The Bak Revolver tonneau cover line is a roll-up style cover designed for easy roll up and roll down usability. Both the Revolver X2 and X4 products use the same roll-up mechanism to open up the bed of the truck when necessary and to cover it when cargo needs protecting. Each of these covers comes highly rated by past purchasers, but it can be difficult deciding which one to purchase from BAK. That’s why I created a comparison that looks at the similarities and differences of these two tonneau covers. Hopefully, you will be able to use it to decide on the right cover for your specific needs.
Key Similarities
In most ways, these two cover systems are identical, or very close in design. That’s why I put together a comparison of how these systems are the same and what you can expect when using either option.
The Latching System
Both the Bak Revolver X2 and X4 systems rely on the same simple latching system to secure them in place. Each of these products uses a latch that locks the cover in position when the tailgate is shut. This makes securing the tonneau cover quick and easy. To pull back the cover and get it out of the way, both systems rely on a basic pull cord opener to unlock them after the tailgate is down.
Weight Capacity
Both covers will withstand up to 400 lbs. Of weight on top. They’re built from rugged yet lightweight aluminum slats that are built to hold up to heavy snowfall and other loads during use. The covers aren’t designed for hauling on top, but users remark that they hold up to everyday use over time.
Reliable Water Resistance
Each of these two cover systems come with a protective vinyl overlay designed to help repel water during rainstorms, working to keep the bed of the truck dry. Water that rolls toward the rail system holding the covers in position runs down through a set of drain tubes, redirecting it away from the interior of the truck bed.
Simple Installation
Each of the two tonneau covers installs with clamping rails that don’t require any drilling or special steps to get in place. Simply tighten the clamps into position and lock the cover top to the rails for a simple installation process.
Durable Construction
Both the Bak Revolver X2 and X4 covers are made in the USA and constructed from a mixture of vinyl and aluminum. They’re designed with ½” thick top slats, topped with a vinyl protection layer and held with a reinforced gusseted c-clamping rail system.
Rolling Slat Top Cover
When in need of enhanced access to your truck’s bed, the X2 and X4 tonneau covers will roll up and out of the way. Simply unlatch the covers using the driver’s side, or passenger’s side cable latch, and roll the slats back into the rear position. They create a small roll at the end that doesn’t obstruct your rear view, and the roll secures with a strap at either side. The covers can be rolled up quickly, but it’s important to note that the cover roll does impede a small portion of truck bed storage at the top, a downside compared to the flip-up BAKFlip style covers from BAK.
Key Differences
For the most part the X4 and X2 Bak Revolver tonneau cover systems are the same. Both systems rely on the same latch system with some construction differences, the same slats and vinyl protection, and the same locking rails. The two major differences that set the systems apart is the appearance of the two models and the thickness of the locking levers for the latch system.
Different Vinyl Finishes
Though the vinyl material on top of each of the two covers is nearly the same, it looks very different if you get the Bak Revolver X2 versus the X4. The X2 model comes with a vinyl top covering with a glossy finish that shines more in direct sunlight. The X4 model comes with a matte finish that doesn’t shine at all in direct sunlight and has a higher-quality look overall. I don’t mind the look of either model personally, but it’s a good idea for each interested buyer to compare the appearance of each of the models before deciding on the one to purchase.
Different Edge Appearance
The X2 has a flat and nearly seamless design that blends into the pickup truck and creates a nearly perfectly flat surface. This keeps the cover from standing out during use. The Bak Revolver X4 has raised edges on the sides, creating a sort of trim design at either side, serving as an accent for your pickup truck. These simple edges give the truck an added masculine look, and help the cover to stand out a bit more as a result. The differences in appearance at the edges of this cover is minor, but it’s enough to be worth note when comparing the two options.
More Durable Locking Levers
The Revolver X4 offers more durable locking levers that are three times thicker than the X2 levers. It’s protected with reinforced gussets and designed to withstand more force during use.
Cold Weather Performance Considerations
When selecting a tonneau cover for any vehicle it’s important to consider how the system will hold up during the colder months of the year. The Bak Revolver X2 and Revolver X4 covers both handle about the same in freezing temperatures, and it’s less than optimal, but useable according to the experience most users have. The covers will roll up and down in freezing temperatures, but the cover rolls harder and the rail lock can sometimes get stuck in an engaged position. This means that some light prying force is necessary in some instances to unlock the rail system and to get the cover moving once again.
Ice formation on the roll itself can make rolling and unrolling the cover more difficult and troublesome. It’s best to park under cover where ice can’t form on the cover whenever possible, but it’s simple to break off the ice to get the cover moving smoothly once again, even in freezing temperatures.
It’s also important to note that when rolled up in cold temperatures the top of the cover won’t roll up as tightly as it does in warm weather. That means you get less rear-window visibility and it’s a bit more difficult to drive around than it would be in the summer. For these reasons, many truck owners prefer a tri-fold style tonneau cover during the winter months, even if they are a bit more hassle to fold up and down during the rest of the year. Many users don’t mind these roll-up style covers throughout the year though, and have gotten used to their performance during freezing temperatures.
Bak Revolver X2 and X4 Prices
| name | Check Price | Check Price 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2004-14 Ford F150 | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2015-19 Ford F150 | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2004-13 GM Silverado, Sierra | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2014-19 GM Silverado, Sierra | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2002-08 Dodge Ram | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2009-19 Dodge Ram | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2007-19 Toyota Tundra | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
| 2015-19 GM Colorado, Canyon | Bak X2 Price | Bak X4 Price |
Each of the Bak Revolver tonneau covers are built with reliable aluminum slats and designed to roll up and unroll simply. They are very different from one another though. Deciding between the systems is as simple as selecting the look you like best, and considering if the added cost is worth it for the thicker latching mechanism of the Revolver X4. Both locking systems are designed similarly, so I think the appearance of each cover is likely to be the real deciding factor for most.
Nice on the aesthetics but what about internal clearances required. Do you have any information about far each cover dips into the bed, how thick the locks are, how far inward the mounting brackets are etc.? Seems that every manufacturer assumes that you start with a completely empty bed rather than maybe you have a toolbox or other accessory already there and you need to figure out if things will fit.