There’s hardly any outdoor activity that makes you feel as alive as wakeboarding does. Pair it with your favorite jam playing at a loud volume, and you’re in heaven! Using your wireless headphone while surfing isn’t ideal because you’ll need to be alert. And portable Bluetooth speakers just won’t cut it. It’ll be hard to get a speaker that can sound crisp and clear with all the waves and turbulence. It’s time to ditch those thoughts and get a pair of fully-fledged, reliable wakeboard tower speakers. I’ll help you choose by reviewing the best wakeboard tower speakers on the market. I’ll also include a buying guide, later on, so stick around!
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The 6 Best Wakeboard Tower Speakers on the Market
It’s not easy to choose wakeboard tower speakers. For one, they’ll be exposed to water, salt, and UV rays, which are destructive to any electronic device. That’s why they’re engineered differently from any other speakers we know of.
As a result, there are a lot of features to consider when buying, so you don’t end up with a low-quality pair and end up listening to the waves instead. Here are the six best options on the market.
1. BOSS Audio Systems MRWT40 ATV UTV Marine Weatherproof Waketower System - 4 Inch Stereo Speakers, Full Range, 2 Way, Tweeters, IPX5 Rated, Sold in Pairs, Wake Tower For Boat
It’d be a shame to make any list of ‘best speakers’ without including Boss. The company rightfully earned its place among the giants of the industry, and it doesn’t cease to amaze us with its high-quality, affordable products. The Boss wakeboard tower speakers are marine-rated and UV-protected. They resist the heat, salt, water, and humidity like they’re nothing, making them suitable to use in all weather conditions. The cones are made of polyurethane, a highly durable material that’s a bit more flexible than metals. Meanwhile, the surrounds are made of rubber, providing maximum protection against all weather elements. They’ll take a great deal of abuse before showing the least bit of wear or tear. Lastly, the voice coil is made of aluminum, accounting for durability, lightweight, and rust resistance. The aluminum also withstands high temperatures, so you don’t have to worry about using the speakers in the scorching heat.
The Boss speakers feature a dome-shaped tweeter that radiates the sound perfectly with a wide dispersion pattern. To mount them on your boat, the speakers come fully equipped with sturdy aluminum clamps. They can seamlessly carry the 5.9-pound weight without a hitch. Bear in mind that the speakers don’t come with wiring, so you’ll have to buy them separately. A lot of users get tricked into thinking the Boss speakers are wireless because of that.
Pros
- Affordable compared to similar models
- Maximum protection against corrosion and weather conditions
- High sound clarity
Cons
- The wires aren’t included in the purchase
2. KICKER 6.5" Charcoal LED Marine Speakers (Qty 4) 2 Pairs of OEM Replacement Speakers
The Kicker marine speakers are a personal favorite. With the rugged charcoal grilles, vibrant LED lights, and aircraft-grade durable materials, what’s there not to love? The speakers are a bit pricey, but they’re worth every dollar paid for them.
With an RMS power output of 65W and a peak power handling of 195 Watts, the speakers can go as loud as you want without budging. Paired with a sensitivity rating of 90dB, the speakers produce a crisp, clear sound that the waves are no match for.
The manufacturers specifically created the Kicker speakers for marine use, so it’s no wonder they come packed with some advanced specs.
The Kickers feature a dome tweeter that’s made of titanium. You can throw it out of a plane, and it’ll come out unscathed. It’s responsible for the speakers’ unmatched durability.
The woofer is made of polypropylene, and the surround is made of rubber-like most speakers on this list.
As for mounting, it’ll be a piece of cake with this pair. They come with universal clamps that can fit on any support bar of any boat.
The speakers have air-craft-grade housing that’s fully water-resistant. It can withstand freshwater and saltwater for extended periods of time, but I don’t recommend fully submerging the speakers because not all components are waterproof.
My favorite feature on the speakers yet is the changing LED light that comes with it. It adds a fun flair to any boat, making the experience all the more enjoyable. Plus, you can change the colors to match your board or your swimming suit!
