Had mine for 1 week now and I've been putting it through its paces. The locking mechanism is just about fully broken in and I no longer need to put my full weight on it to lock it. Love it!
Great review, but should mention that the Diamondback has a LIFETIME warranty that includes the weather strips and the shocks. The customer service is awesome and fast to resolve any perceived issue. I ordered the HD Cab Guard from a retailer, then called the manufacturer to ask if I would need heavier duty shocks after it was installed. Their response to my question was to tell me they would ship me new heavy duty shocks out at no charge! I could also see a small bit of light in the front by the cab when it was closed, they sent me an entire set of thicker weather stripping, again no charge! I can’t say enough about this cover!
Absolutely fantastic review. Having the Multifunction Tailgate, my choices are limited, without removing the braces up front, so the Diamondback became a front runner. Your in depth comparison sealed it for me, thanks for putting this together!
I love my HD. Took my ATV out camping a few weeks ago and had no issues whatsoever getting it loaded / unloaded with the factory ramps. No more stuffing the cab full of gear to keep it secure. Now I can lock everything in the bed including the folding ramps and not worry about it. I had a couple buddies ask my "why not a trailer?". Because now I can have both
Excellent analysis, assessment and detail I was hoping to see...thanks for taking the time and sharing. I now have an email question into Diamondback and your influence has moved me to make this my new cover.
Good review! I had the Bakflip on my old truck. You are 100% correct, the plastic hardware failed after time. It was not waterproof and as you point out, not totally secure. When Diamondback gets back to building them from the shutdown in PA, I will be ordering one.
I have my second Diamond Back system on my second truck. This is The best way to secure my truck items ever. My first system was used to put my two quads On My long bed. My new Chevy is a short bed which is GREAT while I put trailer. No one is paying me for this, just the best bang for your buck
I had no issues with build quality of my BakFlip MX4, I also had no issues with leaks with it on my 2016 Ram 2500. I just purchased a 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Eco Diesel and went with another BakFlip MX4 cover. I also always purchase a Dualliner bed liner for my Rams, easy to install and protects the bed and the Dualliner's rubber floor mat keeps things from sliding around.
I have a Bakflip from 2014 and am sorry to hear they still have the quality issues you highlighted. I can't count the number of times I got cuts from the sharp, un-deburred edges. I finally disassembled the entire cover and took a deburr tool to all the machined edges, something that should have been done before it left the factory.
I have owned both the bakflip and the fold a cover. The fold a cover is similar to the diamondback. I bought the fold a cover when I bought the truck. At that time I lived in the north and the locks that are on the top of the fold a cover would freeze and I could not turn the key. Also I didn't have full use of the bed. The tailgate would not be able to open when the fold a cover was closed because of a ridge that is installed on the top of the tailgate that the fold a cover edge locks into. So at times when the locks froze I could not get into the back of the truck. The keyholes on the fold a cover protrude making it hard to scrap the ice of the top. I noticed a lot of the same potential problems on the diamond back. The bakflip solved all of those problems for me. I don't know if the rear top of the diamond back overlaps the tailgate or not but if it does then it could prevent the tailgate from opening if the lock to the diamond back was frozen. I think the fold a cover was designed that way to keep it from opening with just a hard push towards the front. With the bakflip I don't like the way it fits into the bed because with fold a cover I had a little more height to fit the dog crate that doesn't quite fit under the bakflip. Water does get inside both types of covers. Now I need a new cover and I am looking for one that doesn't have the disadvantages of the two I have tried.
Robert Darragh I have the Diamondback HD, you can absolutely open the tailgate with the cover locked. As far as the locks freezing, I can’t say, but the housing is substantial on them, so I can’t imagine it would be a problem.
I think Diamondback is about function, not fashion. The MX4 needs drain holes, leaks water has poor build quality and if you read the forums for Tacoma owners, BakFlip has not addressed the improper shape of the MX4. I was ready to pull the trigger on an MX4 for my new Tacoma, but now it looks like the Diamondback might be the best option for the money, long term.
If you live in a winter climate, beware covers like the Bakflip. All of the points made in the review were very accurate. To add to those, I've had mine (different brand but same style) get water in between the panels, which basically ruined the cover. It became super heavy and almost impossible to fold up to the cab (and dangerous too, being so heavy).
