How much louder is a frameless soft top?

[alexb]

So I'm looking for a new soft top for my Jeep.

Based on reviews and what not, I'm looking at either:

• Bestop Sailcloth replace-a-top http://www.quadratec.com/products/11132_083X_PG.htm which would reuse my existing hardware $655-$50 mail in rebate + free shipping
• Softtopper LJ02 http://www.softopper.com/Wrangler_LJ...6-details.aspx which is frameless $565 + 35 shipping and made in Boulder

Both look good. I like to take the top completely off as frequently as possible and both seem to be good for that. I like the idea of getting rid of all the frame hardware in the trunk when the top is down. The softtopper also has a pocket for the windows meaning I can ditch my clover patch roll for windows which is nice.

I looked at the rampage tops and the reviews look like there is too little quality control. Either 5 stars or 1 star.

Will the frameless be substantially louder? My jeep is a daily driver and my company is changing locations so it's likely I'll be commuting on the freeway next year. Both are going to end up being pretty close to the same price. Thanks for your thoughts.

[The StRanger]

I personally like the Softopper..

[Colin]

I had the frame-less top from rampage and I didn't notice a difference in wind noise between that and the best top soft top I had, but some of the zippers broke on the rampage top when I tried to use the back window on a coldish morning in moab.

[Java]

I have the rampage top on my LJ in the summer (it's in my avatar), hard top in the winter. It's not noisier than the OEM top at all, have had zero problems with it, but if I hadn't gotten such a screaming deal on it I would have gone with the Bestop for the sunrider feature- taking the top down is not as easy as the OEM one. I like that the windows fit inside the top; I don't like that there is no provision to roll up the rear window, you have to remove it or jam it up into the window pocket. I also don't use it in the winter because the angle of the rear window is perfect for collecting snow. It's a good top, I'll never go back to the frame style.

[JeepWrench]

The Best option is BESTOP TREKTOP NX