There’s a KMLC remote controller that allows you to change the lights from a far distance, but it’s sold separately.
Pros
- Highly durable materials
- Loud and clear sound
- LED lights included
Cons
- On the expensive side of the market
3. Polk Audio DB692 DB+ Series 6"x9" Three-Way Coaxial Speakers with Marine Certification, Black
If you don’t mind paying some extra dollars to receive value in return, the Polk Audio speakers are ideal to consider. They offer excellent value of money, easily competing with high-end speaker systems.
The marine-certified speakers are resistant to water, dirt, and weather elements. Additionally, there’s a UV coating that protects against the sun rays. The speakers have a waterproof rating of IP55, which could’ve been better for wakeboard tower speakers, but the other features make up for it.
One of my favorite features of these speakers is the ease of installation. They come bearing all the mounting hardware you’ll need, so you don’t have to pay extra money for anything. Not to mention, the bold grilles that adorn the speakers give your boat a nice rugged look.
The DB522 sports a polypropylene woofer cone, supported by a rubber surround that stands against all kinds of abuse. There are also dome tweeters that provide a vibrant sound with smooth highs and minimal distortion. They feature a built-in crossover that maintains the highs and lows with the proper drivers.
The speakers have an RMS power of 150 watts, which means you can power them with any receiver. They’ll thrive with a high-end amp, but a weak one will do, as well.
The wiring of the Polk Audio speakers lies on the inside, making them less prone to malfunction and cutting incidents. However, they don’t swivel, which may be an issue for some users. I doubt you’d need to swivel them with their loud, crisp sound, though.
Pros
- Durable aluminum chassis with powder coat finish
- Excellent value for money
- Simple installation
Cons
- Some users reported that the bass isn’t good
4. Pyle Waterproof Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers - 6.5in Dual Subwoofer Speaker Set and 1 Tweeter with 200 Watt Power - 2-way Boat Audio Stereo System with Mounting Bracket - 1 Pair - PLMRW65 (White)
If you’re on a tight budget, these Pyle wakeboard tower speakers will be worth a thought. The pair can easily compete with any of the options on this list, although it’s the most affordable here.
The speakers are part of the Hydra series from Pyle, which is designed specifically for marine use. They’re treated with resin to offer maximum protection against water, and the materials are rust-resistant.
A pair of perforated grilles cover the speakers, offering both protection and a stylish look. Not to mention, the speakers look sleek with their white powder coating finish. They’d look great on any boat, regardless of its style or shape.
The Pyle speakers have a maximum power output of 200 watts and an RMS power output of 100 watts, which is quite decent for the affordable price. They feature dome tweeters made of polypropylene and surrounds made of butyl rubber for durability.
The terminals of the Pyle are made of molded ABS plastic, which is resistant to rust. They’re also plated with a layer of gold to keep the sound without any distortion.
You’ll find the installation process a breeze with these speakers. They come fully equipped with mounting hardware, including bolts and 1.75-inch mounting brackets.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Decent sound quality and full-range reproduction
- Water-resistant materials and sleek cabinets
Cons
- Some users reported the housing is a bit cheap
5. Pyle PLUTV41BK 2-Way Dual Waterproof Off-Road Speakers, 4 Inch 800 Watt Marine Grade Wakeboard Tower Speakers System, Full Range Outdoor Audio Stereo Speaker for ATV, UTV, Quad, Jeep, Boat -Black
For a relatively affordable price, the Pyle PLUTV41BK speakers pack a bunch of impressive features. For starters, they’re suitable for all kinds of outdoor vehicles, so you can uninstall them after you’re done wakeboarding and use them in your car. Additionally, they have a power output of 800W, which is more than we can call decent.
Users loved the bass response of these speakers, saying it’s better than competitors, like the Polk Audio pair. However, they mentioned that the waterproofing could’ve been better. At an IPX5 rating, the speakers can withstand only mild sprays of water. Hardcore wakeboarders would need a better rating.