Hey I like your review on both. Both are nice because I would want to use top to haul something but afraid it might slid right through back window. Might need a back rack too.
I like use of my full bed and that is why I went with the Extang Xceed that has a twist knob on the first panel, which makes it hard to break into and is better built than the Bakflip MX4.
Thanks for the video. I am in the market. the bakflip is on my list even though I have many of the concerns you mentioned. For me the diamondback is out for the center spine.
I can definitely understand that concern if you need an open bed more often. The Diamondback would probably work better for someone like me because I may only need an open bed for hauling once or twice a year, so I wouldn't have to deal with the headache of removing it that much.
Has anyone managed to find a Diamondback or one with similar build quality that has a built in rail system to accommodate a top tent? I've seen some folks with racks that they have screwed into the Diamondback cover as a DIY project, but I have not seen any that come from the factory ready to accommodate a top tent.
Is the diamondback buckling/looking like its sagged in the middle vs the outside edges? Some of the ones I've seen it looks like that from the side and I wasn't sure if thats just the way it is or not- maybe a thing on longer beds or?
A very good video, KOWEVER you failed to mention that the Diamondback is $1,300 more than the Bakflip MX4. I have the MX4. I live in East TN were we get plenty of rain and some snow. I have had the going on 3 years with nary a leak. The flip up struts mounted to the rail are very secure and not at all sloppy. Also you failed to show if the front of the Diamondback opens fully to load large objects. If it only opens as much as you showed, it would be hard to load, if not impossible to load bulky items, so the front would only allow for smaller stuff. The Bakflip (giving 95% bed use) opens fully. As to appearance that is a matter of preference. OVERALL THOUGH A VERY GOOD VIDEO. When it gets down to it we all choose by what we are pleased by, not what others may say. Thanks again for the Video!! Mike
Great review, I also have made the decision to purchase this cover! Thank you and maybe you should get a kickback from DB even tho that was not your intended purpose making the video!!!
This is pretty decent but you might want to point out at least for a moment the Diamondback HD is like twice the price of the MX4. I really think these covers have two different objectives in mind. I'd also be interested in how easy it is to get off if you need full use of your bed, that doesn't seem to be an option at all with this cover while the MX4 will fold completely to the bulkhead.
I’m 72 years old. My wife is 67. We can take our Diamondback HD’s off in about 15 minutes. We have 2. One on my Duramax and one on her Silverado 1500. Well worth the price and I think I could probably take it off by myself IT’S THAT EASY.
Guy Finley loosen 4 bolts and the cover is off. I installed it be myself and could have it off and have full access in less then 15 minutes by myself. It is the easiest install and take down ever. It’s like having a vault on the truck bed and plenty of load capacity on top!
Great review, I just got new Tundra after not having a truck for a few years and am researching options for a bed cover. A couple questions, how heavy is it? What kind of coating are they using on it to black it out, Bedliner? Hopefully something durable so you can load on top without scratching it up.
My wife, who’s 67 and weighs about 115 can lift both folding panels and the center panel by herself. The folding panels on her Silverado weigh 33 lbs (Just took ‘em off & weighed them). The center panel weighs 30 lbs. Different bed lengths have different size panels. They “look” rugged because they ARE rugged. We don’t have ATV’s, but we put our stuff in our truck beds. We like our stuff. We wanna’ keep our stuff. The panels are NOT heavy, but they’re very well made (ALUMINUM BRACES).
I get it with security, but that it has lots of flaws still, it would be more of an preference I installed a metal plate on my bakflip vp and it solved the security problems, I still need to do the same thing to my bakflip mx4.
Today my tailgate handle lock broke and if I WASNT able to fish the MX4 open (which took over an hour), i'd be SCREWED. I was completely locked out. A random thief is not gonna spend that time trying to open my shit. But im glad I could
Thank you for the comparison. I am too stock between these 2 covers. I am just trying to justify another 1K for the diamondback. I think I will pull the trigger 😂. Diamondback here I come!!!
Thanks for video, just marked the Diamonback off my tonneau list. Man that thing is ugly and the fact it has that center brace is a deal killer for anyone loading anything of size (atv, dirt bike, etc.)
this is what kills it for me as well. its not like you can just take it off if you happen to be out at the store and buying something big. You would have to preplan everything and remove that large cover each time. I wish someone had the build quality of the diamondback but in a trifold. I'm really struggling with finding one.
