This holiday weekend, we hope you enjoyed a chance to barbecue, enjoy the start of summer, and maybe get an opportunity to spend some time by the pool. Even if your idea of the outdoors is some time on the patio or a picnic in the park, today’s piece of gear will set you up to have a great time the next event you throw. And while there are lots of fairly portable Bluetooth, weatherproof options, there are fewer in the “powerful sound system” category, the sort that will impress tailgaters and offer enough oomph to power up a party.
The Kicker Bullfrog Jump BF400 is the first in the company’s upcoming line of all-environment options, and likely the biggest model of the family. It’s got a built-in handle, and you’ll need it to move around, as the unit weighs in at eight pounds. We’ve seen large units, but they often have wheels. Boasting what they call a “near impenetrable” plastic shell, it boasts an IP66 unit that is dustproof and will shrug off high-pressure water jets, so you can use it in the shower or garden without worrying at all.
We liked the rubberized control panel on top, which offers full track and volume controls, as well as those for a fairly unique addition- an FM radio. There’s a free app available as well with support for both iPhone and Android devices, that allows control over EQ settings and even the ability to pair two of them up for simultaneous streaming. Kicker also used the latest Bluetooth spec, which offers up to 100 feet of Bluetooth range, which we were almost able to reach- and an impressive 20 hours of battery life between charges. Charging is via an included power plug, though there is a USB connection to charge your devices, and there is also an auxiliary 3.5mm minijack input, though there is no cable included.
We’ve seen quite a bit of Kicker audio gear in the past, including headphones and a wide range of Bluetooth wireless speakers, large and small. This is the biggest and most powerful yet, with dual four-inch drivers and a three-inch as well as a four-inch passive bass radiators and it keeps with the tradition of offering plenty of volume and solid (but not overwhelming bass) across a wide range of music genres. You’re probably going to play pop, rock, and some country and be pretty happy- classical can sound a little strained as with most waterproof speakers, some of the finer details get flattened. You can push it past the 90 percent mark and get some distortion, but below that, it offers an upbeat, energetic sound in 360 degrees. The rugged, go-anywhere and play-all-day Kicker Bullfrog Jump is available in two colors, light green or dark grey, and expect to spend around $399 online and in stores. Available now!
