Soft Topper vs Hard Topper

Anyone here that's owned both a hard and soft shell top? Which did you enjoy most in the end?

I'm really looking forward to a soft shell because it's convertible and can be folded down when a large item is in the bed.

A hard top is obviously much more rigid and heavier and difficult to take off, but I think it looks quite a bit better and might be more water tight?

So how many of you out there have owned both?

 

Ill chime in. I have had both on my Tundra. I Won't go back to a rigid cap. The increase of use of the bed made the softtopper a huge advantage.

I would have to take the hard cap off quite often to haul big items. It took 2 people. Now I do it by myself and it takes 2 minutes.

 

I have a hardtop but I would want a soft top for the reason above. However, I do like the ability to lock my stuff in the bed with a hardtop.

 

The lack of a locking tailgate always has bothered... It sounds very lazy that I'm going to use it as an excuse to write of the soft top security as acceptable, rather than install a locking handle... but I think I'd rather just leave it as-is and admit that it has bad security.

Anyone else out there? I thought I've seen @ERMB go through a soft-topper, hard topper transition before.

Thanks for all the input so far everyone!

 

I did do exactly that, but it wasn't for security reasons. I had the soft topper on for a little over a year and never once thought anything I had in the back wasn't secure. I think opening a softtopper is deterrent enough for people who don't go in and out of them all the time, flaps, zippers, tailgate most wouldn't take the time to open it to see what inside or get in without someone seeing them.
I switched because I want the ability to mount stuff to the roof

 

I have had both and will never own a hard topper again. The only downsides to a Softtopper are the rear window and security. Hard or soft, the rear window gets dusty but the vinyl window is soft and scratches very easy. My solution is to carry a cheap feather duster. Solved. Some people worry about security and in some places that is probably a valid concern. Where I live just having things in the bed be out of sight seems to be enough to prevent common grab and run thefts. Besides, if someone wants what is under a locked hard topper they will still get it with an additional twenty seconds of effort.

 

How are the soft toppers for weather resistance? I spend quite a bit of time sleeping under my hard shell in rain and snow, and high winds.

 

To be honest if I had the time and space I'd do it like a jeep. Hardtop in winter and softop in summer. I loved the flexibility of the soft top, but I could never really haul lumber with it very well. Without the use of my load extender but even then I didn't like having things hanging so far back. For me the hardtop wins this argument, it just more practical for my uses.

 

I'm really interested in the weather-proofing of these soft tops also.

 

This.

If someone wants your stuff, they are gonna get it regardless of the type of topper.

I use mine for mostly hauling my fishing gear and a place to hunker down during storms.

In 30 years of fishing, I've had nothing stolen, so I'm not gonna get worried about shit getting ripped off. Life is too short and I got supplemental insurance. If I get a fly rod stolen, I guarantee it will be replaced with that Orvis Helios I've been eyeballing for the last 2 years.

 

I can't wait to get a softtopper eventually. I love the utilitarian look of them especially on first gens. Only downside I see to them is security since they don't come with locks, but I figure I could just use a luggage lock if I need to?

 

Bike cable lock, too. They thread thru tie down hoops just fine.

The goal is to slow down thieves. Taking time to unscrew the tie down hoops tasked to long.

 

A roof rack on the topper was an important factor for me also.

 

Seal the seams per the manufacturers instructions and they are fine. Exactly like a Jeep soft top.

 

I feel like adding a lock is just asking for someone to cut it to shreds AND steal your stuff.... If they're going to steal stuff might as well make it easy so they don't wreck your soft top too.

I think I'm really sold on the soft topper idea... now to find one I actually like the looks of.

 

This one is nice if you have the budget (kind of a hybrid of hard and soft):

http://bakindustries.com/p-8241-roll-x-hard-rolling-tonneau-covers-overview.html

I own this one, great for the price and can still use the rails:

http://www.accesscover.com/original/

 

There are only two, possibly three, factory made options. Softtopper and Bestop Supertop are readaily available. The original (military style non-folding I believe) Can-Back claims to be back in business but I have never seen one on the road that isn't 20 years old.

 

Can-Back's website says they are going to produce more but they need to know who's interested in what (which models to make them for apparently). There's a list you can sign up on via their website with your info and what kind of truck you have to be notified when/if they produce them for your truck. I signed up awhile ago (couple months back) and haven't heard anything yet. Would love to see them get mass-produced for our trucks, I really do love the old CanBack design.

Sign up here!
http://www.can-back.com

 

Thanks, but I actually already have the Trifecta from Extang (tri-fold tonneau cover)

The serious disadvantage though is the amount of storage height. Really could have used a full-height cover that goes to the top of the bed like a truck cap or full soft top (thinking specifically softtopper or besttop)

 

That Can-Back looks bad ass!