@@adblink1379 No problem.Just how many times do you really need to put something in that need center section removed ? Just throw it on top ! 1600 lbs. Concrete bags, lumber, lots of cleats to tie it down. Even my Arcticat Diesel. Anti kickback ramps 12 foot long make it easy. Like the man says, water tite.
@@USSBB62 Exactly. Also, if you need to make more room quick, you unclip the shocks and the top folds all the way back. You can also take a door off in under a minute and lay it in the bed and stack on top of it.
I bought the UnderCover ArmorFlex. Very poor quality control: the weatherstripping on the rails was inaccurately measured and unevenly applied; glue spilled over; and, as with your Bakflip, rails had unfinished cuts and the package was full of metal shavings. Given the similarity between the products, I suspect they're made in the same factory. $900+ for "Made in America" slapdash construction. The happy point, ironically, is that FedEx damaged the product in shipping so I've been reimbursed by them rather than having to go through the return process (I just have to store it until they pick it up from me). I'll give the Diamondback a go.
Love the review of both. Never thought of cable issue. Diamond back still posses same issue as a hard top for me. To many bars in the way. And if I get something tall I have to preplan and remove it.
1:00 is irrelevant because pretty much any tonneau cover can be broken into with ease. They would never know to even use a coat hanger or how that specific tonneau works in the first place. I agree with the build quality complaint on the backflip though- seen plenty of reviews about that.
I'm considering a Bakflip as I don't want to spend the money on a Diamondback. I thought the same thing about the Bakflip model because I run a shoplifting prevention program at work. It seems it would be a pain, but not difficult to, break into a Bakflip with a hanger. But, I also thought, why not install something to block the hanger from reaching the cable? A simple piece of angle iron would do the trick, and you would reach past it once you dropped the tailgate. Seems like a simple fix the company should make.
Eric Huber yeah that’d be a good idea unless you got luck like the other post I just read. His tail gate latch broke and had to fish the latch to access the bed. Just something to think about.
@@Lucky4zo No, I don't think it would. But, Diamondback makes prefitted boxes that you could use as a tool box that fit under the cover. You can just take them in and out as you please. I think they are either 8 inches and 13 inches in length or depth. They're web site has them in the accessories section.
This appears to be a good cover but as you mentioned has a few drawbacks. Specifically the center section being locked in place like that. Secondly, they could use a much better cleat system. Not everyone needs 12 cleats sticking up from the cover 24/7. Kinda kills the look for me. I understand the usefulness of them when needed but look ugly IMO.
They do offer a lower cost cover, the SE I believe, that has a lower weight limit, only 400 pounds on top, but also just 4 cleats, so not the overkill there. Some other minor details. Give it a look here. diamondbackcovers.com/pages/compare-covers
Brawney maybe, but as others stated, that middle section ruins it for getting 3/4's to 4/5'th usage of the bed. Not being able to remove it totally to stow a bike, atv, mower etc... a real bummer. Looks!! with all those protruding handles/hinges/locks..whoa. I still haven't decided on a top yet because just when you think you've settled, bam. another drawback. About the security issue on the bak, you can glue and partial tap screw a 1/2" L-bracket across. My main concern with any of those I've viewed so far is the rubber gasket along the rims or in the dividing points. My old 'Advance Cover' lasted well over ten years. and it held up perfectly until I and my wife abused the tar out of them by slamming the tail shut while the top was down. This model featured a four panel, front and back key locks allowing front or rear access, with two hand lifting. One hand held the latch open while the other hand lifted the panel. Strong enough for me to stand on while setting up or adjusting cams without a ladder. It was nice looking as well with a semi gloss pebbled finish. Made in USA ,cost about $300. I find the company still listed but can't find distributors. Final comment, why the heck are these mass produced, simplistic & somewhat ill prepared tops at the price of many lawn mowers or snow throwers?
I'm confused on the point you made about storing an ATV or mower. This thing (the HD version not SE) it literally designed to store those on top of it, so you can then store things like gas cans, and other gear in your bed, locked. They make bars to protect your back glass and bars to attach ramps to drive on and off it, and using it as such doesnt void their warranty or anything. I agree about the middle bar being in the way though etc. Just wanted to point that one part out of your comment.