The speakers feature two neodymium magnets dome tweeters. Neodymium is known for being durable and brittle, and it costs a lot. Moreover, the cones are made of polypropylene, and the surrounds are made of high-quality butyl rubber. The mid-woofer voice coil is made of aluminum, which means it’s resistant to corrosion and lightweight.
The Pyle speakers are designed for mounting on a support bar or a roll-cage. The installation is relatively easy because they feature a universal mounting bracket. Besides, they’re compact, so you can store them anywhere with ease when you’re done using them.
Along with the purchase, you receive the mounting pads, connection wires, and wire butt connectors.
Pros
- Suitable for all off-road vehicles
- Lightweight and compact for easy storage
- Universal mounting bracket included for easy installation
Cons
- The waterproof rating could’ve been better
6. Rockville Pair RWB65B 6.5" Black 2 Way 500 Watt Marine Wakeboard Tower Speakers
When it comes to durability, the Pair Rockville speakers are hard to match. They sport highly durable plastic mounting brackets, ensuring maximum stability when they’re installed in the boat. Not only that but they’re also reinforced with steel for strength and nylon for ease of adjustment and flexibility.
The Pair Rockville are made of marine-grade materials that can stand against all weather conditions, including snow, fog, dirt, water, and UV rays. For their affordable price, you’ll have a lifetime of worry-free use.
The Rockville manufacturers are true to their words when it comes to power ratings. What you see is what you get, unlike other brands that exaggerate their specs. The speakers have an RMS power of 150 watts and a peak power of 500 watts—250 watts for each speaker.
The speakers’ terminals are typically the most vulnerable parts, and they’re likely the first parts that get damaged when exposed to too much water. You won’t have that issue with the Rockville speakers, as their terminals are made of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and covered by rubber gaskets. Not to mention, the whole speakers are waterproof for maximum protection.
Upon purchase, you’ll receive the mounting hardware along with the speakers. The screws are a quarter an inch longer than most speakers to accommodate all kinds of mounting bars. You can use bars ranging from 1.26 to 2.05 inches. If your bar is larger, the company offers longer screws, but they’re optional with the purchase.
Pros
- Excellent value of money
- Maximum protection against weather conditions
- Highly durable materials used for construction
Cons
- Some users reported the speakers are larger than average
Features to Consider When Buying Wakeboard Tower Speakers
As you’ve seen, wakeboard tower speakers are available in a wide array of shapes and features. It’s only normal that you get confused, especially if it’s your first time buying one. Not to mention, being limited by a budget will surely make your mission harder.
Here, I rounded up the essential features to consider when choosing the best wakeboard tower speakers.
Size
While size isn’t a buyer’s priority when it comes to audio devices, it plays a huge role in choosing the suitable wakeboard tower speakers.
Some users use these speakers in their cars, as well as boats. You’ll need to make sure your speakers fit your vehicle, which seems easy, but it’s not if you had speakers before it. The speakers will need to fit in the vacated spot by the previous ones perfectly. If they’re smaller or larger, they won’t fit.
If you don’t use the speakers in your car, you’ll still have the challenge to choose the right size for mounting. The speakers should match your boat's aesthetic, and they should be the suitable size to be mounted to your support bar.
The size makes a difference with the sound quality, as well. The bigger the speaker, the better its frequency and bass will be.
Components Materials
Most people only look at the housing’s material before buying, but the materials of the internal components are equally as important.
For starters, the woofer’s material directly affects the sound quality and responsiveness. Lighter materials mean the woofer will be more responsive. As for the surround’s material, it needs to be durable enough to withstand humidity and daily wear.
That’s why most woofer surrounds are made of rubber—because it can take a great deal of abuse without showing any signs of wear. Other materials include cloth and foam, but these may break or crack over time. They also have shorter life spans.
You can’t control how much humidity your speakers will endure, but you can choose speakers that can handle the humidity well.
