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RetraxPro vs Diamondback

Discussion in 'Tonneau Covers, Caps and Shells' started by DudeWheresMyZ71, Jun 24, 2022.

  1. Jun 24, 2022 at 7:21 AM
    #1
    DudeWheresMyZ71

    DudeWheresMyZ71 [OP] Stop the world and let me off

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    Looking for opinions on both the Retrax Pro and the diamondback bed covers. I’ve seen good reviews on both but I’m curious if anyone has had both. Like the idea of the Retrax, being able to adjust to hold different oversized things but the diamond back will only open so far. I don’t plan on taking off and putting them back on so install difficulty is not important. Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Jun 24, 2022 at 7:30 AM
    #2
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    The diamondback has gas struts you can remove to allow full opening of the covers or for removal of a panel.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  3. Jun 24, 2022 at 7:33 AM
    #3
    NewImprovedRon

    NewImprovedRon New Old Guy

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    Love my Diamondback. If you want security of items in the bed, I don't think you will find a better option.
     
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  4. Jun 24, 2022 at 7:37 AM
    #4
    DudeWheresMyZ71

    DudeWheresMyZ71 [OP] Stop the world and let me off

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    Ok didn’t know they were removable. This is why I come here lol
     
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  5. Jun 24, 2022 at 7:41 AM
    #5
    Patch999

    Patch999 SSEM #17 You are what you do when it counts

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    Looked at both and went with Diamondback. It looks better and I have used it to haul some stuff on top of. Also managed to lock my keys in the bed and had to break into it :annoyed:. It wasn't easy.
     
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  6. Jun 24, 2022 at 8:08 AM
    #6
    jeffw6236

    jeffw6236 New Member

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    I looked at both as well. I went with the Diamondback HD. It was an easy choice when I saw an ATV parked on top. In terms of security, A bunch of guys could jump up and down on it without damaging it. I’ve hauled a bunch of stuff on top with no worries whatsoever. I regularly throw 3-4 loaded up ice chests on top for long fishing trips. Best money I’ve spent.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  7. Jun 24, 2022 at 9:46 AM
    #7
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    I keep a key in the cab for that exact reason lol
     
    Patch999 likes this.
  8. Jun 24, 2022 at 10:18 AM
    #8
    Patch999

    Patch999 SSEM #17 You are what you do when it counts

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    I had a spare in the truck another on my key chain. Then put my keys in my tool box while working and as soon as I shut the tailgate I heard it lock and was screwed. :rofl:
     
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  9. Jun 24, 2022 at 10:19 AM
    #9
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Haha damn I would be pissed
     
    Patch999[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Jun 25, 2022 at 2:34 AM
    #10
    Blue Thunder

    Blue Thunder Smooth in the Cruise

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    I had the Retrax on my last truck and have a Diamondback on my Tundra. Both are great products.

    The Retrax is better if you will be hauling stuff that won’t fit under the cover. Just slide it open and load up. The one thing I didn’t like about it was the canister is huge. It takes up too much space, especially with the short bed.

    The Diamondback is a monster. Assuming whatever you are hauling can’t be strapped to the top easily/safely, you can flip one of the lids open. You then have to strap the lid down (or remove it). The front and rear lids mount to a center section that will block larger stuff, so completely removing the cover might be necessary. Removal takes ten minutes but then you have to dick with the cover and whatever you are hauling.

    My loads are typically coolers and camping gear, so the Diamondback was the best solution for me. I take it off ahead of time if I know I’ll be hauling bulk items. If I had a 6.5’ bed I probably would have gotten a Retrax for maximum flexibility.
     
