BAKFlip FiberMax is an affordable, lightweight tonneau cover with fiberglass-reinforced polymer top and powder coated aluminum underside, offering both strength and resistance to scratches.
It has a shiny, textured surface, can carry up to 300 lbs for light tasks, and is effectively weatherproof thanks to its EPDM seals, making it a practical and economical option.
BAKFlip F1, known for its premium blend of aluminum panels with a fiberglass reinforced polymer top, offers exceptional durability and advanced weather resistance.
Its design not only enhances truck aesthetics but also ensures top-notch security for cargo.
Bottom line:
BAKFlip F1 stands out with its innovative dual-action seal and superior water resistance, complemented by a generous 5-year warranty. In contrast, the FiberMax offers the advantage of being lighter and more affordable, accompanied by a 3-year warranty.
Table of Contents
Quick Highlights
Shared features
- Full bed access.
- Aluminum bottom layer.
- FRP top layer.
- EPDM Seals.
BAKFlip F1 Unique Features
- Water Resistance Keeps bed dry in rain and snow.
- Longer Warranty It offers 5 year warranty.
- Build Quality Sturdy and durable, can carry 400lbs on top of it.
- Dual-action seal Allows the cover to be opened or closed without opening the tailgate.
Find out more about F1 here https://toptonneaureview.com/bakflip-f1-tonneau-cover-review/
BAKFlip Fibermax Unique Features
- Light Weight Lighter and easier to flip.
- More affordable It is comparatively less expensive.
For drawbacks and deeper insights have a look at my detailed post on FiberMax.
Check out the side-by-side comparison of their specs.
| Specification | BAKFlip FiberMax | BAKFlip F1 |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Type | Hard Folding Cover | Hard Folding Cover |
| Latching | Pull Cord Latch | Pull Cord |
| Panel Core | Aluminum | High-Density Expanded Polystyrene |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Panel Exterior | Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer | Military Grade Aluminum with FRP coat |
| Seal Material | EPDM Rubber | EPDM Rubber |
| Finish | Textured Glossy FRP | Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer Textured Black |
| Installation | No-Drill Clamp-On | Clamp-On (No Drill) |
| Weather Resistance | UV-Resistant Coating | Water-Resistant, Corrosion Resistant |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 300 lbs (Evenly Distributed) | Up to 400 lbs (Evenly Distributed) |
| Cover Weight | Approximately 55 lbs | 70 pounds (Standard Size) |
| Bed Access | Full Bed Access | Comes with Water-Draining Tubes |
| Tailgate Seal | Flap Tailgate Seal | Dual Action (Can be Locked Either Open or Closed) |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty | 5 Years |
| Price | $1150 – $1200 | $1000 and $1300 |
Structural insights
Starting with the BAKFlip FiberMax, it has a tri-fold design with panels made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, combining strength and lightness. Its core is crafted from powder-coated aluminum for durability.
The top panel’s textured finish not only looks great but also provides UV resistance. The frame is aluminum, painted black to prevent corrosion.
It features a pull cord latch at each panel for secure locking and premium EPDM seals for water and air tightness. The FiberMax allows full bed access, with prop rods to hold the panels when needed, and can carry up to 300 lbs on top, making it BAK’s lightest cover.
However, its flap seal on the tailgate means it won’t lock with the tailgate open.
In contrast, BAKFlip F1 also has a tri-fold design but stands out with its dual-action tailgate seal, allowing you to close the cover without opening or closing the tailgate.
It’s slightly heavier due to the dual layer of aluminum that translates into its enhanced durability.
If you cannot decide which type of cover do you want you can check out my list on top hard tri-fold covers.
F1’s latches are easy to use with one hand, and its exterior panels are made of Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP), which is dent, scratch, and UV resistant.
Like FiberMax, its frame is also made of high-quality aluminum with a black finish to avoid rusting.
Both covers are designed to withstand daily use, with the F1 capable of handling up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight. It’s crucial to distribute the load evenly across the panels to avoid damaging them.
Both the BAKFlip FiberMax and F1 are durable and functional, but the F1 distinguishes itself with its dual-action tailgate seal and higher weight capacity, while the FiberMax is lighter and more user-friendly.
Durability And All Weather Performance
When comparing the weather performance and durability both covers offer impressive protection against the elements, but with some minor differences.
Water Resistance
F1’s seals are more durable, providing slightly better protection against water ingress. It has an estimated 97% resistance to water, with long-term users reporting minimal to no leakage.
