep tops I would see if there are any older Jeeps with soft tops in the area and see how they have held up.
    I take mine off during the winter to be safe, but it's a permanent fixture the other 3 seasons.
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2014
  15. Jul 18, 2014 at 6:21 AM
    #75
    Capita

    Capita Well-Known Member

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    Had the softopper for a while and had no issues with it. It was awesome. I later went with a shell to suit my needs.
    The softopper looks so much better then the Bestop
     
  16. Aug 6, 2014 at 3:04 PM
    #76
    kertaco

    kertaco New Member

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    I'm guessing I'd need to remove my Husky toolbox to install either a Bestop or Softopper. It's bolted into the front and both sides of the bed walls. Any experience/comments on that?
     
  17. Aug 17, 2014 at 8:34 AM
    #77
    FishTacos

    FishTacos New Member

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    Hi all,

    I just picked up a Tacoma this week and am new to the forum. I'm considering a collapsible soft cap for the new DCSB TRD OR and there's some good insight here.

    Like many others, it's come down to Softopper vs Bestop.

    Does the the Bestop play nice with racks (kayaks, ladder, lumber hauling options)?

    It appears that there's a rack option from Softopper in which the rack doesn't interfere with the cap functionality. From looking on their website it seems to install with enough clearance that the cap will still fold down. In addition to the Bestop windows getting brittle in the winter, the rack issue might be the deciding factor for me. Plus Softopper is a local company.

    Anyone have experience with a similar set up? Other options for a soft cap with rack system than Softopper?


    take it light
     
  18. Feb 5, 2015 at 5:42 PM
    #78
    Turd Herding Jim

    Turd Herding Jim What's wrong bro, DERPes flaring up?

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    3" Icon Stage 3 lift, All Pro Off Road APEX front bumper, Amor Tech Off Road high clearance rear bumer, Armor Tech Off Road rock sliders. URD Short Shifter, HID Headlights, Level 8 Guardian Wheels, 285/75-16 Falken Rock Mountain ATS tires, 4.56's with front and rear ARB air lockers, BesTop Soft Cover
    My best top just arrived, and in the directions it says to install with temps of over 72 degrees due to shrinking of fabric. Ok, no problem. My concern is once I get it installed and have it up in weather colder than freezing am I going to have to worry about the snaps coming undone while driving, or the seams ripping apart? I sure hope not because I bought it to haul a lot of my personal belongings in the bed for my move from central WI to North Western WA. Anybody with some insight would greatly help!
     
  19. Feb 5, 2015 at 5:51 PM
    #79
    Turd Herding Jim

    Turd Herding Jim What's wrong bro, DERPes flaring up?

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    3" Icon Stage 3 lift, All Pro Off Road APEX front bumper, Amor Tech Off Road high clearance rear bumer, Armor Tech Off Road rock sliders. URD Short Shifter, HID Headlights, Level 8 Guardian Wheels, 285/75-16 Falken Rock Mountain ATS tires, 4.56's with front and rear ARB air lockers, BesTop Soft Cover
    That's what I'm hoping for! And they do not kid about it shrinking either! about 3 inches around 5 degrees! Thanks bud!
     
  20. Feb 10, 2015 at 9:03 PM
    #80
    ragincajun35

    ragincajun35 Well-Known Member

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    See Builds....
    Soooo..... have we reached a definitive answer to which is the better top? Also whats the price on these guys. I'm seeing $639 on the bestop and around $725 on the softopper.
     

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