Lastly, make sure to check if your speakers have external crossovers. Speakers have external crossovers because they limit the distortion in the sound. Some options have coated wirings instead of crossovers, but they don’t do as well as crossovers.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
Waterproof and water-resistant terms are often used interchangeably, although they have different meanings. Wakeboard tower speakers will spend most of their time being splashed by water, so knowing how far your speakers can withstand is essential for their longevity of life.
Water-resistant speakers can only resist light sprays and mild jets of water. They’re not proof enough to be fully submerged in water, and extended contact with the water surface can cause them real damage. The water won’t ruin the speakers, but they’re not designed to keep it out.
Meanwhile, waterproof speakers don’t let the water in. They feature high seals that push the water out, and their materials are fully waterproof to ensure they won’t get damaged, even if they’re exposed to rough water jets.
Waterproof speakers can also take full submerging in water, but check the label first to know the maximum duration and depth.
The choice is up to your usage. If you keep your speakers well-protected and away from water, you can do well with a water-resistant pair. However, waterproofing offers better protection.
Marine Rating
All wakeboard tower speakers are marinized, and they come with specific ratings. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be able to use them out on the water. Some speakers are more marinized than others, which means they have a better waterproof rating, and they’re more fit for use in all weather conditions.
The higher the rating, the better your speaker will be able to withstand different challenges, such as dirt, UV rays, and water.
Power Handling
There are two labels you’ll want to look at to determine your speakers’ power rating: the RMS and the peak power. RMS is the average amount of power your speaker can handle, while the peak level is the amount of power your speakers can handle in short periods of time.
The higher the peak power, the less likely your speaker will shut down if you pump high volume levels through it.
Sensitivity
You’ll find sensitivity listed in all audio devices, starting from headphones and all the way to huge cabinet speakers. It’s an essential factor to consider because it measures the sound output of the speaker from any power input.
It’s listed in decibels, which is one watt per meter. It doesn’t measure the sound quality per se, but rather the quality relative to the power source.
Most speakers on the market have sensitivity ratings ranging from 85dB to 88dB. Speakers with ratings higher than 90dB are typically better because they’ll result in loud volume, regardless of the power source.
Mounting
Each wakeboard tower speaker has a different set of mounting hardware. On top of that, some speakers come without it, so you’d have to buy them separately. It’s essential to consider because it’s not universal. Even if your speaker comes with flexible hardware, it still may not be a good fit with your support bar.
That’s why you have to do two things before buying your speakers: Size up your installation area appropriately and check if the speaker’s hardware fits it.
Some speakers need mounting brackets for installation, and they may not be included in the purchase. Additionally, you may want to check if your speaker of choice has a 360-degree swiveling feature. It’ll be a nice option to have to change the sound’s direction occasionally.
Tips for Positioning Wakeboard Tower Speakers
Choosing wakeboard tower speakers is a challenging mission, but that’s covered for now. If you already decided on the speakers you’ll buy, it’s time to learn how to position them correctly to get the maximum benefit.
Most speakers will come with mounting hardware, including clamps, screws, and fasteners, so you can easily attach them to your boat’s support bar.
When it’s time to position your speakers, it’s essential to consider the angle and the height because they’ll determine the sound’s direction and how far it’ll reach the listeners. Speakers that come with swivel brackets are perfect for that purpose because you can rotate them whenever you need to.
Try to make sure your speakers are evenly spaced when mounting them. You don’t want them too close together or too far apart; they’ll give a sub-standard sound. Moreover, make sure they're mounted where people won’t bump into them. If the housing isn’t durable, the speakers may get cracked at any hit.
The Final Verdict
My favorite speaker on this list is the Kicker Charcoal LED Marine pair. It’s hard to match the durability of this one with the impeccable titanium tweeter and the external charcoal grilles. The speakers look rugged, and they sound exceptionally clear. I believe they’ll look great on any boat.
If you’re on a tight budget, the Pyle Waterproof Marine pair is an excellent alternative to consider. With the sleek white housing and the decent sound quality, I’d say it can easily compare with high-end options that cost a lot more.
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