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.
On the other hand, the BAKFlip MX4 stands out for its sleek design and sturdy build, featuring a dual-layer aluminum structure. It’s liked for its neat look, long-lasting quality, and capability to endure extreme weather.
However, its aluminum surface and matte black finish may be more prone to dents and scratches. MX4 is highly sought after for its combination of good looks and toughness.
The BAKFlip MX4 is a durable, all-metal cover with a long warranty, yet it is prone to scratches. The FiberMax, though slightly less durable, is scratch-resistant and low-maintenance. Both covers offer excellent weather resistance and security, with the MX4 having a slight edge in durability and weight capacity.
Table of Contents
Key Points
The Good Things About MX4
- MX4 is known for its robust full metal construction and promises lasting durability.
- Enhances the visual appeal of the vehicle while adding practicality.
Learn where BAKFlip MX4 falls short, click to review.
The Good Things About FiberMax
- Holds up well against regular use without significant wear.
- Top is resistant to scratches, maintaining its appearance.
- Light Weight and easy to use.
For a closer look at FiberMax click here.
Common features of both tonneau covers
- Effectively keep water out, performing well in various weather conditions.
- Each model provides functional benefits, such as improved accessibility and protection for the truck bed.
Have a look at the table of specs.
| Specification | BAKFlip FiberMax | BAKFlip MX4 |
|---|---|---|
| Latching | Pull Cord Latch | Pull Cord |
| Panel material | Aluminum bottom | Alloy Material |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| Panel Exterior | Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer | Aircraft Grade Aluminum |
| Seal Material | EPDM Rubber | EPDM Rubber |
| Finish | Textured Glossy | Matte Black |
| Installation | No-Drill Clamp-On | Clamp-On (no drill) |
| Weather Resistance | UV-Resistant Coating | Water-resistant, Corrosion Resistant |
| Security | Secure Locking Mechanism | Auto-Locking |
| Weight Capacity | Up to 300 lbs | Up to 400 lbs |
| Cover Weight | Approx. 55 lbs | 70 pounds |
| Bed Access | Full Bed Access | Full Bed Access |
| Tailgate Seal | Flap Tailgate Seal | Dual Action tailgate Seal |
| Warranty | 3-Year Limited Warranty | 5-Year Warranty |
| Price | $1,149 to $1,199 | $1,199 to $1,249 |
Construction Differences
BAKFlip MX4 features three aluminum panels, that fold towards the cab for easy bed access. It provides strong cargo protection against elements and theft when fully extended.
The cover’s low-profile design enhances truck aerodynamics, potentially improving fuel efficiency, and its matte finish reduces glare.
It is a popular cover known for its sleek jet-black matte finish, but it needs careful handling as it can scratch easily.
Durability-wise, this cover is constructed with robust aluminum panels and weatherproof rubber seals, capable of supporting up to 400 lbs of evenly distributed weight.
BAKFlip FiberMax, meanwhile, combines a fiberglass-reinforced polymer top with a powder-coated aluminum bottom. This design offers strength without excessive weight, ease of handling, and resistance to weather.
Its textured finish on the polymer top gives it a sleek, stylish look, while the powder-coated aluminum bottom enhances sturdiness, weather resistance, and corrosion prevention.
A plus point is that, unlike the MX4, it doesn’t get any scratches and still looks new even after years of use.
Both covers feature EPDM seals and weather stripping. Additionally, the frames of both covers are made of aluminum and are powder-coated in black.
BAKFlip MX4 is a full metal cover and is more durable while the FiberMax offers a lightweight design which is easy to use.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
BAKFlip MX4 is a breeze to use, just pull a cable at the back rail, the latches release, and the panels fold up towards the truck’s cab.
This is super handy for quick access to the truck bed, making loading and unloading a piece of cake.
Its low-profile design not only does it give your truck a sleek look, but it also cuts down on wind resistance. This means quieter rides and smoother driving, a big plus in my book.
It stays put, even when you’re cruising at high speeds or bouncing over rough terrain.
No flapping or annoying noises. And when it comes to maintenance, it needs just a regular cleaning with detergent, and you’re good.
FiberMax also scores high on convenience with its slam latches. Its folding mechanism is smooth, that gives you the quick bed access without any fuss.
Like MX4, the FiberMax sports a low-profile design. This not only boosts the look of your truck but might even help with fuel efficiency by reducing wind drag.
Both covers improve aerodynamics by reducing wind drag, which can positively impact fuel efficiency.
However, the FiberMax might offer slightly better fuel savings due to its lightweight construction. Less weight means less effort for your engine, potentially leading to better fuel economy.
