Confused about which BAK tonneau cover to go for? Well then, you have come to the right place.
Here I will help you choose the perfect bed cover for your truck. So BAKflip F1 vs FiberMax, which is a better tonneau cover?
F1 and FiberMax are both premium, hard tonneau covers. The F1 is basically a low-profile tonneau cover. The panels on the F1 are made of fiberglass. Which gives nice protection from UV rays. The FiberMax is made with similar material. Which makes it dent, scuff, and ding resistant.
Following that, I’ll compare the various features of these two types of truck bed covers. Which will help you choose the right one for your truck bed. Let’s dive in.
F1 vs FiberMax: A Quick Overview
Both of these tonneau covers were designed with exceptional features by BAK manufacturers. Some of these include hardness, durability, and protection.
Now, let’s look at each of these bed covers and their unique features.
BAKflip F1 Tonneau Cover
- It is a low profile, hard tonneau cover.
- Made of fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP).
- Has advanced impact-resistant construction.
- Has premium density foam core.
- It weighs up to 400lbs, and the weight is evenly distributed.
- Consists of upgraded latch-housing for long-term durability.
BAKflip FiberMax Tonneau Cover
- Made of fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP).
- Has a new buckle system that covers security in an open position.
- UV resistant and long-term durability.
- Weighs up to 300lbs and evenly distributed.
- For best water resistance, EPDM outer rails seals are used.
- Get 100% access to the truck bed.
F1 vs FiberMax: A Quick Comparison
| Factors | F1 | FiberMax |
| Type | Hard folding | Hard folding |
| Construction | Aluminum | Fiberglass |
| Top surface | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Finish | Polished | Polished |
| Tailgate seal | Dual-action tailgate available | No dual-action tailgate |
| Weight Capacity | 400lbs | 300lbs |
| Dent and Scratch Resistance | High-level | High-level |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
F1 vs FiberMax: Differences between Features
Let’s get into the details of the key features that separate these two types of tonneau covers.
Construction
BAKflip F1
The BAKflip F1 tonneau cover is constructed of Aluminum. It is a hard truck bed cover.
It has basically a triple-layer construction with a thickness of 5/8”.
The Aluminum underside makes the bed cover hard, durable, and strong. The middle layer consists of closed-cell foam. This makes the truck bed cover even stronger and more durable.
The hardness and strength of the tonneau cover make it support a large load. Which is up to 400lbs of weight evenly distributed.
The tonneau cover has a high gloss powder coat finish that is smooth and sheeny.
The Aluminum in this bed cover is injection molded into it. This particular feature makes the tonneau cover very durable.
BAKflip FiberMax
FiberMax has a top surface of fiberglass with an Aluminum construction. This tonneau cover is ½” thick with a 2 pounds core.
Due to less thickness, FiberMax supports less load than the F1. It supports up to 300lbs.
So for non-heavy-duty contractor work, you can consider this tonneau cover.
Unlike the F1, the FiberMax doesn’t include injection molded Aluminum. Instead, a latch system is used in this truck bed cover.
This is also why the FiberMax is not as durable as the F1.
Both of these tonneau covers have similar construction materials. However, the F1 is the better choice considering heavy-duty contractor needs.
Top Surface
BAKflip F1
The top surface is constructed of a fiberglass-reinforced polymer (FRP). This protects the surface from dents, scratches, dings, or impacts.
In comparison to Aluminum, FRP provides better protection from all of those.
Takeaway: Considering the hot weather conditions, FRP is a desirable feature for a truck bed cover. As it stays cooler in higher temperatures than Aluminum.
BAKflip FiberMax
The F1 and the FiberMax share this common feature.
Both top surfaces have similar construction materials. Fiberglass reinforced polymer or FRP.
As mentioned above, this type of construction is more dent, scratch, and impact resistant. Provides better protection from snow, road rocks, etc.
Also, you’ll have less worry while loading up materials on your truck bed cover.
Again, the heat-absorbing ability of the bed cover makes it easier to touch when the weather is hot.
Takeaway: Both of these tonneau covers have similar features in this case.
Tailgate
BAKflip F1
The tailgate follows a dual operating system in BAKflip F1. You can open or close the tailgate when the truck bed cover is opened or closed. This is known as dual operation.
This is a unique feature in the BAKflip F1 tonneau cover. This makes this truck bed cover stand out among other types of bed covers.
There is no separate locking system for the F1 tonneau cover. It locks with the tailgate.
BAKflip FiberMax
FiberMax misses out on the dual operating system featured in the F1. Instead, it has an overlapping tailgate seal.
So for this type of BAKflip, you cannot close the tailgate when the bed cover is closed.
To close the tailgate, lift the end of the cover and lock the tailgate. Then close the bed cover.
