Sure, looks are one of the benefits that come with tonneau covers, but I think the most important one is that they make your truck fuel efficient as well. As they make your truck aerodynamic and with less air resistance, the truck consumes less fuel.
The UnderCover Ultra Flex gives a matte black outlook with three folding panels. Its powdered finishing protects it against UV damages, temperature corroding and wear and tear due to dust micro-particles.
On the other hand, the tri-fold tonneau cover, BAKflip Fibermax fit within the bed rails and have very low profile with dual latches. The cover is lightweight and highly resilient to scratches and dents. And at the same time, the cover can take up to at least 300 lbs of surface load.
Let’s check them out in more detail.
Table of Contents
Which looks better?
The Bakflip Fibber Max comes complete with powder-coated aluminum panels, which add elegance and make sure all parts stay connected seamlessly no matter what happens during transport.
And with FRP, the cover gets a sleek and shiny outlook.
Other than this, it also has rubber bumpers which also make them look cooler (besides saving from impacts).
Note: The BAKflip FiberMax flush-mounted low-profile design is beautiful and does make your truck look excessively bulky. It has the exterior which may be painted, chromed or polished. And due to the presence of FRP in its composition, it is slightly thicker than its counterpart.
On the other side, the UnderCover Ultra Flex resembles the contestant design-wise as it is also a tri-fold, matte black, hard folding tonneau cover.
So it has three aluminum carpeted panels topped with matte-black powder which grants it an attractive and aerodynamic outlook. Its compared size offers the same dimensions as that of its peer.
One thing I really like about this cover, is that, it features a LED lights integrated into its rails, providing a benefit in low-light weather and night trips.
Which offers better Protection?
Fibermax is also constructed of high-grade aluminum panels blended with FRP coating which grants it a glossy-black finish.
The FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polymer) allows these panels to be resistant to dents and scratches. But this cover is comparatively thicker than that of its peer due to its additional FRP coating.
Moreover, it offers the same EPDM seals and integrated drainage system rails. Its panels are insulated which offers additional resilience.
It also has rubber bumpers for the added cab and rear window protection (which is better).
On the flip side, the UnderCover Ultra Flex has air-craft grade panels of aluminum which is coated with a durable matte-black powder. Basically it has aluminum sheets core and its outer layer has powdered coating of UV resistant matte black polymer. This layering makes it resilient to high-temperature damages, fading and buckling.
Note: Its integrated panels are less likely to have corrosion and are resistant to dent, scratch and UV radiations.
Besides that, its panels are carpeted from inside and this created a cushion for this cover. (saving it from scratches, chips and cuts).
It also has a drainage mechanism and its very similar to its competitor here. For protection against weather, it has EPDM rubber seals and a drain tube which directs water out of your truck bed, keeping your gear dry.
Performance
The UnderCover Ultra Flex shows remarkable performance.
It highlights three hard folding panels which can be secured in an upright position with the help of strut rods for 100% bed access.
Its deadbolt latching rails allow you to secure your cover at each fold for partial bed access. It also has a dual-action tailgate seal which ensures the safety of your gear when the tailgate is closed.
It;s rain/dust proof and offers a sound hauling facility. It can take up to 400 pounds of pressure (evenly, when closed). So its panels are tough. These panels as mentioned above are integrated with drainage tubes, but these are present in rails to automatically channel water outwards, keeping the bed and stored cargo completely dry.
Also, there are lengthwise and hinge seals to prevent any leakage of moisture.
You can also have full-bed and partial access with this cover as it can be locked in 2/3rd open position as well as at 90° for complete access.
Note: It can’t be monitored via remote but you can easily unfold the panels by pulling the slam latches provided below them.
On the flip side, with BAKflip Fibermax, you can transport oversized goods as well. And they are tough and perform great.
The cover can also be folded against the cab. It can be secured at partially opened positions while driving.
It has rails which include an integrated drainage system that channels water off the cover and out from your bed. Each panel automatically locks when folded up against the cab due to its automated latching technology.
Additionally, it contains strut rods and buckle straps that hold the panels in folded positions. When the tailgate is shut, it cannot be shuttered because of an aluminum locking device.
Moreover, this cover has a flap tailgate seal with an aluminum latching system which requires you to slightly lift the rearmost panel to shut the tailgate. So, it cannot be closed when the tailgate is shut.
Lock Mechanism and Security
Both covers don’t come with key enabled lock feature. But they are still very secure if properly installed. Both of them employ dual-action tailgate seals. Hence, you can lock the tonneau in place both with an opened or closed tailgate. Similarly, both truck accessories integrate slam latches and a “pull the string” opening system.
You can open these locks from either sides by simply pulling the latch and folding the cover.
Here the BAKFlip FiberMax automatic latching system ensures that the panels are securely held in place, with no manual effort required. Users can release latches located on both sides, and there is a fully open cover ready for you!
Some struts hold it up properly, so even when driving feels like an accomplishment without lifting one finger. A series of magnets keep this handy pop-up lid locked tightly into place while also holding its sturdy construction together to withstand harsh road conditions.
But still overall, the UltraFlex provides you with less shock absorptive feature with its bumpers. Its prop roads are slightly leess durable too..
But the cover stands at 90° when fully folded and does not touch the surface of the cab. Thus, there is no chance of scratches due to surface rubbing.