Canvas vs Mesh Bimini:Bikini

[SoccerM]

I’m debating between the canvas vs mesh open top covers. Curious to hear from others on why they chose one over the other. I’ve got a 2024 4door OBX.

My goal: I want to enjoy all three tops off while driving for the spring/summer but concerned about sun scorching the leather seats and too much sun exposure for people while driving longer distances.

My debate:

Mesh: better outdoor feeling. But builds don’t seem to be as good (wind noise etc. maybe too much sun comes in too?

Canvas: seems like better builds (quite and good fit) but will cover sun 100% so we lose the feeling of being outside and seeing the stars and blue skies.

What did you choose and why?

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[HoosierDaddy]

I'll go with a solid canvas one when/if the time comes.
I have that type on my 69 Bronco and for the occasional rain storm, it will keep you mostly dry underneath it.

I'm not a sun seeker, so I don't really enjoy being in the direct sun light. It reminds me of work when I can't escape it. I suppose if I had a job as an an office dweller, I might feel differently.

Folks who enjoy the sun but want a bit of the harshness tamed seem to really enjoy the mesh versions.
If memory serves, J-Tops makes a quality bimini/bikini.
@JTopsUSA

Interesting comment about the mesh, weave types, sun blocking etc etc.
https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/thre...he-bronco-bimini-sun-shade.41976/post-2175161

 

[Alanp970]

I have the Ford Performance canvas bikini top. It fits nicely but it kind of takes away the feeling of having the top off. You can still have a conversation at highway speeds. I don’t enjoy being baked by the sun but it blocks out so much I think a mesh top would have been a better choice for me. I’ve only used it once so I probably need to use it more before I condemn it

 

[Flying Skunks]

I just installed a JTops mesh top on my Bronco yesterday. The fit and finish is Awesome . Went for a ride last night , and at 90mph it's Awesome. No flapping or craziness like the cheaper tops . Also seams quieter than the cheaper tops . I will take a Pic and post when I get back home

 

[Flying Skunks]

and best part is , I can leave the Bimini top on under my hardtop

 

[Dlrsavannah]

I bought this mesh off Amazon for a great price. It's a tight fit, cuts the sunlight down some but leaves plenty of air flow and does not flap around at high speeds. As far as a canvas goes, it totally defeats the purpose of a convertible top in my opinion. Good thing is, you don't have to take it off when putting the top back up.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WYJ8C6W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share&th=1

 

[Bogeybekk]

Loved my mesh top over the past 2 summers but got caught in the rain a couple of times and got soaked. Bought a new canvas one last winter and looking forward to trying it this summer. If you’re not worried about rain definitely go mesh!

Here’s the canvas one I bought: https://broncobikini.com/

 

[Jazzcat]

for what it's worth....
i had both mesh and canvas tops on my wranglers years ago, and i preferred the mesh.
it blocked the right amount of sun and seemed to have a better air flow on hot humid days.
and as David said above, once on, i never removed it to put the regular top over it.
again, that was on 1992, 97 and 2006 wranglers.
i really don't have plans on purchasing a bikini for my Bronco, but if i do, it'll probably be mesh.

 

[SoccerM]

and best part is , I can leave the Bimini top on under my hardtop

Very cool. Nice paint work!

I also like the fact most of the Bimini tops stay on no matter if the roof is on or

 

[SoccerM]

Seems like canvas might be better for locations that rain in the summer…I live in CA and it’s a desert here once the winter and early spring wrap up.

Also seems like mesh tops are much better at overall quality (sound/Uv protection/viewing the stars) than in the past.

 

[Flying Skunks]

I'm here in Central Florida, and was caught in a few quick rain showers yesterday when I just had the Bimini top on , no issues , and didn't get wet . Helped that the side windows were rolled up , and we were doing about 40-45mph

 

[MayhemMike]

Two door BL. I optioned the Ford canvas shade top. It acts like a sail and makes a lot of flapping noise. I opened the zippers to reduce the air capture. Used my points to buy the Ford mesh with horse logo. Have not installed yet, but I will bet a buck it is way quieter, plus it can be left on when the hard top is reinstalled.

 

[MyDogGoldie]

I have the Rough Country Mesh, it's perfect, hasn't needed adjustment since I installed it, and it's cheap. There is a logo on the top back, but I you can't see it from any angle other than above, in other words, you will never see the logo.

I got the mesh because, I love the open top feel and look, but I didn't love the direct sun on my black interior and skin. I drive with the soft top on but open.

 

[Blu6GBronco]

I've tried Mabett's mesh Bimini top and albeit it's not 100% perfect it's not bad either. From my understanding each Bimini / Bikini has their pros and cons.

Above said, I know a lot of folks compare flapping, attach methods and side / front gaps, however those aspects aside - I am curious if the various mesh Bimini tops have different sun filtering percentages? Are all mesh Biminis the same mesh density? Has anyone noticed a thicker / better mesh for more sun shielding ?

As much as I don't love having to use velcro on the rollbar with jtop, I do wonder if they mesh density of jtop does a better job shielding sun than the likes of Mabett's version?

 

[SoccerM]

Here is what I’ve collected so far as product options:

Biminis for 4Door Hard Tops

https://broncobikini.com/

https://www.jtopsusa.com/product-page/bronco-4-door-hardtop-version-bimini-sun-shade-choose-color

https://www.bestop.com/products/mesh-safari-access-bimini-ford-2021-2022-bronco/?sku=5242311#

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