But like most BAKflip tonneau covers, the FiberMax locks with the tailgate. This is to ensure maximum security to your truck bed.
Takeaway: For its dual operating system, BAKflip F1 gets an edge here.
Safety Features
BAKflip F1
The purpose of a tonneau cover is to protect your truck bed cover.
Considering that, BAK has done a good job designing the F1 tonneau covers.
F1 is a hard truck bed cover. Which makes it theft-proof. As thieves cannot cut through the truck bed cover easily. Which is a typical case for many soft bed covers.
This bed cover ensures maximum moisture protection. The lid incorporates a rubber flange on top of the gasket.
Now despite the flange gasket being in place, all water doesn’t move through. The water that doesn’t is channeled through a gutter that leads to tubes. These tubes lead the water outside the truck.
BAKflip FiberMax
FiberMax has a lesser thickness than the F1, but it serves its purposes nicely.
This is another hard folding tonneau cover. You can fold the whole cover four times.
This truck bed cover has similar features as the F1.
EPDM outer rail seals are used so water cannot enter the truck bed. This bed cover also includes the gutter system that channels the left water to the tubes.
Fiberglass reinforced polymer (FRP) on the top surface protects the truck bed cover from UV rays.
Also, the heat-absorbing ability of this tonneau cover keeps your equipment cool.
Takeaway: You’ll get quality protection from both of the bed covers. Although BAKflip F1 will be a better option.
Installation
BAKflip F1
This has a relatively simple installation method.
You won’t have to use a drill or clamp-on method to install this truck bed cover. Instead, the BAKflip F1 is installed by fitting flush inside the truck bed.
Which leaves the stake hole pockets exposed for other accessories.
BAKflip FiberMax
Like the BAKflip F1, the FiberMax is also drill-free.
This bed cover features six clamps that keep it sturdy and in place. It enables the use of stake-pocket-mounted attachments.
Takeaway: Both of these covers are easy to install.
Price
BAKflip F1
Price range for this truck bed cover can be from $1,080 to $1,180. You’ll get 5.6’, 6.6’, and 8’ bed covers within this range.
BAKflip FiberMax
The price of this tonneau cover ranges from $999 to $1,080. The bed covers will come in sizes like 5.1’, 5.7’, and 6.6’.
Compatibility
BAKflip F1
This truck bed has a wide range of compatibility.
These covers will fit
- 2017+ Honda Ridgeline
- 2005-2015 Honda Ridgeline
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tundra
- Dodge Rambox – 2019
- Dodge Rambox – 09-18
BAKflip FiberMax
FiberMax fits almost any truck that the F1 goes with. And it’s highly compatible as well.
Take, for example,
- 2017+ Honda Ridgeline
- 2005-2015 Honda Ridgeline
- 2004-2015 Nissan w/Utility Track
- 2016+ w/ or w/o Utility Track
- Toyota Tacoma
- Toyota Tundra
Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems
F1 vs FiberMax: Which one is best for you?
You want to know which bed cover is better for your truck. Before that, you should consider your requirements.
The BAKflip FiberMax is a more affordable version of the F1. So if the price is your primary concern, you should go for the BAKflip FiberMax tonneau cover.
The BAKflip F1 is a tonneau cover most people want to use on their truck bed. Because this is the most top-graded and refined tonneau cover, the BAK industry has made. Featuring many advanced technological benefits.
F1 supports more load than FiberMax. The F1 supports up to 400lbs. Where the FiberMax supports up to 300 pounds.
Considering heavier loads and technological benefits, you should go for the BAKflip F1.
Read also: Best Weather Stripping For Tonneau Cover
FAQs
Are BAKflip Tonneau Covers Worth It?
Generally, BAKflip tonneau covers are more expensive than other tonneau covers. It’s because they come with many premium quality features. The product comes with impressive quality, workmanship, and convenience. Which makes the price tag worth it.
What is the difference between BAKflip F1 and FiberMax?
The BAKflip F1 is a tonneau cover for heavy-duty contractor needs. It carries more weight than FiberMax. Whereas the FiberMax is a more affordable version of the F1. It doesn’t take as much weight as the F1. But it consists of almost all the features the F1 has to offer.
How much does BAKflip F1 weigh?
The BAKflip F1 has an Aluminum underside and FRP on the top surface. It weighs about 55-60 lbs. The tonneau cover has a weight rating of 400 lbs – evenly distributed. This makes it suitable for heavy contractor duty.
Read also: Bakflip Mx4 Problems
Conclusion
I hope you have a better understanding now about the BAKflip F1 vs FiberMax.
However, both tonneau covers have primarily similar features. However, your option is determined by your requirements.
So did this article help you find the best BAK tonneau cover for your truck bed?
Comment down below.
Also read: How To Open Truck Bed Cover Without Key? Answered!