    Patch999 likes this.
  11. Jun 25, 2022 at 4:25 AM
    #11
    Tigereye

    Tigereye New Member

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    bed liner, diamondback se, level kit, nitto ridge grapplers,tufskinz letters, grab handle
    I haven't owned the Retrax but have owned vinyl roll up covers in the past. I have the Diamondback SE and got them to install extra tie down cleats. I like the security of the cover and the ability to lay flat or remove the panels. The Diamondback is the one mod that I get the most questions about and compliments.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  12. Jun 25, 2022 at 4:48 AM
    #12
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    I’ve been stupid happy with my Retrax. It really comes down to what you will use your truck for, because both are quality covers for sure.
    025E5DC8-7885-4704-BD1E-4421A967C841.jpg D614A936-11CC-4836-9A30-ADC74B790E3A.jpg
     
  13. Jun 25, 2022 at 4:50 AM
    #13
    PermaFrostTRD

    PermaFrostTRD Tumescent Member

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    I had a truck covers usa retractable tonneau. I really enjoyed the ease of use with it. From everything I read (nothing to compare it to/verify) the TCUSA retractables had the smallest canister occupying the least amount of bed space vs other retractables. Again just what I read.


    Retractables can freeze open or shut depending on how cold it gets where you live.
     
  14. Jun 25, 2022 at 5:14 AM
    #14
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    That.....had.....to....suck..heh
     
    Patch999[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Jun 25, 2022 at 7:13 AM
    #15
    Nbab23

    Nbab23 2020 SR5

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    I love the idea of the diamondback, it's on my list when I save up some cash or find a used one for a decent price. I like the lower profile with the ability to still haul large items on top.
     
  16. Jun 25, 2022 at 9:28 AM
    #16
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    I had a Retrax on my 2005 DC.
    I liked it, but that canister is big even with a 6' bed.
    It also rattled with the rear window down.
    Maybe @Squatting Pigeon could tell us if his rattles on the road.
    I hear the newer ones are quieter.

    Bedrug4_2ba35858a58bbe75de78319bc6daf9e91ee46364.jpg Retraxopen_9d1b1f25e865c114040bf8de2f4e35bc8b7ca95d.jpg

    I have an Undercover Flex on my 2014 DC.
    It's ok, very easy to remove.
    Certainly not waterproof but water tight.
    Very secure since I got the bedrail mounts instead of the clamps that went on the lip of the bed.
    You can't sit or haul anything on top of it.
    But I like its low profile.

    79999485-1BF1-47BD-BE7A-392B4B48BCED_zps_901fe110956e4ce9426df6b56163791119740297.jpg E56C2A52-CB37-4473-BA4A-B034B228A760_zps_502eb92db0716579cf47540ed62f91eb57e1d310.jpg


    If I had it to do over again, I'd probably get a Diamondback..
    Probably one of the new smooth black tops..

    [​IMG]
     
  17. Jun 25, 2022 at 12:30 PM
    #17
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    I haven't driven around much with my rear window down since installing the Retrax, but I can't say I hear any more noise coming from back there at all :notsure:
     
    1lowlife[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jun 25, 2022 at 1:10 PM
    #18
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    I think your rails are resin, mine were metal and the lid rollers would shake and rattle in the metal rail.
    That and the paint started flaking off after a few years.
    I wanted to get the rails LineXed but they said it wouldn't stick to aluminum at the time..

    I like your setup, with the rack mounted over the Retrax, as well as the roof rack...:D
     
  19. Jun 26, 2022 at 7:24 AM
    #19
    redhat

    redhat Leadfarmer

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    Nothing but good stuff.
    Love my diamondback, so rugged and by far the most secure cover.
     
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  20. Jul 4, 2022 at 3:49 PM
    #20
    x47

    x47 F-150 Lightning, former 3rd Gen Tundra owner

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    Does either option have an interior release that works even if the cover is locked?
     
  21. Jul 4, 2022 at 5:42 PM
    #21
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Diamondback doesn't but u can keep an allen wrench back there to loosen the locking bars
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  22. Jul 15, 2022 at 10:53 PM
    #22
    Keeptipsup52

    Keeptipsup52 New Member

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    Which bed rack is this?
     
  23. Jul 16, 2022 at 5:17 AM
    #23
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    Thank you! I’m happy with the setup too. Once I get fidgety and want to change it up again I think I’ll go full on GFC.
     
    1lowlife[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Jul 16, 2022 at 5:17 AM
    #24
    Squatting Pigeon

    Squatting Pigeon Squattingpigeon.com Staff Member

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    It’s the Caliraised LED mid height rack
     
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