Hard top vs Soft top... what are the advantages disadvantages?

I'm going to buy my first Jeep tomorrow and was set on the soft top, but the dealer is trying to talk me into the hard top telling me it's a better fit for me. I'm a single mom and not sure how heavy the tops are, but would assume pretty heavy. He said the 2017 Jeeps tops come in 2 parts. I'm clueless. Any thoughts or suggestions???

 

I love the hardtops... my crazy thinking is it's safer...vinyl can be slashed...lol... I would hope that people wouldn't do that but ya never know...and the I'm nut sure if this is what it's called but the T tops come off easily and it's AWESOME for spring and summer

 

Personally I would go with the hard top. The vinyl top flutters on the road when you pass a semi. The soft plastic windows are hard to see out of, especially in the rain.

Ask the salesman to demonstrate removing the two front pieces. The rear section is heavy though: with glass, hardware, and wiring, it weighs 80 lb on the two door, and 95 lb on the four-door (source). If you don't have a helper, there are hoists that can be installed if you have a garage, e.g. https://www.quadratec.com/categories/jeep_hardtops/hardtop_hoists

 

This is my second Wrangler with the hard top. Better in the winter and much better when parking in questionable areas. The hard top is nearly as secure as a "regular" non-convertible vehicle. Newer JK freedom tops are modern day T-tops which means light-weight and easy to remove. The freedom tops are a bit bulky to store but one can get creative. Soft tops are fun and easier to get "naked" but not secure as they are easily opened by unclipping or by force with a sharp object. When I remove the hard top I treat the JK like a soft top or no top = don't bother locking the doors and keep nothing valuable in the Jeep unsecured. I like the Tuffy or Besttop branded steel enclosures which function like a "regular" trunk. It is best to have at least two people to remove the hard top because its just too risky to drop this top! The hard top is awkward to lift alone, eight bolts to remove and not very heavy with two people. Once any top is removed, the dynamics, feel and looks of the JK change dramatically!

 

Thanks everyone for your comments and suggestions!!! Went with the hardtop after reading your advice and trying the two out today. SO VERY EXCITED to be part of the Jeep family!!!!!