by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Being the proud Jeep owner is certainly an amazing way to turn long, warm summer months from something you passively enjoy, into an entire active experience. And one of the biggest reasons is simply up top, over your head.
That’s right. A Jeep hard or soft top is entirely removable, offering you an entirely open cabin and fresh air from bumper to bumper. Very few other vehicles can boast this experience. Even better, almost no other vehicle can offer this as a feature during on, and off-road, driving.
There is one thing, though, that is highly advisable during these topless driving months.
Getting a protective bimini top.
Fresh air driving is fun and harkens back to the automotive brand’s original days some eight decades ago, but it also allows the sun to beat down on you when stopped in traffic or waiting at a light.
So installing that overhead bimini top gives you the unique ability to fully embrace an open-air driving experience, while still affording some sun security.
The trick is to find one you like, plays nice with your vehicle, and is simple to operate. And with so many options on the market, finding the right one can be a daunting task. Well, we're here to help.
Based on our experiences over the years, here are the top five Jeep bimini tops we think should be on your shortlist this summer:
Mastertop Shademaker Mesh Bimini/Plus
Full overhead coverage with an airy lightness. That’s what Mastertop offers with its Shademaker series of mesh bimini tops. These summer solutions are crafted from a heavy-duty mesh material that was initially developed for truck cargo to keep items securely in place. That rugged mesh durability offers a no-flap design for Jeeps while helping to filter out 70 percent of the sun’s UV rays.
These tops fit all Wrangler editions, have a red or black color option, and feature an easy-to-install system that utilizes snaps and buckles — meaning no drilling or channels are needed to secure against the vehicle. Additionally, options are available just for front-passenger coverage, or for full-length overhead security.
All Mastertop Shademaker tops include rugged, reinforced webbing on each edge to ensure durable attachment points that will not rip or tear over time.
For hardtop owners, the mesh Shademaker top can remain in place year-round as it easily fits under the hardtop when installed. Soft top Jeeps simply need the Shademaker top unclipped from attachment points and stored away before re-installing the full soft top.
Bestop Bikini / Header Bikini
Bestop’s Bikini and Header Bikini tops have been a staple product for years and are well-known for using high-quality soft top fabric that offers exceptional durability and UV protection.
These tops fit just about every Jeep when its soft or hardtop is removed, and include reinforced edges to prevent excessive flapping, as well as industrial-grade buckles and webbing for added durability.
Additionally, Bestop offers these tops in either front or full-length coverage so you can choose the design that best serves you and all your passengers. They also are designed to snugly fit to the vehicle’s windshield – with the bikini top attaching to a fixed, drilled-in windshield channel, and the header bikini mounting to a latching channel.
Regardless of the attachment, each system includes an easy installation and removal process, saving you valuable time and effort. So, if you are seeking a blend of durability, style, and comfort, the Bestop Bikini or Header Bikini Top is an excellent choice.
Mopar Mesh Sun Bonnet
With the growing popularity of mesh fabric as an overhead summer top solution that enhances the whole open-cab experience, Mopar’s version neatly utilizes the Jeep’s existing rail system for a tight, no-flap connection that is simple to install or remove.
Its lightweight material is tightly woven to expertly block over 99 percent of the sun’s UV rays, while the durable mesh is weather resistant just in case there is a little rain. Additionally, its rear section has a zippered pull so you can remove and leave the front section in place when the Jeep’s soft or hardtop needs to go back on the vehicle.
And, of course, with Mopar as the OEM parts supplier for Jeep, you know the Mesh Sun Bonnet will perfectly fit the vehicle and provide years of reliable use.
Rugged Ridge Eclipse Sun Shade
Simple to install and remove, the Rugged Ridge Eclipse Sun Shade has long proven popular for the summer top crowd who want sunlight protection while still enjoying an open cabin.
It features a reinforced mesh construction that filters out harmful UV rays and easily installs with bungee ball attachments — eliminating the need for a separate header channel against the windshield frame. Additionally, once installed, the Eclipse top can remain in place year-round as it neatly fits under the factory top and does not obstruct the latch system.
The half-top system installs between the front portion of the sports bar and windshield to protect front passengers, while the full-length top is secured between the windshield and rear crossbar to cover front and rear occupants. Also, if you do decide to remove it from your Jeep, the top comes with a handy storage bag to keep it safe in the backseat, trunk, or wherever.
Spiderwebshade Brief Tops
With its unique and ultra-durable Trailmesh fabric, Spiderwebshades’ tops not only block out over 90 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays, but they also are designed to keep your vehicle’s interior about 30 percent cooler versus having no top at all.
Sure, you can still enjoy an open cabin, but this top securely fits with no flapping and its vinyl-coated mesh material is strong enough to resist tearing from tree branch impacts or other road debris.
Plus, it doesn’t need any additional hardware and installs with no drilling or vehicle modifications. Simply hook the included SpiderBalls through each grommet and wrap around the Jeep’s sports bar. Then, once it's on, you can leave it there all year as it neatly fits under a hard or soft top.
