What Are the Pros and Cons of Framed vs Frameless Jeep JK Soft Tops?

When you want to change the style of your Jeep Wrangler JK, one of the best places to start is with the top. Now, if you've already landed on soft tops, we love that, but sometimes it's not easy to choose one, especially when you need to choose between framed and frameless Jeep JK soft tops. Thankfully, we're here to clean things up for you. Read this guide to learn more about what these soft tops are and what their benefits and drawbacks can be.

Framed Jeep JK Soft Tops

First and foremost, you have framed Jeep JK soft tops. If you've ever seen a factory-style soft top, you’re usually looking at a Jeep JK framed soft top. These are Jeep soft tops that come with additional supports that you have to install, like a bow/frame assembly. Framed tops also usually have strong windows and other hardware that ensure that they fit snuggly on your vehicle.

Frameless Jeep JK Soft Tops

Frameless Jeep Wrangler JK soft tops are where things get a little interesting. You'll come across bikini tops that you secure with zippers, straps, and tension cables, along with mesh-style tops that offer full fastback-style coverage. One of our favorite examples of this style is the TrailView Frameless Fastback Soft Top, which gives your four-door Wrangler a boost in aerodynamics and curb appeal. Plus, your Jeep won't look like a box anymore. Overall, the main difference between a frameless and framed soft top is that frameless soft tops don't come with any additional support. This leaves only your existing roll cage, pillars, and other supports to secure your frameless top.

The Pros of Frameless Jeep JK Soft Tops

There are a handful of benefits to going with frameless Jeep JK soft tops, and we take you through the most notable ones below.

More Flexible Designs

Due to the inherent lack of structure, frameless Jeep JK soft tops have more flexible designs. One of our favorites is the RedRock Full Length Mesh Sun Shade, which offers partial coverage from the sun. Tops like this are excellent if you want the wind flowing through your hair on an off-road adventure without coming home with a nasty sunburn. Still, there are plenty of other designs available, from aerodynamic fastbacks to partial sunshades and mesh covers.

Lightweight and Modular

Another benefit of frameless soft tops is that they're usually easier to work with. Typically, they weigh less than framed soft tops, have less mounting hardware, and don't take as long to install. Plus, they're usually smaller than framed soft tops, so storage can be easier.

Budget-Friendly

Also, you'll find that many frameless soft tops are budget friendly. This depends on the design you choose, but nine times out of ten a bikini or mesh top will cost a lot less than a framed soft top.

The Cons of Frameless Jeep JK Soft Tops

Before you make the switch to frameless Jeep JK soft tops, it's important to understand the drawbacks of them. Learn more about some of the drawbacks of frameless Jeep JK soft tops below.

Less Weather Resistant

Frameless soft tops don't have the support in harsh weather that framed soft tops do. Therefore, they may leak or sustain other types of damage during storms. What's more, some of these tops may offer no coverage at all. After all, you don't want to get caught in the rain with a bikini top.

Alignment Issues

Another issue with frameless tops comes down to the lack of mounting hardware. Sure, a frame may be a hassle, but at least you have some mounting surfaces and hardware to work with. With frameless soft tops, you may have nothing to work with aside from zippers. Unfortunately, this can make aligning the top challenging, and this can prevent it from being airtight.

The Pros of Framed Jeep JK Soft Tops

When it comes to framed Jeep JK soft tops, you might just think that they're boring OEM-style tops, but this couldn't be further from the truth. Learn more about why these tops are a good choice below.

Durability

When you’re looking for a soft top that can stand the test of time, framed Jeep JK soft tops are where it's at. These tops can handle poor weather, the sun, and other conditions better than frameless tops. Plus, some aftermarket options come with even more durable components, like the Bestop Supertop NX Soft. The Bestop Supertop NX Soft Top features durable powder-coated hardware that's resistant to corrosion, 30 oz twill inner and outer layers with waterproofing, and DOT-approved windows with a 31% tint. In other words, these tops look good and aren't going anywhere.

Better Insulation

Whether you want to stay cool in the summer or warm during the winter, framed Jeep JK soft tops have you covered. While they're not as insulated as a hard top, your cooling and heating systems won't struggle to keep your cabin comfortable. Plus, you'll hear less of the road, and you don't have to worry as much about leaks.

The Cons of Framed Jeep JK Soft Tops

There's a lot to love about framed Jeep JK soft tops, but there are also some drawbacks. Learn more about them below.

Bulkier

One of the problems with framed Jeep JK soft tops is the fact that they're bulkier. This makes them a little more challenging to install, and it also makes them harder to store due to their size. For these reasons, you may not want to go with one of these tops if you're going to be storing them often or installing and removing them frequently.

More Expensive

Framed soft tops tend to be more expensive than their frameless counterparts. This isn't always the case, but for the average soft top, the cost is higher. The reason for the high cost is the additional installation hardware and materials.

Get the Jeep JK Soft Top You Need Today

At the end of the day, choosing the best soft top comes down to your needs. Framed tops work great if you want to keep things OEM-style and you care more about durability than flexibility. Plus, if you'll be leaving the top on, it is often tough to beat. On the other hand, frameless soft tops work better for people who want more flexibility with styles and designs. Frameless options are also great if you want lightweight, off-road-friendly options. If you need more help finding the right top for your build, our sales techs are always ready to help.