So, if fuel efficiency is a top priority, this lighter cover does it better.
Plus with lighter weight, it also makes it better in terms of handling it. Though its not really a big deal when you come to think of it.
BTW, do check out my post on tonneau covers and their impact on fuel efficiency here: https://toptonneaureview.com/do-tonneau-covers-improve-gas-mileage/
Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that since both covers are from BAK Industries and fall within the same price range, they share the same quality of clamps, bolts, and nuts.
Both covers look great and keep the cargo safe and secure. However, FiberMax has a slight edge here because it doesn’t really need any care or maintenance.
Durability and Weather Performance
Both covers provide a good level of water resistance, though they are not completely leak-proof.
MX4 stands out for its solid construction and superior cargo protection. Its notable advantage over the FiberMax is its higher weight capacity, enabling it to handle an additional 100lb of snow load.
This makes it more suitable for areas with heavy snowfall.
Regarding hail resistance, both covers are durable, but the MX4, despite its strength, is more prone to dents. While it offers robust protection for the cargo beneath, its metal body can easily get dented, affecting its appearance.
In contrast, the FiberMax, built with less susceptibility to denting, withstands normal hail storms better, showing dents only in extreme conditions.
Both covers are effective in resisting UV rays, but the MX4 has a slight edge in terms of overall security and durability. Its robust construction is virtually unbreakable, making it a more secure option.
However, this strength comes with the drawback of being more prone to visible scratches and dents.
The FiberMax, while also demonstrating good resistance to hail, has a textured finish that helps conceal minor imperfections.
This feature makes it less likely to show scratches, maintaining its appearance better over time. However, it may wear more quickly due to its lower weight capacity and shorter warranty period compared to the MX4.
Overall, BAKFlip MX4 provides greater security and weight capacity, whereas the BAKFlip FiberMax offers better resistance to cosmetic damage but may not be as durable in the long run.
Overall Security
Both tonneau covers provide a significant level of theft resistance, with the MX4 having a slight advantage in security features.
Its design is more secure because, unlike the FiberMax, it doesn’t have a flap seal which sits on top of the tailgate. Because the flap seal on the FiberMax could potentially signal a vulnerability to a thief.
In FiberMax, although the pull cord latch, which is crucial for opening the cover, can only be accessed with the tailgate down, there’s a possibility for a determined thief to circumvent this.
Someone with the intent and skill could potentially slide an instrument like a knife under the flap seal and into the truck bed, potentially cutting or manipulating the cord to unlock it.
Additionally, the MX4’s full metal construction enhances its “impenetrability”, making it more secure in comparison.
It’s not a common occurrence and would require the thief to have a particular interest in what’s in your truck bed.
However, it’s always important to remember that no cover is entirely theft-proof, especially against a skilled and determined thief.
BAKFlip MX4’s design provides a slightly higher level of security, making it less susceptible to certain types of forced entry.
Price Comparison – Which Cover Offers Better Value?
When comparing the BAKFlip MX4 and the BAKFlip FiberMax, the MX4 emerges as a potentially better choice. It’s standout feature is its robust dual-layer aluminum construction, capable of supporting up to 400 lb, which is a strong indicator of durability and strength.
This feature alone justifies the higher cost for those prioritizing longevity and resilience in a tonneau cover.
The 5-year warranty on the MX4 significantly outweighs the FiberMax’s 3-year warranty, it assures reliability over a longer time.
On the other hand, the FiberMax, priced between $1,149.99 and $1,199.99, also offers all the features like weather resistance, durability, and security.
However, considering the overall package, the MX4 stands out as a more comprehensive and durable option. It appears to offer better long-term value, making it a more appealing choice for those viewing such an accessory as a significant investment in their vehicle.
What’s the Verdict?
In conclusion, both covers offer admirable qualities, making them equally viable choices, each suited to different preferences.
MX4, being an all-metal cover, is inherently stronger and capable of carrying more weight, which is further supported by a longer warranty.
This robustness positions it as a preferred choice for those who prioritize strength and durability in a tonneau cover.
However, a notable drawback of the MX4 is its susceptibility to scratches, necessitating careful handling and a bit more maintenance to keep it looking good.
On the flip side, the FiberMax, priced similarly and offering a slightly shorter warranty, stands out for its low maintenance requirements.
Its notable advantage is its resistance to scratches, ensuring that it retains a new-like appearance over time, even with minimal upkeep.
Although it can carry less weight in comparison to the MX4, it remains a strong contender for those who value ease of maintenance and a consistently sleek appearance in their tonneau cover.