@@Joshua.M.S. I'm impressed about being able to carry your atv or mower on top, I'm not too keen on riding it up there then lugging the extra long ramps needed to unload it. Using shorter ramps that fit inside the closed bed seems too steep for my ability. Using straps, protected or not will chafe the finish of any PU when securing it to the underside rather than the now inaccessible tie downs inside the bed. I once rubbed the paint raw on my tundra just securing a tarp to the underside of the truck using bungees and 'soft' straps.
They have a ramp system for atv’s. The ramps fold in half and stow easily in the truck bed. They are extra deep to keep you from riding off the edge and they hook on a bar you install, so they can’t slip off during the loading and unloading process.
@@beccab.4902 Glad to hear about the ramp design you mention. That said, I'd have to see it to rate its functionality. Depth is one thing, width would be another. As well as installing an additional bar to mount it. Then there's a matter of securing the item of choice. With the 'lid' down, there's no access to the grab hooks, leaving to choose securing it to the under body. Straps (if secured in this manner) rubbing the finish would really be an issue.
J. Morrison there are plenty of RU-vid videos showing the loading and off loading using the ramps. You secure the ATVs or whatever items you load on top with the 8 provided tie downs that are built into this cover. They have literally thought of everything. Their mission is to make the truck more useful.
I like the low profile of the bakflip. The diamondback should be called the turtle back and it messes with the lines of the truck imo. Im a visual guy tho for people working with there truck that may not matter.
Looks is vital. That diamond plate looks awful on a slick black truck. I have owned over the years at least 5 back flip covers. The diamond plate with 2 panels could not be used for a 5th wheel trailer! The looks and convenience of the Bak Flip surpasses yours by a huge amount. I will take the Bak Flip any day. I have never had significant leaks. I have never had parts break and overall no complaints whatsoever. It withstood a very heavy winter when I was in Maine and never any kind of ice problems and my truck sat out all winter with no issues at all.
Too each their own im not here to bash your taste. Practical yes but no more than the mx4. If you need a scoop of dirt, piece of furniture moved, then that diamondback will render itself useless and the mx4 takes the win. The mx4 can support weight but i think its closer to 300lbs? So the diamondback takes the edge in that department, plus the bonus tie downs. Does all that extra weight effect your gas mileage? It seems as if it would weigh considerably more than the mx4?
Had a BAK on an F-150 for 5 years... didn’t last at all. Seals dry rotted, Leaked, dented easily from just acorns falling. Maybe “ok” for $400 or so but not for $1K.
Your hat bill is flipped up like gomer pile. It costs a shit pile of money but it good if you got $$$$$. What’s wrong with ATV? Dirt bikes they are great fun
I just purchased the Revolver Mx4. Not installed yet. But it's more for the low profile look for a lightly used show truck. If I had a work truck the Diamondback cover is the way to go. No comparison to the Bakflip.
@@Enforcer0623 I guess I be finding out. I did read the pro vs. cons prior to purchasing. One thing going for me hopefully is that the truck is a weekend driver.
Thank you. But there is a $1200 difference. I can buy 2 to 2 1/2 bakflips for the Diamond back. I don't keep my trucks more then 10-15 years and with a raised bed liner a little water is actually not a deal breaker. If you are looking for great security and you done need the full bed the DB is awesome. But if you want a nice design and decent security and use of the full bed the MX4 is great too. I am just a consumer but I do not think these two are really good comparisons at all. both are truck covers but they are really very different for at least some different needs.
There is not a Tonneau cover made that can't be broken into. If you don't like the plastic clip for the rod holder purchase a metal one from a hardware store. I did that with my BakFlip MX4 cover. If a thief wants into your bed they will destroy the cover if they have to.
Of course the Diamondback HD is going to have better build quality over the MX4, It costs over twice as much. If I'm spending $2,049 vs $899 I'd expect a much better product...
Not sure where you are shopping Curtis Wrights and do know they've gone up in value recently, but we bought it with a complete interior (disassembled) for under $10,000. My son and I have been restoring the interior, polishing, etc... for the past two years or so and have probably put $5k in it.