In contrast, FiberMax does great in light rain but you can experience some leakage from the sides in normal to heavy rain, which could be due to fitting issues or wear over time.
UV Rays
FiberMax has a dual layer of fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP), making it more heat resistant. However, its seals are weaker compared to the F1, so it’s important to avoid prolonged exposure to intense sunlight.
F1, with its robust FRP layer and powder-coated frame, performs well in summer conditions, offering protection against UV damage and maintaining its appearance.
Snow and Hail
F1 can support a heavier load of snow on top, thanks to its sturdy construction.
However, the FiberMax’s flap seal can freeze in extreme cold conditions, which is something to consider.
As for hail, both covers can sustain dents, but their reinforced materials provide a good level of protection against minor hailstorms. Heavy hail stones can crack the top FRP layer. This applies to both however F1 is more durable because of its dual layer of aluminum.
In summary, F1 stands out for its water resistance and overall durability, while the FiberMax offers good heat resistance and performs reliably in rain and light snow.
User Friendliness and Ride comfort
Both covers have a slight difference in composition and that’s the reason both perform differently under various conditions.
Ease of Use
Both are user-friendly, but FiberMax takes the edge due to its lightweight panels. This makes it an excellent choice for female truck owners and senior citizens who may find it easier to handle.
Both covers feature a similar latch system that can be disengaged by pulling a cord from either side of the truck bed, allowing for convenient access.
Both are easy to install and remove, for step by step installation guide check out my detailed post here https://toptonneaureview.com/how-to-measure-a-truck-bed-for-a-tonneau-cover/
Maintenance
Both covers require low maintenance, but it’s essential to check the seals of both covers before embarking on a long journey. Regular inspections will ensure that the water resistance remains effective and that your cargo stays protected.
Ride Comfort
While both covers have a low-profile design that contributes to a smoother ride, the F1 provides a quieter ride due to its heavier panels, which are less prone to making noise. The FiberMax is also quiet, but the F1’s additional weight helps to further reduce any potential panel noise.
Fuel Efficiency
Both covers enhance the vehicle’s aerodynamics, but the FiberMax may offer better fuel savings due to its lighter weight. The reduced weight of the FiberMax means less drag on the vehicle, which can lead to improved fuel efficiency.
In summary, both the covers offer ease of use, low maintenance, and improved ride comfort. FiberMax has lighter weight and easier handling whereas F1 has the quieter ride and superior robustness.
Security Comparison (BAKFlip F1 or FiberMax)
Both F1 and FiberMax are made from strong materials that are tough to get through, so you’re good on that front, but there are some differences to consider.
FiberMax has a flap seal that sits on top of the tailgate. It’s pretty secure, but if someone’s really determined, they might try to mess with the seal to get inside. It’s not a huge risk, but something to keep in mind if you’re all about keeping things locked tight.
Now, BAKFlip F1 steps it up a notch with a dual-action seal that locks right inside the tailgate. This means it’s more integrated with your truck’s locking system, making it tougher for unwanted guests to break in.
Also, BAKFlip MX4 features the same dual action seal.
Both F1 and FiberMax are strong, but F1 has a more secure dual-action seal integrated with the truck’s lock, while FiberMax has a top-seal that’s slightly less secure.
Cost and Warranty Comparison
BAKFlip FiberMax is constructed with an aluminum core and two layers of Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) on top, making it lightweight and low maintenance.
It is priced between $1150 and $1200 and comes with a 3-year warranty. While the warranty period is shorter compared to the F1, FiberMax is still built to last and serve its purpose for a long time.
On the other hand, BAKFlip F1 features dual layers of aluminum with a FRP top coat, providing added durability and slightly better seals and build quality. It is priced between $1000 and $1300 and offers a longer 5-year warranty, reflecting its superior durability.
BAKFlip F1 is a bit more expensive but offers better durability, build quality, and a longer warranty. FiberMax, while slightly less durable, is designed to be lightweight and low maintenance.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, both BAKFlip FiberMax and F1 tonneau covers offer robust protection and functionality for your truck bed.
FiberMax stands out for its lightweight design and affordability, making it an excellent choice for older folks or lady truckers seeking a low-maintenance cover.
On the other hand, BAKFlip F1 is known for its toughness and durability, thanks to its double layer of aluminum and FRP top that hides scratches and dents.
With its superior weather resistance and longer warranty, the F1 is a premium option for those who are after durability and protection.
