Back in the day when I used to own a Jeep Wrangler, the first aftermarket purchase I made for it was a Bestop Supertop to make it easier to go topless for the summer. The Supertop was awesome, and I'd like to say that it helped me land chicks but that would be a lie. Fifteen years later, I got to spend the last few months living with a Bestop Supertop on my Polaris RZR 570 demo. There were two things i noticed immediately upon unpacking the top. First, this one smells like a swimming pool liner just like my old Jeep top (ah, the memories). Second, this top is made of the same quality material that Bestop Jeep tops are made of. In addition to the fabric softop and vinyl rear window, you also score an ABS plastic front window frame with a DOT-approved 1/4-inch glass windshield.
Having tested throughout the winter riding season, the top does a nice job of keeping the biting cold wind out of the cabin. With a glass windshield, there are both pros and cons. On the positive end, wiping the mud off the windshield won't scratch it, unlike the vinyl rear window. The glass also doesn't flex and bounce like a plastic window does, which gives the pilot and passenger an unimpeded view of the trail ahead. What are the downsides, you might ask? First, there's no windshield wiper option, so when the window gets covered in mud, somebody needs to get out and clean it. Second, although it hasn't happened yet, it's only a matter of time before the windshield gets pummeled with a rock or tree branch. Since the glass is DOT-approved, it won't shatter like a wine glass. However, to replace it costs nearly $400! Finally, although you can remove the top easily for open air riding, the windshield requires tools and patience to remove and replace. Once you put it on, you won't want to remove it.
If a soft cab is on your wish list, the Bestop is a great solution. It's tough, durable and provides excellent protection from the elements. At almost a grand, it's not cheap. Additionally, be prepared to live with a windshield that isn't nearly as convenient to remove as the top. -Lance Schwartz
www.bestop.com
Price: $1,034.95
