Reviews: Smittybilt Bowless Combo Soft Tops

The Smittybilt Bowless soft top is everything I expected. Quality seems good and it looks good on my 2005 TJ. I’d say the installation instructions were a bit confusing. Almost can do it better figuring it out on your own. Also, it wasn’t clear to me whether or not I could use the original Jeep windshield header or not. Once we tried to install it was clear I needed to get a new header as the OEM one that holds the Jeep factory top doesn’t work for this or I guess most replacement soft tops. It was just frustrating to have to then order a new header and wait for it. Once we had that, everything was fine. The factory original tailgate bar works fine though. No need to order a new one of those.

This is a great top. It went on fairly easily, just like it was supposed to. It looks good and is pretty quiet on the highway. Make sure to put it on in the sun when it's warm out, it would not stretch enough to get the rear window installed inside my garage. Once I moved it into the sun, it zipped right up.

The instructions are terrible, once you actually get the top on, it's super nice but getting it to fit properly was all kinds of trouble. I had to take it off, put it back on again before I actually found it it needs to sit in the sun for multiple hours before it will stretch to fit.

Got the call from 4WP that my Smittybilt bowless combo top had arrived, way ahead of time, super happy, had been rocking a bikini top for months and that was a little impractical, but anyway, started on it right away. I took it out of it’s box to familiarize myself with everything and let it heat in the sun, do not try to install in the cooler temps, that’s just stupid.the instructions were straight forward and it installed as the instructions said, I already knew I would need Smittybilt window chanel, oem surround, and tailgate rail, but I read the description of product before I purchased. Overall installation took about an hour or so , but the top is brand new so you’ll have that.It looks amazing, the quality exceeded my expectations, and I was pleasantly surprised with the storage bag for the top itself and the overhead pockets and molle fastener, very nice!

Great top for the price! Fits well and the rear window folds up under the top so you don't have to take it all the way off.

I never received my order. I placed the order in December, it’s now May, and I still have yet to receive it. I’m sure it’s a great product but I cannot give an honest review at this moment. I’ve contacted 4WP to get updates multiple times but I’ve been given the run around unfortunately

This top does what it’s supposed to do. Quick and easy to remove/put on once initial installation is complete. I wanted a soft top where the windows would not fly open from the doors when driving and this is it.

I had a Rampage frameless on my 03 and since I liked it so much, I decided to toss the stock top on my 05 and pick up the Smittybilt Bowless top. Glad I did. bowless tops are quieter and better looking and I love the bonus of the storage pouches and Molle loops above the front seats. Still figuring out the best way to store the window in the top so it doesn't look like I'm hauling my laundry, but hey, Jeeps are supposed to keep you thinking and tinkering in any manner possible. The price on this top is outstanding considering the quality of product. Get rid of that frame, you won't regret it.

Very easy to install. Did take a few tries to get the stretching and placement correct but ended up looking wonderful

Definately needs 2 people for install looks great no noticed noises or anything wish it was a little bit stretchier did pop a few stitches while stretching side to side definately reccomend

Great top. But, terrible instructions. It took 2 days to get the top to actually fit. Took a week to be able to zip the zippers down and I live in southern calif

I bought this to replace a worn out bikini top. The advantage of this top is that it also replaced my factory soft top. You can remove the side and rear windows to have an extended bikini top. Installation is a little tricky if you're trying to do it at dusk, while getting eaten alive by mosquitos in Florida. Otherwise, I can't complain. The instructions did miss one small detail. They did not expressly say when you should secure the tabs on the sides of the front part under the channel in the door surrounds. I knew it had to be done, but I was trying to follow the instructions in order on my first installation and ended up skipping that part until the very end. It didn't really matter, though. Pros: 1. You can buy two versions of this top and the price is fantastic. There is one version that comes with a tailgate retainer and windshield channel header, if you do not already have those parts. That version is about $200 more expensive, but would be worth it for someone who didn't have those parts. I bought this particular version because I already had those items. 2. This top is literally two tops in one. It is a full soft top, but can easily convert to an extended bikini top. 3. This top includes three rods that rest in the top of the door surrounds (at the front) and over the sport bars (middle and rear). These rods provide rigidity to the top, keeping it from "ponding" and flapping. 4. The top has zipper pockets in the front and a couple of different places with MOLLE attachment points, thus providing additional storage space. 5. There is actually a large pocket in the top that is used for storing the windows when you want it in extended bikini mode. The top even comes with a bag to put the windows in. Cons: 1. The small detail about when to secure the front tabs to the door surrounds is not listed in the instructions. 2. The first installation can be a bit tricky, if the top is right out of the box. Bottom line: I absolutely would recommend this top to a friend. The price is great and it is so versatile and useful, it's not even funny.

I bought this to replace my factory soft top and a worn out bikini top. It does the job perfectly. The price is great. You can order the top based on what hardware you already have. For instance, if you already have a windshield channel, tailgate retainer, and door surrounds you can order the cheaper kit. Same exact top but it doesn?t include the aforementioned hardware. This top comes with bars to prevent flapping and pooling. It?s a little tricky to install, especially when connecting the side windows with the rear window. The instructions also aren?t clear on when you should secure the plastic tabs at the front to the door surrounds. Otherwise, I have absolutely no complaints. This thing even comes with a window storage bag and you can then store that inside a pocket in the top itself. What?s more, there are storage pockets and MOLLE attachment points in the top, too! Yes I would recommend this to a friend.

Love having a soft top. Like the little things about the top (pockets, zippers etc) door surrounds had extra pieces and had to do minor changes to them so they didn’t rip holes in the top.

Top was great instructions were horrible to follow and I had to use other sources. It was a pain to install and takes about an hour or so to get on. Good quality from what I see.

I like the top, it all didn’t quite fit, meaning rear window zippers were extremely snug, would not move until after a few days of sunshine allowed it to stretch a little. But I am wondering why water pools up on the top.

Love the look, love the bowless system, initial install was a nightmare. Seems like decent/good quality, love it though