As an proprietor of a plethora of out of doors audio system, I used to be keen to check the burly-looking Turtlebox Gen 2. It’s marketed because the “hardest” and “loudest” out of doors speaker ever made. It’s speculated to be dunkable and droppable and allegedly produces such thunderous bass it might probably lower via the increase of a ship engine, the raucous rev of an ATV, or a clamorous crowd of campers.
I acquired ahold of a pattern of the Turtlebox to see for myself. This speaker got here with me fly fishing on the outer banks, swimming and sunning on Lake Michigan, and to yard barbeques with family and friends. I even absolutely submerged the Turtlebox in a water cooler for 1 month to see how it might stand up to a prolonged soak. (Spoiler: It labored completely wonderful afterward.)
Regardless of being drenched, tossed round, and lined in grime and sand, the Turtlebox exceeded my expectations in almost each class. From battery energy and sound high quality to power and waterproofness, that is simply the hardest, loudest Bluetooth speaker in my assortment.
Briefly: Turtlebox Gen 2 ($399) is a built-tough Bluetooth speaker for rugged out of doors adventures — from open water fishing to offroading and distant tenting. It boasts 25 hours of battery life and a 120-decibel waterproof speaker that produces a loud and crisp sound. You’ll be able to dunk it underwater (and go away it there). Or slather the Turtlebox with sand and drop it with out worry of breaking it. You’ll be able to even customise the design along with your alternative of physique and deal with coloration on-line.
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Weight
10 lbs. -
Energy output
85W -
Bluetooth model
5.0 -
Weatherproof score
IP67 and absolutely submersible as much as 2 ft -
Battery life
25 hrs. -
Battery kind
85Wh lithium-ion battery -
Multi-sync connection
As much as 2
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100% waterproof even when absolutely submerged -
Crisp, clear sound high quality that carries open air -
Extraordinarily rugged and sturdy -
Anti-slip rubber ft
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Heavy and ponderous -
Barely muted sound if speaker isn’t utterly dry -
Multi-sync connectivity will be finicky, particularly for brand new customers
Turtlebox Gen 2 Bluetooth Speaker Assessment
First Impressions: Massive Sound
After I first acquired my arms on this speaker, I immediately observed the amp’s energy. The sound was daring, vibrant, and booming. Flip up the amount full blast, and also you’ll have issue listening to others round you. Boat engines, revving engines, roaring waterfalls, and claps of thunder aren’t any match for the music spilling out of this speaker.
I examined the Turtlebox Gen 2 speaker for the primary time, cruising the salt flats in Charleston, S.C. I used to be on a fly fishing journey with Free Fly and cranked up the amount to a full 120 decibels, the wind whipping full drive over the bow. Nothing was audible besides my favourite music (“Not Sturdy Sufficient” by Boygenius) blasting crystal clear. It was a vibe.
Sound nerds will love that this speaker has a 1-inch Titanium tweeter and a 6 x 9 sub-woofer driver. For us non-music-savvy people, which means you may anticipate clear and crisp sound, highly effective mids, and deep bass in any respect quantity ranges.
You too can join two Turtlebox Gen 2 audio system to play collectively — making a encompass sound expertise. This might come in useful with massive teams on the seashore or campground.
Battery Life, Exterior Charging
At full quantity, you’ll get 6 hours of playtime. That is good to know for the reason that max runtime is over a full day (25 hours). Should you are likely to crank the amount up excessive, bear in mind your battery could run down quicker than you may anticipate.
You’ll be able to cost the Turtlebox from 0% to 100% in 3 hours utilizing a coaxial 14V charger that comes with it. I discovered it barely annoying which you can’t cost the speaker with a extra normal USB-C charger.
Vital observe: Be sure to don’t lose the Turtlebox charger, otherwise you’ll should purchase a brand new one (the model recommends not utilizing off-brand chargers, as they could mess with the inner electronics).
A built-in USB-C output allows you to cost different electronics utilizing the Turtlebox’s energy, like your telephone or exterior battery pack. These charging ports are beneath the port cowl on the speaker’s prime.
Customized Colours
The Turtlebox is available in 5 base speaker colours (orange, white, grey, tan, and black). You too can pay a bit of extra ($29) to customise the deal with coloration.
Should you’re feeling further fancy, you may even monogram the speaker’s bottom for an additional price ($29).
Severely Waterproof
Somebody instructed me a Turtlebox speaker as soon as survived a whole month within the ocean after a fisherman unintentionally dropped it in open water. A diver discovered it, introduced it to the floor, linked his telephone, and began taking part in some jams.
Was it an outdated wives’ story? I needed to take a look at for myself.
So I grabbed my trusty, 70-quart Coleman cooler, stuffed it with water, and tossed my Turtlebox Gen 2 speaker in — bidding it farewell for a month. I retrieved it after 31 days, and it was lastly time to pat it dry and energy it on.
Certain sufficient, the speaker powered up at full battery. I turned on the Bluetooth and threw on a banger, keen to listen to the sound. Largely crisp and clear music spilled out of the speaker. It had solely a slight muffle that went away after a number of hours of drying. I used to be shocked.
My associate and I additionally took the speaker to Lake Michigan for a swim. We dunked it underwater and stuffed the entrance of the speaker with lake water. The speaker labored nearly as good as new, even when soaking moist.
As soon as once more, the marketed perform depends upon correct consumer care. The charging ports on the Turtlebox Gen 2 lay beneath a hinged lid close to the highest deal with. This deal with double-clicks to lock tight. Should you go away the door open or don’t absolutely lock it tightly closed, the speaker might be inclined to water injury.
It’s Transportable … Kinda
At 10 kilos, this waterproof speaker is a beast. Certain, it’s transportable in which you can carry it with an easy-to-grab rubber deal with. However you received’t wish to put this waterproof speaker in your bike or carry it into the backcountry.
The Turtlebox is finest used if you solely have to hold it quick distances, prefer to the campground, seashore, or pontoon. It’d be nice if the model debuted a smaller, extra transportable model of the Turtlebox sooner or later.
Some Room for Enchancment
As talked about, I observed a really slight muffled sound high quality after submerging the speaker underwater for an extended time (this was after my 31-day take a look at). The muffling went away after 24 hours after the speaker absolutely dried. I didn’t discover this subject when submerging the speaker in water briefly on the seashore, although.
I additionally had hassle syncing two Turtlebox audio system collectively the primary few occasions I attempted. Ultimately, I found the trick to getting them to attach is absolutely disconnecting your telephone from the primary speaker earlier than including a second. Disable Bluetooth absolutely in your telephone in order that the 2 Turtleboxes have time to pair collectively earlier than one syncs along with your telephone.
From there, you may hit the “2 Bluetooth” button on both field, enable them to attach, after which pair your telephone by way of Bluetooth.
Lastly, $400 is steep for a water-proof speaker. Nonetheless, it comes with a 1-year guarantee and affords repairs when you want a fast repair. Simply be sure you register the product after shopping for it.
Caring for Your Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker
The great thing about this speaker is that it doesn’t require a lot upkeep. Because of its waterproofing and sturdiness in opposition to mud, sand, and grime, it’s fairly worry-free.
You’ll be able to let the speaker air dry after submerging it underwater or leaving it out within the rain. Truthfully, there’s no must pat it dry except you don’t wish to danger getting your automotive or boat moist by transporting a sopping-wet speaker.
Should you do put the speaker absolutely underwater, merely tip it and dump the water out. In case your speaker will get lined in grime or sand, you may dunk it underwater to offer it a rinse. Or, you may spray it with a hose.
Once more, it’s essential to maintain the charging port cowl closed when the speaker is more likely to get moist or soiled. Any water that will get into the charging, aux, or mic port will injury {the electrical} elements contained in the speaker. The port cowl latch is cosy and safe, and I didn’t run into any issues with it popping open or leaking in bumpy or super-wet situations.
In Conclusion: Turtlebox Gen 2 Speaker
Should you’re searching for a 100% waterproof speaker that may stand up to the entire components you face on an outside journey, the Turtlebox Gen2 Bluetooth Speaker is a stable possibility. It beats out different out of doors audio system I’ve used with its rugged design and highly effective sound.
You’ll must spend a reasonably penny ($400) to name a Turtlebox Gen 2 your individual. Ultralight backpackers, long-distance bikers, and minimalist campers in all probability received’t be inclined to spend that type of money on a heavy speaker.
Nonetheless, house fitness center rats, open-water fishermen, overlanders, automotive campers, river rats, and others prepared to pay for it should love this little boombox. Toss it within the water, drench it in grime, and strap it down wherever your adventures take you. All it’s worthwhile to fear about is what music’s subsequent within the queue.